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Alexander Isak's torrid start to life on Merseyside continued, as he logged just 15 touches in 67 minutes of action in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Swedish striker is the first player to lose his first four league starts for the club in over 100 years. Isak now shares the unwanted record with Percy Saul, who turned for the Reds all the way back in 1906.

Isak takes unwanted Liverpool record

This mind-bending stat was shared to BlueSky earlier today by Opta's Football Data Editor Michael Reid. It brings the £125m man's woeful form since joining from Newcastle into stark relief.  

Isak cut a dejected figure when he was given the hook shortly after the hour in Liverpool's latest abject display. GOAL gave Isak a 2/10 grade for his showing against Forest.  

The 26-year-old's first league start came in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace back in September. That loss kicked off the Reds' capitulation after winning their first five games of the league season. Further starts against Chelsea and Manchester United resulted in two more 2-1 losses for the club. 

Saul joined Liverpool at the start of the 1906/07 season after making 94 appearances for Plymouth Argyle. The defender's inauspicious run saw the Reds lose against Sunderland, Birmingham, Everton and Arsenal in the early stages of that First Division campaign. Liverpool would eventually finish 15th. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportProtracted transfer saga leaves Isak scrabbling for form and fitness

The 26-year-old's poor form is likely a result of the protracted transfer saga that rumbled on during the summer. 

Isak forced his former employer Newcastle into negotiating with Liverpool as he downed tools during the Magpies' pre-season preparations. Isak did not report for duty on the club's pre-season tour of Asia before announcing he would never play for the club again if they did not sanction his switch to Merseyside. 

Newcastle's eventual capture of German striker Nick Woltemade facilitated a British record £125m deal ($164m) for the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad man.   

A lack of fitness restricted Isak to bit part appearances for the Reds in the following weeks, while an adductor injury sustained in Liverpool's 5-1 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt in October stymied his progress further. 

Isak has bagged one goal and one assist in nine appearances for Liverpool. His sole effort came in the club's 2-1 win over Championship outfit Southampton in the Carabao Cup. 

Isak's personal struggles since Liverpool move

Further to his struggles for fitness, the fallout of his move is clearly having an impact on Isak's personal well-being. 

The fractious nature of his departure from Tyneside prompted the striker to invest £30,000 in guard dogs for his new home, as he revealed he received death threats in the aftermath of his transfer.   

After appearing as a second-half substitute in Sweden's 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Switzerland earlier this week, Isak opened up on his frustrations at his current predicament. However, he stopped short of giving himself a free pass for his performances on the pitch. 

Isak said: "It’s always frustrating when you’re injured. Regardless of whether it’s one match or more. It’s always worse for the player himself.

"It hasn’t been optimal. But when I’m on the field, I don’t give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it’s hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I’m back and I’m positive. There’s not much that’s easy in football. But with experience, you learn to deal with things. That’s how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way."

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Getty Images SportWill Isak retain his starting spot for Liverpool?

Isak's recruitment was supposed to be the final purchase of a summer spending spree that would deliver back-to-back Premier League titles for the Reds. However, with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all struggling with form and fitness since joining Arne Slot's side, the vaunted class of the summer window has failed to live up to the hype.  

Only Hugo Ekitike has emerged with his reputation enhanced. The Frenchman had been moved aside to make space for Isak after his arrival. Given Isak's repeated poor showings, will Slot put his faith in the 23-year-old as the Reds look to turn their season around? 

Manchester United are in the market to bolster their squad in January, and Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a frank update on their pursuit of West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paquetá.

The Red Devils have made themselves a much-improved force under Ruben Amorim in recent weeks, with new signings making their mark across the field after a tumultuous start to the campaign at Old Trafford.

Still, there is much to improve on for his side and supporters will be keen to see that come to fruition during the schedule ahead, though their recent fortunes have been in start contrast to West Ham’s difficult start to the Premier League campaign.

In among it all, uncertainty over Lucas Paquetá’s future has come to the fore, with murmurs starting to accelerate that he could be set for a January move before the 2026 World Cup, where he will hope to start for Brazil and help lead Carlo Ancelotti’s side to glory.

Frustratingly, his campaign hasn’t fully come to life yet, with two Premier League goals to his name against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest coming earlier in the season.

Harking back to Manchester United, it is well known that they are in the hunt for a midfielder, characterised by their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

Kobbie Mainoo has found himself struggling for regular minutes under Amorim, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that alternatives are being considered at Old Trafford.

Now, Romano has delivered an intriguing update on the future of Paquetá, something that involves both Manchester United and West Ham.

Fabrizio Romano delivers update on Lucas Paquetá's future

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on whether Manchester United could look to make a move for West Ham midfielder Paquetá.

He stated: “In January, if there is the right opportunity, Paquetá could have the possibility to go and leave West Ham. So keep an eye on that one, because it’s a concrete possibility.

“Many asking about Manchester United. At the moment, I am not aware of concrete or advanced negotiations between Paquetá and Manchester United or Manchester United and West Ham.

“That’s what I am told at the moment on the Paquetá story. Let’s see what’s going to happen. Because Paquetá could be very interesting in terms of role, in terms of quality. But financially, West Ham are not going to give Paquetá for free or for small money.”

Conceivably, any notion of an exit could depend on the money West Ham are presented with for the Brazilian playmaker. Although his side haven’t been in good form, he has still shown his creativity and fashioned 13 chances in the top-flight, per Fotmob.

Man Utd have also held talks to sign another midfielder

Manchester United have a hole left to fill in their midfield, creating an intriguing situation that may still have many layers left to unfold.

As those at Ibrox continue their hunt for a new manager, one former Rangers star has told them to go and get a Championship manager who’d join the club “in a heartbeat”.

Rangers schedule manager talks

As things stand, it’s Steven Gerrard who sits top of Rangers’ list of candidates to replace Russell Martin. The former Aston Villa manager is reportedly set to hold talks with the 49ers this week as they look to welcome him back to Ibrox for the first time since he left for the Midlands in 2021.

Whilst the return talks are set to be far from simple, Gerrard recently admitted that he has “unfinished business” in the technical area after failed spells in Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.

Looking for an opportunity to reclaim his coaching career, the Rangers job represents an ideal opportunity for Gerrard. He has already been there and done it – winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021 – and there’s no doubt that the Gers need a similar transformation to the one he oversaw four years ago.

That said, he’s not everyone’s top option. Instead, according to one former player, Rangers should be targeting an impressive Championship manager.

Ross McCormack: Lampard would join Rangers "in a heartbeat"

Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, former Ibrox ace Ross McCormack named-dropped Frank Lampard when asked who he believes Rangers should be targeting and claimed that the Chelsea legend would leave Coventry for the Gers “in a heartbeat”.

The former striker said: “If you could get one for me it would be Lampard, having seen what he’s like. I think you leave Coventry in a heartbeat to go to Rangers.”

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If Lampard was available then it would be hard to argue with McCormack. The Chelsea legend has got his managerial career back on track at Coventry City, who have looked unstoppable in the Championship so far this season – remaining unbeaten after nine games.

Coventry 25/26	Championship
Games	9
Wins	5
Draws	4
Defeats	0
Goals for	27
Goals against	7

The frustrating truth for Rangers fans, however, is that Lampard is unlikely to ditch his current project now that it is in such a promising position. Coventry and the former Everton manager have their sights set on the Premier League. That’s something that not even Rangers are likely to disrupt.

Instead, the 49ers may be forced to settle for another legendary England midfielder.

Alan Shearer believes that new Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa made a poor judgement call by turning out for DR Congo during the September international break. Wissa is yet to make his debut for the Magpies following his arrival from Brentford after he suffered a knee injury on international duty despite missing the bulk of pre-season as he sought to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

AFPShearer calls out summer signing

Newcastle legend Shearer has called out Wissa for what he believes was a poor error in judgement. The 29-year-old scored in both DR Congo games as they followed up a win over South Sudan with defeat to one of the AFCON favourites Senegal last month.

Wissa was initially pencilled in to return for Saturday's game at Brighton as Newcastle make the tough trip to the south coast. However, reports now suggest that the ex-Bees forward will have to wait a little longer to finally pull on a Magpies strip for the first time.

Shearer has now called on Wissa to show some loyalty to his new employers as the club wait on one of their two summer striker signings to take to the pitch.

AdvertisementWissa should sit out AFCON

"It will be a really difficult decision for Wissa not to go to AFCON because you always want to represent your country," Shearer told Betfair.

"But what I would say is, because of him not training or playing during the summer, he could've shown more responsibility in not playing as much as he did in those two games when he went away on international duty and hadn't played at all.

"But it's really tough to say to someone they can't and won't represent their country when it means so much. And we know AFCON is huge and players want to play in that tournament.

"It'll be a tough ask, but I understand that there'll be a lot of people thinking that he's never played for Newcastle and he needs to show some loyalty towards us.

"I get it and understand that point-of-view because Newcastle shelled out a lot of money on him and he hasn't been able to take to the St James' Park turf as yet. It'd be a really tough decision for him and Newcastle. Whether there's a way around it, I'm not so sure."

Getty Images Sport'No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer'

While Newcastle had hoped to have Wissa available for selection for Saturday's game at Brighton, Eddie Howe revealed earlier this month that the summer arrival is still a little way off a return to action.

"Yoane saw a specialist again for a check-up on his knee. We probably think now it'll be eight weeks rather than six. No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer," Howe said.

An additional two weeks on the sidelines means Wissa should return to action at the start of November when Newcastle make the trip to West Ham.

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AFCON looming large

DR Congo, meanwhile, get their AFCON campaign underway at the end of December having been drawn alongside Benin, Senegal and Botswana in Group D. The Leopards will hope to have their talisman lead the line in Morocco and in a favourable group, DR Congo should ease to the knockout stages of the competition.

AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21st and runs all the way to January 18th 2026 and players could miss up to eight Premier League matches if their nation makes it to the final. Newcastle won't be the only team affected by the iconic tournament over the hectic festive period.

Sunderland may have nine players jetting off to Morocco later this year, while Wolves could be without five players and Crystal Palace four. Arsenal, Leeds and Chelsea won't be affected by absent players, while Tottenham and Bournemouth will be able to call upon key pair Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, respectively, due to Ghana's failure to qualify for the competition.

Jamie Carragher has sent Liverpool manager Arne Slot a warning about the “dangerous” game he is playing tweaking the Reds’ system following back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.

Slot admits Liverpool must "find answers" to form

After spending around £400m in the summer, many expected Liverpool to look better than ever under Slot, who switched his system to work new signings into his side. So far, however, they’ve looked at their most vulnerable and, Hugo Ekitike aside, it’s fair to say that a lot of their fresh faces are yet to get going.

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Last weekend’s defeat against Crystal Palace looked on the cards since Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth on the opening day and a second-consecutive defeat against Galatasaray didn’t do anything to ease concerns. Now, Slot has admitted that his side must “find answers” after recent results.

One of the most disappointing aspects about Liverpool this season has been the form of Florian Wirtz. The £116m midfielder has looked a shadow of the midfield star that the Reds signed from Bayer Leverkusen and hasn’t been involved in a goal since the Community Shield.

Carragher wasted no time before taking aim at the German in midweek and the Liverpool legend has now doubled down on his criticism whilst firing Slot a “dangerous” warning.

Carragher sends Slot warning

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher warned Slot of the “dangerous” nature of persisting with a faltering system. He believes Slot’s plan was to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity with Wirtz, and the manager now has a choice to stick with it – possibly with disastrous consequeneces – or pull the plug until the team has settled back to form without the German.

Carragher wrote: “He (Wirtz) is yet to add what Liverpool are missing without Alexander-Arnold, while at the same time the team has lost the intensity which made them so difficult to play against.

“It means Slot has a dilemma as he tries to defend the title going through a transitional phase that might take longer than many thought. He must decide whether to regroup and temporarily revert to the strategy of last season, accommodating Wirtz in a different role or leaving him out entirely until he is up to speed with English football.

“Or he might persist with his vision believing more short-term pain might be necessary until it clicks. The latter would be dangerous because even with all the credit in the bank from his title win, there is immense pressure to keep winning, especially when you have spent a combined £230m on two players who are supposed to be ready-made to take a championship-winning side to the next level.”

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to India to join his IPL side Gujarat Titans (GT) and is available to play the franchise’s next game, against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. GT’s director of cricket Vikram Solanki said the day before the game that Rabada “has expressed regret” about testing positive for a recreational drug use which made him miss a month of IPL 2025, and that the fast bowler will “take his lessons” from this episode.”Speaking about Kagiso, I’d like to just get a couple of things across,” Solanki said. “The first of which would be that Kagiso has expressed regret at an error in judgement. He’s made a telling statement. I read his statement, and I thought that his statement speaks volumes about the personality of the character that he is. He has expressed regret, as I said. But he is very much looking forward to getting back to playing the game he loves. He will take his, sort of, lessons from this and we’re just looking forward to having him back part of our group, having him back at practice. He served his time.Related

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“The second thing I’d like to place on record is that as far as procedure and protocol is concerned, everybody that’s involved in this episode, right from Kagiso, his representative, all matters, as far as requirements [go], have been followed to the letter. We try to be mindful of the emotion around Kagiso as well. But having said all of that, he’s now back, having served the time to serve the suspension for 30 days. And what we’re looking for now is for him to just be back doing what he loves, and for him to be doing stuff that we appreciate him doing. And that’s to be part of the team.”Rabada trained with the rest of the GT squad at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, with fellow fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, but for under half an hour before he sat under one of the umbrellas next to the nets. While he bowled, he was seen having chats with the head coach Ashish Nehra, who even put an arm around Rabada a couple of times in what seemed like a pep talk.Once he finished bowled, Rabada sat next to his GT team-mate Rashid Khan, and was soon joined by Trent Boult, his team-mate from the MI franchises in the SA20 and MLC. Rabada then went on to have a chat with Akash Ambani, the owner of the MI franchise in T20 leagues.Solanki agreed that off-field issues like suspensions and bans could “easily” distract a player.”You are absolutely right, it is easy to get distracted,” he said. “One of the things he’s made very clear is that he doesn’t want this episode to distract anybody. But as far as the team’s concerned, he spoke very eloquently about the fact that this is something he’s dealing with. As far as the team is concerned, the team will of course support it. It’s our job to support the players we have, whether it be on the matter of form or it be on the matter of personal matters like this. We will be supportive of Kagiso.”While Rabada flew back home in early April to serve his one-month suspension, GT have placed themselves fourth on the points table as one of the strong contenders for the playoffs, with seven wins from 10 games. Even in Rabada’s absence and their lead spinner Rashid Khan not having a great tournament (he averages 50.28 after 10 games), GT have emerged as one of the most formidable bowling attacks in the tournament, with Prasidh leading the Purple Cup list with 19 wickets, Siraj taking another 14, and left-arm spinner Sai Kishore not far behind with 12, while also holding an economy rate of 8.35 compared to Rashid’s 9.51.Solanki said the rest of GT’s attack had “pulled together” in the absence of Rabada, for whom they had shelled out INR 10.75 crore in the auction.”I think all of the bowlers have performed outstandingly,” Solanki said of his attack. “Often you speak about batting and the obvious thing is partnerships in batting. But I think you’ve seen across the tournament that the bowlers have operated in partnerships as well, and that’s very much the case.”And what we found ourselves in as far as Kagiso’s absence was that the rest of the group pulled together, it speaks volumes of that group that they’ve pulled together and been able to deliver the performance as they have.”

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia didn't fall short of words while praising Barcelona duo and Spanish national team-mates Lamine Yamal and Pedri. While Garcia admitted that he "enjoy watching him", he hailed Pedri as the nucleus of the reigning La Liga champions, explaining what makes the former Las Palmas sensation such an effective and reliable footballer.

Barcelona back among Europe's best

Hansi Flick's debut season saw Barcelona win La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, while coming agonisingly close to reaching the Champions League final. Barca, as such, marked their return to Europe's creme de la creme. A memorable 2024-25 season, however, was preceded by years of mediocrity, with the Catalans struggling to stay the same force to be reckoned with both domestically and in Europe. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesPedri and Lamine Yamal: Barcelona's boy wonders

Barcelona's resurgence can be credited to many players, but Pedri and Yamal have been perhaps the two most central figures in the starting XI. The midfield maestro has left many in awe with his unparalleled impact in the middle of the pitch, which saw him earn Ballon d'Or shouts. 

Meanwhile, Yamal was the chief instigator of chaos in the final third with his mazy dribbles, eagle-eyed vision, and sniper-like precision in front of goal. The 18-year-old finished second only to Ousmane Dembele in this year's Ballon d'Or rankings, a testament to the teenager's limitless potential.

Aleix Garcia picks Pedri as Barca's real difference maker

Speaking to Leverkusen midfielder Garcia shared his thoughts on Spanish national team-mates Pedri and Yamal and was lavish in his praise for the duo. 

"For me, Pedri is the key: he gives meaning to the game, accelerates or slows down when necessary, and improves his teammates," the former Girona star explained when asked what makes Pedri so decisive. "He is at an incredible level and makes Barca flow. Then, the tactical work of the coaching staff enhances that, but Pedri makes the difference," he added.

Yamal has had the world at his feet at such a young age. When asked how can one manage the "boom" of a teenage footballer attaining superstardom, Garcia stated: "In addition to his abilities, I'm impressed by how he handles the pressure. He's under the microscope, but when he steps onto the pitch, he forgets everything and performs. I enjoy watching him with the national team: he's incredible. We have to take care of him and take it slow, but every game shows that we can demand a lot from him because he's so good."

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Getty Images SportReal Oviedo challenge awaits Barcelona

The Catalan side have lost their previous two games heading into this week's away match against Real Oviedo. With Yamal out injured, the onus will be on the likes of Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, and Ferran Torres to help Barca register their third win on the bounce and break the losing streak at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium on Thursday.

Arsenal were denied a penalty in their 2-1 win at Newcastle as Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by goalkeeper Nick Pope, with VAR controversially advising to overturn the on-field decision. Former referee Mark Halsey says the penalty should have stood, likening the decision to an infamous William Saliba incident last season. Fans are now questioning consistency in Premier League officiating.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Arsenal denied penalty after surprise VAR call

  In the 14th minute at St James’ Park, Arsenal striker Gyokeres latched onto a slack back-pass and was taken down by goalkeeper Pope while through on goal. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened after replays suggested Pope touched the ball first before hauling the striker to the floor. The decision was overturned, with the spot kick denied despite protests from the Gunners.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Former PL ref believes Arsenal should've had the penalty

  Former Premier League referee Halsey argued the on-field penalty decision was correct. He explained in his piece with , "Gyokeres' penalty should not have been overturned. Newcastle goalkeeper Pope got a touch on the ball but he did not win the ball. The touch does not negate the award of a penalty. Why did VAR get involved? It was not a clear and obvious error from referee Jarred Gillett. 

  "The on-field decision should have stood. Gyokeres played it on to Pope, that is how he got the touch and then there is a late challenge and brings him down. How many times do you see a foul given for a player that wins the ball and follows through? The touch does not mean it is not a penalty. VAR should not have got involved."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ordeal likened with Salibs incident from last season

  Halsey also highlighted the inconsistency in Premier League refereeing, adding, "We saw this last season at Brighton when William Saliba was adjudged to have committed a foul on Joao Pedro after he headed the ball. This situation is exactly the same – clear and obvious, the on-field decision should have stood."

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• Arsenal managed to fight back for the win

  Arsenal came out on top despite the controversial moment, as they put on a spectacular late comeback after Mikel Merino brought the Gunners level in the 84th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes scored the winner in the 96th minute of the game. However, fans and pundits alike will continue to scrutinise refereeing decisions, especially in tight matches against top-six rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur are once again navigating the transfer market with a sense of urgency after a summer of change.

The north London club, fresh off their first European trophy in over 40 years, are preparing for a Champions League campaign that promises both excitement and challenge.

However, their squad has been left short of creative midfield options following a series of departures and injuries.

The departure of Son Heung Min to LAFC marked the end of an era for Spurs, leaving a gap in attacking output that the club have been eager to fill.

Compounding this issue, James Maddison, who was expected to provide the creative spark in midfield, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in a pre-season match against Newcastle in South Korea.

Manager Thomas Frank now faces the dual challenge of maintaining Spurs’ attacking intensity while integrating new signings capable of thriving in the Premier League and on the European stage.

Spurs targeting top young talent

With Tottenham having invested heavily over the summer, including the £60m signing of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham and ongoing negotiations for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, the club are clearly intent on ensuring their squad can compete on multiple fronts.

The urgency is amplified by Maddison’s absence, which has created a pressing need for a technically gifted midfielder who can operate in various attacking positions and inject creativity into the team’s play.

Spurs are reportedly willing to enter the market again before the transfer window closes, aiming to secure a player capable of bridging the gap left by Maddison.

In recent days, reports from TEAMtalk have linked Tottenham with a move for highly-rated young midfielder Harvey Elliott.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Described by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor as a “special talent,” Spurs are ready to meet Liverpool’s valuation of around £40m for the 22-year-old, who has expressed enthusiasm about a move to north London following discussions with Thomas Frank.

The player’s profile has attracted interest from several clubs, with Crystal Palace reportedly viewing him as a potential replacement for Eze – should the Palace star depart for Spurs.

German side RB Leipzig have also been monitoring the situation after Liverpool’s depth in midfield has limited the youngster’s regular game time.

How Harvey Elliott compares to James Maddison

Statistics from the previous season illustrate why Tottenham are pursuing this deal.

The player featured 18 times in the Premier League, scoring once and contributing two assists.

He also made a significant impact in the Champions League, scoring three goals in five appearances, including a decisive winner in a 1-0 victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes.

His performances on the international stage, particularly in England’s back-to-back U21 European Championship wins, further underscore his potential to develop into a central figure for both club and country.

Spurs’ willingness to meet Liverpool’s demands reflects their determination to secure a player who can immediately contribute at a high level, mitigating the absence of Maddison and ensuring their Champions League campaign begins with strength and creativity in midfield.

The pursuit of this young midfielder appears to be a strategic attempt to fill the creative void left by the former Leicester star.

While Maddison, now 28, brought experience, vision, and a proven goal contribution record to Spurs, the prospective signing offers a dynamic and progressive style of play, with a profile that aligns closely with modern Premier League demands.

Comparisons have been drawn between Elliott and other top young talents such as Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo at Barcelona, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

His ability to operate on either flank, though most comfortable centrally, provides Frank with flexibility in attacking patterns and formation setups.

Elliott – Liverpool Stats (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Looking at the statistics, the differences between the two players are notable. The youngster averages 2.44 progressive carries per 90 compared to Maddison’s 2.24, and 10.7 progressive passes per 90 versus Maddison’s 8.16.

These metrics suggest a player capable of moving the ball forward effectively while actively involving teammates in attacking sequences.

His pass completion rate of 82.2% slightly edges Maddison’s 81.3%, while his progressive passing distance per 90 (247.8) is comparable to Maddison’s (250.1), indicating a similar ability to transition play from midfield to attacking positions.

Shot creation is another area where the young midfielder shows promise. With 4.48 shot-creating actions per 90, he is a consistent source of opportunities for his team, slightly higher than Maddison’s output.

Although still developing, his defensive contributions are also respectable, with interceptions and clearances per 90 ranking in the upper tiers for young Premier League midfielders.

What makes the player particularly appealing for Tottenham is his versatility.

He can function effectively in multiple attacking roles, whether on the flank or through the centre, offering Thomas Frank the tactical flexibility to adjust formations and strategies mid-game.

Given Spurs’ current European ambitions, having a midfielder capable of performing in high-stakes matches against elite continental opponents is crucial.

Additionally, the young midfielder’s career trajectory shows a pattern of success at youth and senior levels, both domestically and internationally.

He has demonstrated an ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios, such as Champions League fixtures against top-tier teams and in international tournaments with England’s U21 squad.

This experience is invaluable for a Spurs squad balancing domestic and European competitions, particularly with a new manager implementing a system that requires both technical proficiency and tactical understanding.

While Maddison brought experience and a track record of goal involvement, the new signing offers a blend of creativity, energy, and adaptability that could complement Tottenham’s evolving squad.

With ongoing negotiations progressing, Spurs appear committed to finalising a deal that strengthens the squad, provides cover for injuries, and injects fresh attacking impetus to a side preparing to make a mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season.

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Posts ByDan Emery Aug 18, 2025

Sam Harper was fight hard for Victoria as they attempted to narrow the deficit on a surface taking turn

AAP02-Nov-2024Ben Manenti has masterminded a 4 for 7 collapse to spin South Australia into a strong position at the halfway stage of their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at Adelaide Oval.The offspinner was the central figure behind the visitors’ 45-delivery collapse from 59 for 0 to 66 for 4 in the middle session, before wicketkeeper Sam Harper saved his side from embarrassment, joined in the middle late in the evening by Peter Siddle.Related

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Khawaja fifty ends last ball before rain washes out play

Cartwright catches lucky break as WA grind down Tasmania

Manenti had Jonathan Merlo caught at backward square leg by Lloyd Pope, before bowling Ashley Chandrasinghe, then taking a sharp catch at second slip to dismiss Campbell Kellaway. Manenti dismissed Peter Handscomb, squeezing a catch to Henry Hunt at short leg, and added Tom Rogers to his list, miscuing a pull shot to Pope at backward point.Victoria captain Will Sutherland feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, as did Mitchell Perry, Liam Scott striking immediately with the second new ball.Harper, who has looked in decent touch, remained the key scalp for SA.In the corresponding fixture last summer, Harper thumped nine sixes in an astonishing 151 off 109 balls to lead Victoria to a thrilling, low-scoring victory.”We’ve still got to get these last three wickets,” Manenti said after stumps on Saturday. “Harps is batting nicely and Sids has been around for years – he can obviously chip in as well.”Get these last three, then get to work with the bat and give ourselves a real good shot tomorrow afternoon or early day four to have a crack and put ourselves in a position to win it.”After resuming at 286 for 9 overnight, SA’s stubborn tail frustrated the Victorian attack on the second morning before their innings concluded when No.11 Pope, who scored a personal-best 17, edged Cameron McClure to Harper.Evergreen ex-Test quick Siddle, who turns 40 this month, was the pick of Victoria’s bowlers, capturing 3 for 57.