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[ad_pod ]In Toby Alderweireld’s five years in England – from his initial one-year loan spell at Southampton, to his £11.4m permanent switch to Tottenham in the summer of 2015, right up to the present day – he has consistently been one of the most accomplished defenders in the Premier League.By the end of his first year in north London the classy and composed Belgian, who has been capped 92 times by his country, won his club’s Player of the Season award and was included in the PFA Team of the Year. Subsequently he has become a relied-upon mainstay of a Mauricio Pochettino back-line that conceded fewer goals than anyone else in the top flight in the 2016/17 season, while they were tied with United on just 35 goals conceded in the 2015/16 campaign.Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 30-year-old’s reading of danger is second to none while few of his peers can boast a higher level of sustained excellence. Indeed, when he individually erred at White Hart Lane in a league game several seasons into his spell on our shores, it was surprising enough to be noteworthy….

That illustrates his consummate reliability but last week it was another of his traits that was trumpeted online.

Alderweireld’s time at Spurs has been an unquantified success yet running parallel to the plaudits has been a drawn-out contract drama playing out in the background, a drama that first came to light all the way back in late 2016.

Ensuring that Spurs didn’t lose one of their brightest stars on a free at the end of his contract, a clause had been inserted into the player’s deal meaning that he would be available for a cut-price £25m in the summer of 2019 so long as the sale was concluded before the final fortnight of the transfer window. That clause is now active.

Let’s pause here and take stock. A proven high-calibre Premier League centre-back is presently on the market for a bargain fee; a centre-back who would arguably walk into all but a handful of first teams across the globe. His wages are not substantial comparatively – rumoured to be £80,000 per week. His ability is beyond dispute.

This summer also happens to be one where Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are actively seeking a new central defender if reports are to be believed, one precisely of Alderweireld’s ilk.

Yet constantly, without fail the only name mentioned for the first two is Leicester’s Harry Maguire. With the Foxes understandably reluctant to relinquish their defensive leader he is valued at a mind-boggling £80m. His wages? A cool £350,000 a week according to some reports.

Before Tanguy Ndombele, Spurs fans haven’t been able to vlog about a transfer since January 2018! Judging by the video below, it’s been worth the wait…

A pursuit of Harry Maguire makes perfect sense. Defensively he is sound and in possession he has accrued impressive stats in the creation of chances. In every attribute he is a thoroughly modern centre-back and elite at that. But a pursuit of him where the fee is spiralling out of control and Alderweireld continues to be seemingly over-looked has significantly less logic attached.

It gets weirder still because Roma are reportedly very interested. Yet even a bargain fee for the Champions League finalist appears to be off-putting, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants are planning on low-balling Spurs and Daniel Levy to the tune of €12m. Yeah, good luck with that.

All told, what on earth is going on?

Answers on a postcard please because this correspondent is well and truly stumped.

Ryan Fraser has quite clearly earned himself some admirers following the season he has just had with Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old, who provided 14 assists in the Premier League campaign just gone, has apparently caught the attention of Arsenal as Unai Emery looks to bolster his squad after a tough start to life in England.

But as well as the Gunners, according to the Daily Star, Tottenham are also interested in Fraser, though any decision on the Scotland international’s future is unlikely to be made until the end of the transfer window the English newspaper also reports.

Should Bournemouth give the ok, it would not be a surprise to see Fraser end up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if the Lilywhites really are interested in him.

They managed to reach this year’s Champions League final and will be in the competition again next season while they also have a shrewd coach in Mauricio Pochettino running the show. Who would not want to work with the Argentine right now?

Even so, you cannot help but feel the Emirates would be a much better destination for the former Aberdeen man. He has a much better chance of nailing down a regular spot in an Arsenal team that needs to be rebuilt than a Tottenham side whose attack looks complete.

For as good as Fraser was in the recently completed Premier League campaign, the likes of Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura are probably a level above. Ousting either out of the starting XI will be no easy task.

Ultimately, if Fraser is to leave the Vitality Stadium this summer, then Arsenal would be his best bet if it comes down to a straight shootout between the two north London rivals.

Bournemouth fans, can your club keep hold of Fraser with teams like Arsenal and Tottenham sniffing around? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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It has been reported in the last few days by The Daily Echo that Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to sell one of his two main senior left-backs this summer transfer window.

This is because he thinks that youngster Jake Vokins deserves the opportunity to be promoted into the senior squad as the second-choice left-sided full-back.

At present, Southampton have ex-Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand, who is often preferred, and his understudy Matt Targett.

The former will be turning 30 before the start of next season and the latter is just 24.  He boasts freshness while the former boasts vast experience, including a Champions League winners’ medal.

Targett almost left the club for Fulham last summer having helped them earn promotion on loan in 2017/2018 before the south coast outfit blocked the deal, a clue he has a future at his boyhood team.

Meanwhile, Bertrand hasn’t really been linked with a move away from St Mary’s having joined from Chelsea, initially on loan, in 2014 but has attracted interest so far this summer, it is believed.

How is Hasenhuttl going to decide which left-back to keep and which left-back to sell? Well, today we’re going to make his mind up for him by looking at the statistics.

With the help of figures from WhoScored, we’ve created the above player head-to-head infographic pitting some of the players’ Premier League stats from 2018/2019 against one and other.

As you can see, Bertrand made eight more league appearances last season which is no surprise given he’s the first choice.

However, it’s the younger full-back who has more assists with three to his older comrade’s zero, which indicates that he fits Hasenhuttl’s attacking style better.

However, his pass completion was inferior to that of the 29-year-old and he couldn’t manage as many tackles per game, giving Bertrand the statistical edge.

Southampton fans may love Ralph Hasenhuttl but do the owners? Check out the video below…

But Targett battles back to win the final two stats and they both display an expected higher level of sharpness and better timing from the former England youth international – averaging more interceptions per match and much fewer fouls.

Overall, these stats have clearly indicated which left-back Hasenhuttl should move on and that’s Bertrand – as harsh as it may seem.

Targett is where the future of the position is for the Saints as his style of play and assists tally seemingly make him more likely to thrive under the Austrian’s regime.

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It’s here. Three weeks of sleepless nights, vivid dreams, tactical analysis, statistical omens and unbearable anticipation have finally reached their culmination.

The Champions League final in Madrid between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool is set to take place this evening. It will be the first all-English final since 2008 and it could finally mark the end of Real Madrid’s unprecedented level of supremacy in the competition’s recent history.

Ahead of the game, I spoke to Football League World’s assistant editor and passionate Liverpool fan, George Dagless, and also to Harry Sherlock, Football FanCast’s London correspondent and nerve-wrangled Spurs fan.

Here’s what they’ve had to say before they settle in for 90 minutes of footballing history.

Klopp is under pressure to end his cup final hoodoo and claim some silverware to honour this brilliant Liverpool season, but Pochettino is also yet to win a trophy at Spurs. Which manager do you think is under the most pressure ahead of the Madrid showdown? 

Harry: “Klopp, for sure. Pochettino has worked absolute miracles to get Spurs to the final and this is almost, emphasis on the almost, a free hit. Nobody expected Tottenham to get this far, particularly after their run through the knockout rounds, drawing the likes of Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

“Liverpool were in last year’s final and Klopp, it must be remembered, has a pretty woeful record when it comes to showpiece finals. He needs to break that hoodoo; Pochettino doesn’t have the weight of history on his shoulders.”

George: “Both are, but Klopp is under more. Pochettino needs to win a trophy at Spurs but no-one thought it’d be this one this season, and Spurs aren’t the favourites for this game.

“Klopp needs to win one for sure but I’ll say what I’ve said every time he gets hammered for his record; he’s never had the favourite in a European final and that has some weighting. Now he does, he needs to flip it around.”

It looks like Harry Kane will be fit to start the game. Should Pochettino throw him straight into the side or trust in his quarter and semi-final heroes?

George: “He has to play. Kane is a world-class striker and makes Spurs a far more formidable opponent than they would be anyway.

“I can see the argument of bringing him on as an impact sub as what an option that is to have but what if the game is already gone? Having him on from the first whistle is the right call.”

Harry: “Yes. He’s Harry Kane and this is the Champions League final. If he’s fit, he simply has to play. Otherwise this will forever be a ‘what if’ moment, particularly if Spurs lose.

“It would be harsh to drop one of Lucas Moura, Son Heung-Min, Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli but sentiment gets you nowhere in football. It’s the final and the best players have to play; Kane is Spurs’ best player.”

Will Liverpool’s experience in the final last year benefit or hinder them?

Harry: “It’s a bit of an unknown, really, because Real Madrid were favourites last year and, this time around, the Reds are. If it were still Loris Karius in goal, I’d say they’d be hindered but it isn’t and they’re a far more complete team now.

“If anything, it should give Liverpool some extra motivation”

George: “I’d have thought benefit them. They know how much it hurts to lose this game now, you don’t want to be feeling that again – especially after actually starting the final against Madrid very well last year.

“It’s a very mentally resilient Liverpool we’re talking about now, too, so I don’t think last year’s experience will have any negative impact.”

The result of last year’s final was ultimately sealed by a moment of divine intervention from a bicycle-kicking Gareth Bale. Which player from your beloved club would you bet on producing a comparable moment of brilliance? 

George: “I’d love Jordan Henderson to score a Steven Gerrard-esque winner from 30 yards but I wouldn’t be betting on that.

“The obvious two are Sadio Mane and Mo Salah with the quality they bring. Both are big game players and I thought Mane was excellent in last year’s final, so he’ll have unfinished business for sure.”

Harry: “Moussa Sissoko! No, okay, Son Heung-Min. He’s an absolutely brilliant forward player, allying searing pace with phenomenal technique and he’s already scored some brilliant goals this season.

“Think of that amazing solo run against Chelsea at Wembley or his first-time strike into the top corner against Manchester City at the Etihad. He’s an instinctive finisher and he could absolutely steal the headlines with a wonder goal.”

The last all-English final in 2008 was decided on penalties as John Terry’s infamous slip enabled Man United to clinch the cup. Which penalty taker would you particularly dread to see walk up to the spot in another final shootout? 

Harry: “Kieran Trippier. Yes, he scored a free-kick and a penalty in the World Cup but did you see his effort against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup? That’s evidence enough. Keep him as far away from the spot as possible.”

George: “I’d trust most of them to be honest but if Dejan Lovren somehow finds himself on that pitch in time for the shootout the collective intake of breath around Merseyside and further afield will be more than audible.

“I like the Croatian for his commitment and desire but you just worry at times like this what could happen with him – not that I expect him to start at least. Then again it’d be rather romantic after everything if he banged home the winning spot-kick, wouldn’t it?”

Describe how your perfect Champions League final victory would look.

George: “Fast start, 3 or 4 up in 20 minutes and then see the game out – that’s what everyone would say, isn’t it? In reality, it’s going to be very tight. Just win the game by any means.”

Harry: “I absolutely don’t care as long as we win the thing. But, to answer the question properly, a 5-0 thumping where the result is absolutely never in doubt. All five goals coming in the first 10 minutes would be splendid, too, so the nerves are calmed.”

Finally, what are you score predictions?

Harry: “I’ve written this out about 12 times and I still don’t know. I’m going to go Spurs to win 2-1 after extra time. Eurgh. My palms are sweating again.”

George: “I’ve tried to dodge predicting this final as much as possible! I’ll back my team though of course, 3-2 the Reds after normal time – might as well have a cracker to completely shatter both sets of fans’ remaining nerves.”

[ad_pod ]West Bromwich Albion suffered a 3-1 defeat at Derby County on the final weekend of the 2018-19 regular Championship campaign.The loss was obviously disappointing, but did not mean too much for the Baggies, who have finished fourth and will therefore face Aston Villa in the semi-finals of the playoffs.Jacob Murphy – on loan at West Brom from Newcastle United – again started in the final third of the field, appearing alongside Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez.However, it was a tough afternoon for the 24-year-old, who has replaced on the hour mark when the score was actually 1-0 to the visitors at Pride Park.It will certainly be interesting to see how involved the 5 ft 10 ace is in the playoffs.By the reaction of the West Brom fans, though, the majority do not want to see the attacker named in the starting XI for the remainder of the season.Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…A selection of the Twitter discussion can be seen below:

كشف نادر شوقي وكيل اللاعبين عن نية حسام غالي قائد فريق الكرة بالأهلي السابق لخوض انتخابات مجلس إدارة القلعة الحمراء المقبلة.

وكان حسام غالي قد أعلن منذ أيام استقالته من منصبه كمدير للكرة في نادي الجونة عقب انتهاء الموسم المنقضي.

طالع | بعد أنباء خوض انتخابات الأهلي.. حسام غالي يٌعلن رحيله عن الجونة

وقال نادر شوقي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة ام بي سي مصر: “حسام غالي أراه في مجلس إدارة الأهلي ورئيسًا مستقبليًا للنادي بعد محمود الخطيب”.

وتابع: “فترة تواجده في الجونة أفادته جدًا ولو لم يكن مناسبًا له لما كان استمر، وهذا مهم جدًا له نفسيًا للمستقبل، وفي جميع الأحوال كان سيرحل عن الجونة بنهاية الموسم للتجهيز لانتخابات الأهلي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | نادر شوقي: الأهلي تفاوض لضم رمضان صبحي منذ مارس.. وإكرامي حضر جلسة حسم مصيره

واختتم: “حسام غالي يستعد لخوض انتخابات الأهلي وبالتأكيد سيكون في قائمة محمود الخطيب، وكان بينه وبين الاخير خلاف بسيط وانتهى والعلاقة بينهما طيبة جدًا”.

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A video emerged of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma appearing to laugh at Arsenal players as their hopes of ending the season in the top four all-but ended on Sunday, and Tottenham Hotspur fans were quick to tell their club to sign him on Twitter.

The Gunners knew that realistically they needed to take all three points against the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, but they failed as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

It means that barring an Arsenal win, a Spurs defeat and a major swing of goal difference next week, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will finish in the Champions League qualification spots.

Bissouma was an impressive performer on the day for the south coast outfit, and showed his dribbling ability and close control on a number of occasions throughout the encounter.

The north London outfit don’t have a great deal of options in the middle of the park, and someone like the Ivory Coast international could offer them something different, perhaps even being a long-term Mousa Dembele replacement.

Could the man in the video below be Spurs’ most overrated player? Decide for yourself…

Tottenham supporters were quick to react to the video featuring the African player on social media, and while one told Daniel Levy to sign him and said he is “already a Spurs legend”, another said “sign Bissouma to a lifelong contract”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

أحرز كورينتين توليسو الهدف الثالث لـ بايرن ميونخ أمام أتلتيكو مدريد في المباراة الجارية بين الفريقين الآن.

ويحل الروخي بلانكوس ضيوفًا على الفريق البافاري بملعب “آليانز آرينا” بالجولة الأولى لدور مجموعات دروي أبطال أوروبا.

وجاء هدف توليسو في الدقيقة 66 من عمر المباراة، لتصبح النتيجة (3-0) لصالح بايرن ميونخ.

وتقدم كومان لبايرن ميونخ بهدف أول، ثم أضاف جوريتسكا الهدف الثاني لأصحاب الأرض.

جاري تحميل الهدف.. 

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have refused to get excited over the club announcing that they are freezing the price of season tickets for next season.

Spurs move into their new stadium on April 3, when they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

And they have announced that they will not increase prices for tickets in the ground.

Sky Sports report that the most expensive season ticket stands at £1,995, while the cheapest for an adult is £795. The cheapest ticket available in the stadium will be a child’s season ticket, at £397.50, while a young adult ticket is £595.

Supporters have had to weather their fair share of disappointments this season, with many paying for a season ticket prior to the announcement that the majority of this season’s home fixtures would be played at Wembley.

And they have insisted on Twitter that this supposed gesture of goodwill is merely the very least that the club could have done.

Indeed, many believe that there should be some form of compensation offered by Spurs. Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

كشف مصدر خاص بنادي الزمالك النقاب عن الخطاب المرسل للتعاقد مع لاعب نادي الجزيرة لكرة السلة عمرو الجندي، في ظل مفاوضات الأهلي لضم اللاعب ذاته.

طالع | خاص.. الزمالك يزاحم الأهلي على ضم نجم سلة الجزيرة

وعلم “بطولات” من مصدر خاص، أن الجندي أنهى مفاوضاته من أجل الانضمام للأهلي، وخاض تدريبات خلال الأيام الماضية.

وكشف مصدر خاص بنادي الزمالك، النقاب عن العرض المقدم لنادي الجزيرة من أجل التعاقد مع اللاعبين.

وأشار المصدر إلى أن مبلغ الـ5 ملايين جنيه، هو الأكبر من حيث القيمة المادية بل وتخطى عرض الأهلي.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن النادي الأهلي لم يعلن رسميًا عن التعاقد مع الجندي حتى الأن.