Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl hopes to convince Dayot Upamecano to spend the peak of his career at the Bundesliga side by signing a new contract this season. The centre-back can leave for free next summer with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain said to be after him, but the German giants are aiming to tie him to a long-term deal.

Upamecano under spotlight for a potential transfer

From January, the France international will be free to enter negotiations with other teams over a free summer transfer as his contract at the Allianz Arena nears its end. His impressive displays for the Bundesliga champions and the delicate situation around his future has attracted interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool. While Madrid are in search of an experienced figure to lead their defence, Liverpool are eager to secure a top-notch replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, who is reaching the twilight of his career. Bayern transfer chief Eberl is currently in negotiations to ensure Upamecano's extension at the club, but the defender was warned that his decision must not be motivated by financial figures.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEberl confident of retaining Upamecano

Speaking to , the 52-year-old said: "Upa is now 27 years old, in the golden age for a central defender. He wants to make his decision very consciously, which he should do. Upa should not and will not stay because of the money, even if he got a good offer from us, but because of our general way and the overall package. He is one of the world's best defenders. Vincent, Christoph and I have supported him very much and want to continue on the path we have taken with him and would like to keep him in the prime of his career. He would be the internal king transfer for us. We're still talking to each other. I'm basically a very positive person, and I think I can feel that Upa feels very comfortable with us with the path we've chosen."

Eberl's comments come days after Upamecano was asked about his future. The defender refused to commit either way, though, telling reporters: "It has nothing to do with money. I talk a lot with Max Eberl and [sporting director] Christoph Freund. I’m happy here, I’m having a good season, I’m doing my job, and I’m giving everything for this club. Let’s see what happens."

Negotiations with Upamecano still taking place

Talks between Bayern and Upamecano reportedly stalled recently over disagreements regarding his salary. His representatives are pushing for a salary package close to €15 million (£13m/$17m) per year and a significant signing bonus. The Bavarian giants are desperate to avoid a repeat of David Alaba's free exit to the Spanish capital by convincing Upamecano to stay, with Freund recently insisting it is the club's "main goal" as he addressed the competition from Madrid and Liverpool.

The negotiations are far from over, as Eberl made clear when asked if a final offer had been tabled to Upamecano.

"No, not yet, we are still talking," he said. "I am generally a very positive person, and I believe I can sense that Upa feels very comfortable with the path we have chosen."

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AFPBayern await Arsenal in top-of-the-table affair

Bayern are looking to maintain their unbeaten record this season when they face fellow Champions League table-toppers Arsenal on Wednesday. Both teams have won all four games so far, and have the same goal difference. While Bayern have been more prolific with 14 goals, Arsenal have yet to concede one, keeping the tightest defence in the competition. 

A key component of the game could be set-pieces. Arsenal have garnered a reputation for being deadly from dead ball situations, while Bayern have struggled to defend them of late – a weakness that was exposed in their 6-2 comeback win against Freiburg at the weekend.

"We just have to stay calm and work to get out of this phase and show that we're also good in this department. I have confidence that we'll solve it," Kompany said of their defensive vulnerability. 

The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt an unfortunate blow to the bullpen on Sunday after veteran right-hander Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after violating MLB's Joint Prevention and Treatment program, per multiple reports.

As part of his suspension, the 29-year-old will be ineligible for the postseason even if the Phillies qualify. Alvarado tested positive for exogenous Testosterone.

This season, Alvarado has made 20 relief appearances and owns an ERA of 2.70. He's recorded a team-high seven saves and has 25 strikeouts across 20 innings on the mound. Considering the team has played 45 games this season, Alvarado won't be eligible to return until there's just 37 games remaining.

This is Alvarado's fifth season with the organization, having joined in 2021. Last season he had a 4.09 ERA with 13 saves and 63 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings.

With Alvarado out of the mix, it's possible Jordan Romano or Matt Strahm will be called upon to handle the bulk of the late-inning work, while the team will likely explore options to add another arm to the bullpen.

As it stands, Philadelphia sits second in the NL East with a 27–18 record, just 1.5 games behind the division-leading New York Mets.

The Boston Red Sox stole a win from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon on a walk-off so unlikely that it took the team a second to realize they had won the game.

After a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams go through more pitchers than they would have liked, the Red Sox were up to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied 9–9.

Ceddanne Rafaela stepped up to the plate and connected on a pitch from Brock Burke, blooping what appeared off the bat to be a foul ball into the outfield.

Except Fenway Park has parameters unlike any other ballpark in the majors, and what would have been at best a foul ball and at worst an easy out anywhere else in the league turned into a game-winning walk-off dinger.

Rafaela appeared to know he had gotten away with one. He barely left the box after making contact, and literally shrugged his shoulders in a “well, sure I’ll take it” gesture while rounding the bases.

308 feet, with an exit velocity of 94 mph and a launch angle of 31 degrees. There was only one ballpark in the majors that this was a home run in, but it was the one the Sox were playing in today.

Has a shorter walk-off home run ever been hit? It might be one of those stats that is impossible to break, like how the longest kickoff return for a touchdown will always be 109 yards, just because that is how big the field is. The Red Sox are pushing the limits of what is possible in walk-off home run studies.

Rafaela’s walk-off secured the 11–9 win for the Red Sox. Next up for Boston is a rivalry series against the Yankees in New York. Who will win the battle of the short porches?

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is personally driving a move for Murillo, with Nottingham Forest’s stance on sanctioning a departure now being revealed.

The Blues have been solid from a defensive point of view in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three Premier League matches, most recently defeating Burnley 2-0 at Turf moor, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah impressing at the heart of defence.

Adarabioyo particularly caught the eye, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 8.6, the highest of any player, courtesy of making six tackles, winning ten of the 12 duels he contested, while also completing a whopping 102 passes, including seven long balls.

Being assured in possession of the ball is an important attribute for any player in a Maresca system, and the manager is now keen on another centre-back who could be an ideal fit in the Italian’s backline…

Maresca now driving Chelsea move for Murillo

According to a report from Caught Offside, Maresca has now personally identified Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a key defensive target, but it could take a huge offer to get a deal over the line, with the Tricky Trees looking to hold out for up to €90m (£79m).

Forest are hesitant to cash-in on one of their key players, but they could be tempted to sanction a departure if a huge offer is submitted, with some other huge clubs also showing an interest in the centre-back, namely Barcelona and Arsenal.

The Chelsea manager is said to be a fan of ball-playing defenders capable of creating chances from deep, which means the Brazilian could be the perfect fit in his backline, and he recently put in a fantastic display as Forest secured a shock 3-0 win at Anfield.

Liverpool’s struggles continued on Saturday, with Arne Slot’s side falling to a shock defeat against a side that had made a slow start to the season, and Murillo displayed his attacking prowess by opening the scoring just after the half-an-hour mark.

It was a solid all-round performance from the one-time Brazil international, winning five of the six duels he contested, creating one big chance, and making 19 defensive actions, the highest number of any player.

It wasn’t the first time the 23-year-old has put in a top performance against the Reds, receiving high praise after impressing against Slot’s men earlier this year.

As such, Chelsea should undoubtedly pursue a move for Murillo, and it is promising news that Nottingham Forest could now be willing to sanction a departure for the right price.

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Ruben Amorim has now spent a little over a year in charge as Manchester United manager, but his spell at Old Trafford has been one that has presented constant questions.

The main one has undoubtedly been around his 3-4-2-1 system, with the 40-year-old utilising such a formation in each and every one of his games in charge of the Red Devils.

It’s led the side to numerous impressive victories, including one at Anfield this campaign, something no manager has managed to achieve in nearly a decade prior to his appointment.

However, it’s also led to concerns among the fanbase, especially when his men lost 1-0 to Everton in the Premier League last month, despite the visitors being down to ten for the majority of the contest.

Only a specific calibre of player can fit into Amorim’s system at the Theatre of Dreams, as seen by their attempts to solve numerous problem positions ahead of January.

Man Utd looking to sign new wing-back

Over the last few weeks, United have been just one Premier League side named with a huge interest in landing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the January window.

However, such a deal would cost INEOS a pretty penny in the months ahead, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his services.

Amorim’s men could miss out on the 23-year-old in the near future, especially after rivals Manchester City stormed into the race to land the England international this week.

However, he’s not the only young talent in their sights ahead of the upcoming window, with left-back Nathaniel Brown another talent being considered by the hierarchy.

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils are keeping tabs on the progress of the Eintracht Frankfurt full-back, with a €70m (£61m) price tag being mooted.

Despite the interest from Amorim’s men, they’re not alone in the hunt for the 22-year-old’s signature, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also look to land the German international.

Analyst Spencer Mossman claimed back in May that he is “1-2 years away from being the most coveted left back” around but based on the fact that plenty of Europe’s heavyweights want him now, there is a sense that Mossman’s prediction is coming true just seven months later.

How Brown compares to Patrick Dorgu

Spending big money on full-backs hasn’t been alien to United over the last couple of seasons, as seen by their £30m move to land Patrick Dorgu in January this year.

The Dane became Amorim’s first major addition since taking the reins, with the 21-year-old identified as the immediate and long-term solution to the left-back issue.

However, as previously mentioned, Amorim’s system requires players to be tactically skilled, something which the youngster has struggled with over the last couple of months.

He was brought on with just a minute to go against Crystal Palace last weekend, with the manager opting to utilise right-back Diogo Dalot in a somewhat unfamiliar role.

Dorgu’s tally of just seven league starts in 2025/26 further highlights the lack of trust shown in him by the manager, which has no doubt led to the recent rumours ahead of January.

Brown, who’s only a year older than the Dane, has already demonstrated his quality at both ends of the pitch, that’s despite operating in a back four in the Bundesliga.

However, he’s still managed to outperform the United man in numerous key areas, with his skillset arguably being perfect for the manager’s philosophy at Old Trafford.

Brown, who’s been dubbed a “galactico” by one analyst, has completed more progressive carries and passes per 90, often liking to get the ball into attacking areas.

Such tallies will no doubt be perfect in a more advanced wing-back role, which could allow Brown to take his career to the next level if he moves to Old Trafford.

How Brown & Dorgu compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Brown

Dorgu

Games played

12

12

Goals & assists

3

1

Progressive carries

3.3

2.8

Progressive passes

2.7

1.1

Pass accuracy

82%

69%

Passes into final third

2.2

0.7

Tackles made

2.4

2.1

Blocks made

1.5

1

Take-on success

38%

12%

Stats via FBref

However, despite currently featuring in a back-four, the German has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90.

The youngster’s creativity is certainly one of his best assets, but he’s also managed to dominate Dorgu without the ball during the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Frankfurt star has won more tackles, whilst also making more blocks per 90 – subsequently handing Amorim’s side the added defensive quality they’ve lacked in the left-back department.

Whilst £52m would be yet another hefty investment from INEOS, it’s a deal that could no doubt solve the glaring issue in such an area for the foreseeable future at Old Trafford.

As for Dorgu, the deal could certainly cast doubt over his long-term future at the club, with the hierarchy potentially wanting to cash in on his services to avoid losing a fortune on their investment.

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يرى وائل جمعة نجم الأهلي ومنتخب مصر السابق، أن ركلة الجزاء التي احتسبت للجيش الملكي أمام الأهلي “فضيحة”. 

ويواجه الاهلي نظيره الجيش الملكي المغربي، في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا. 

طالع.. وائل جمعة: توروب عالج هذه المشكلة في الأهلي.. ورحيل وسام أبو علي أثر على الفريق

وتشير النتيجة إلى تقدم الجيش الملكي المغربي بهدف دون رد من ركلة جزاء، مثيرة للجدل وشهدت اعتراضات كبيرة من لاعبي الأهلي.

وقال وائل جمعة عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “شوط به حماس واندفاع بين الفريقين، هناك أخطاء كبيرة جدًا بين مدافعي الأهلي في بداية المباراة”. 

وأضاف: “الجيش الملكي المغربي يريدون تعويضه بعد ما حدث له في المباراة الماضية، ركلة جزاء من خيال الحكم، يد ديانج تكاد تكون ملتصقة في جسمه”. 

وتابع: “فضحية، أقل شيء يقال على الحكم، وكان لا بد أن تعاد ركلة الجزاء لأن لاعبي الفريقين دخلوا منطقة الجزاء قبل تسديد الكرة، ضربة الجزاء أقل شيء يقال عنها فضحية”. تعليق وائل جمعة على ركلة جزاء الجيش الملكي أمام الأهلي 

Manchester United have now reportedly set their sights on signing an impressive Ligue 1 defender, who has left their scouts blown away.

INEOS draw up 2026 transfer plan

To their credit, Man United got their summer transfer window fairly spot on. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens all look like solid signings, whilst Benjamin has shown flashes of his true quality. And results proved before the international break that a turnaround under Ruben Amorim is still possible.

Even if Monday’s 1-0 loss against the 10 men of Everton brought them back down to reality, one defeat in their last five games represents much-needed improvement.

INEOS have never stopped backing their manager and recent reports have claimed that they’re ready to return to the transfer market to improve his squad even further in 2026.

The plan, according to the Express, is to sign two wing-backs and a midfielder next summer, with the likes of Elliot Anderson among their top targets.

The Nottingham Forest star has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season even as his side sacked Nuno Espirito Santo and then Ange Postecoglou before hiring Sean Dyche.

Thomas Tuchel has been impressed enough to grant Anderson a starting place next to Declan Rice in his England side, which is now his to lose ahead of the World Cup.

The unfortunate news for Man United is that his price will only increase if he enjoys a successful tournament, even though reports have already claimed he’ll cost them over £100m.

The midfielder is also not the only name on United’s shopping list. INEOS have also reportedly set their sights on signing Ligue 1 defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Man Utd plotting "bargain" Jeremy Jacquet move

According to Caught Offside, Man United are now plotting a move to sign Jacquet from Stade Rennais after the young defender impressed their scouts in France.

The Red Devils have reportedly joined Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace in the race to sign the 20-year-old and it’s easy to see why.

Dubbed “imposing” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Jacquet is reportedly available for as little as €30m (£26m), which Caught Offside’s Mark Brus described as a “bargain” deal.

Having already signed Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in recent years, adding Jacquet to their ranks would complete Amorim’s back three for years to come.

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With Harry Maguire still yet to sign a new contract ahead too, the young centre-back may have the chance to come straight into Man United’s starting side next summer in an attempt to make an instant impact.

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There was a moment after the final whistle that typified Everton’s performance at Old Trafford.

A bloody-nosed Jake O’Brien stood, breathless, beside the centre circle, and David Moyes darted about with raw and passionate joy, congratulating his players after their 1-0 win over Manchester United.

It was a tenacious and draining display, the kind that Toffees fans love, that steeliness of spirit that is so typical of the Merseyside club.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was all passion when he wheeled away in celebration after a sweet finish into the corner before half an hour had been clocked. His weak-footed wonder would prove the match-winning strike.

However, the highly-charged emotions were two-fold, and Idrissa Gueye found himself dismissed before that point, having been adjudged to have slapped none other than teammate Michael Keane.

Everton's enthralling response to Gueye's red card

It looked set to be a long and gruelling evening for Everton after Gueye was dismissed in the first half following an altercation with his own pal Keane.

The dismissal was harsh, but the spat between the two Blues was needless. Gueye will miss Everton’s next three matches due to violent conduct, and he will leave for a sojourn at the African Cup of Nations after the new year.

Even so, Everton responded with the kind of vim and vigour Moyes craves. This was a herculean performance, the visitors leaving the Theatre of Dreams, having willed their way past Ruben Amorim’s lagging side.

Dewsbury-Hall was the man of the moment but Jordan Pickford’s imperious goalkeeping helped matters, for sure.

But, this was a massive collective effort, Dewsbury-Hall the goal-getter but flanked by hard-working Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, supported by a determined Keane and commanding captain James Tarkowski.

One man trudged off the field during the closing stages having failed an individual objective, but then this Marouane Fellaini-esque Everton star also showed so much promise against a Red Devils backline who struggled to contain him.

Moyes's new Marouane Fellaini

It’s been a testing start to life in Liverpool for Thierno Barry after his £27m move to Everton from Villarreal this summer, but he’s probably put in the best performance of his campaign so far against Manchester United’s backline.

The centre-forward was hailed by one scout for being “very close to clicking”, with his energy and enthusiasm offering shades of Fellaini, who became the most expensive Belgian of all time when joining Everton for £15m (their club-record buy) from Standard Liege in 2008.

It took time and experimentation for Fellaini to find his feet, but once he did, he became a monstrous box-to-box force at Goodison Park, and Barry must take a leaf from the retired star’s book and continue to knuckle down with a continuation of performances like this one at Old Trafford.

Fellaini featured 193 times under Moyes’ wing across stints at Everton and Man United, making him the 14th-highest appearance maker in the Scotsman’s managerial history.

Everton

177

33 + 24

Man United

177

22 + 10

Shandong

141

50 + 14

Standed Liege

84

12 + 7

Barry won’t likely play as many matches in the veteran coach’s system, but that’s not to say the summer recruit cannot forge a long and prosperous career for himself on Merseyside, carrying Moyes’ schoolings right through that Everton career.

He didn’t score against Man United, but the 23-year-old was full of life and bustle, with Sofascore recording that he won 14 aerial battles on the evening. That’s the highest amount of any player in the Premier League this season across a single contest.

Moreover, Barry made three ball recoveries, two clearances and provided an outlet all evening, taking a stride forward toward cementing his place at the front of the ship, even though he hasn’t yet broken his duck.

The Liverpool Echo handed the French striker a 7/10 match rating, but the truth is that he might have enjoyed a higher score after such a battle-ready performance, never easing against United’s centre-halves while demonstrating slick movement throughout.

Moyes went ballistic when Beto squandered possession late on, brought on in the closing stages for freshness and physicality. The established number nine has done his chances a lot of harm this season, and Barry is beginning to show that he has what it takes to nail down a regular starting spot in this system.

This striker is full of potential. He didn’t actually manage a shot at Old Trafford, but impressed nonetheless.

The goals will come. He’s talented and willing to learn. Bonus: there’s something almost Fellaini-esque about his aerial prowess and willingness to get stuck in. Moyes will be delighted.

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Ottneil Baartman will replace him for T20Is against Namibia and Pakistan, while Lizaad Williams has been included in the ODI squad for Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2025

Kwena Maphaka had hamstring discomfort while playing in a domestic match•Getty Images

Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of South Africa’s one-off T20I against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan because of a hamstring strain.Ottneil Baartman has been named as replacement for the T20I, scheduled for October 11. He has also been included in the T20I squad for the three-match series against Pakistan later this month. Lizaad Williams, who is already part of the T20I squad, has been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan series.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Maphaka had an injury scare while playing for Lions against Western Province in a four-day domestic match at Newlands last week. He bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings but had to leave the field with hamstring discomfort. He was taken for a scan which revealed no major damage and returned to take the new ball in the second innings. His 3 for 26 in ten overs led Lions’ charge to victory by an innings and 134 runs.However, CSA later stated that “subsequent scans and medical assessments revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks”.South Africa’s long tour of Pakistan begins with two Tests from October 12, followed by three T20Is from October 28 and as many ODIs that will conclude on November 8.South Africa’s squad for Namibia T20IDonovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil BaartmanSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan T20IsDavid Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil BaartmanSouth Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIsMatthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

Despite some negative noise regarding attacking regressions, Tottenham Hotspur have made headway under Thomas Frank’s management, fifth in the Premier League and in a promising position in the Champions League group stage.

But Spurs could certainly do with a bit more fluency and impetus when on the charge, and such creases must be ironed out over the coming months to make this a season to remember.

It was always going to be difficult, selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023, and Ange Postecoglou deserves credit for establishing an attractive, entertaining playing style (when things were going his way).

But it’s true that some members of the squad aren’t quite pulling their weight. That said, Tottenham do have some top talents who have the capacity to secure the club’s place at Europe’s elite table and lead Frank toward trophy-winning success.

Mohammed Kudus being chief among them.

Kudus' start to life at Spurs

There was an air of controversy about Kudus’ summer transfer to Tottenham. After all, the Ghanaian winger had plied his trade down the road at West Ham United for the past couple of years, and the sale has left the Irons fanbase feeling hot under the collar.

But West Ham’s loss is Tottenham’s gain, with the 25-year-old having registered five assists in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.

His pace and potency have seen him add a dimension to Frank’s outfit that Tottenham simply didn’t boast last term, and in this, he is offering shades of Kane, taking on the responsibility of leading the club forward, bringing a unique flavour to the table.

Kudus is indeed emerging as Tottenham’s new principal source of attacking inspiration, but there’s actually another member of Frank’s squad who’s looking somewhat Kane-esque.

Spurs' new version of Kane

We’re not talking about one of the Tottenham forwards here. Instead, it’s Micky van de Ven whose growth into a talismanic role down N17 is leaving him in line to take Kane’s leadership berth, belatedly.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since joining from Wolfsburg for around £43m in 2023, with injuries his biggest weakness. So strong and fast and commanding, with journalist Sonny Snelling even labelling him as “world-class”.

It was the 6 foot 4 star’s injury that derailed the Ange hype train a few years ago, sending that project into a spin. Then, last season, hamstring injuries reigned supreme over the defender’s hopes of availability. He started only 12 Premier League fixtures all season, eight of which came across Spurs’ first nine fixtures of the campaign.

While Cristian Romero is Tottenham’s captain, Van de Ven is the perfect counterpoint and every bit as impressive. It’s perhaps important to remember that, like Kane, Van de Ven is not the skipper, with the Three Lions striker behind Hugo Lloris in that regard.

Of course, Kane and Micky van de Ven are hardly similar players. They are so different across physical and tactical bases as to be diametrically opposed.

But Van de Ven offers so much more than his central defensive role demands, and in this, he shares a likeness with Kane, whose range of passing and ability to drop deep and influence make him a very unique number nine, and with 23 goals from 17 games for Bayern this season, he’s still rather good at his primary job.

Tottenham have struggled to replace Kane since selling him to Bayern, but that’s more because of the 32-year-old’s remarkable, unique qualities. When he left, the Lilywhites didn’t only lose their record goalscorer, but their shrewdest playmaker and source of inspiration across so many years.

But his pace. Such speed. It’s astonishing, in many ways, and hard to define. In the Premier League this season, furthermore, Van de Ven has completed 92% of his passes and come out on top in 63% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.38

Kyle Walker

Man City

37.31

Jackson Tchatchoua

Wolves

37.30

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.23

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.12

It tells much of the Dutchman’s athleticism that he is first, fourth, and fifth on the all-time speed rankings (beginning 2020/21), and is a further illustration of the above-and-beyond approach he brings to his centre-half role.

As per FBref, he also ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, emphasising an attacking threat that has been on full show this season, six goals from 16 matches in all competitions.

This is a top-class player, and one whose special skills will inevitably see a wave of interest in his signature before long, Europe’s heavyweights squabbling over his signature.

It is perhaps a given that Van de Ven will eventually move on. The lure of Real Madrid and Barcelona, outfits bound to have earmarked the Netherlands international among a list of loose long-term targets, may ultimately prove too much for him to ignore.

This could see him shape into the next version of Kane in more ways than one. But, whatever happens down the line, Van de Ven is a unique player who Tottenham must keep a grip on for as long as they can, for he will spearhead the Frank era toward a surface only scratched when Postecoglou defied the odds and lifted the Europa League title last season, Van de Ven playing that final and thriving.

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