Arsenal legend and pundit Ian Wright has hinted at the possibility of Brighton and Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson joining Mikel Arteta, explaining why it could happen.

Who have Arsenal signed this summer?

The Gunners enjoyed one of their most productive and entertaining summer transfer windows in recent memory, spending north of £200 million on the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, David Raya and, of course, club-record £105m acquisition Declan Rice.

While Arsenal have had to improvise after a serious ACL injury to Timber, other new arrivals like Rice have taken to life at the Emirates almost immediately.

The England international netted his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win over Man United just prior to the international break; a strike which proved decisive as Arteta's men clinched an all-important three points.

However, one position that Arsenal did not shore up was the striking role, as Havertz was brought in as a makeshift false nine option rather than sporting director Edu signing an out-and-out centre-forward.

The German has come under fire for some of his displays since joining the club, with Piers Morgan even claiming he has been bemused with his ongoing performances.

Possible injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are a real danger to Arsenal as they seek to challenge treble-winning Man City for the Premier League title this season.

Signing a new, world class striker in the next few transfer windows could be imperative, with pundit Wright suggesting to Premier League productions [(04/09/23 at 2:30 pm] that one such option could be Brighton's Ferguson.

The Arsenal legend says Brighton "will sell" eventually, and he can play in any of the top six teams (including the Gunners).

“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace,” said Wright (as transcribed by HITC)

“He has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. You can’t find that guy to come around, who is 18, in the Premier League and at the perfect club to continue to grow.

“They aren’t going to be able to hold onto that guy if he carries on doing what he is doing. He is too good. So intelligent – for 18, it’s really, really composed finishing.

“He is fearless at 18. Can you imagine being in the Premier League at 18? You’re not under the pressure you would be under like Garnacho would be under at Manchester United – you watch the way he plays, all the top teams, the top six teams. He can play in any of those teams. We know Brighton, at some stage, they will sell him.”

How good is Evan Ferguson?

The teenage hot shot has been in scintillating form for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, already scoring four goals over his opening four games this season.

Ferguson, an international for the Republic of Ireland, has also attempted more shots at goal per 90 than any other Brighton player so far (WhoScored).

Associated Press

Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran came up with vital contributions as Afghanistan bounced back from three successive losses to register their first win at the World Cup Qualifers. The six-wicket win over Nepal with 11.2 overs to spare meant Afghanistan still have an outside chance to qualify for the Super Sixes.For that, they will need Nepal to beat Hong Kong in their final group game on Monday. This would force a three-way between Afghanistan, Nepal and Hong Kong, with Afghanistan having a good chance or progressing because of a superior net run rate. However, they will not carry forward points (points are only carried forward for victories against the other teams progressing to the Super Sixes, and Afghanistan have lost to both Scotland and Zimbabwe).Nepal’s decision to bat first, seemingly with an eye on their opponents who haven’t chased well so far in the competition, seemed justified when Paras Khadka, the captain, struck a 82-ball 75 at No. 3 to set up a strong platform. But with just one other batsman – Dipendra Airee – crossing 30, they were shortchanged. The innings came to a grinding halt in the final over, with Nepal collapsing from 105 for 1 to 194 all out.Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan captain who went wicketless in his team’s defeat to Hong Kong on Thursday, claiming three wickets. Mohammad Nabi, the offspinner, was also at it, slicing through the middle order to finish with 4 for 33. Sixteen-year-old mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who had shared the new ball with Shapoor Zadran, picked up 1 for 24 in his 10 overs. Forty seven of his 60 balls were dots. In all, Afghanistan’s bowlers bowled 193 dots.Rashid promoted himself to open but fell in the sixth over to fast bowler Karan KC. Afghanistan were then steered by a 65-run second-wicket stand between Javed Ahmadi and Rahmat, before Sandeep Lamichhane, the legspinner, struck. When Airee struck three overs later, Afghanistan were wobbly at 111 for 3 and in dire need of a partnership.Nabi brought his experience of 94 ODIs to calm down proceedings, while also knocking off runs quickly. His 34 came off just 32 balls courtesy two fours and a six. Najibullah, meanwhile, kept going. He brought up his second half-century of the tournament to see Afghanistan through.Nepal have one game left to play in the group stage, and are still searching for their first win in the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a blistering start to life under Ange Postecoglou, who managed to mastermind yet another emphatic result over the weekend with a late win against Sheffield United.

Despite it being a clash they were largely expected to dominate, the Lilywhites seemed to fall into old habits as the visitors led against the odds.

It seemed set for a classic home loss for the north London outfit who boast an unfortunate history of faltering in key moments, but their newfound energy, attitude and quality under the Australian tactician helped them turn the game on its head.

Richarlison, who had been the subject of huge media interest in the week for outlining his struggles, came from the bench to equalise and then set up the eventual winner. Dejan Kulusevski was the man to score it, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures.

The Swede would even rush to laud his manager, despite being hailed as the match-winner.

However, it has not been completely perfect for Postecoglou, who did suffer one or two blunders in a summer full of successes.

Who left Spurs this summer?

Although incomings were obviously of huge importance to Spurs last window, there were a number of players who were widely recognised as dead wood, having disappointed through numerous regimes now.

The injection of freshness and excitement that the new leadership has promised was evident through the acquisitions of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven among others, but whilst the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hung around, it felt like a dark cloud remained.

This duo were understood to have little future in north London, with the latter the most surprising addition to the unwanted group given how important the 28-year-old had been since joining in 2020.

Jose Mourinho was keen to make the Denmark international one of his key additions during his first summer in charge, adding the combative midfielder to a squad lacking a strong spine.

Immediately he shone, and although the legendary Portuguese manager would eventually be dismissed, Hojbjerg remained a mainstay under Antonio Conte too.

How good has Hojbjerg been at Spurs?

The peak of the general’s powers arguably came during the 2021/22 term, with his 7.19 average rating boosted by a 90% pass accuracy and four goal contributions alongside 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Such form was bound to draw praise, with pundit Paul Robinson noting: “He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt. He is having an amazing season.

“He brings so much offensively and defensively. [Rodrigo] Bentancur is giving him a bit more freedom. I was at the Frankfurt game and he left the pitch to a standing ovation.”

Despite that, the interest that Manchester United held in him during the summer clearly tempted Postecoglou, who was reportedly open to the midfielder’s exit. Despite talks of a £35m move to the English giants, it never materialised, marking a failed opportunity to recoup a sizable fee for a player hugely out of favour and ill-fitting for the new philosophy.

After all, it is not like the former Bayern Munich ace has been completely free of criticism during his tenure, with 90mins Jude Summerfield lamenting one particularly "awful" performance in 2022.

How much did Tottenham pay for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

As Mourinho sought to build upon a solid first six months in north London, he was unsurprisingly keen to use his transfer war chest smartly whilst entering the unprecedented season during the pandemic.

Hojbjerg was one acquisition set to underpin their new-look midfield, as the steely metronome to dictate play, retain possession and thwart opposition attacks.

There were few better options on the market to fulfil all three of these attributes, so for just £15m, the 6 foot 2 enforcer marked a major coup.

How much was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg worth at Southampton?

What makes this deal a particularly shrewd one is just how meteoric the midfielder’s rise has been, from Brondby IF to Bayern Munich, before shining on the south coast and earning a move to the apex of the top flight.

When he was first welcomed into English football, his value sat at just €15m (£12.9m) as per Football Transfers. This would take a small dip, but as performances increased and interest grew, so too would his value.

Four successful years with the Saints even saw him named captain for a period too, as if to emphasise both his leadership as well as his technical superiority.

What is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s market value now?

However, that aforementioned figure is one that has been truly blown out of the water now, which admittedly should come as no surprise.

After all, Hojbjerg has now made 150 appearances for the Lilywhites, actually accumulating 222 in the Premier League and now ten in the Champions League.

2023

€49.1m (£42.3m)

21% decrease

2022

€62.8m (£54.1m)

10% increase

2021

€56.9m (£49m)

298% increase

2020

€14.3m (£12.3m)

24% increase

2019

€11.6m (£9.9m)

N/A

As such, the €49.1m (£42.3m) value that is currently attached to his name is one merited. At his peak though, it did reach an astronomical €63.5m (£54.7m) in early 2023. The former figure marks a 182% increase on the initial transfer fee paid to secure his services three years ago now.

Why is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg worth that much?

All of the aforementioned praise serves to explain why Hojbjerg has amassed such a huge valuation, with his work on the international stage also meriting praise.

After all, the experienced veteran has not only shone within the English top flight, having mustered an impressive 69 caps with Denmark. His former manager at that level, Age Hareide, has been effusive in his praise for the combative star in the past.

The 69-year-old claimed: “Pierre plays with a big heart and immense passion.

“I think he has also developed his personality very significantly. I am particularly pleased to see how much Pierre is concerned that we must constantly improve in all possible areas.”

With glowing recommendations wherever Hojbjerg has gone, despite his dwindling influence at Tottenham, his contribution throughout the three years spent in north London cannot be faulted. However, that does not mean that Postecoglou did not make a huge error by not pushing harder to see his sale confirmed.

حقق منتخب أستراليا فوزًا على منتخب فلسطين في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء ضمن منافسات تصفيات آسيا لكأس العالم بخماسية دون رد.

وحل منتخب فلسطين ضيفًا على أستراليا في سادس جولات دور المجموعات من تصفيات آسيا المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس العالم 2026.

ودخل المنتخبان مباراتهما وهما حاجزان بطاقة تأهلهما للدور التالي بعد حسمهما صدارة ووصافة المجموعة.

ويتواجد منتخبا فلسطين وأستراليا في المجموعة الأخيرة التي تضم إلى جوارهما منتخبي لبنان وبنجلاديش.

وسجل أهداف منتخب أستراليا كل من كوسيني ينجي (بواقع هدفين) وأدم تيجيرت ومارتين بويلي ونيستوري إرانكوندا في الدقائق 5 و26 و41 و53 و87.

فيديو | اليابان تكتسح سوريا بخماسية في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

وشهدت المباراة غياب مهاجم النادي الأهلي وسام أبو علي عن تشكيل منتخب بلاده فلسطين، بعد إصابته في مباراة لبنان الماضية.

وكان منتخب فلسطين قد نجح في تحقيق تعادل أمام لبنان في المباراة الماضية والصعود للمرحلة النهائية من تصفيات كأس العالم للمرة الأولى في تاريخه، بالإضافة إلى بطولة كأس آسيا المقبلة.

بتلك النتيجة يرتفع رصيد منتخب أستراليا إلى 18  نقطة محتلًا صدارة المجموعة ومحققًا المركز العلامة الكاملة، فيما يأتي منتخب فلسطين في مركز الوصافة بثمانية نقاط، ليحسما بطاقة صعودهما.

وتقام منافسات دور المجموعات بتصفيات قارة آسيا بوجود 36 منتخبًا بواقع 11 فريقًا متأهلين من الدور التمهيدي، و25 أصحاب التصنيف الأول في القارة، تم توزيعها إلى 9 مجموعات، تضم كل منها 4 منتخبات.

وتلعب المنافسات بنظام الدوري من مرحلتي الذهاب والإياب، على أن يتأهل متصدر كل مجموعة ووصيفه إلى المرحلة النهائية الحاسمة. أهداف مباراة فلسطين واستراليا

Bowlers dominated on a grim day at Lord’s but Middlesex’s Stevie Eskinazi managed to provide a bright interlude

ECB Reporters Network29-Apr-2018
ScorecardMiddlesex’s Stevie Eskinazi stood tall on a day of otherwise clattering wickets in the Specsavers County Championship match against Glamorgan at Lord’s.While all others, with the possible exception of John Simpson, struggled to put bat to ball, the South African-born right-hander plundered 16 boundaries in scoring 94 at more than a run a ball.The fact his efforts were not enough to raise a batting point for the hosts was largely down to a five wicket-haul for Glamorgan skipper Michael Hogan, ably supported by Tim Van Der Gugten who after having Eskinazi caught behind, ran through the Middlesex tail.Tim Murtagh conjured up a trademark spell of 4 for 12 from the Nursery End to leave Glamorgan floundering at 38 for 4 in reply before the bad light and then rain which has dogged the fixture from day one returned to drive the players off at 3.30pm.After the washout on day two, play began promptly and Hogan was soon among the wickets, removing Hilton Cartwright’s off-bail with a delivery to which the Australian international offered no shot. He would strike again four overs later when Paul Stirling nicked a good ball to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke.Eskinazi, who’d struck five boundaries on the first day, continued untroubled, his eighth four taking him to 50 from 58 balls. Just back from missing two games through illness he became the first member of Middlesex’s top six to reach a half century in the Championship this season.As if in celebration, he then hit Lukas Carey for three fours in the following over. Wicketkeeper Simpson caught the mood, playing some similarly aggressive shots and the hosts had real momentum when bad light intervened with the score on 152 for 5.The 25-minute delay worked in Glamorgan’s favour when shortly after the restart Eskinazi chased a wide one from Van der Gugten to depart six short of what would have been a wonderful hundred. Nevertheless, in these conditions his was an outstanding effort.Shorn of their mainstay Middlesex subsided quickly either side of lunch, especially after Simson edged Van der Gugten to Nick Selman in the slips.Fittingly Hogan, Glamorgan’s standout bowler, grabbed the final wicket, getting Murtagh for a duck as Middlesex fell six short of a precious batting point.Murtagh though soon took centre-stage with the ball, conjuring just sufficient seam and swing to leave Glamorgan’s batsmen in a lather.Jack Murphy and Shaun Marsh were both trapped lbw before Selman, earlier struck on the head by a bouncer from debutant Tom Barber, was bowled by one which went between bat and pad.The very next ball, an outswinger, found the edge of Aneurin Donald’s bat and was pouched by Simpson leaving Murtagh on a hat-trick which Cooke negotiated before the weather closed in.

Madhya Pradesh veteran ends 22-year career as the most-capped Ranji Trophy cricketer, and the third-highest run-scorer in tournament history

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2018

Sivaraman Kitta

Devendra Bundela, the Madhya Pradesh batsman and most capped cricketer in Ranji Trophy history, has announced his retirement, bringing to an end a 22-year first-class career. The 41-year old Bundela’s last match remains MP’s 2017-18 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash that was won by Delhi. Bundela breached the 10000-run mark in first-class cricket in that match.Bundela first rose to prominence as a member of the India Under-19 team that faced Australia in 1995. Shortly thereafter, he made his first-class debut against Tamil Nadu in the domestic season that year. He would go on to play 164 first-class matches in which he amassed 10004 runs at an average of 43.68, with the help of 26 centuries and 54 fifties. Bundela also struck 2299 runs in an 82-game List A career with a lone century and 13 half-centuries.Bundela, who captained MP for seven years, was an integral cog of the state’s batting order for several years, but never got the national call-up. Despite spending over two decades with the MP side, Bundela could never experience lifting the Ranji Trophy. The closest he got to doing so was when MP made the final of the 1998-99 Ranji Trophy, where they lost to Karnataka. He was, however, a prolific run-scorer during his time, his 9201 runs the third highest in tournament history, behind Wasim Jaffer and one less than second-placed Amol Muzumdar.

MatériaMais Notícias

Desde 2018, o torcedor do Palmeiras se acostumou a ver um time sólido na sua parte defensiva. Com bons números e recordes, a zaga foi fundamental para as últimas duas conquistas do clube.

Porém, nas últimas quatro partidas, a zaga alviverde tem deixado a desejar, e com muitas falhas, viu os adversários balançarem nove vezes as redes de Jailson e Weverton.

Com a defesa menos vazada e time que menos havia perdido na temporada até semanas atrás, o Palmeiras agora já soma 20 gols sofridos no campeonato, e não é mais o time que menos foi derrotado em 2020, perdendo o posto para o Flamengo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAndrey Lopes explica escalação com cinco meias: ‘Tentei criar superioridade numérica pelo meio’Palmeiras19/10/2020PalmeirasPalmeiras volta a perder quatro seguidas após mais de quatro anosPalmeiras19/10/2020PalmeirasAndrey Lopes, sobre Miguel Ramírez: ‘Será recebido da melhor forma no Palmeiras, se for contratado’Palmeiras18/10/2020

Com a saída de Vitor Hugo e a lesão de Luan, as últimas duas partidas foram com quartetos inéditos no setor defensivo do time.

Diante do Coritiba, o jovem Renan Victor atuou ao lado de Felipe Melo, uma vez que Gómez estava servindo a seleção paraguaia. Com Esteves na lateral-esquerda, o Verdão foi vazado facilmente por três vezes pelos visitantes.
​
Já na derrota para o Fortaleza, neste último domingo (18), Gustavo Gómez atuou ao lado de Emerson Santos, que fez a sua primeira partida em 2020.

Com a lesão de Marcos Rocha e o fraco desempenho de Mayke, o Verdão também vê problemas na sua lateral-direita. Gabriel Menino pode ser improvisado diante do Tigre (ARG).

O duelo diante dos argentinos pela Libertadores também marcará a volta de Felipe Melo e Gustavo Gómez na dupla de zaga, algo que não acontece desde a partida diante do Ceará.

Com a expulsão do camisa 15, o Alviverde terá problemas mais uma vez para escalar a zaga diante do Atlético-GO, pelo Brasileirão. Emerson Santos deve receber mais uma chance, para jogar ao lado de Felipe Melo.

O próximo técnico do Palmeiras terá trabalho para ajustar os problemas do time, a começar pelo setor defensivo. Com poucas peças disponíveis, ruiu nas últimas apresentações.​

ScorecardKent chipped away at Glamorgan’s second innings at Sophia Gardens to close in on their second Championship win of the season, despite half-centuries from Shaun Marsh and Jack Murphy. After 19 wickets fell on the opening day, conditions for batting improved, with Glamorgan nine down and leading by 193 at the close.Having gained a useful lead of 80 on first innings, the visitors struck early. Darren Stevens, after his six-wicket haul in the first innings, made inroads when he trapped Nick Selman leg before with the eighth ball of the innings, but Murphy and Marsh then settled into a productive partnership for the second wicket.Marsh unfurled a series of booming cover drives, as the pair scored at over four runs an over and the Australian was in sight of his second Championship century of the season, before he was run out following a mix up with his partner. Murphy played the ball to square leg and set off for an improbable run, but when Marsh responded he was dismissed by a direct hit from Will Gidman. Marsh’s innings came from 113 balls, which included a six and ten fours.Murphy, who had carried his bat in the first innings, again played responsibly, and reached a deserved half-century, before slicing a ball to gully. Aneurin Donald did not last long, playing across a delivery from Harry Podmore, who bowled a steady spell and restricted Glamorgan’s progress.Glamorgan needed another sizeable partnership, but they were denied by some accurate bowling. Kiran Carlson and Chris Cooke put on 32, before the latter was caught low down by Adam Rouse off Stevens. Carlson was then dismissed by Gidman, the fifth seamer used by Kent, as Glamorgan led by 150.The new ball became due with six overs remaining, and Joe Denly immediate summoned his opening bowlers, Stevens and Matt Henry, who had shared the ten wickets in Glamorgan’s first innings. Henry responded by dismissing Andrew Salter, who became Rouse’s third victim and in his final over had David Lloyd taken at third slip for 46.With the first ball of the final over of the day, Podmore, who had replaced Stevens after the allrounder injured his shoulder after bowling four balls of his 18th over, dismissed Marchant de Lange leg before.At the start of play, Podmore’s unbeaten 33 had helped Kent’s last wicket pair added a further 11 runs. Timm Van der Gugten captured the final wicket, to end with career best figures of 7 for 42.

أعرب مصدر مسؤول بالاتحاد البوركيني لكرة القدم، عن حزنه بسبب خوض مباريات منتخب بوركينا فاسو خارج ملعبه، مشيراً إلى أن المنتخب يفتقد الدعم الجماهيري، موضحاً عدم علمهم بمكان خوض مواجهة مصر في تصفيات كأس العالم.

وقال المصدر في تصريحات لبطولات: “بوركينا فاسو تلعب منذ 3 سنوات تقريبًا خارج الديار، نعم الجهاز الفني واللاعبين اعتادوا على الملاعب التي نلعب عليها المباريات ولكن نفتقد للدعم الجماهيري”.

وأضاف: “الجامعة المغربية تحديدًا دائمًا ما تُقدم الدعم للاتحاد البوركيني والمنتخب الوطني، ويتم تهيئة أفضل أجواء ممكنة لمعسكر المنتخب البوركيني”.

طالع أيضاً.. تصنيف فيفا لـ شهر يونيو 2024.. مصر تتقدم عالميًا وإفريقيًا

وأكمل: “الاتحاد البوركيني مازال يواصل خطواته الجادة لإقامة مبارياتنا على ملاعبنا ووسط جماهيرنا، ونأمل أن يحدث هذا في المباريات المقبلة بتصفيات كأس العالم من أجل تصحيح الأوضاع”.

وأتم: “مباراة الإياب أمام مصر لا نعرف مكان إقامتها، ولكن الاتحاد البوركيني يبذل قصارى جهده من أجل إعادة مبارياتنا لبوركينا ووسط جماهيرنا”.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، العام المقبل، في إطار تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur remain firmly in the mix at the top of the table following a remarkable start to life under new boss Ange Postecoglou, with the Greek-Aussie still yet to taste defeat in his opening six Premier League games in charge.

The former Celtic coach notably oversaw a positive 2-2 draw away to bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday, with a typically clinical brace from long-serving legend, Heung-min Son, having secured a deserved point for the visitors at the Emirates.

No longer aided by his former partner-in-crime, Harry Kane, Son showed he has the ability and the quality to be Spurs' new talisman moving forward, having taken his tally to five league goals for the season already – half of what he achieved in the whole of last season.

That's not to suggest that the north Londoners are simply a one-man show, however, with summer signing James Maddison also helping to shoulder the attacking burden in the absence of Kane, the former Leicester City man laying on both assists for the South Korean sensation at the weekend.

The division's Player of the Month for August has made a stunning start to life at N17 and has arguably been the "signing of the summer" – according to TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole – with two goals and four assists to his name already this season.

78 minutes played

43 touches

Two assists

Three key passes

7/12 ground duels won

Three fouls won

86% pass accuracy rate

7.7 match rating

Stats via Sofascore

Such an instrumental performance from the 26-year-old was somewhat tainted as he was forced off with injury late on, with both Postecoglou and supporters facing a nervous wait to see if the playmaker will be fit to feature at home to Liverpool this weekend.

What is the latest on Maddison's injury?

The England international was withdrawn in the closing stages – alongside Son – against Mikel Arteta's men, with reports suggesting that he is set to undergo scans to ascertain the extent of the damage, after jarring his knee in the second half on Sunday.

Although the Coventry-born maestro was able to play on following that nasty-looking incident after receiving treatment, it remains to be seen if it is merely a minor issue, or something that could rule him out for an extended period.

According to football.london, the player himself is said to have been feeling 'positive' regarding his knee after the game and was seen moving normally following his post-match media duties, thus raising hopes that he will not be enduring a spell on the treatment table.

Even so, that momentary concern over Maddison exposed a major 'short-term issue' for Postecoglou – as per the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick – with regard to the lack of 'squad depth', with there seemingly a dearth of options to replace the former Norwich City man if he is to be sidelined, be it now or at another occasion.

Who could replace James Maddison at Tottenham?

With the likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg all more likely to operate in a deep-lying berth, the only obvious candidate to step into Maddison's shoes is Giovani Lo Celso, albeit with the Argentine having endured his own injury woes of late.

Even if the Argentine was available for selection there are likely to be doubts over whether he can perform on a consistent basis in the Premier League, having spent the last 18 months out on loan at La Liga side, Villarreal.

The 27-year-old – who signed for Spurs back in 2019 following prior stints at Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain – has hardly set the world alight when he has been seen in Lilywhite in recent times, scoring just eight goals and contributing only six assists in 86 games in all competitions to date.

With Maddison already almost eclipsing that tally of assists from just seven appearances, Lo Celso doesn't appear to be the man who can provide quality service to the likes of Son and Dejan Kulusevski, hence the need to potentially look elsewhere to find a solution.

A possible dream, "creative force" – as hailed by journalist Alasdair Gold – could have presented itself in the form of teen superstar, Jamie Donley, with the 18-year-old currently shining in the academy ranks.

How good is Jamie Donley?

The Northern Ireland-born, England youth international had previously been touted as the 'new Harry Kane' after rising up through the age groups at Hotspur Way, proving himself to be "a natural finisher", according to journalist Josh Bunting.

Despite potentially having the goalscoring credentials to succeed the 30-year-old in the first-team ranks – having previously netted 26 goals in just 40 games at U18 level – the youngster has thrived in a number ten berth of late, ensuring he could be the perfect understudy to Maddison when required.

Lauded as a "fantastic young talent" who is "comfortable driving with the ball", in the words of Bunting, the Antrim native is a real master at providing that creative link between midfield and attack, showcased by the delightful assist that he provided for Alfie Devine against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Youth League last term.

As for the current campaign, the exciting diamond – who has 17 goals and assists to his name in just 31 games for the U21s – has already contributed seven assists in just six games so far this term.

That includes a record of six assists in just five Premier League 2 appearances, while Donley also starred in the recent EFL Trophy triumph over Colchester United, scoring twice and contributing one assist in that 5-0 thrashing.

Such an "outstanding" showing – as hailed by youth coach Wayne Burnett – has indicated that the elegant left-footer can thrive against senior opposition, having also put himself about defensively after winning 11 ground duels, including making seven tackles.

Evidently something of an all-rounder, it would be no surprise if young Donley is handed his first-team bow before too long, having been described by podcaster Chris Miller as the "closest thing to Maddison" in the Spurs ranks at present.

With Postecoglou already putting his faith in the youthful pairing of Destiny Udogie and Sarr this season, the next step is to promote one of the club's emerging academy talents as the campaign progresses.