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Brenden Aaronson’s time with Union Berlin has come to an end and he will be returning to Leeds United, following the completion of his loan spell.

Aaronson's loan spell ends with Union BerlinWanted to continue in GermanyClub did not wish to sign him permanentlyWHAT HAPPENED?

Aaronson’s tenure with Die Eisernen was marked by a rocky start and a subsequent resurgence. The U.S. national team player initially struggled to make an impact, failing to register any goal contributions in the first half of the season. However, as the season progressed, Aaronson found his footing and became a more integral part of the squad. His performances improved markedly in the latter stages of the campaign, allowing him to end the season with two goals and two assists.

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Despite his upturn in form, the financial realities of modern football meant that a permanent move to Union Berlin was always unlikely. Aaronson himself had expressed a willingness to stay in Berlin, acknowledging last month that he would be open to a permanent transfer. However, the financial commitment required to secure his services was beyond what Union Berlin could reasonably afford.

WHAT UNION BERLIN SAID

Union in an official statement wrote: "Brenden Aaronson joined 1. FC Union Berlin on loan from relegated Premier League side Leeds United in the last summer transfer window, winning the hearts of Union fans with his dashing style of play, his speed and, not to forget, his decisive goal against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. After 38 appearances, two goals and two assists, his time in Berlin has come to an end and he is returning to England."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Aaronson provided a crucial assist in a 2-1 victory over Freiburg on the last day of the Bundesliga season. Those were massive three points as Union finished 15th in the standings, a rung above the relegation play-off zone.

Character, that’s the word used by Vidarbha captain Faiz Fazal to describe his team’s attitude after they beat Rest of India on first innings lead in Nagpur to become only the third Ranji Trophy winners to also defend their Irani Cup title.Speaking to the media after their triumph over an RoI side that had three current Indian Test players in Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari – and a middle order comprising of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan – Fazal said it’s that ‘character’ which has defined the team’s success over the past two seasons in domestic cricket. He also said that the way the team’s younger batsmen played in the fourth innings, was a performance beyond their years.”The target they had set was a sporting total,” Fazal said. “But the way we played, the way we approached the innings was credible. The boys showed their character.”It was important to show the character because such targets in such wickets is not easy. The way we approached the game was very good. I was out for a duck yesterday, so I think the way the youngsters adapted around Satish Ganesh, who played really nice innings was commendable.”R Sanjay played nicely, as did Atharwa Taide. They played a very matured innings. We need players in the team who show character. That’s how you build teams. That’s the reason why we are so consistent for last two years.”The game ended before the scheduled close of play, when the two teams mutually agreed on a draw with Vidarbha only 11 runs away from an outright victory. The decision surprised people in some corners. Fazal, however, defended his decision to end the game at that stage.”You’re right, we could’ve gone for the win, but it’s more important to lift the trophy,” Fazal said. ” But actually we were waiting for Ganesh’s 100. Unfortunately, it did not happen.”The wicket was turning, so maybe a new batsman would’ve gone out trying to go for those 11 runs, and our innings would’ve been spoilt. That said, we weren’t thinking negatively, but we were already satisfied having secured the cup by that stage.”Fazal also heaped praise on Vihari – who became the first batsman to hit hundreds in three consecutive Irani Cup innings’ – and Rahane, whose 229-run partnership with Vihari on the fourth day gave RoI an outside chance of winning the contest. He said that the way the two senior India batsmen played in that situation was a tutorial for Vidarbha’s batsmen.”Hats off to those guys. To be 30-40 [46] for 2 and then the way they made a comeback and the kind of innings they played, it was like a schooling for us,” Fazal said. “It was a learning process for us. They played extremely well. The technique with which they batted, they played very straight – no risk. I think we learnt a lot and that showed in our innings.”Fazal, however, said that there were still areas where Vidarbha could improve, come next season, especially in the batting department, but commended the sole centurion from his team, Akshay Karnewar for his effort. His 102 in the first-innings helped Vidarbha reach 425 in response to RoI’s 330 in the first innings.”There are a lot of areas we still need to work hard, like we need to get big scores like Hanuma got in both the innings, the way even Ajinkya played,” Fazal said. “Karnewar, the way he played in the first innings is a top innings from him and I think that’s why he got the Man of the Match as well. I think there are a lot of areas to work, and we will be working on it.”That’s the good sign of a team when you still want to learn and still want to improve. Those are very good signs to be consistent next season.”

Ben Stokes’ workload a worry as England attempt to save face after Holder onslaught

Andrew Miller25-Jan-2019Jos Buttler admitted that England had been served a timely reality check after two torrid days in a row in Barbados – first with the bat and then with the ball – but believes that their long and unlikely challenge of batting out the final two days to save the first Test is an “opportunity to have a much better showing”.Buttler, who was one of five England batsmen to be blown away by Kemar Roach in their dismal first innings of 77, also dropped a key catch in the covers off Shimron Hetmyer in West Indies’ first innings. He had little involvement on a long and hot third day, however, as Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich put their bowlers to the sword in a remarkable unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 295.”They’re both pretty tough days,” Buttler said. “Yesterday was a really poor reflection on us as a side. We can do much better than that.”Today was pretty thankless as well out there. As much as we could, we stuck together. The guys kept running in, [Ben] Stokes and [James] Anderson didn’t get any rewards for it but it showed their passion for playing for England.”Assuming England are unable to stave off defeat in the coming six sessions, they will come to the end a run of five Test victories in a row, dating back to the 4-1 series win over India last summer and including their 3-0 win in Sri Lanka before Christmas.And, given that England’s captain, Joe Root, had been openly targeting the No. 1 world ranking in the build-up to the series, Buttler admitted that the events in Barbados were not good enough for a team with such lofty ambitions.”It was tough to explain, I guess. Our bowlers having not had long to rest can make a bit of a difference. The guys trucked in all day and showed immense amount of determination and real fitness to keep going.”But with the bat we were well below, and with our aim of getting to the No.1 side in the world, that is nowhere near good enough. We’ve had a good run of games but we obviously played poorly adapting to conditions. We have to be better at coming through that tough situation.”It’s a good reality check, probably, as a side, for where we’re at in international cricket.”England’s troubles in the Caribbean may not be confined to this Test alone, however, if the workload that was forced on England’s senior bowlers, James Anderson and Ben Stokes, has knock-on effects for the second Test in Antigua, which gets underway next week.Both men were forced back into the attack late in England’s innings due to the imbalance elsewhere in a bowling attack that Buttler admitted had been misjudged. And Stokes in particular ended up bowling 50 overs across both innings, the second time in his career he has had such a heavy workload in a single Test.”It’s tough to get the ball out of his hand,” Buttler said. “He’s got such incredible skill and a massive heart, and he wants to be in the action all of the time. He’s an all-action cricketer. We have to manage his workload but it’s tough to do that when he just wants to keep going, he has an incredible level of fitness and desire to keep going.”I think watching him train, everything he does [is 100%]. He has to manage it but he’s good at doing that. He has an incredible amount of energy. Of course the management and captain want to look after the players, especially someone like that, but try telling him not to be involved or to take a rest.”For the remainder of the Test, however, it will be over to Stokes’ batting, and that of the rest of a chastened team, as they seek to build on the early efforts of Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings, and atone for their first-innings failings.”It’s an opportunity for everyone one to 11,” Buttler said. “After the first innings, everyone is determined to have a much better showing. The two guys at the top are no different to anyone else, we all want to give a much better account of ourselves.”We just have to take the 600 out of the thought process,” he added. “Hour by hour, session by session, playing as well as you can and seeing where that gets you. It could be a daunting task, so we just have to break it down as much as we can.”

Leeds United are back in Championship action on Tuesday night as they travel away to the Stadium of Light to take on managerless Sunderland.

The Black Cats are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Tony Mowbray on Wearside but they ran out 2-1 winners against West Bromwich Albion last time out.

Daniel Farke's side, on the other hand, were able to secure all three points at Ewood Park with a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers thanks to goals from Dan James and Crysencio Summerville.

The Whites are third in the Championship and hoping to close the gap on the automatic promotion places as they go in search of an instant return to the Premier League.

Another win on Tuesday would be another step in the right direction and here is FFC's predicted Leeds XI to take on the Black Cats…

1 Illan Meslier

In between the sticks, Farke could select Illan Meslier once again after his clean sheet against Rovers at the weekend. It was a much-needed one after the French stopper conceded two goals from four shots against Middlesbrough during the previous match.

2 Archie Gray

Archie Gray could line up at right-back after another impressive showing on Saturday. The 17-year-old, who is a natural midfielder, came into a central position to slide the ball through to Summerville for the second goal at Ewood Park.

He also made two tackles to win possession back for his side and completed 88% of his attempted passes in what was his 19th league appearance of the campaign for Leeds.

3 Joe Rodon

At the heart of the defence, the Wales international Joe Rodon could start once again. He won all four of his ground duels and made seven clearances to keep a clean sheet against Blackburn.

4 Pascal Struijk

Pascal Struijk bounced back from his disappointing performance against Middlesbrough to put in a commanding display against Blackburn.

The Dutch colossus won 100% (2/2) of his duels and made six clearances, two tackles, and two interceptions across the 90 minutes at Ewood Park.

5 Djed Spence

Sam Byram could drop out of the XI for Djed Spence after the right-footed defender came off injured with 20 minutes to go in Lancashire, and he is now set for three weeks on the sidelines.

The English full-back has made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per match and registered one goal and one assist in 18 Championship matches since his move from Norwich on a free transfer.

It will, therefore, be a blow to lose him for this clash but it could open the door for Spence to finally be unleashed, albeit not in his natural position.

The right-back is yet to start a match for Leeds since his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur but his return of two goals, four assists, and six 'big chances' created in 42 Championship outings for Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 campaign suggests that he could add an attacking thrust from the full-back position.

6 Ethan Ampadu

At the base of the midfield, Wales international Ethan Amapdu could be tasked with winning the battle in the middle of the park against the Black Cats.

The former Chelsea prospect has caught the eye with 3.7 tackles and interceptions combined and 7.7 ball recoveries per match across 20 league starts.

7 Glen Kamara

Glen Kamara has been a superb addition to the squad since his permanent move from Scottish giants Rangers during the summer transfer window.

He has started 11 league matches and showcased his dominance with a duel success rate of 69% so far, which shows that opposition players have found it difficult to get the better of him in physical contests.

8 Wilfried Gnonto

The second change to the XI could be Wilfried Gnonto being unleashed on the right side of the attack in place of the electric Dan James.

With games coming thick and fast as Leeds head into the international break, Farke may look to rotate his squad at times in order to avoid burnout and muscle injury.

Appearances

18

Sofascore rating

7.42

Goals

Seven

Assists

Four

Big chances created

Eight

James is a high-energy player who utilises his pace to cause teams problems and that means that he has a significant workload each match, which is why he could benefit from the rest ahead of the clash with Coventry at the weekend.

This would then open up the door for Gnonto, who has contributed with one goal and one assist in six league starts this season, to convince the head coach that he deserves more time on the pitch moving forward.

9 Joel Piroe

In the number ten position, Joel Piroe could go in search of his ninth Championship goal of the season. The Dutch forward has scored three goals in his last five matches for the club.

He has been a terrific signing from league rivals Swansea City and has proven himself to be a big goal threat from the attacking midfield role behind the starting number nine.

10 Crysencio Summerville

On the left side of the attack, Crysencio Summerville could look to add to his already impressive collection of goals and assists this season.

The right-footed whiz has contributed with nine goals and six assists in 15 Championship starts, including a goal or an assist in each of his last five appearances.

Shai Hope drives down the ground•AFP

Shai Hope, Kieran Powell and Soumya Sarkar struck fifties in the two-day practice match between West Indians and the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI that ended in a draw at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. Soumya, who earned a Test call-up after nearly a year, was the BCB XI’s top-scorer with 78. His knock came off 103 balls and included 10 fours and three sixes.

Shadman Islam added to squad for first Test

Shadman Islam was included in the Bangladesh squad two days after the BCB had named a 13-member side for the first Test against West Indies. Shadman’s inclusion came hours after he had made an impressive 73 against the West Indians in a warm-up match in Chittagong, and puts him in a three-way battle with Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar for the two opening spots.
Shadman was the National Cricket League’s top-scorer this season, making 648 runs at 64.80.

West Indians batted first, with Hope hitting 10 fours and three sixes in his 112-ball 88. Powell scored 72 off 142 balls with six fours and a six. They added 145 runs for the second wicket, before Hope retired out to allow the middle order to have a hit. But Sunil Ambris (17), Roston Chase (35), Shimron Hetmyer (24) and Shane Dowrich (24) only managed brief stays, before the visitors declared at 303 for 7 in the 87th over.Seventeen-year-old offspinner Nayeem Hasan, who earned a Test call-up as well, bowled the most, taking 2 for 104 from 26 overs. Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Fazle Mahmud and Soumya chipped in with a wicket each.In response, the openers led the way for BCB XI, putting on 126, before Soumya perished to Jomel Warrican’s left-arm spin. Partner Shadman Islam, the highest scorer of this NCL season, went on to get 73 in a knock that included 10 fours and a six.Shannon Gabriel took two wickets for the visitors, while Kemar Roach and Warrican took one each.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp now has designs on bolstering his squad in January and reports claim that the Reds have established contact with a target from a top flight rival.

Liverpool maintain their title push…

In the summer, Liverpool boss Klopp was expected to carry out a rebuild of sorts after a disappointing 2022/23 campaign to put his side in contention for a tilt at the Premier League title. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo landed at Anfield during the last window and have given Liverpool some fresh energy in the engine room, while also offering some excellent foil for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez in attack.

Fast forward to mid-November and Liverpool are indeed involved in a title race with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, sitting second in the English top-flight with 27 points from their opening 12 matches. Nevertheless, January additions will be crucial for Liverpool if they are to fulfil their dreams of bringing just a second Premier League title to Anfield since the division was transformed in 1992.

Fluminense midfielder Andre is a well-documented target for Liverpool as Klopp eyes further midfield reinforcements; however, they will need to fend off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to land the Brazil international, according to 90min.

Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davies is also on the radar at Anfield, according to the same outlet. Liverpool chiefs, alongside club officials from suitors Chelsea and Manchester City, believe that the Canada international has his heart set on a blockbuster move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. Now, another target in the left-back area has been uncovered by a fresh report as bringing in cover for the injured Andy Robertson is explored at Anfield.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

€84.65m

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

€80m

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)

€70m

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

€62.5m

Naby Keita (Liverpool)

€60m

Liverpool in contact with Rayan Ait-Nouri

According to a report in France, Liverpool are keen on Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and have established contact with the Algeria international over a potential move to Anfield.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's 2023/24 statistics – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

14

Goals

0

Assists

0

Ligue 1 pair Olympique Marseille and OGC Nice are also keeping tabs on the 22-year-old; however, it is believed that Wolves are blocking any potential Ait-Nouri departure in the January transfer window. Ait-Nouri is set to be absent from club football for a period during the New Year as he joins up with his native Algeria to take part in the African Cup of Nations.

Playing a major part under Gary O'Neil, Ait-Nouri, who has previously been labelled "phenomenal" by journalist Tim Spiers, has been in solid form this campaign, making an average of 2.5 tackles and 1.3 clearances per match in the Premier League (Ait-Nouri statistics – WhoScored).

At present, Liverpool only have Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas to rely upon on the left-hand side of their backline and acquiring Ait-Nouri could be a clever alternative to afford Klopp some flexibility within his team selection.

Despite this, Wolves look to be standing firm and it may be a tough job trying to pinch the former Angers defender from the West Midlands-based outfit.

The left-arm seamer has effectively ended his South Africa career in favour of the county deal and the chance to explore T20 leagues

Umar Farooq17-Sep-2018South Africa pace bowler Wayne Parnell has signed a Kolpak deal with Worcestershire, effectively bringing an end to his international career, having just been part of the county’s Vitality T20 Blast success.Parnell, 29, last played for South Africa in October 2017 against Bangladesh and lost his national contract earlier this year. He said he has not had much communication with the selectors in recent times. However, he still called the decision to go Kolpak as the “toughest” of his life but was “comfortable and content” with his choice. It is a path that has recently been taken by a number of South Africans including Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.”This is probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my career,” Parnell told ESPNcricinfo. “Of course this wasn’t an overnight decision, it’s a very difficult decision and I am fully aware and understand the pros and cons of it. I have always enjoyed playing for my country since making my debut. I’d like to thank everybody who has supported me through thick and thin, my family, my friends.”Special mention must go to the Eastern Province and Warriors unions for taking a risk and giving a kid from the dusty streets of Booysen Park a chance play this wonderful game. To all of those people who dislike me for whatever reason I thank you as well, you’ve helped make me mentally and emotionally tougher.”Parnell admitted he had been considering the move for almost a year during which time he has slipped out of South Africa’s teams across all formats and battled with injury.”After my serious injury in January I had three to four months out and really had time to reflect and think about what I want for the rest of my career going forward,” he said. It was a very tough period in my life emotionally and mentally as it could potentially have been a career-ending injury and my wife was heavily pregnant with our first born son so I had a lot going on. You can’t really predict the future so you try and formulate and plot a plan and see how it unfolds.”Parnell played six Tests, 65 ODIs and 40 T20Is during his international career. His six Tests were spread over seven years, having made his debut against England in early 2010. After three appearances he was out of the side for four years before a brief return followed by another three-year absence.Though he still harboured international ambitions, the serious shoulder injury in January and subsequent lack of communication with CSA has made him look to the future.”I am still young and I have plenty to offer to any environment that I’m in,” he said. “I have played more than 100 games for my country in all formats and I’ve loved every time I’ve put on the South African jersey and I’m almost certain that nothing can replace that feeling, certainly on the cricket field.”The reality of life is that that goals and aspirations change all the time and it seems the Proteas have moved passed me since I’ve not really had any communications since I had my injury and then not going to India for the ‘A’ tours was also another indication.”But I’m happy with that and I am comfortable with where I’m at and what I’m doing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcestershire since joining up with them and I’m excited about my future with them.”Financially, the Kolpak deal will help bring Parnell security and he is also keen to explore the opportunities in T20 leagues around the world. He was part of the Global T20 in Canada earlier this year, and already has a deal to play in the upcoming Afghanistan Cricket League in Sharjah. He is also eyeing a spot at the PSL.”[I have] no regrets,” he insisted. “This isn’t an overnight decision like I’ve mentioned. The goalposts for me have shifted. I’m comfortable and content with my decision and the people in my corner are all fully supportive of my decision. I can’t really predict what the future holds but I’m excited by it at the same time. I’ve never really had the October to March window open to explore the different T20 leagues so that could potentially be in the pipeline.”I expressed to Shahid Afridi, who was my team-mate during the Canadian T20 league, that I would love to play a professional game of cricket in Pakistan before I retire so hopefully I get to experience that in the PSL at some stage. Cricket has taken me to some amazing places and I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people along the way. And the journey continues but now in a slightly different manner.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Os jogos deste sábado do Brasileirão da Série C definiram a vida de mais dois times nos grupos A e B.

Confira um resumão deste sábado da Série C, lembrando que Jacuipense e Santa Cruz ainda jogam na segunda-feira (30).

GRUPO A

Treze-PB 1 x 1 Vila Nova-GO

Penúltimo colocado, o Treze vai para a última rodada para decidir se permanecerá na Série C ou fará companhia ao Imperatriz na Série D. Os paraibanos se beneficiaram da derrota do Botafogo-PB ontem para o Paysandu.

Ferroviário 3 x 0 Imperatriz

Os cearenses chegaram aos 22 pontos e escaparam do rebaixamento com a vitória sobre o Imperatriz, que só conseguiu somar um ponto em 17 rodadas.

Manaus 0 x 2 Remo

No confronto direto entre o quinto e quarto colocado, respectivamente, antes do duelo começar, quem levou a melhor foi o Remo. A equipe paraense jogou fora de casa e venceu os rivais por 2 a 0. O resultado fez o time da Nação Azul recuperasse as duas posições que havia perdido na abertura da rodada e garantisse classificação após quatro anos. Com isso, o Manaus deu adeus a chance de classificação.

GRUPO B

São José 2 x 0 Criciúma

O duelo da parte de baixo da tabela deu um respiro ao São José para a fuga do Z-2, já que com a vitória o time subiu para 20 pontos. O Criciúma ainda corre risco para a última rodada.

Brusque 1 x 8 Volta Redonda

Os cariocas foram até Santa Catarina e aplicaram uma senhora goleada nos rivais. Apesar disso, não há mais chance de classificação do Voltaço para a próxima fase, mesmo com derrotas de Tombense e Ituano.

Ituano 1 x 2 Ypiranga

Dentro de casa, no Novelli Júnior, o Ituano perdeu para o Ypiranga e também deixou escapar a garantia de classificação com uma rodada de antecedência.

Boa Esporte 0 x 1 São Bento

No confronto decisivo contra o rebaixamento, o Boa Esporte perdeu para o São Bento por 1 a 0 e está matematicamente na Série D em 2021. O time de Sorocaba conseguiu um último respiro para se salvar ainda na última rodada.

Londrina 2 x 1 Tombense

Os paranaenses não estão matematicamente classificados, mas a vitória deixou o time com um pé na próxima fase. O Londrina assumiu a ponta do grupo B com 28 pontos. O Tombense, com 26 pontos e na quinta colocação, vai para o tudo ou nada na 18ª rodada.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalNo Barradão, Vitória bate o CRB de virada e se afasta do Z4Futebol Nacional28/11/2020Futebol NacionalSérie D: jogos deste sábado definem duelos da próxima fase; veja os confrontosFutebol Nacional28/11/2020Futebol NacionalCSA vence Ponte Preta de virada e cola no G-4 da Série BFutebol Nacional28/11/2020

Everton have endured a relatively poor start to the season with fears of another relegation battle surfacing. With that said, Sean Dyche could use the January window as an opportunity to bring in reinforcements, should they find themselves in a position of peril…

Who could Everton sign in January?

In recent times, Everton have suffered a rather chequered history in the transfer window, unearthing some gems but more often than not, pushing their finger on the self-destruct button.

Since Farhad Moshiri took over the club, their failings in the transfer window have seen them drop down the Premier League table at an alarming rate, however, if a deal involving Miami-based company 777 Partners can get concluded in the coming weeks, a current bleak narrative can be transformed into a brighter future at Goodison Park.

With potential fresh investment from 777 Partners in the offing, Dyche could be offered a significant boost in funds, allowing the manager to splash the cash. While Blackburn's highly-rated midfielder Adam Wharton is one name that refuses to go away, Everton's priority could be capturing another forward which could see them go back in for Paris Saint Germain's Hugo Ekitike after their summer interest and allow Dyche to ditch Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

How has Dominic Calvert-Lewin performed for Everton?

Calvert-Lewin's recent Everton career has seen him fail to kick on and reach the ceiling of his potential.

The Englishman was threatening to become a world-beater, possessing the killer instinct in front of goal that the Toffees have desired, but since chalking up 21 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, his time at the club has unravelled into a nightmare.

To no fault of his own, the 26-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged spell which has seen him muster only ten goals in all competitions since that sensational campaign.

Despite showing promise in the first five matches of this term with two goals, the 6 foot 2 marksman has fallen short across Europe's top five leagues in the past year when comparing his forward-thinking metrics, ranking in the top 87% for non-penalty goals and shot creating actions, top 79% for goals, top 60% for total shots and top 47% for progressive carries, all per 90 via FBref.

On the other hand, Everton target Ekitike has showcased several attributes that suggest he could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

How good is Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike broke onto the scene at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims in 2021 and impressed with his lightning pace, piercing movement in behind and how intelligently he reacted to situations.

The promising French striker, who posted 14 direct goal contributions in his first senior campaign in 2021/22, caught the eye of several European powerhouses, while Newcastle United were reportedly in advanced talks to sign him for £33m in January 2022 following their takeover.

Although the Magpies failed to get a deal over the line, he instead joined giants Paris Saint Germain on a loan deal with an option to buy six months later, however, he has failed to kick on since then, perhaps crumbling under the weight of expectation.

In 25 appearances last term, Ekitike only mustered three goals and four assists, but given he was previously unhappy in France, a change of scenery could see the 21-year-old light the Premier League touch paper, and return to the form that saw him make a sharp rise to stardom.

During his first campaign at Reims in 2021/22, the "very special" forward – as dubbed by manager at the time, Oscar Garcia – showcased his unerring talents across that campaign, as per FBref, ranking in the top 5% for non-penalty goals against his positional peers in Ligue 1, top 7% for shots on target, 12% for carries into the penalty and top 15% for assists per 90.

He even weighed in with his fair share of defensive work too, which is a huge staple of any Dyche side, finishing in the top 12% for clearances, top 14% for tackles, top 18% for shots blocked and top 20% for interceptions.

Possessing the physicality to compete in the English game and the turn of pace to frighten defenders, the £18m (€21.6m) rated Ekitike, as per Football Transfers, could be a huge upgrade on Calvert Lewin, not just for the qualities he would bring in the final third, but also the fact that age is on his side and he has plenty of years to develop into a proficient forward capable of firing the Toffees to victories.

Tottenham Hotspur boast a rich history of academy production and youth acquisition, with some of their most famous names having been cultivated as youngsters and developed into world-class stars.

The outstanding name that springs to mind is Harry Kane, who emerged from N17 to become both the club's and England's all-time leading scorer, and a £100m man at the age of 30, drawing the interest of Bayern Munich in the summer.

However, it cannot also be forgotten that Gareth Bale was another who serviced the latter of those two devices, having been brought in from Southampton as a 17-year-old left-back, converted to a right winger, and transformed into one of the Premier League's elite stars.

He too would command a hefty fee, leaving for a world-record sum in the summer of 2013.

The hope will be that under Ange Postecoglou, who has already enjoyed a fine start to life in north London, they can continue their rich history of youth development, handing the Australian a crop of perfect starlets ready to grow and underpin a brighter generation at the club.

Whilst there are numerous standouts within the academy, with stars like Jude Soonsup-Bell, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett all knocking on the first-team door, another in Tyrese Hall could go under the radar, but will surely soon be a part of an elite group of youngsters.

Who is Tyrese Hall?

Having joined the club from Chelsea as a schoolboy, the versatile 18-year-old boasts plenty of attributes that the former Celtic boss would adore in a forward or a midfielder.

With a deft touch of class to partner his immense work rate and defensive contribution, it should come as no surprise that such a well-rounded individual was bound to feature all across the field.

In fact, journalist Alasdair Gold sought to outline this, writing for football.london: "A versatile mainstay of the U18s, 17-year-old Tyrese Hall can fill in wherever called upon due to his high technical ability. The teenager, who made his debut for the U18s last season while still a schoolboy, can play in central midfield, in an attacking or defensive role, he can play up front and he can also do a job on the wing."

However, his proficiency must also be noted, having ended last season with three goals in the final three games of the U18s Premier League, adding to his two assists for the campaign too. He would also put the U17 Premier League Cup beyond doubt too, with a late driven effort to secure the silverware.

Spurs' top academy prospects

Age

Jamie Donley

18

Alfie Devine

19

Alfie Dorrington

18

Rio Kyerematen

18

Although far from the most outstanding finisher in the world, his pure desire to make things happen could see him succeed under Postecoglou, who sought to praise the toothless Richarlison in pre-season: "He is someone who has got all of the attributes that I look for in a striker, in that he has got the strong work ethic, he is always in the right areas and he is presenting himself and making a presence of himself in the right areas for the way we play."

Hall, whilst still incredibly inexperienced, has also been earmarked for future success by Lilywhites academy expert John Wenham: "I really want to give a shoutout to Tyrese Hall,

"The game against Norwich last week was the best I have seen him play. He was demanding the ball, passing first time and making some really positive movements. I am really pleased with him. I want him to settle in and really make that space in the team his own. I think he has a really big future at Tottenham."

It remains to be seen where his prediction comes true, but the early signs are positive. Whether it is in central midfield or up front, Hall could certainly grow into the perfect player for Postecoglou.

How good was Wayne Rooney?

Whilst many might suggest this to be quite a lofty comparison, there are lots of similarities between Spurs' teenage maestro and the way Wayne Rooney played at the back end of his incredible career.

Having starred largely as a central striker whilst with Everton and Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson would recognise the work rate and exceptional equality the 37-year-old boasted, and often used the Liverpool-born finisher to plug gaps.

Dropping into a no.10 role or even deployed in central midfield, nothing would stop him from scoring goals, and in the end, he called time on a glittering spell at Old Trafford having won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and a host of other domestic honours, whilst also becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 strikes.

However, as he grew older and his powers waned, that versatility earlier in his career allowed him to drop into midfield again with ease, remaining as technically proficient as ever but limiting the amount of explosive running required.

Louis van Gaal praised his ability to shift roles in 2014: "He has the lung capacity to run 90 minutes as a midfielder, so that’s why I use him as a midfielder. But I can also use him as a striker. But for the team, at the moment, it is better that he plays in midfield."

Funnily enough, the legendary Scottish tactician would say the same just three years earlier: "[Wayne] Rooney was fantastic in central midfield. His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us but I think it's a short-term thing at the moment. It's difficult to say".

Having become a Red Devils legend across his 13 years there, eventually returning to Merseyside for a solid stint back at Goodison Park, it is fair to say that Rooney conquered football with the records he broke and silverware attained.

After all, the growing praise from former teammate Gary Neville says it all:

"Wayne Rooney was the best centre-forward I ever played with at Manchester United. I do not hesitate to say that because he had everything. He could defend; he could press; he could fight; he could score; he could assist.

“He was a massive player for the club. It shouldn't be underestimated, the impact Wayne Rooney had on that team that won four or five Premier League titles in a very short period of time. The greatest period in United's history was when Wayne Rooney was a centre-forward in the team.

“Wayne Rooney is one of the greatest English football players that's played in the last 150 years of football. Simple as that.”

Postecoglou will hope that Hall can enjoy half as successful a career as Rooney did, given the shared assets he boasts with the versatile marksman, and develop into someone capable of spearheading his own revolution that brings a similar level of title success to north London.