Left-arm combination a find for Australia

Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are starting to form a particularly useful bowling combination

Brydon Coverdale at the MCG28-Dec-2009While families all around Australia continue to enjoy their Christmas leftovers, the country’s cricket team is filling up on left-arm overs. For most of the past two decades, Australia have relied heavily on right-arm fast men but Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson, who combined for six wickets in the first innings at the MCG, are starting to form a particularly useful left-arm combination.Johnson is the leading Test wicket-taker in 2009 and, as Australia’s spearhead, he continues to tally up victims with speed and unpredictability. Bollinger is a new man in the Australian team but has rapidly bowled himself into a position from which the selectors will find it hard to drop him.Bollinger’s 13 wickets in two Tests against West Indies, and then 3 for 50 at the MCG, means he might not be the one to make way once Ben Hilfenhaus recovers from his knee problem. Today, he was again the catalyst for a run of wickets after the nightwatchman Mohammad Aamer, a promising left-armer himself, frustrated the Australians for more than two hours.When the new ball arrived, a well-rested, fired-up Bollinger found the outside edge from Aamer. Such was the pace and bounce that Marcus North at first slip did well to snare the chance in front of his face, which was a surprising result given the general deadness of the pitch had caused several edges to fall short of the cordon.All of a sudden Pakistan lost 4 for 17 including two more for Bollinger, as his angle across the right-handers drew edges that were taken behind the wicket. Having earlier had the dangerous Umar Akmal caught at slip, Johnson then finished the task by coming round the wicket and rattling the off stump of the No. 11 Saeed Ajmal.Before Johnson and Bollinger came together for the first time in Sydney last summer, Australia had not played two left-arm fast men in a Test for more than 20 years, since Bruce Reid and Chris Matthews joined forces in 1986-87. Other countries haven’t had the same predilection for right-armers and various combinations of Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra have worked well together for India, while Sri Lanka have regularly used Chaminda Vaas in concert with Nuwan Zoysa and Thilan Thushara.Part of the attraction towards Johnson and Bollinger lies in their contrast. Both men are very quick but that’s where the similarity ends. Bollinger is all aggression, loud and brash, and sprints in like he’s racing against Usain Bolt. He has control over his swing and enjoys reverse when the ball gets older, but equally loves to dig in short ones.Johnson is quiet and sensitive, ambles in off a short run-up and generates his pace with his slingy action. He too can swing the ball but just as often the seam is scrambled, angling across right-handers and in towards left-handers. His unpredictability is one of his biggest weapons, because occasionally he’ll unexpectedly curve a delivery in to a right-hander or bang in a nasty bouncer lethal enough to injure or dismiss.He has taken 60 wickets at 28.03 this calendar year and was named the ICC’s Cricketer of the Year, and is already the third-most successful Australian left-arm fast bowler in Test history. But then, with the exception of Alan Davidson, Bill Johnston and the injury-prone Bruce Reid, the team has rarely had a quality left-armer on a permanent basis. They might now have two for the foreseeable future.

'I hit Mark Taylor on the head'

Dean Headley spoke to Cricinfo about his Ashes memories from 1997

14-Jul-2005Dean Headley played in 15 Tests – including six matches against Australia -before injury cut short his career in 2001. He is now a director of a newspaper in Kent. Cricinfo spoke to him about his role in the 1997 Ashes series.

Dean Headley © Getty Images
Fourth Test – at HeadingleyMichael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have always taken the mickey out of me for being a blocker, but in that match I hit 22 and I actually played some shots. I played a couple of drives off McGrath through extra cover, I hit a few fours, but then eventually got caught out at gully – then we had a collapse. But I enjoyed batting that day.I was out lbw for 3 in the second innings, which was probably a fair call! I leave it up to the umpires and, of course, at the end of the day I’ve also got to bowl. If you protest, they might not give you some wickets later.Fifth Test – at Trent BridgeIn the fifth Test at Trent Bridge, I’ve never played cricket like that. If I’m having a bad day, I’m having a bad day, but against Australia I played six Tests and seemed to bowl well in them. It didn’t all go our way – at Headingley, I went for over 100 runs for two wickets and I got hit all over the place, but my whole philosophy has been to try and to keep going. I’m not the best technical bowler but I bowl in my own style and it seemed to work.

Pakistan might rest Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to manage workloads

Senior pair could be kept out of upcoming series against Afghanistan and New Zealand with an eye on the Asia Cup and World Cup

Umar Farooq11-Mar-2023Pakistan is pondering resting captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the T20I series against Afghanistan later this month, as well as the series against New Zealand that follows. ESPNcricinfo understands the workload management of top players was a major point of discussion in a recent selection committee meeting, as they look ahead to a World Cup year as well as an Asia Cup before it.Each player’s workload was assessed in terms of matches played over the last two years, with the trio of Babar, Rizwan and Haris Rauf highlighted. Since January 2021, Rizwan has played 150 matches across formats (international and domestic cricket) – the most after Rashid Khan’s 157 – while Babar has played 127 and Rauf 125.It was suggested in the meeting that Pakistan consider resting players from the upcoming three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah, as well as the five T20Is* against New Zealand that follow at home.Related

Babar, Rizwan, Afridi, Fakhar and Haris rested for T20Is against Afghanistan

Decision on Asia Cup venue postponed to March 2023

Misbah on PCB rehiring Arthur: 'Slap on Pakistan cricket'

PCB invites department teams to return to domestic cricket

With the next T20 World Cup more than a year away, the selection committee might look to bring in some newer faces for these series. Other than playing Afghanistan and New Zealand before the Asia Cup and the World Cup, Pakistan also play two away Tests in Sri Lanka in the middle of the year.However, the prospect of resting Babar will be a tricky one given that his all-format captaincy came under scrutiny during a difficult home season. While Shadab Khan is being looked at as a long-term vice-captain, the PCB is keen to explore other leadership options too, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, who ESPNcricinfo understands was consulted about the role.Afridi’s captaincy experience is limited to 22 T20s since he started leading Lahore Qalandars at the last PSL. In his very first season in charge, though, Afridi led Qalandars to the title, and has carried them into the playoffs this season too. He is also at the moment coming back from a knee injury that disrupted the last half-year, forcing him to miss the home series against England and New Zealand.The appointing of a captain doesn’t come under the selection committee in any case – that remains the board head’s prerogative.The captaincy question first came up in January, when the PCB had reviewed the national team’s structure after a disappointing home season in 2022-23. The new PCB management, headed by Najam Sethi, had then indicated their willingness to signal to players and coaches that they will “challenge the status quo if necessary”, and split the Pakistan captaincy across formats.And so these upcoming series are seen as a prime opportunity for the selection committee to install their suggested rotation policy. They are set to name the squad to face Afghanistan on Monday, and among the younger players to potentially feature are Saim Ayub, Ihsanullah, Usama Mir and Azam Khan. Imad Wasim, who last played for Pakistan in November 2021, is also in line for a call-up.*.

Gabriel Maduro? Após lições, Menino renasce no Palmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

De cortado do Mundial de Clubes pelo Palmeiras há um ano, Gabriel Menino voltou a ser titular no Palmeiras com a saída de Danilo. Para isso, ele precisou passar por um processo de ‘renascimento’ no clube, que, na verdade, foi de amadurecimento pessoal.

Em uma onda de altos e baixos, o atleta, que surgiu como grande estrela do Verdão, no início de 2020, antes mesmo da chegada de Abel Ferreira ao clube alviverde, foi desaparecendo, principalmente em 2021. Devido a alguns problemas de disciplina, ele precisou resgatar o seu início de carreira. Para isso, o treinador português foi fundamental, até mesmo quando fez doer na carne, o tirando da competição internacional que o Palestra foi vice-campeão.

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+Murilo e Rony se destacam, e Palmeiras vence clássico com grande performance coletiva

– Ao longo das nossas vidas, os nossos processos, os meus melhores momentos de aprendizagem são quando há dor, seja física ou mental, que somos obrigados a refletir. Tenho certeza absoluta que quando deixei o Gabriel Menino fora do Mundial de Clubes ele sofreu bastante, não tenho a mínima dúvida disso. Não foi uma dor física, mas foi psicológica, mental, e isso o ajudou a crescer, sem sombra de dúvidas – disse Abel em entrevista coletiva após a vitória por 3 a 0 do Palmeiras sobre o Santos, pelo Paulistão.

No jogo deste fim de semana, pela competição estadual, Gabriel Menino foi fundamental para evitar uma confusão entre Rony e Lucas Pires, no início do segundo tempo. O volante, que é cinco anos mais novo que o atacante, tirou o camisa 10 do princípio de briga com o adversário e desfazer o clima de tensão.

+ Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os próximos jogos da competição

– O momento de chegada de maturidade do jogador não chega ao mesmo tempo. Endrick foi muito rápido, Danilo demorou mais um bocadinho, Menino começa a se impor agora, Vanderlan teve quase dois anos para ser o segundo (lateral do elenco). No meu primeiro ano, nós tínhamos dois laterais-esquerdos, Matias Viña, depois Piquerez, e Jorge, e aos poucos (o Vanderlan) foi ganhando o seu lugar. Isso tudo a ver com o processo de crescimento, de altos e baixos, mas nós, enquanto clube, vamos ajudar. E essa maturidade vem muito do nosso crescimento como homens, e isso no caso dele (Gabriel Menino). Em um ano, você vai ficar mais maduro, experiente, aprender com os erros do passado. E estamos aqui para nos ajudar – pontuou Abel, citando outros atletas mais novos do elenco palmeirense.

+ Acompanhe o mercado da bola pelo vaivém do LANCE!

Em campo também foi necessário uma postura de maturidade da parte de Gabriel Menino, que voltou à sua posição de origem, na qual se destacou em seus primeiros jogos como profissional, incluindo a conquista do Paulistão, em 2020, ainda sob o comando de Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Com o tempo, o camisa 25 palmeirense transitou por outras funções, como terceiro homem de meio-campo, ala pela esquerda e até lateral, sendo convocado para a Seleção Brasileira exercendo a função.

E não só das lições de Abel Ferreira que tem passado essa ‘ressurreição’ da cria da Academia. Sem Danilo, o Palmeiras, em tese, ele teria que atuar como primeiro homem de meio-campo, mas, na prática, ele tem sido ajudado por Zé Rafael, então segundo volante, que tem subido cada vez menos.

Contratado no fim de 2018 para como meio-campista de armação, Zé chegou a ser utilizado até como meia-esquerda, mas se achou como segundo volante, Agora, ele tem o desafio de atuar ainda mais recuado, justamente para potencializar o companheiro mais novo. Para o camisa 8, a diferença de idade em relação ao Menino é ainda maior, de sete anos.

As boas atuações de Gabriel Menino, inclusive, têm auxiliado a direção palmeirense, que ganha um respiro para ir ao mercado em busca de uma reposição para saída de Danilo. Matheus Henrique, do Sassuolo, da Itália, e Jean Lucas, do Monaco, da França, são nomes que já chegaram a ser conversados, mas não houve evolução, até aqui. Gregore, do Inter Miami, dos Estados Unidos, chegou a ser ventilado, mas nunca passou disso.

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Brendan Rodgers to raid Liverpool?! Shock as Celtic join transfer race for Reds outcast – but winger wants to stay & fight for his place

Scottish champions Celtic have joined Fulham and Atalanta in the race to sign out-of-favour Liverpool star Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger has been linked with a move away from the Anfield this summer in order to get more game time. Celtic are monitoring the situation of Chiesa at the Reds and could place a loan bid for the Italy international.

Celtic join race to sign ChiesaAiming to secure a loan moveFulham and Atalanta are also in contentionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Celtic have emerged as the latest contender to secure a transfer for Liverpool winger Chiesa. Fulham were earlier keen on signing the Italian, while Atalanta want to bring back Chiesa to Serie A. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report adds that Fulham and Celtic had earlier sent scouts to watch Chiesa in action, while they monitored his situation at Anfield. The winger appeared in just six league matches in his debut campaign with the Reds, and he is unlikely to regularly feature in the starting lineup under Arne Slot in the 2025-26 campaign. While the Premier League champions see Chiesa as part of their long-term plan, they might consider sending him out on a loan move.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chiesa is also linked with a move to Real Betis as the Italian reportedly is inspired by Antony's success at the Spanish club in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign after his struggles at Manchester United. 

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After returning from their Asia tour, Arne Slot's side are now all set to host Athletic Club in back-to-back friendlies at Anfield on August 4.

Gaviões da Fiel avalia temporada do Corinthians em nota oficial; veja

MatériaMais Notícias

A maior organizada do Corinthians, Gaviões da Fiel, emitiu uma nota nas redes sociais analisando o desempenho da equipe nesta temporada, mas cobrando por algumas mudanças para o próximo ano.

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Quem é o maior favorito na Copa do Mundo? Veja votação feita na redação do LANCE!

Veja tabela da Copa do Mundo

A agremiação citou que mesmo com as ausências de títulos, o Timão conseguiu bater suas metas orçamentárias previstas para 2022. Nesta temporada, o Corinthians foi finalista da Copa do Brasil e terminou o Campeonato Brasileiro em quarto lugar.

A Gaviões também falou sobre a melhora de desempenho do elenco – que segundo a nota divulgada, passou a ser ‘mais competitivo’ e contou com ‘contratações pontuais’.

Entretanto, entre pontos a serem melhorados, foi pedido para um próximo ano um ‘planejamento consistente’ e a ‘a profissionalização do Departamento de Futebol’. Além disso, sobre o elenco, os trabalhos de Fausto Vera e Yuri Alberto foram elogiados.

Para a reformulação no próximo ano, a organizada sugeriu a contratação de três a cinco jogadores, que consigam ‘compor tanto o time titular quanto o banco de reservas’.

Veja a nota publicada pela Gaviões da Fiel analisando o ano do Corinthians:

Olhando para essa temporada do Corinthians, não foi um ano ruim. Embora a gente não tenha conquistado títulos, batemos as metas financeiras colocadas pela nossa diretoria no futebol. Nosso elenco, que vinha sendo pouco competitivo nos últimos tempos, retomou o protagonismo em algumas competições. Acertamos algumas contratações pontuais, enxugamos o elenco, negociando jogadores que não estão no nível de atuar em um clube do nosso tamanho.

Mas não somos planilheiros.

Entendemos que, se tivéssemos uma gestão profissional no Departamento de Futebol, poderíamos ter ido além. Se não tivéssemos insistido em projetos que não estavam dando certo no começo do ano por pura teimosia, se tivéssemos feito um planejamento decente, aproveitando a pré-temporada para pensar em um novo técnico, em contratações, para ganharmos ritmo de jogo, a história poderia ser diferente. Sem falar na quantidade de lesões que tivemos, que nos faz questionar o preparo físico dos jogadores. Tudo isso é reflexo de um Departamento de Futebol amador.

Nos pediram paciência e fomos pacientes.

Só que para 2023 a gente quer um planejamento consistente, a gente quer a profissionalização do nosso Departamento de Futebol. Exigimos que esse time não seja desmanchado, que a gente resista ao assédio a jogadores como Fausto Vera e Yuri Alberto, gratas surpresas que nos mostraram que é possível rejuvenescer o elenco com qualidade sem necessitar um investimento muito alto.

Queremos a contratação de peças faltantes no elenco, de três a cinco atletas que componham nosso time titular e também que nos sirva de banco para que a gente entre com força máxima no jogo e não fique capengando se precisar repor.

Queremos um técnico que entenda o que é o Corinthians, o tamanho do nosso time e a importância de um clássico para o nosso povo. Um técnico que não seja um bombeiro apagando incêndios pontuais, mas que tenha um projeto a longo prazo, com lastro, para essa e outras temporadas.

Em 2023, vamos seguir juntos, com nossas bandeiras de mastro, recuperando nossa festa na arquibancada que nos foi tirada, lutando pelo nosso direito de torcer. E apoiando o Corinthians em todos os momentos. Sem calar a nossa voz e a nossa força, pensando e agindo pelo melhor para o nosso amor maior.

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Palmeiras é derrotado pelo Atlético-MG, mas avança no Brasileirão sub-17

MatériaMais Notícias

O time sub-17 do Palmeiras foi derrotado por 3 a 2 pelo Atlético-MG, nesta quinta-feira, no SESC Alterosas, em Belo Horizonte-MG, mas garantiu vaga na semifinal do Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria. Isso porque, na primeira partida, a equipe alviverde venceu por 4 a 2, no Allianz Parque, e se classificou pelo placar agregado do confronto.

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> Veja a validade do contrato dos jogadores do elenco do Palmeiras

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

Os gols das Crias da Academia nesta tarde foram anotados por Estevão e Thalys. Enquanto os mineiros marcaram com Alisson Santana, Felipe Prado e Caio Maia, que fechou o placar.

Na semifinal do Brasileiro sub-17, o adversário do Verdão será o Athletico-PR, que eliminou o Fluminense nas quartas. O time palestrino disputará a primeira partida em casa e decidirá a vaga na decisão como visitante. Datas e horários ainda não foram definidas.

Desde o início da competição, o time comandado por Rafael Paiva já disputou 11 partidas (nove pela primeira fase), com seis vitórias, dois empates e três derrotas, somando 32 gols marcados e 18 sofridos. O artilheiro do Alviverde no Brasileiro sub-17 é Estêvão, com sete gols.

Paralelamente ao Brasileiro, o time sub-17 do Verdão disputa o Paulista da categoria. Na primeira partida da semifinal, as Crias da Academia golearam o Santos por 4 a 1, em jogo com mando do rival, com gols marcados por Gilberto, Luis Guilherme, Luighi e Benedetti. O jogo de volta acontece no domingo (23), na Arena Barueri, às 11h.

Regulamento

Assim como nas quartas, as semifinais serão disputadas em jogos de turno e returno. A final será realizada em jogo único, uma novidade da edição, com previsão para acontecer no dia 26 de outubro.

Big question mark over Hasaranga and Chameera's participation at World Cup

Theekshana likely to be fit in time for Sri Lanka’s opening game

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Madushka Balasuriya24-Sep-2023

Sri Lanka are likely to be without the services of Hasaranga for the entire duration of the World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

Sri Lanka allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga may be out of the World Cup completely, and may even require surgery, after aggravating his hamstring tear over the past few days.There is a big question mark over Dushmantha Chameera’s participation as well. The fast bowler is recovering from a pectoral injury and is unable to bowl ten overs without discomfort at the moment.Meanwhile, spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his hamstring in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, is expected to be fit in time for Sri Lanka’s opening game at the World Cup, against South Africa on October 7.The chair of SLC’s medical committee, Arjuna de Silva, told ESPNcricinfo that “medically it seems unlikely that Wanindu will be fit” for much of the World Cup’s duration. “He picked up a grade 2 tear in the LPL, but he re-aggravated it during rehab. It’s now a grade 3 tear. What also complicates the matter is that it is also a T-junction hamstring injury.”Related

ODI World Cup 2023 injury watch

Prior to his injury, Hasaranga had topped both batting and bowling charts in the LPL. He was seen as key to Sri Lanka’s World Cup hopes, and crucial in terms of the balance of the side, but after the latest setback, he is likely to be out for 4-6 weeks minimum.The selectors may still pick him in the hope that he will be available towards the end of the round-robin stage. But medical advice is that such a move will be a significant risk.Chameera has started bowling in the nets, but de Silva said picking him would also be a risk. Chameera had first picked up the injury ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, but after recovering from that, he re-injured himself in the LPL in August. He had also missed the T20 World Cup in Australia last year with an ankle injury.Theekshana is currently in rehab. His is also a grade 3 tear, but as it does not involve the T-junction, de Silva is confident he should be fit for the start of the World Cup.Quicks Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka, who missed the Asia Cup through injury, are now essentially back to full fitness, de Silva said. Kumara had been contending with a recurring side strain, while Madushanka had torn his oblique muscle.Sri Lanka are yet to name their World Cup squad but are due to depart for India on September 26.

Ellie Threlkeld, Tara Norris fifties secure Thunder's second tie of season

Thunder score 66 runs off their last five overs after Vipers had restricted their reply

ECB Reporters Network07-Jul-2023

Ellie Threlkeld scored a crucial 60•Getty Images

Thunder secured their second tie in this season’s Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy in the most dramatic fashion when Ellie Threlkeld’s 60 and Tara Norris’s unbeaten 51 brought their side within one run of chasing down to 262 to defeat Southern Vipers.This outcome seemed unlikely in the extreme when Georgia Adams’ bowlers were restricting the home side’s reply and the match featured a fine debut by Australian fast bowler Maitlan Brown, who took 3 for 52 from ten overs.But in all other respects, a superb match will be remembered for Threlkeld’s extraordinary assault and for Norris’s fearless hitting as Thunder scored 66 runs off their last five overs. The home side’s No. 9 hit a six off Adams’ penultimate ball of the match before being restricted to two runs off the final delivery.Related

Southern Vipers sign Maitlan Brown for July stint

Issy Wong shines with bat and ball as Sparks defeat Stars

Tammy Beaumont batters Diamonds to maintain Blaze's dominant start

In the opening hour of the day, the visitors’ openers, Ella McCaughan and Abi Norgrove gave their side’s innings a fluent and productive start, 42 runs being scored in the first ten overs. The true wicket and glassy outfield ensured that batters received full value for their attacking shots throughout the day and Norgrove, in particular, warmed to her task, hitting successive boundaries off both Mahika Gaur and Norris.It was no surprise that Thunder skipper Threlkeld called on her battery of spinners early in the innings but they made no breakthroughs until the 21st over when Emma Lamb had Norgrove stumped by Threlkeld for 48, thus ending her 85-run stand with McCaughan. In the next over Adams was bowled through the gate by an off-spinner from Fi Morris but the loss of wickets did little to curb a run rate than cantered along at a minimum of four an over throughout the innings.Emily Windsor continued the assault but was caught behind by Threlkeld off Laura Jackson for 49 when attempting the cut that would have brought her a half-century. Linsey Smith maintained the charge and was unbeaten on 42 when the innings closed.None of Thunder’s bowlers escaped punishment but Morris returned the respectable figures of 1 for 34 from eight overs and Lamb took 2 for 35 from seven and Jackson 2 for 43 off nine. In addition to her catch and stumping, Threlkeld conceded no byes and kept magnificently throughout the 50 overs.Despite the early loss of Lamb, who was athletically caught and bowled by Brown, Thunder’s attempt to score at 5.26 runs an over to win the game began positively.Both Seren Smale and Naomi Dattani seized every opportunity to attack and it was almost a shock in the twelfth over when Smale was lured forward by a flighted off-spinner from Ava Lee and stumped by Rhianna Southby for 22.That wicket still left Thunder reasonably placed on 50 for 2 but the next hour’s cricket went a long way towards deciding the outcome of the contest. First Morris was hurried into a pull by Brown and skied a catch to Mary Taylor at mid on.Then, having made a composed 43, Dattani drove a return catch back to Adams and two overs later Smith claimed the vital wicket of Deandra Dottin, who played inside an arm ball and was leg before wicket for 21.Threlkeld’s late assault on the Vipers’ attack put the outcome in doubt for a time but her dismissal, leg before to Adams in the 48th over, seemed to have settled matters before Norris brought her side far closer to their target than anyone had believed possible.

Son upgrade: Spurs make contact over £25m dynamo with "an eye for goal"

There are only two current Tottenham Hotspur players who started Mauricio Pochettino’s final game: Ben Davies and Son Heung-min.

The former has been a reliable if unspectacular servant to the club and will be remembered fondly by the fans, but the latter has been a bonafide star, an icon of the club and the Premier League.

However, the South Korean joined the club a decade ago and will turn 33 in the summer, and while his numbers are still decent, he clearly cannot impact games in the same way anymore.

Spurs striker Heung-min Son

He is simply a victim of time, with research from The Athletic revealing that wingers see a dramatic decline in their ability to beat defenders when they reach 30 years old.

So, if Ange Postecoglou wants to take the club forward next season, he should be looking at a long-term replacement for the club legend, and based on recent reports, Daniel Levy and Co may have identified just the player.

Tottenham's winger search

According to a recent report out of Spain, Spurs are incredibly keen on Feyenoord’s Brazilian dynamo Igor Paixão.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that North London rivals Arsenal, as well as Newcastle United, Liverpool and Bournemouth, have made contact and expressed their interest in signing the goalscoring wideman.

Fortunately, while the number of interested parties is far from ideal, the Dutch giants reportedly value the 24-year-old maestro at just €30m, which comes out to about £25m.

It could still be a difficult transfer to get over the line, but with how well Paixão has played this season, it’s one Spurs should fight for, especially as he could be the perfect upgrade on Son.

How Paixão compares to Son

Now, when we get down to it, there are two key areas in which Paixão has an advantage over Son, and the first is longevity.

By this, we mean the simple fact that, at 24 years old, the Brazilian is going to be able to play at the very highest level for far longer than the South Korean will be, especially in the high-intensity system Postecoglou wants to implement.

The second area where the Feyenoord star, whom U23 scout Antonio Mango has described as having a real “eye for goal”, has the edge is raw output.

For example, in 38 appearances this season, totalling 3176 minutes, the “quality” Macapá-born winger, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists.

That means he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or every 122.15 minutes, which is an undeniably impressive level of output.

Paixao vs Son 24/25

Players

Paixao

Son

Appearances

38

40

Minutes

3176′

2835′

Goals

11

11

Assists

15

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.55

Minutes per Goal Involvement

122.15′

128.86′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2835 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.81 games, or every 128.86 minutes.

While that’s still an impressive level of productivity from the Chuncheon-born icon, it’s still less than his potential competition and, given where he is in his career, we’d be stunned if he was able to match it again next year.

Ultimately, Son is undeniably a modern-day great for both Spurs and the Premier League as a whole, but he is much nearer the end of his career than the start, and while he’s plying his trade in a non-top five league at the moment, Paixão looks to have the raw ingredients to be an effective upgrade on the 32-year-old.

Therefore, Levy and Co should do what they can to bring him to N17 before one of their rivals beat them to his signature.

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