Manchester United star Patrick Dorgu has accused “clever” Cristiano Ronaldo of diving to win a penalty during Denmark’s clash with Portugal.
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Youngster in Nations League actionConceded spot-kick in quarter-final tieFeels CR7 went to ground very easilyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Danes held a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounter with CR7 and Co. Portugal were always going to be looking for a fast start in Lisbon, and were given an early opportunity to restore aggregate parity from the spot.
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Dorgu was accused of pulling Ronaldo to the ground, presenting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a golden opportunity to convert from 12 yards. The all-time great surprisingly fluffed his lines, as he rolled a tame effort into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel, but did eventually get on the scoresheet in a thrilling contest that Portugal won 5-2 after extra-time.
WHAT PATRICK DORGU SAID
Promising wing-back Dorgu, who moved to Old Trafford in the winter transfer window, believes that Ronaldo played the match officials in earning his penalty. The 20-year-old told : “Cristiano Ronaldo is clever. He knows how to win a penalty.
“I don't feel like I grabbed him too hard and I think there was more contact in other situations in the game. I just put my hand on his arm and he threw himself to the ground. It was a good play from him.
“Of course it bothers me a little bit. But we played for 90 minutes and I think I gave a good response. I'm not going to let a penalty affect me so early in the game. I have to be more careful and learn from it.”
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo has now reached 136 international goals, and will be off to the Nations League finals in June, while Dorgu is heading back to England as United attempt to end what has been a hugely frustrating 2024-25 campaign on a positive note.
Após dois dias de ausência, o atacante Jô voltou a treinar com o elenco alvinegro na tarde desta quinta-feira (10), no CT Joaquim Grava. OCorinthians realizou o penúltimo treino preparatório para o duelo de sábado contra a Ponte Preta, às 18h30, na Neo Química Arena, válido pela décima primeira rodada do Paulistão.
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> GALERIA – Veja o retrospecto do Timão no Paulistão desde o novo formato
Na terça-feira (8), o camisa 77 havia sentido uma indisposição estomacal que o deixou de fora das últimas duas baterias de treino. Felizmente, o atleta se recuperou e participou normalmente das atividades.
Quem está próximo de retornar é Roni.O meio-campista iniciou a transição com a preparação física após se recuperar de dores no músculo posterior da coxa direita, mas não deve ganhar minutos diante da Ponte.
Após o aquecimento eum trabalho de rondo, o técnico Vítor Pereira organizou uma atividade tática de movimentação dos atletas por setor. Por fim, preparou um treino de enfrentamento em campo reduzido.
> TABELA – Confira e simule os próximos jogos do Corinthians no Paulistão
Alguns atletas permaneceram no gramado para complementos de finalização com o suporte dos assistentes técnicos do clube. Como a imprensa não teve acesso ao treino, não foi possível determinar quais jogadores fizeram a última atividade.
Assim como nos últimas três dias, o zagueiro Robert Renan, convocado durante a tarde para jogos-treino com a Seleção Brasileira Sub-19 participou do treino do Timão nesta quinta-feira.
Na sexta-feira (11), no período da tarde, o Corinthians realiza o último treino no CT Joaquim Grava para a partida diante da Ponte.
Australia’s Under-19 squad only came together shortly before flying to the Caribbean, and despite a heavy defeat in their warm-up match against India, the confidence of captain Cooper Connolly has not been dented.Connolly is embarking on his second Under-19 World Cup, having played as a 16-year-old in South Africa two years ago. Just weeks after that tournament finished, the pandemic swept the world and, from a cricket point of view, age-group competitions were severely hit – Australia have not had any Under-19 fixtures since then. Ongoing border restrictions meant plans to have the squad all in one place before the tournament did not happen either.Related
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However, that hasn’t stopped Connolly from trying to establish himself among the most highly regarded young players in the country; he has found a place in the Perth Scorchers squad too. And although Australia were heavily beaten by India, Connolly stood out with 117 off 125 balls.”Yesterday was a reality check for us against one of the stronger sides and maybe the favourite,” he said. “But I feel like we are in good shape for the first game.”Two years ago, he played twice and ended on a good note with 64 off 53 balls against West Indies, the hosts of the 2022 edition and Australia’s first opponents. Connolly is taking his experiences of that event, which was captained by Mackenzie Harvey, into this tournament and hoping to lead from the front.”From that one I can take [the lesson of] not stressing out too much about playing and just trying to be myself in the nets,” he said. “I was getting really stressed out and agitated but I feel from that World Cup, from Macca [Harvey], I can take his coolness and his ability to win games by his captaincy.”Back then I was a little, small 16-year-old that everyone didn’t really know, and since then [with] my mindset and power I feel like I’ve developed a lot over the last couple years working with Clint Heron my batting coach just to improve every area.”From the last World Cup [my aim] was to just make this, I just looked forward to the opportunity I might get to play in two, then to get the captaincy and that’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of myself, mum and dad back home are really proud, I’m just ready to go and lead my country.”Meeting your new team-mates just before you fly to a global tournament is a strange experience, but Connolly believes the squad has been coming together. “Obviously it’s pretty tough, we don’t know what each other is like, but feel like over the past week we’ve grown and go to know each other,” he said.Connolly picked out Australia’s strengths as their batting and spin bowling, the latter including ambidextrous Nivethan Radhakrishnan, but also backed the quicks to make early inroads.
The 22-year-old striker arrives as the latest addition to the Union's attack ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign
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Union announce club-record signing Damiani from NacionalStriker joins club for $3 millionBolsters new attack ahead of 2025 seasonGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
The Philadelphia Union have announced the club-record signing of forward Bruno Damiani from Uruguayan side Nacional for a fee of $3 million. The 22-year-old attacker has signed a four-year contract through 2028, with a club option for 2029.
He will join an attack that features Israeli international Tai Baribo and Danish Designated Player Mikael Uhre under the leadership of newly appointed manager Bradley Carnell, who was signed as their new head coach this offseason after the departure of Jim Curtin at the end of 2024.
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Damiani, 22, scored 14 goals and recorded 8 assists across 60 appearances split between boyhood side Nacional and fellow Uruguayan club Boston River, including one goal and one assist in the Copa Libertadores.
He earned his first international cap with Uruguay in May 2024, in an international friendly against Costa Rica.
"Bruno is the exact type of player that we have been looking to add to our striker unit," said Philadelphia sporting director Ernst Tanner.
"He is a tall, physical striker with a proven ability to dominate and be a danger in the final third. Along with his size and strength, he is a clinical finisher and is relentless on the attack. We look forward to getting him integrated quickly and seeing his impact on the pitch."
DID YOU KNOW?
Damiani claimed three consecutive Uruguayan Primera Division Player of the Month awards in August, September, and October 2024. In January 2025, he helped Nacional win the Supercopa Uruguaya, defeating league champions Penarol.
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Major League SoccerWHAT NEXT FOR THE UNION?
The club begin the 2025 MLS season on Saturday, Feb. 22 against Orlando City in an Eastern Conference clash.
Combat legend Francis Ngannou believes Cristiano Ronaldo can become an ace UFC fighter due to his "dedication and discipline".
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Ronaldo & Ngannnou share a close bondThe duo forged friendship during a fight in RiyadhMMA fighter backed Ronaldo to shine in UFCFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite turning 40, Ronaldo remains an elite athlete and his hunger for success has not diminished as he continues to deliver outstanding performances for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Ngannou believes that Ronaldo’s mentality, work ethic and commitment to excellence could have made him a formidable presence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship if he had chosen a different career path. Ngannou, who has competed at the highest level of combat sports, is known for his immense dedication and perseverance. According to him, these same traits are evident in Ronaldo’s approach to football, making the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a natural fit for professional fighting.
WHAT NGANNOU SAID
In an interview with Ngannou said: "[Ronaldo] loves combat sports. I think Cristiano is the kind of guy that maybe when he was younger you could have said doesn't have the attributes to be a player. But he's such a hard worker, disciplined and focused on what he wants. I think he has even the only attribute that you need to become a fighter. Dedication and discipline.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
The admiration between Ngannou and Ronaldo extends beyond mutual respect, as the two sports icons have formed a genuine friendship. Their first meeting took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2023, when they happened to be staying at the same hotel. Ngannou recalled how he was initially sceptical when a member of Ronaldo’s entourage informed him that the Portuguese superstar was a fan of his. Unsure if it was some sort of prank, Ngannou was surprised when Ronaldo personally invited him to his hotel room.
“[Ronaldo and I] do have a very good relationship," he said. "I went to Saudi for the first time two years ago and I had the opportunity to meet Cristiano, he was in the pool with his family and we were there for like 45 minutes just chatting next to the pool and stuff and it just felt very genuine. We looked like people that knew each other for a very long time but it was the very first time and it was one of those times you have to pinch yourself like: ‘This is Cristiano, right?’. ‘Yes, it’s really Cristiano’. From then we picked it up on DM’s from time to time on Instagram and then he asked for my number. “
Nottingham Forest made it two Premier League wins in a row after beating fellow East Midlands side Leicester City 3-1 at the King Power last night.
Goals from captain Ryan Yates and a double from the in-form Chris Wood secured a fourth win from nine league matches, preserving the Reds’ unbeaten away record so far this season.
The New Zealand international’s two goals take him to seven goals already this campaign, with the 32-year-old now second in the goalscoring charts behind just Erling Haaland.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s men now sit fifth in the league before the rest of the weekend’s fixtures, a remarkable feat – highlighting the excellent start in the first few months of 2024/25.
It’s a stark contrast from the last couple of years in England’s top-flight, looking like a tough side to break down, conceding just seven times with numerous players starring in the recent victory over former boss Steve Cooper’s side.
Forest’s star performers against Leicester
Midfielder Yates produced another superb display in the middle of the park, with his workmanlike style catching the eye once more – even adding a goal to his all-round display.
The 26-year-old featured for the entire 90 minutes, winning seven duels and winning two fouls as he helped see out the victory – starring in his leadership role.
Yates’ defensive display was impressive yet again, making an interception, three recoveries and five clearances as he appears to be relishing the challenge of taking his personal game to the next level after often being the supporters’ scapegoat.
Wood, meanwhile, has been a revelation since Nuno’s appointment, scoring 17 times since the end of December – making him the second-highest Premier League goalscorer in Forest’s history.
At the time of his £15m signing, it was laughed at and often dubbed a waste of money, but now the rest of the division will be jealous of the addition, with Wood’s goals equating to 60% of the club’s league strikes since the start of the campaign.
It was undoubtedly a phenomenal night’s work for Nuno’s side – registering yet another victory – but not every Reds’ player managed to impress, with one first-team member failing to make an impact.
The Forest player who was disappointing against Leicester
Despite the three goals away from home, it could’ve quite easily been a lot more given the opportunities that arose in and around Leicester’s 18-yard box.
Winger Anthony Elanga had an evening to forget in the East Midlands, producing some woeful figures and subsequently being replaced way before the full-time whistle.
The Swede featured for 76 minutes before being replaced by Portuguese star Jota Silva for the remainder of the encounter, with Elanga looking well off the pace throughout.
Minutes played
76
Touches
33
Passes completed
8/12 (67%)
Crosses completed
0/12
Duels won
3/6 (50%)
Possession lost
20x
Shots taken
1
The 22-year-old only managed 33 touches, whilst attempting 12 crosses but failing to find a teammate on any occasion – looking wasteful when handed the opportunity with the ball at his feet.
He also lost possession 20 times – the most of any player for either side – further highlighting his wasteful nature on the ball, with his withdrawal unsurprising when looking at his stats from the win.
All in all, it was a fantastic performance from Nuno’s side, further pushing them up the Premier League table and building a greater gap to the relegation zone, which is undoubtedly the main aim for the rest of the season.
The Reds host West Ham United at the City Ground next Saturday looking to make it three wins in a row, with Elanga certainly fearing for his starting role after his display last night.
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He has been long-linked with a move to the Premier League.
Let’s face it, international breaks aren’t great for anybody. Players go away, they often get injured and it ruins any momentum your club may have picked up. For Arsenal, they will certainly hold a negative viewpoint at the moment.
Martin Odegaard was injured during September’s break and hasn’t been since after sustaining significant damage to his ankle ligaments. A return is pencilled in for November or December at the moment.
Things went from bad to worse during the current pause for club football when Bukayo Saka limped from the field against Greece last week.
The England hero picked up a hamstring injury and had to be withdrawn. Fortunately, England have been cautious with him and rather than risking the winger’s fitness against Finland, he was sent back to Arsenal.
So, for Saka and for other Arsenal stars, it has been an international break of mixed success.
Arsenal during the October international break
While Saka hobbled from the pitch last Thursday, his national team and club colleague Declan Rice wasn’t enjoying the best of nights in England colours.
The Three Lions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to the Greeks and Rice was a victim of Lee Carsley’s brave tactics.
The interim boss made an incredibly attacking selection that saw Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Saka all play from the start. It did not work and it did Rice no favours who was left with oceans of space in front of him for the visitors to attack.
Whether you think he can play as a number 6 or not – the deepest midfield spot in the team – most players would have struggled with the sheer lack of cover that Carsley’s tactics provided him.
Minutes played
90
Touches
76
Passes completed
63/65 (97%)
Duels won
3/7
Possession lost
4x
Fouls committed
2
Key passes
0
Still, the former West Ham man was back in form in a more advanced role against Finland on Sunday evening.
Partnered with Angel Gomes who was making just his second start for the Three Lions, Rice had a great time in the middle of the park and even scored late on, firing home from an Ollie Watkins cross.
There was also success for Belgium’s Leandro Trossard who scored twice against Italy last week for Belgium, subsequently getting the better of summer arrival Riccardo Calafiori.
That said, things weren’t too rosy for one of the best defenders in the world; William Saliba.
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1 ByBarney Lane Oct 11, 2024 William Saliba's time with France
So often Arsenal’s saviour, Mikel Arteta’s go-to man, the Emirates Stadium have grown accustomed to some incredible displays from Saliba since he broke into the team.
Reports suggest a move to Real Madrid could be on the cards in the forthcoming years and it’s hardly a surprise. No player kept was part of more clean sheets in the Premier League last term than the Frenchman, who registered 18.
Saliba also starred for the French at Euro 2024, subsequently handed a place in Football FanCast’s Team of the Tournament. Yet, his displays for Les Bleus since have not lived up to expectations.
Only a few days ago the centre-back was handed a 5/10 rating by Get Football News France having been ‘caught out for Israel’s first-half equaliser’.
Well, it got no better for the Arsenal defender in France’s 2-1 win over Belgium on Monday evening as Saliba gave away an incredibly clumsy penalty (footage below).
As a result, he was handed an ever worse rating by Get Football News France on this occasion who deemed his awful performance worthy of a 3/10.
They wrote: ‘A catastrophic first half from the Arsenal centre-back. Penalised for taking out Openda in his penalty box, he didn’t learn from his mistakes in playing the Leipzig centre-forward onside for his equalizing goal. Still shaky in the second half.’
From a statistical point of view it wasn’t great either as Saliba – so often strong in the duel – only won one of his four defensive battles and failed to win a tackle or make a single interception. It’s hardly a surprise, therefore, that another scathing 3/10 review came from French publication L’Equipe.
It was a rare off night for the French sensation but Arsenal fans can be happy it didn’t happen in the famous red and white. Still, he will need to improve if the Gunners are to win the Premier League title.
Ratings via L'Equipe.
The 23-year-old is an imperative part of that challenge and they cannot afford performances like the one he delivered in Belgium on Monday.
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Mikel Arteta could turn this talent into a “sensation”.
A £40 million striker has now been described as “most likely” to join one of West Ham United or Crystal Palace in 2025, despite links to other elite Premier League sides, as Tim Steidten considers replacements for Danny Ings and Michail Antonio.
Ings rescues West Ham with 95th minute equaliser against Fulham
Manager Julen Lopetegui was minutes away from tasting his third defeat in four league games, and the Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline after Raul Jimenez’s opening goal for Fulham just past the 20-minute mark.
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West Ham were often outplayed on a tough afternoon at Craven Cottage, and Marco Silva was adamant the home side also should’ve been awarded a penalty, following Max Kilman’s collision with Adama Traore.
The Irons did force Fulham to defend admirably in the second half, though, and they eventually found a last-gasp breakthrough. Silva’s men failed to deal with a 95th minute Jarrod Bowen cut-back, which fell to substitute Ings, who squeezed a clinical, low finish past goalkeeper Bernd Leno at the near post to salvage a dramatic draw.
“The belief and the effort was good, but it was a tough match today, and we could have done certain things better,” said Lopetegui after West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
“I know playing Fulham at their home ground is always hard, and they were good today. But at the same time, we can do better, and we will work on a lot of things ahead of the next game.
“The second goal in a match is so important so often, because it can kill or close a game. I think we had spells in the first half, but they were better despite not having too many clear-cut chances. But it’s true that in the second half we were better, and the changes we made balanced things.
“We pushed forward and the players kept fighting and believing, and thankfully we got the goal we wanted when it mattered.”
Ings was heavily linked with a West Ham exit all summer, but it was the Englishman who ultimately spared their blushes in west London on Saturday. The 32-year-old is out of contract next summer though, as is Michail Antonio, with an update coming to light on the pair and a potential new striker next year.
Omar Marmoush "most likely" to join West Ham or Crystal Palace
It is believed Ings and Antonio remain firm contenders to leave West Ham in the next 12 months, with TEAMtalk suggesting that technical director Steidten and his recruitment team could look towards Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush.
The Egypt striker, who could cost around £40 million to sign in 2025, dreams of making a move to the Premier League after scoring 17 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last term.
Antonio vs Fullkrug vs Ings comparison (23/24)
Stats (per 90 mins)
Antonio
Fullkrug
Ings
Goals
0.31
0.40
0.11
Assists
0.09
0.25
0.00
Progressive Carries
2.37
0.76
1.38
Progressive Passes
1.29
2.28
1.85
Total Shots
1.56
2.34
2.18
Shots on Target
0.71
0.93
0.69
xG
0.29
0.48
0.28
Shot-Creating Actions
1.83
2.52
4.00
Aerials Won
1.88
3.49
0.62
Stats taken from FBref
Marmoush is “most likely” to join West Ham or Crystal Palace, as per TT, with the Hammers considering replacements for both Ings and Antonio. Eintracht boss Dino Toppmöller, speaking to the press earlier this year, described the 25-year-old as a striker who possesses a “tireless” work rate.
The African attacker has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, but it is Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner in the driving seat for his signature right now.
تحدث البرتغالي جوزيه بيسيرو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن التعادل مع بتروجيت بهدف لكل فريق، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري.
وقال بيسيرو، في المؤتمر الصحفي بعد المباراة : الزمالك لم يكن الأفضل في الشوط الأول، لكننا كنا الطرف الأفضل في الشوط الثاني، حيث صنع الفريقان العديد من الفرص، انتهت المباراة بالتعادل، لكنني أرى أننا كنا قادرين على تحقيق الفوز، ومع ذلك، أتقبل النتيجة في النهاية”.
وتابع: “قدمنا شوطًا قويًا في الشوط الثاني وخلقنا العديد من الفرص داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولو كان هناك تواجد أكبر للاعبينا داخل المنطقة، لتمكنا من تسجيل أكثر من هدف”.
وواصل: “أحتاج إلى تطوير مستوى اللاعبين والارتقاء بأدائهم. أنا أتولى قيادة الزمالك منذ يومين فقط، ولذلك سأحتاج إلى مراجعة المباراة مرة أخرى لاستخلاص الدروس”.
وأكمل: “جفالي يحتاج إلى بعض الوقت للتأقلم مع الأجواء، زيزو لم يكن في يومه، لكنه قدم كل ما لديه وحارب حتى النهاية، في مثل هذه المباريات، لا يمكنني استبدال النجوم حتى لو لم يكونوا في أفضل حالاتهم”.
واستكمل: “زيزو حارب منذ الدقيقة الأولى رغم شعوره بآلام عضلية، وبذل مجهودًا بدنيًا كبيرًا، من الطبيعي أن يهدر أي لاعب فرصًا أو يرتكب أخطاء، لكن المهم هو الالتزام والعمل الجماعي، جميع اللاعبين قدموا ما عليهم، حتى أولئك الذين لم يحالفهم التوفيق مثل زيزو”.
طالع.. ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد تعادل الزمالك مع بتروجيت وأردف: “في كرة القدم، من الطبيعي أن يتفاوت مستوى اللاعب من مباراة لأخرى، وتجديد العقود لا يؤثر على أداء زيزو”.
وواصل: “الزمالك لم يتأثر بالتفكير في مباراة القمة، وبالنسبة لحارس مرمى الزمالك أمام الأهلي,، ستعرفون يوم المباراة من سيكون حارس مرمى الزمالك. لدينا ثلاثة حراس مميزين، وكل منهم جاهز للمشاركة”.
واستطرد: “لا أريد الحديث عن مباراة الأهلي اليوم. جميع مباريات الزمالك مهمة، والفوز على الأهلي ليس كافيًا للتتويج بالدوري، أحتاج إلى الفوز في جميع المباريات، وأوجه التحية لفريق بتروجيت على أدائه الجيد، وسنعمل على تطوير مستوانا في الفترة المقبلة”.
It hasn't been the start to the Premier League season that fans of Tottenham Hotspur would have been hoping for over the summer.
Ange Postecoglou's side have played some brilliant football in their three games thus far, but a lack of clinical finishing has seen them draw away to Leicester City, win at home to Everton and then lose away to Newcastle United.
The Australian coach will need his attacking players to find their shooting boots ahead of this weekend's North London Derby, and while the team's defence was quite porous last season, there is undeniable quality there.
The main starters across the backline are some of the club's most valuable players, especially one of them who has seen his valuation soar in the last year or so.
Spurs' defensive stars
Okay, so the first thing to point out is that yes, Spurs did concede 61 times last season, and while that would suggest that their defence is subpar, most fans will tell you that's not the case.
Goals conceded by the 'big six' in 23/24
Place
Team
Goals Conceded
1
Arsenal
29
2
Manchester City
34
3
Liverpool
41
4
Manchester United
58
5
Chelsea
63
6
Tottenham Hotspur
61
All Stats via the Premier League
Instead, the North Londoners' tendency to concede is more down to the ultra-attacking style of football employed by Postecoglou and his determination to play a high-line as well, and while that's caused issues at the back, it has also made Tottenham one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the country.
So, let's look at the value of some of the club's primary defenders, starting with Pedro Porro, who, after joining the club for around £40m in January 2023, has established himself as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the league.
In his 57 matches for the club, he has already racked up eight goals and ten assists, equating to a seriously impressive average – for a fullback – of a goal involvement once every 3.16 games.
Moving onto the Lilywhites' starting centre-back pairing, while Radu Dragusin is a talented player, he's firmly behind Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Micky van de Ven for Tottenham
The former cost Daniel Levy and Co a cool £43m just last summer, and while he has suffered from a worrying number of injuries in his career, his rapid pace makes him an essential component to Postecoglou's ultra-aggressive style of play.
Romero, on the other hand, cost Spurs just a fraction less at £42m, and made the move from Serie A side Atalanta in August 2021. While the World Cup winner isn't quite as fast as his defensive partner, he is the team's leader at the back and is co-vice captain alongside James Maddison.
Moreover, with Lionel Messi describing the Córdoba-born titan as the "best defender in the world", it would be fair to say that he might just be the most crucial member of Tottenham's back four.
However, the last player in this group is currently worth considerably more than the club paid for any of his defensive teammates, and it's not even close.
Destiny Udogie's valuation in 2024
Yes, the final key member of Tottenham's talented back four is, of course, Destiny Udogie, who was signed from Serie A outfit Udinese by Antonio Conte's Spurs in the summer of 2022 for just £15m plus add-ons.
The Verona-born star then remained in his home country for another season on loan before joining the North Londoners just as Postecoglou was doing the same.
The Australian took a liking to the 21-year-old's fearless style of play and attacking attributes and, even though he was a relative unknown to most football fans in England at the time, opted to make him his first-choice left-back – and what a decision that was.
In all, Conte's "masterclass signing," as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, made 30 appearances last season. In those appearances, he scored two goals, provided three assists, and became Tottenham's first player ever to be nominated for the Premier League's Young Player of the Season Award.
Unsurprisingly, such a rapid development from an obscure name to one of the best full-backs in the league has seen his valuation soar. According to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth up to €83m, which converts to about £70m, or a 366% increase on the fee paid by the club two years ago.
Ultimately, Spurs are blessed with a seriously talented back four, and while they are all worth a considerable sum of money, the explosion in Udogie's value is a testament to his importance to the club.
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