GOAL break down a season's worth of transfers, which ones proves successful, and which ones missed the mark…
It was a season of change for many of the U.S. men's national team's most important players. With the Copa America looming, and the 2026 World Cup coming rapidly after that, this season was a big chance for players to take a swing in the transfer market.
Several of the team's top stars made massive moves, giving them the opportunity to further their careers at club level, while others on the outside looking in with the USMNT took big steps of their own in an attempt to battle their way into Gregg Berhalter's Copa America player pool. With the 2022 World Cup firmly in the rearview mirror, players had the freedom to take risks. Some worked out. Others? Not so much.
By and large, most of the USMNT's top stars did quite alright for themselves during the two most recent transfer windows. There were a few, though, that now find themselves at a major crossroads after whiffing on their big swing.
There's still time to fix those misses, and who knows how long this season's hits will keep hitting. Either way, we'll look back at this season as a massive one for the USMNT as several stars made career-altering decisions…
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Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
No doubt about this one; Christian Pulisic was one of the signings of the season not just for the USMNT, but for all of Europe.
The American became a Serie A superstar this season, emerging as one of Italian soccer's most dangerous forwards. He was AC Milan's second-leading goal contributor and looks ready to thrive for years to come after finally putting that Chelsea mess behind him.
Verdict? Hit
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Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest)
A nightmare, to say the least. Gio Reyna never got going at Nottingham Forest as he played just 230 minutes during his loan spell. His time at the City Ground couldn't end soon enough, as Reyna now heads back to Borussia Dortmund in no better position than where he started.
What comes next? To be determined, but it's safe to say that Reyna didn't advance his career at all during his short Premier League star.
Verdict? Miss
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Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
Yunus Musah wasn't always in Milan's starting XI, but the young midfielder got plenty of run. From big starts in the Champions League to important Serie A minutes, Musah saw enough of the field to make this first season a success.
The 21-yar-old still has plenty of developing to do, but he isn't in over his head at San Siro. He'll look to claim a starting spot going forward, but this was a good debut season for a player who is well on his way to the top.
Verdict? Hit
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Malik Tillman (PSV)
This season was a big test for Malik Tillman, and he passed with flying colors. He proved himself with Rangers last season, but a loan move to PSV from Bayern Munich was a step up, and Tillman thrived, contributing to a combined 20 goals in all competitions.
PSV were quick to make the move permanent, giving Tillman a second season to develop in the Eredivisie before a potential future move up the food chain.
The duo delivered two trophies in their first season together at Old Trafford, but things took a turn for the worse thereafter
When Jose Mourinho was appointed as Manchester United manager in May 2016, the club had just won the FA Cup, but still decided to swing the axe on Louis van Gaal. United had finished fifth, in a season in which the Premier League was wide open, and Leicester City ultimately took the crown in the unlikeliest sporting triumph in a generation.
Just three months later, United paid £89m to bring Paul Pogba back to the club from Juventus. Having left Old Trafford as a free agent four years earlier, Pogba returned as the most expensive footballer in the world, a prized asset stripped away from Juventus at the peak of his powers. He was back, he was world-class, and he was ready to run the midfield for the next decade.
Mourinho was instrumental in the deal; he had seemingly declared his interest in the Frenchman at his first press conference, when he claimed he wanted four players, and Pogba arrived alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the Portuguese’s bid to build a dynasty in the mould of Sir Alex Ferguson began.
Things, however, quickly unravelled as a power struggle between the two men came to define their time working together…
Getty ImagesUp-and-down return
Pogba has long been something of an enigma, but upon his arrival at United, he was seen as one of the best midfielders in the world, if not the very best. A swaggering presence at Juve, he was immediately installed as United’s chief orchestrator, dovetailing with Juan Mata in a midfield that often looked better on paper than in actuality.
Indeed, United finished sixth in the Premier League in 2016-17, though Pogba was instrumental as the Red Devils won both the Europa League and the League Cup, scoring in the final of the former against Ajax.
Mourinho had seemingly unlocked Pogba, who lauded his manager for “defending him” against critics in the press and claimed that he thoroughly deserved his “Special One” nickname.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesCracks start to show
In Pogba’s second season back – one in which United finished second in the league but failed to win a trophy – he picked up the first of what would become a series of niggling injuries.
Having played in their first four league games, and been involved in four goals, Pogba tore his thigh muscle. He missed seven games, and Mourinho was unhappy that the midfielder decided to jet to Miami to recover instead of staying in Manchester. Pogba revealed afterwards that upon seeing a photograph of Pogba in the United States, he sent it to his agent, Mino Raiola, questioning his decision.
Just four games after returning, Pogba was sent off against Arsenal, and was then twice substituted in three games, as United lost to Newcastle and Tottenham. He was also benched against Huddersfield Town.
Mourinho appeared to favour the more reserved, and less controversial Scott McTominay, and again benched Pogba in the Champions League last 16 against Sevilla. He was, however, called upon after Ander Herrera was injured early in the first half, and the manager praised his professionalism.
Getty ImagesMixed signals
United lost the 2018 FA Cup final, as Pogba missed a key chance to equalise against Chelsea. Nevertheless, he headed to the 2018 World Cup with France a runner-up in the Premier League, and he would once again show just why he was made the most expensive player in history during his time in Russia.
France won the tournament with a balletic Pogba jinking his way out of pressure, and lasering through balls to his attackers. A goal in the final against Croatia capped a remarkable turnaround in his form, and he headed back to United with a World Cup winner’s medal.
Mourinho, though, appeared to take a dig at the player’s ability to focus while at United. He claimed the tournament was Pogba’s “perfect habitat” because he was “completely isolated from the external world”. However, just four days into his own delayed pre-season, Pogba was made captain by Mourinho, a move that stemmed from an injury to Antonio Valencia.
He scored in the first game of the season, a win over Leicester, and claimed afterwards that he would always play well for managers who “trust” him. Mourinho batted away subsequent questions about the star’s future, insisting that there was “no issue”, while the club released a biting statement in which they said they were “incensed” by a report claiming Pogba wanted to move to Barcelona.
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All-out war
Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship hit a new low after a 1-1 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford in September 2018. United had already lost to both Brighton and Tottenham early in the campaign, and despite providing an assist against Wolves, Pogba questioned his manager's tactics.
“We are at home and we should play much better against Wolves. When we are at home we should attack, attack, attack. That’s Old Trafford. We are here to attack,” he said.
In a bitter response, and despite publicly claiming there had been no argument between the pair, Mourinho told Pogba he would never captain the club again. Days later, Pogba was left out of the squad as United lost to Derby County on penalties in the League Cup. The midfielder uploaded a selfie to Instagram during the game, and Mourinho felt that Pogba was mocking United’s defeat with the post; the player claims he tried to upload the picture during the match but was unable to do so because of Old Trafford’s poor Wi-Fi.
cameras subsequently picked up a tense conversation between the pair at United’s training ground 24 hours later, as Mourinho seemingly confronted Pogba, but the midfielder appeared to plead his innocence.
Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers has been the top priority for Aston Villa and their manager Unai Emery this month, and while the player himself has expressed excitement at the idea of making the move, it's descended into something of a saga.
Morgan Rogers in action against Aston Villa.
On Monday, it emerged that Villa had been unsuccessful with a third offer for the winger as Boro held firm in their asking price. Michael Carrick's side communicated their demands at the outset and have simply been waiting for the Premier League club to meet them. Rogers had told the club he wanted the transfer, but there was still "work to do", more than a week on from the previous bid. At long last, though, it appears a decisive breakthrough has been made.
Villa finally reach Rogers agreement
Now, according to journalist Keith Downie at Sky Sports, Villa have agreed a fee to sign Rogers from Middlesbrough. It will be a package worth up to £16m when add-ons are included, making him the second-most expensive Premier League addition of the month behind Spurs' Radu Dragusin (£27m).
Boro will regard this as "very good business", especially given that they only paid £1m to sign him last summer, but the main emotion for Villa will be relief. Rogers is now due to undergo a medical "in [the] next 24 hours" with a view to completing the transfer before Thursday's deadline.
Villa complete perfect window but concerns linger
Assuming all goes to plan from here, Emery will be delighted with what Villa have done this month, because they've addressed both of the positions where he felt the squad was light. The manager wanted another right-back to compete with Matty Cash, and Red Star Belgrade's Kosta Nedeljkovic will be able to do that when he arrives in the summer.
The late transfer Aston Villa could seal to replace Jacob Ramsey
Unai Emery is eyeing up a move for a new attacker before the deadline.
ByTom Lever Jan 30, 2024
He was also after another body on the flanks after walking away from a summer move for Jack Harrison, and Rogers will fit that bill while also offering him an additional central option too. The only concern for Villa is that they've now committed to another considerable outlay when they were already coming under increasing pressure to balance the books.
Aston Villa transfers
Fee
Moussa Diaby
£47m
Pau Torres
£28m
Kosta Nedeljkovic
£6.4m
Nicolo Zaniolo
Loan
Clement Lenglet
Loan
Youri Tielemans
Free
Villa will need to sell players before the end of June to comply with the league's Profit and Sustainability Rules, and that could see them lose Jacob Ramsey, although Emery regards an exit for Jhon Duran as preferable. We'll see whether the signing of Rogers prompts any late departures, or whether Villa wait until the summer to address the issue.
Both have been handed the Order of Australia, Thomas for services to cricket and to the Indigenous community and Whitney for services to cricket and the broadcast media
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2019
Faith Thomas•Getty Images and Cricket Australia
Faith Thomas , the former fast bowler who was the first Indigenous Australian to represent the county in any sport, and former left-arm quick Mike Whitney have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list.Both have been handed the Order of Australia, Thomas for services to cricket and to the Indigenous community and Whitney for services to cricket and the broadcast media.Thomas (nee Coulthard) played one Test for Australia, against England, in 1958 and played for South Australia from 1956 to 1958. She was renowned for a rapid yorker.”I used to like bowling yorkers,” she told the in 2016. “The first place I played [representative cricket] was at the Gabba and it was the English captain Mary Duggan facing. I put the stump over the wicketkeeper’s head!”Away from cricket she worked as a nurse and midwife across South Australia.Whitney, who played 12 Tests and 38 ODIs from 1981 to 1993, moved from playing into a successful career in entertainment television.His Test debut came in the 1981 Ashes Test at Old Trafford during another match made famous by Ian Botham’s heroics. The standout bowling performance of his career was an 11-wicket match haul against India at Perth in 1991-92 although, due to holding a first-class batting average of just 5.60, he is almost as frequently recalled for saving a Test against New Zealand with the bat in 1987 in a final-wicket stand with Craig McDermott.
Appointed just before Christmas following the sacking of Tony Mowbray, Sunderland manager Michael Beale would have hoped for the chance to put his imprint on the squad in the January transfer window. With less than two weeks to go until the 1st February deadline, there hasn't been any incoming activity at the Stadium of Light, but the club are working to change that.
There were rumours that Sunderland were showing interest in Notts County forward Macaulay Langstaff, valued at £1.5m by the League Two club. The Black Cats were said to be part of an extensive transfer battle that also featured the likes of Birmingham City, Derby County, Peterborough United, Wrexham and Scottish side Hearts, and now reliable journalist James Copley has had his say on the story.
Langstaff interest is real
Writing on Twitter, Copley confirmed that Sunderland are interested in Langstaff, describing the rumours as "genuine". In an attached article for the Sunderland Echo, he mentions Derby and Peterborough as suitors, while also noting that north-east rivals Middlesbrough as being in the picture too.
Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
He adds that Langstaff's former club Gateshead are entitled to a 10% sell-on fee if he leaves Notts County, which could mean that his current club drives an even harder bargain in any negotiations.
"Incredible" Langstaff can solve Jack Clarke problem
Even though he was playing outside the top four tiers last season, Langstaff won national attention thanks to his goalscoring exploits. Dubbed the "Non-League Haaland", he broke the National League goalscoring record with 41 in 45 games – a feat that former Manchester United coach Paul McGuinness called "incredible".
Those goals helped Notts County achieve promotion and Langstaff, who's also been called a "master marksman" by TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, has continued his devastating form at a higher level. With 20 goals in 27 League Two appearances so far – only two of them penalties – he's top of the scoring charts for the entire English Football League.
1
Macaulay Langstaff
Notts County
League Two
20
2
Sammie Szmodics
Blackburn
Championship
16
=
Devante Cole
Barnsley
League One
16
=
Jake Young
Swindon
League Two
16
=
Alfie May
Charlton
League One
16
6
Matt Smith
Salford
League Two
15
=
Will Evans
Newport
League Two
15
The Championship would of course represent a significant step up in quality, and Langstaff may need time to adjust, but Sunderland should be encouraged by his seamless transition to the EFL this season. Beale has a clear need for more firepower in order to address his side's overreliance on Jack Clarke – the former Spurs man has bagged 13 goals from the flanks this season – with nobody else in the squad netting more than four (Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham are currently tied on that figure).
That imbalance has to be a worry for a side that will have aspirations of making the play-offs (they're only below sixth-place Coventry on goal difference prior to their clash with Hull), but a move for Langstaff could help to address it. Based on the numbers he's put up this season, it's hard to argue that he isn't worth £1.5m, either.
Manchester United are keen to wrap up some deals in January to reinforce their squad, and it looks like Jadon Sancho may finally leave to make room for new faces, as Fabrizio Romano shares details on his exit talks.
United's new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United are set to embark on a new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company and there is an excitement at Old Trafford regarding the potential shift in dynamics at the club concerning the football operation's department.
According to The Indpendent, Ratcliffe is keen to make Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise one of his first signings at the Premier League giants; however, he would most likely be a summer pursuit for the Red Devils as the Eagles have ruled out a mid-season departure for the France Under-21 international.
Man Utd's rumoured centre-back targets for January
Latest update
David Alaba
18th December
Fikayo Tomori
16th December
Ronald Araujo
11th December
Jean-Clair Todibo
3rd January
Marc Guehi
9th December
Leny Yoro
1st January
Despite signing a new contract at Selhurst Park last year, Olise has a release clause inserted into his agreement that would kick into action at the end of this campaign, which is understood to be significantly more than his previous £35 million breakout stipulation.
According to The Athletic, Serhou Guirassy, Eric Choupo-Moting, Thomas Muller and Timo Werner comprise a four-man striker shortlist at Old Trafford, with Erik Ten Hag keen to add some extra firepower to his attack.
Nonetheless, financial muscle isn't something that the Red Devils have alot of this window as they seek to find suitable cover for Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial. On the flip side, Manchester United could now get one first-team man off the books after interest in his services has emerged, according to Romano.
Jadon Sancho set to leave Manchester United
According to Romano, Manchester United winger Sancho is now in talks over a potential return on loan to Borussia Dortmund, as the world-renowned journalist explained on social media platform X:
The England international has been frozen out at Old Trafford ever since his public spat with Ten Hag back in early September, where he claimed that he had been made "a scapegoat for a long time" following criticism from the Dutchman over his performances in training.
Jadon Sancho
In his time at the Red Devils, the 23-year-old, who has previously been labelled "very strong" by Michael Zorc, has failed to set the heather alight, registering 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances across all competitions (Sancho statistics – Transfermarkt).
Five similar players to Jadon Sancho (FBRef)
Player
Club
Jack Grealish
Manchester City
Chris Fuhrich
Stuttgart
Florian Wirtz
Borussia Dortmund
Takefusa Kubo
Real Sociedad
Kingsley Coman
Bayern Munich
Changing scenery would undoubtedly be a wise move by Sancho as he looks to leave a toxic last few months behind him and a clean break between the London-born man and Manchester United may eventually be the best solution for both parties.
West Ham United know that the January transfer window has entered its final stages but David Moyes will be content with his side's window, albeit eager to finish with a flourish before Thursday's deadline.
Last week, the Hammers wrapped up the loan signing of Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips to fortify the midfield; the England international might have languished on the periphery with the champions but he is a Premier League-proven star and could make a marked impact in east London over the next few months.
There is still a sense that last season's Europa Conference League winners are lacking in depth and recent injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have compounded a slow start to 2024, having laboured to a succession of draws in the Premier League and fallen in the FA Cup to Championship team Bristol City.
To welcome another player to the fold won't be straightforward, however, and West Ham might need to cash in on Pablo Fornals – who is linked with a move to Real Betis, to complete a successful finish to the window.
West Ham eyeing big finish to the transfer window
According to the Sun, Serie A side Lazio have recently submitted a £15m offer to sign Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, with West Ham already failing with an approach this month.
Sunderland are adamant that Clarke is not for sale this month and have stated that the 23-year-old will only be allowed to leave if their €30m (£26m) valuation is met – with this figure applicable for a summer sale.
Jack Clarke
The Black Cats also stress that they will retain his services if they get promoted, but the Hammers have the funds and the allure of European football to return with a final winter offer in the hope of a deal.
Jack Clarke's style of play
Clarke boasts many qualities that fall within the ambit of a thriving winger at the highest level, with blistering pace, savvy decision-making, effective dribbling skills and a two-footedness that facilitates a successful role on either attacking flank.
Tottenham Hotspur signed an 18-year-old Clarke from Leeds United back in 2019 for an initial fee of £8.5m, though he failed to break into the Lilywhites first-team and an itinerant few years completing several loan spells culminated in a permanent move to the Stadium of Light in 2022 after impressing during a loan stint.
West Ham pushing to sign "electric" Kudus clone in late move
David Moyes could yet secure another signing for his side this month.
ByAngus Sinclair Jan 28, 2024
Having now completed 101 appearances for Sunderland, posting 25 goals and 21 assists, the York-born star has harnessed the innate talent that Tottenham recognised from his maiden days at Elland Road and has been integral in his side's push for promotion to the Premier League over the past few years.
Last season, Clarke scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists across 50 fixtures in all competitions and was praised for his "effortless" ball-carrying faculty by pundit Noel Whelan, driving the play into promising areas himself and unleashing strikes and set-ups to wither his antagonists on the pitch.
Dribbling
Offside awareness
Key passes
Tackling
Distribution
Defensive contribution
As per FBref, Clarke ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar to the Championship for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 5% for successful take-ons, the top 15% for tackles and the top 20% for interceptions per 90.
His goalscoring record is impressive but presents an iceberg-like representation of the quality that Clarke would bring to the Irons table, described as "pure class" by writer Philip West.
This year, as per Sofascore, Clarke has refined his attacking instincts and showcased a cutting edge that speaks of a Premier League career coated in praise, clinching 13 goals and three assists from 29 matches thus far, also averaging 2.4 key passes, 4.5 ball recoveries, 3.8 successful dribbles and 8.3 successful duels per outing.
While Clarke is not enjoying quite the creative influence in the direct assist charts this term, he remains a fierce playmaking force and could be the perfect addition to boost the West Ham attack this month.
Given that a centre-forward acquisition looks unlikely at the London Stadium over these coming days, Bowen will likely continue to play a part as the central focal point over the coming months, with Mohammed Kudus wonderful on the right wing.
With Clarke on the left, Moyes could finally create the cohesive snap to ensure his side wade deep into the Europa League and have the firepower to push for European qualification in the league, currently sixth after 21 matches.
Imagine Jack Clarke & Jarrod Bowen
Bowen has been one of West Ham's most exciting offensive players since signing from Hully City for a £22m fee in January 2020, bagging 54 goals and 36 assists across his four years in east London.
Principally fielded down the right channel, the left-footed ace is prolific and influential and also ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 20% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for interceptions, the top 2% for blocks and the top 16% for tackles per 90 to emphasise his application and defensive work rate – something Clarke emulates in his style.
The £120k-per-week winger has often been playing as a sort of dynamic centre-forward this season with the ageing Michail Antonio injured and Danny Ings ineffectual, clinching six strikes and four assists from 14 matches in the position.
jota-jarrod-bowen-west-ham
With both mentioned players flourishing through direct and creative skills, Moyes could indeed land the perfect partner to supercharge Bowen and ensure that he maintains his exemplary goalscoring form over the coming months.
Likewise, his inventive touch up front would allow a breakneck force in Clarke to surge into the danger area with the assurance that his motions will be met by impactful passes with constancy.
Whether West Ham succeed in a bid for Clarke this month remains to be seen but there is little question that the Black Cat is on the up and would offer the varied skill set to merge with Bowen and conjure up some fantastic form to continue the Hammers' remarkable rise over the past several years.
Na manhã desta quarta-feira (24), o treinador do Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira, que está de férias em Portugal desde o dia 12 de março, concedeu entrevista ao NOSSO PALESTRA/LANCE!, em conjunto com veículos jornalísticos portugueses. Diretamente de Braga, ele comentou um pouco sobre o planejamento e as perspectivas do time para esse início de temporada.
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De início, Abel confessou que, devido à exaustão da última temporada, a preparação para o Paulistão está sendo feita de maneira diferente das demais competições, tanto em aspectos físicos, quanto psicológicos. Apesar disso, comprometeu-se com o fato de que o clube vai brigar muito para ser campeão mais uma vez.
– Nós baixamos as expectativas do Paulista, mas não significa que não vamos lutar pela conquista. Dividimos as férias para jogadores, treinadores, dirigentes, etc. Num contexto de tanta densidade competitiva, a pausa é fundamental para desligar e recarregar as energias. O Palmeiras é o maior clube do Brasil. O segredo do sucesso é simples, disciplina, ambição e consistência. São esses valores que tento passar para a equipe. Em todas as competições que entramos, queremos vencer. Prometo dar o meu melhor para lutar por isso – garantiu o técnico do Alviverde.
Questionado sobre a preocupante situação da pandemia no Brasil, o comandante português refez o alerta de que o trabalho para vencer o vírus precisa ser coletivo e destacou uma reflexão necessária a respeito do deslocamento dos jogos para outros estados no país.
– Eu não tenho o conhecimento das entidades, mas, para mim, morrer uma pessoa ou 3 mil é igual. A Covid é um grande exemplo de que todos precisamos uns dos outros. Só posso dar a minha opinião, acho que, se um estado fecha, outro abre, e o jogo é marcado de um dia para o outro, as pessoas têm de refletir. Tudo o que falo é para tentar melhorar o futebol. Temos de olhar para aquilo que fazemos com olhar crítico. Quem lidera tem de ser um exemplo, o Presidente da República, o treinador, o Galiotte. Eu tenho que olhar para trás e tentar melhorar – finalizou.
Ainda sem data definida, Abel deve retornar ao Brasil na próxima semana para retomar a frente da preparação de início de temporada do Palmeiras. Buscando seu terceiro título com o Maior Campeão Nacional, o treinador dará prosseguimento à campanha no Paulistão, pretendendo seguir fazendo história com as cores alviverdes.
Former Ireland batsman Ed Joyce has been appointed the interim head coach of the country’s women’s team, replacing Aaron Hamilton, who was in charge of the side for more than four years.After retiring as a player in May 2018 following Ireland’s Test debut, Joyce assumed a new role overseeing leadership development and acting as a batting coach in the Ireland performance system.Hamilton’s exit comes after Ireland women lost all of their last eight T20Is, including four in the World T20 in the Caribbean last year. Joyce takes over the role just two months before the World T20 qualifying tournament in Scotland.”I’m excited by the talent and potential of this young squad – there were some extremely encouraging performances from several players during the West Indies series and this bodes well leading into potentially more important games later in the summer,” Joyce said.”It’s a great opportunity for me to further my journey in coaching, albeit on an interim basis until the end of the T20 World Cup qualifier. I have been coaching some of the top order batters on a 1-on-1 basis, as well as joining squad sessions in the lead-up to the West Indies series that just finished. On a personal note, I enjoyed working with Aaron during the last few months and wish him and his family well with the next step.”Joyce’s sisters Isobel and Cecelia were both a part of the Ireland squad at the World T20, but retired at the end of the disappointing campaign along with Clare Shillington and Ciara Metcalfe.
Jarrad Branthwaite's last-gasp, close-range header handed Everton a reprieve from the vertiginous problems painting their half of Merseyside a solemn shade of blue, but Tottenham Hotspur will be dismayed that they squandered the chance to clinch back-to-back victories in the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou's summer appointment has refuelled the fire in the north London club after a tough period, anointed to spark vision and verve back into an ambitious outfit that had trundled to an eighth-placed finish in 2022/23.
Ange Postecoglou.
In fairness, Spurs are just two points behind Aston Villa in the top four, having bolstered in January, seen key players filter back in from the medical room and put the skid before the festive period firmly behind them.
However, Postecoglou fashioned a blistering start to the season and while this highlighted the quality within the squad, it camouflaged the issues that will take more than a couple of months to do away with.
4/10 Spurs man who made fewer touches than Vicario was anonymous vs Everton
The Lilywhites suffered a setback in their bid to secure a top-four berth…
ByRobbie Walls Feb 3, 2024
The winter additions were a step toward plastering such cracks and aggressive Radu Dragusin and versatile Timo Werner have strengthened Spurs' accord, and while the latter has slotted right into the starting line-up, he was unable to produce a convincing performance against Sean Dyche's men.
Timo Werner's game vs Everton in numbers
Spurs took the lead on two occasions at Goodison Park courtesy of Richarlison's red-hot goalscoring form – that's nine goals from eight matches in the Premier League now – but Werner was unable to complement the talisman effectively on Saturday afternoon.
Signed from RB Leipzig on a six-month loan (with a buy option inserted for around £15m), Werner, aged 27, placed assists across his first two league appearances for Tottenham but failed to impress against a Toffees backline braided with resilience and boosted by a cacophonous home support.
Timo Werner applauding Tottenham supporters.
Against Everton, as per Sofascore, Werner completed 86 minutes of action but took just 26 touches – only three more than Dejan Kulusevski, who replaced Brennan Johnson after the hour mark – and while he completed 80% of his 20 attempted passes, making one key pass, there wasn't enough on offer to convince Postecoglou that he is deserving of a regular starting berth.
Indeed, having won just one duel and failed to even attempt a dribble or take a shot, the former Chelsea forward flattered to deceive and few would bemoan Postecoglou if he were to relegate him to the bench next time out.
Ball retention
Finishing
Long shots
Aerial duels
Offside awareness
Source: WhoScored
Handing the German international a lowly 4/10 match rating, football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold penned his thoughts on an ineffectual effort: 'Caused Everton some problems with his runs down the left and had one effort saved before being flagged offside. He could have had more conviction in getting to a Johnson cross that was instead intercepted by Godfrey.'
While Werner struggled to perform, he wasn't the only player to miss the mark on Merseyside, with centre-midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur failing to spark any invention into the Spurs attack and consequently leaving Werner with little fuel from which to engineer openings.
Rodrigo Bentancur's performance vs Everton
Bentancur has started the past four Premier League matches for the Lilywhites after returning from injury problems that ruled him out of most of the first phase of the campaign, but it's probably fair to say he's been something of a mixed bag thus far.
Hooked shortly after 60 minutes for the industrious Oliver Skipp, Bentancur was nullified in the centre of the park and failed to make an impact, unable to place a single key pass and winning just three of his 12 contested duels.
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur applauding supporters.
While Gold provided Bentancur with a marginally better match score than Werner – giving him a 5/10 – he did note: 'Another very quiet display from the Uruguayan who seems to be still feeling his way back into regular Premier League football.'
It wasn't that the 27-year-old was objectively bad, he's just not maximising his myriad of midfield tools and is struggling to slot himself right back into prominent standing.
But then, of course, this will hardly fill Postecoglou with worry; the 6 foot 1 Bentancur spent the lion's share of 2023 on the sidelines and has been plunged back into the deep end over the past month and a bit.
Described as "technically immense" by broadcaster Adam Smith, Bentancur has enjoyed some moments since his comeback, scoring a well-taken goal to restore parity against Manchester United at Old Trafford several weeks ago, and kept it crisp with his passing.
Though he wasn't at the races against Everton and a case could be made that he was off the race in midweek against Brentford, substituted at half-time with the home side trailing.
There is, in what will be mellifluous words to Spurs supporters' ears, a solution, with Pape Matar Sarr replacing his South American counterpart against the Blues, having returned from the African Cup of Nations this week after Senegal's exit.
Sarr has started 16 times in the league this season, posting two goals and two assists, and is proving himself to be one of the division's hottest prospects; his return from AFCON is massive.
Spurs midfielder Pape Sarr celebrating against Bournemouth.
As per FBref, the 21-year-old ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 9% for assists, the top 18% for pass completion and the top 19% for progressive passes per 90.
Moreover, he's averaging five ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season and will bring the energy and tenacity needed to ensure that Tottenham take control of midfield battles over the coming months.
With Yves Bissouma's Mali knocked out of AFCON on Saturday, Postecoglou will soon boast an engine room in its full force and the burden on Bentancur's shoulders will be eased somewhat, allowing him to continue to build up fitness and rekindle his best form.
Tottenham dropped points against Everton and lost their short-lived hold on the top four. Still, there is much to be confident about going forward and there is every chance that a return to the continent's pinnacle competition will be achieved in May.