This was supposed to be a tough game for Manchester United. Without Rasmus Hojlund, without Erik ten Hag in the dugout and an Everton side highly motivated after being deducted ten points, it was a recipe for disaster.

However, such an eventuality was averted, largely thanks to Alejandro Garnacho's remarkable goal in the opening minutes of the clash.

Diogo Dalot picked up the ball near the right-hand byline before fizzing a delivery deep into the penalty area. Garnacho had to backpedal a few steps before unleashing a dazzling overhead kick that soared past Jordan Pickford.

Think of Wayne Rooney's Manchester derby overhead kick; it was better than that. Think of Gareth Bale's Champions League final acrobatics; it was better than that too. The setting may not have been as meteoric on this occasion but it was one of the most spectacular goals in Premier League history.

Further goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial sealed a routine 3-0 win, one that will give this United side a huge degree of confidence that their attacking play, and indeed their overall play will improve.

Man United's best player against Everton

Gary Neville perhaps rightfully awarded Garnacho with the Man of the Match award for his dumbfounding goal that opened the scoring at Goodison Park.

However, it was a young individual one year the Argentine's junior who truly stood out in Merseyside on Sunday evening.

Granted his first-ever start in the Premier League by Ten Hag, Kobbie Mainoo, just 18 years of age, dazzled against Everton this weekend.

The teenager has only just returned from injury and was awaiting his first senior minutes since appearing as a late substitute against Leicester back in February.

Fans had been crying out for him to start and he didn't disappoint.

Mainoo's game vs Everton in numbers

This was a high-class performance from Mainoo where he demonstrated class and maturity beyond his years.

United have struggled in midfield this term to find the right balance. The usually ever-reliable and consistent Casemiro has been off the pace and summer signing Sofyan Amrabat has taken a while to settle into his new surroundings, notably handed a shocking 2/10 seasonal rating by MEN's Samuel Luckhurst for his exploits since arriving.

Minutes played

72

Pass success

34/41 (83%)

Touches

57

Dribble success

2/3 (67%)

Accurate long balls

2/4

Tackles won

100%

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

3

Duels won

5

Stats via Fotmob.

Therefore, it couldn't really get much worse with Mainoo stepping into the holding midfield role.

It was a classy performance in which the tone was set throughout the first 45 minutes. Darting back to make a goal-saving clearance on the line, it summed up his ability to cover immense ground and cover his teammates.

Throughout the teen's time on the pitch, the youngster barely missed a beat, notably winning 100% of his tackles and completing six defensive actions. That was made up by winning 60% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels. Fine work indeed.

Furthermore, Mainoo made three ball recoveries and played six passes into the final third. This was a delightful all-round showing at Goodison that would only have been topped had he found the net.

Perhaps the finest praise came from the aforementioned Luckhurst. Writing in his post-match ratings for the Manchester Evening News, the journalist awarded him with an 8/10, saying: "Composed and confident from the off and his willingness to drop back into his own third to get the ball was needed when he cleared off the line. Man of the match."

Very quickly the academy graduate has thrust himself into starting contention. Indeed, it would take a fool to drop him after this fine display.

The start of Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Tottenham has been utterly captivating.

Spurs may well have lost their record scorer in Harry Kane to Bayern Munich but barring a mini flip towards the back end of November, have been met with very few obstacles in turning the ship around.

The Lilywhites are in contention for Champions League football again and they are doing so with a swashbuckling approach to the game under their Aussie manager.

Still, it feels like there are still a few missing components from the machine. With Kane's departure in mind, a striker may well still be needed, hence links to the likes of Ivan Toney and Santiago Gimenez.

The latter was linked with a £60m move to north London last week, as per reports from Football Insider.

The Feyenoord attacker has an “insane” scoring record over the past 15 months, as U23 scout Antonio Mango stated, and is also said to be attracting interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. This season alone (as of 18th December), Gimenez has found the net 20 times in 21 outings. Remarkable stuff indeed.

The Eredivisie hasn't always been a happy hunting ground for Spurs, however. You only need to look at their last 11 signings from Dutch shores to realise that. Here's a rundown of where those signings are now.

1 Steven Bergwijn – Signed in 2019/20

Bergwijn was a Jose Mourinho signing in the winter of 2020 but it's safe to say that things never truly worked out for the Dutchman in London. A wonderful goal against Manchester City on his debut was as good as it got for a player who's now enjoying a far more vibrant time with Ajax, scoring eight times in 20 outings and attracting interest from West Ham as a result.

Steven Bergwijn

Signed from

PSV

Games for Spurs

83

Goals at Spurs

8

Next club after Spurs

Ajax

Where are they now?

Ajax

2 Davinson Sanchez – Signed in 2017/18

Poor old Sanchez endured a rollercoaster ride at Spurs, notably booed by his own supporters last season when the club took on Bournemouth under Cristian Stellini's stewardship. A player who was notably error-stricken, the centre-back is now playing for Galatasaray in Turkey.

Davinson Sanchez

Signed from

Ajax

Games for Spurs

207

Goals at Spurs

5

Next club after Spurs

Galatasaray

Where are they now?

Galatasaray

3 Vincent Janssen – Signed in 2016/17

Arguably one of Tottenham's worst signings of recent times, a deal to land Gimenez could evoke terrible memories of when they welcomed Janssen to the Premier League. Now 29 years of age, the Dutch forward scored only six goals in 42 games for Spurs, but is now on fire at Royal Antwerp in Belgium, scoring 12 times so far this season.

Vincent Janssen

Signed from

AZ Alkmaar

Games for Spurs

42

Goals at Spurs

6

Next club after Spurs

Monterrey

Where are they now?

Royal Antwerp

4 Christian Eriksen – Signed in 2013/14

From one of the club's worst signings of the last ten years to one of their best. Eriksen is still much loved by Tottenham fans the world over and as such, supporters will be hoping that should a deal materialise for Gimenez, that it replicates this wonderfully successful move.

The Dane was nothing short of exceptional at Tottenham, scoring 69 times and supplying 90 assists from over 300 outings in the white of Spurs. He was and still is one of the finest playmakers the club has ever had and it wasn't until James Maddison arrived that they finally replaced his creative qualities. Eriksen, of course, is now elsewhere in the Premier League at Manchester United.

Christian Eriksen

Signed from

Ajax

Games for Spurs

305

Goals at Spurs

69

Next club after Spurs

Inter Milan

Where are they now?

Manchester United

5 Jan Vertonghen – Signed in 2012/13

Another of Spurs' finest captures comes in the form of the Belgian midfielder who even went on to captain Tottenham for a sustained period of time.

It's hard to sum up the impact Vertonghen had at Spurs. He was a colossus at the back, a pillar of consistency and a player that would surely now relish life under Postecoglou. Aged 36, the centre-back currently plays in his homeland for Anderlecht.

Jan Vertonghen

Signed from

Ajax

Games for Spurs

313

Goals at Spurs

14

Next club after Spurs

Benfica

Where are they now?

Anderlecht

6 Heurelho Gomes – Signed in 2008/09

The goalkeeper is a bit of an icon in English football. Whether or not for all the right reasons, however, is to be debated. Gomes would also go on to play for Watford in the Premier League but his reputation was one of both exceptional quality and comedy.

An error was never too far around the corner with the BBC’s John Sinnott recalling the time the Brazilian actually played against Tottenham for PSV: “Gomes had an erratic game, frequently keeping his side in the game, only then to endanger his team with a rush of blood to the head." This was typical of his time in England.

Heurelho Gomes

Signed from

PSV

Games for Spurs

134

Clean sheets at Spurs

46

Next club after Spurs

Watford

Where are they now?

Retired

7 Hossam Ghaly – Signed in 2005/06

Ghaly was an interesting signing nearly 20 years ago, notably because Spurs allegedly beat Arsenal to his signing. The Egyptian never set the world alight in England and was sadly part of the infamous Derby County side who finished with the lowest points tally in Premier League history after a loan spell with the Rams in 2008.

Hossam Ghaly

Signed from

Feyenoord

Games for Spurs

34

Goals at Spurs

3

Next club after Spurs

Al Nassr

Where are they now?

Retired

8 Young-pyo Lee – Signed in 2005/06

Former Spurs boss Martin Jol once described Lee as "the best left-back in Holland." He feels like an underrated servant to the Tottenham cause in years gone by. A well-liked figure, the full-back is one of few Spurs players to actually win a trophy. Indeed, he was part of the League Cup winning team in 2007/08, although missed the final through injury.

Young-pyo Lee

Signed from

PSV

Games for Spurs

92

Goals at Spurs

0

Next club after Spurs

Borussia Dortmund

Where are they now?

Retired

9 Mounir El Hamdaoui – Signed in 2004/05

We're moving into forgotten figure territory now. El Hamdaoui was another Jol signing but he never ended up playing in the Premier League before moving back to the Netherlands via a loan spell with Derby.

Mounir El Hamdaoui

Signed from

Excelsior

Games for Spurs

0

Goals at Spurs

0

Next club after Spurs

Willem II

Where are they now?

Retired

10 Edson Sousa – Signed in 2004/05

A Portugal U20 international at the time, Sousa signed as a hot prospect but like El Hamdaoui never played a league game for Spurs, even if he was named as a substitute on multiple occasions. He bizarrely only spent six months in London before moving back to the Netherlands on loan and then exiting permanently.

Edson Sousa

Signed from

PSV

Games for Spurs

0

Goals at Spurs

0

Next club after Spurs

Zamalek

Where are they now?

Managing in Cape Verde

The appointment of the former Australia captain is the first of what is likely to be a number of short-term, specific roles handed to past players

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2019Ricky Ponting has been named as Australia’s assistant coach for the World Cup the day after David Saker quit the position.Ponting, the former Australia captain who led the team to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, will take up his role after the forthcoming series against India and Pakistan with current batting coach Graeme Hick shifted to focus on preparations for the Ashes.His appointment follows the comments of CEO Kevin Roberts to ESPNcricinfo on Thursday that he was keen to employ more former players in short-term coaching roles. Ponting has previously been involved with the national side in that capacity, but working at the World Cup will be the highest profile role he has had with Australia since finishing his playing career.”I’m really excited to be joining the coaching group for this year’s World Cup,” Ponting said. “I’ve enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 Teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me.””I have enormous confidence in the players available to the selectors and know we will be as tough to beat as any team, in this year’s World Cup.”ALSO READ: Modern batting is about scoring 360 degrees – Talking cricket with Ricky PontingHead coach Justin Langer, who has had to deal with the absence of Steven Smith and David Warner from Australia’s batting ranks during his first nine months in the job, believes Ponting will have value across all aspects of the squad.”Ricky knows what’s required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title,” he said. “Ricky and I have worked together with the Australian Men’s Team in the past, he is an extremely driven coach who is fully invested in the players development and improving Australian cricket.””He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what’s required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can’t wait for him to get started working with the squad.”Belinda Clark, the interim high performance manager, echoed Roberts’ views on the increasing use of specialist short-term coaches being brought in for specific events.”Ricky will assist Justin across a number of key areas including strategy and game-plan, but he will also work closely with and mentor the batting group as they prepare for the English conditions,” Clark said. “This appointment also provides an opportunity for Graeme Hick to focus on preparation for the Ashes.”With two major events back to back we believe it is important to focus a number of staff specifically on one event. The appointment of Ricky is a part of this overall strategy.”

Jens Lehmann has claimed Arsenal are simply "too cautious" to win trophies and slammed Mikel Arteta for choosing David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale.

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Arsenal vying for the Premier League titleLehmann not confident about their potentialDisappointed with how they went down in the UCLWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners' resurgence this season has been notable, with their improved performance placing them at the top of the Premier League standings, albeit after playing a match more than rivals Manchester City. However, the Gunners' challenge fell short in Europe following a disappointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich in the quarter-final stage. This leaves the Premier League title as their sole potential silverware opportunity left for Arsenal, but Lehmann is not confident that the current squad have what it takes to conquer England.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesWHAT LEHMANN SAID

Former Germany goalkeeper Lehmann, who played for Arsenal between 2003 and 2008 and was part of their Invincibles squad, pointed out the key difference between the current squad and the history-making one helmed by Arsene Wenger, as he told "They're very different to us (Invincibles) in their approach – much more cautious and slower with the ball. Physically, they run a lot more and have more high-intensity runs but they don't play faster than us because we were a one-touch team.

"They all take three, four touches at a time. And if you're too cautious in football, you can't win trophies. Most of the time, the bravest teams win the league. I would love them to win the title but that has cost them in certain games. It's 20 years since we won the league and I hope Arsenal win but it's not in their own hands anymore and that's a weakness."

The former shot-stopper is also disappointed with how Arsenal bowed out of Europe.

"I was very disappointed with how they lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League," he said.

"Afterwards, they showed a great reaction beating Chelsea and Tottenham. But to be a big club, you have to win trophies. He's (Mikel Arteta's) done a good job but unfortunately, you're talking to a guy who loves Arsenal, wants them to win and not just to be up there."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lehmann's criticism extended to Arteta's decision to replace Ramsdale with Raya earlier in the season. He questioned the logic behind prioritising a relatively inexperienced goalkeeper from Brentford over Ramsdale, a promising English talent.

"I never ever understood the (Aaron) Ramsdale decision," he said bluntly.

"If you have a good, brave English keeper at a big English club doing well and then you bring in a Spanish guy who's never played for a big club at that level – it just doesn't make sense. The keeper is the most important position in the team. If I were Ramsdale, I don't know how I would react because it's not easy at that age. When you're older, it's different."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

As the Gunners strive to maintain their position at the top of the league standings, they will face Bournemouth at home on Saturday followed by a trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on May 12 before wrapping up their campaign against Everton a week later.

Tottenham are now rumoured to have a "left-field" new defender target on their radar as Spurs continue the hunt for a Micky van de Ven alternative.

Spurs chasing left-sided centre-back target

Since news broke of van de Ven's hamstring injury keeping him out until early 2024, and even before that, Ange Postecoglou's side have been chasing a new left-sided centre-back. The Lilywhites wanted to sign one before deadline day in the summer, lodging a late bid for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, but the move ultimately failed to materialise.

Van de Ven's injury has only escalated reports of Spurs targeting a new defender, as Postecoglou's lack of depth in central defence has been truly exposed by the Dutchman's absence.

Cristian Romero is also serving a suspension, leaving Tottenham with just Eric Dier and Ben Davies as the only senior and available centre-back options.

"The players on the bench who have had to come in and play aren't good enough," said Jamie O'Hara to talkSPORT on Davies and Dier (via The Express).

"Ben Davies is okay and he will do a job, but he's not a centre half. Eric Dier made two mistakes and is in no man's land for both goals. I don't know where he's trying to go.

"We should have got rid of him in the summer, no one wanted him and he ended up back in the team and this is the problem. These players you've been trying to get rid of, they end up playing again."

While van de Ven should return in January, Spurs simply cannot be put in this position again, so signing an alternative could be seen as a must.

Kelly, Uruguay star Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Genoa star Radu Dragusin have all been linked with moves to Spurs recently.

Tottenham look at signing Koki Machida

According to 90min, another candidate to shore up Tottenham's backline has entered the frame. Indeed, Spurs are now eyeing Koki Machida of Union Saint-Gilloise as an option. The Japan international has been in fine form this season, helping his side to top of the Jupiler Pro League.

Machida has apparently impressed club scouts with his form this season, and he has emerged as a "left-field" option to potentially cover van de Ven.

"Tottenham continuing to look for defensive reinforcements ahead of January," said 90min reporter Sean Walsh on X.

"Japan international Koki Machida of Union Saint-Gilloise emerging as a left-field option after impressing Spurs scouts. Previously of interest to Brighton."

The 26-year-old has also been called "very impressive" by football writer Bence Bocsak, who urged supporters to keep an eye on both Machida and Noah Sadiki during Union's trip to Liverpool earlier this season.

"Two players worth keeping an eye on for Union SG at Anfield tonight are Koki Machida and Noah Sadiki," said Boscak on X.

"Machida is a left-footed, left-sided centre-back, who has really impressive defensive numbers this season. Sadiki is a holding midfielder (who can also play right-back) and who is only 18 years old. A product of Anderlecht’s academy, he moved to Union SG this summer – and has looked promising."

Arsenal have made a positive start to the Premier League campaign and could now move to bolster a key area in the January window, according to a report.

Arsenal lose out away to Aston Villa

Despite putting in a fairly respectable display away to Aston Villa, Arsenal ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline courtesy of a smart finish from John McGinn as Unai Emery got one over his old side on Saturday evening. The Gunners remain on 36 points from their opening 16 fixtures and have made a bright start to the Premier League campaign; however, they will be fully aware that losing cannot become a habit if they are serious about contending for the title.

In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta looked to indicate his disagreement with the decision to rule out Kai Havertz's late strike that was disallowed due to a handball offence from the Germany international, simply stating to Sky Sports: "I prefer not to comment."

When pressed on the decision, he then went on to add: "Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That's what I mean. That's my opinion. That's all I can say."

Having already got into trouble with the football authorities this term after his criticism of Anthony Gordon's winner for Newcastle United against Arsenal last month, the Spaniard looks to have taken a more measured approach this time round despite his clear frustration at yet another controversial VAR outcome in the English top-flight.

Casting an eye towards the January window, the Gunners could now be set to add some firepower to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Arsenal competing to sign Lois Openda

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are competing to sign RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda, who is on the radar of a clutch of the world's elite clubs due to his exploits in Germany this campaign.

Lois Openda key statistics in the Bundesliga – (Sofascore)

Shots per game

3.9

Shots on target per game

1.8

Big chances created

5

Expected goals

9.31

Big chances missed

11

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City are all monitoring the 23-year-old as his stock continues to rise, with representatives from Erik ten Hag's side alongside the Gunners recently sending scouts to watch the Belgium international in action.

This campaign, the former Club Brugge man has been in electric form in front of the target, netting 14 goals and laying on three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig (Openda statistics – Transfermarkt). Linking the play is also another prominent part of Openda's game, which is evidenced by the fact he has racked up 51 successful shot-creating actions in 2023/24, with nine leading directly to a goal (Openda statistics – FBRef).

Arsenal could do with adding another clinical figure in mid-season and acquiring Openda, who has been described as having "huge developmental potential" by former RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl and a "very good player" by current VfL Bochum boss Thomas Letsch, could give Arteta's side a major shot in the arm as they look to seal Premier League glory for the first time since 2004.

Wrexham executive Humphrey Ker says the club can learn from Liverpool’s signing of Wataru Endo last summer.

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Back-to-back promotions for Red DragonsWrexham admire Neco WilliamsAlso taking inspiration from Endo moveWHAT HAPPENED?

Ker named the Japan international as one of his two dream signings, the other being ex-Reds full-back Neco Williams. Wrexham will look to be busy in the summer transfer window after securing a place in League One with back-to-back promotions. The Red Dragons finished second in League Two this season, amassing 88 points.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham and Ker will know that signing a player such as Endo or even Williams is way beyond them at this point in time, even with the backing of celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Endo has played an important role for the Reds this season, while 23-year-old Williams has evolved into a key player at Nottingham Forest and already has 38 appearances for Wales under his belt.

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT KER SAID

Speaking to SportBible about his dream signing for Wrexham, Ker said: “So in the past, I've been asked this question I've often cited sort of a Neco Williams as one, you know, he's from the area, he's a Premier League quality right back, play for Wales. The day we are signing players like that will be a sign of how far we've come.
“In terms of who's one of my favourite players and who would I love to see playing in a Wrexham shirt? At present, I've got a real soft spot for Wataru Endo. Who is kind of a perfect encapsulation of the fury in the summer when Liverpool missed out on Caicedo and Lavia and it was all doom and gloom and disaster.

“And then they sign Wataru Endo and it was like ‘well, who's this guy? I've never heard of him’ he was only 16 million quid, what are they playing at? And then he's been one of the signings of the season.

“I think there's a good lesson there for all of us in terms of, you know, the glitz and the glamour and the big price tags and ‘what are Liverpool doing not spending 100 million on a central midfielder’.

“You need to spend your money wisely, you've got to find and identify the best players. I don't know Wataru Endo from Adam but you can see he's got fantastic character. He's got a fantastic work ethic, you see in the interactions, the pictures and the other players, they clearly all really like him and he's done an unbelievable job there. So yeah, if money is no object and the player does not particularly mind about moving to North Wales. I'm a big fan of his.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

With the regulation League Two season now over, the focus for Wrexham will be on preparing for life in the third-tier. The Red Dragons currently have three pre-season matches scheduled for July, which will see them take on Premier League duo Bournemouth and Chelsea, as well as Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps.

England coach declares Jonny Bairstow No.3 experiment is ‘over’

George Dobell13-Feb-2019

Ben Foakes looks over his shoulder•Getty Images

England’s top-order struggles could make it very difficult for Ben Foakes to win a Test recall, Trevor Bayliss believes.While England have attempted, at various times, to mould Joe Root, Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow into a Test No. 3, the team management have now accepted that all of them belong in the middle-order. As a result, there seems to be no room for Foakes who made a Test century in Galle in November and was later named man of the series.So, while England’s hunt for a settled top three continues, Bayliss said they had decided not to weaken a strength and to stick with their middle-order – from No. 4 to No. 8 – and not try to adapt them. That means their Ashes line-up – injuries notwithstanding – is likely to see Root at No. 4, Jos Buttler at No. 5, Ben Stokes at No. 6, Bairstow at No. 7 and keeping wicket and Moeen at No. 8.”We’ve known for a while what our best four to eight is,” he said. “But we make no apologies for trying to fit our best eight batters into a team. That meant trying to find a No. 3 out of those guys. Obviously it hasn’t worked for one or two reasons but four through to eight has been successful in the past and we’ve gone back to that.”Yes, that means the experiment of batting Jonny at No. 3 is over. And yes, that is unfortunately bad news for Foakes.”While Bayliss believed Foakes could force his way into consideration as a specialist batsman – by the time the last Ashes series ended in Australia, Foakes was considered first batting reserve, ahead of Gary Ballance – he would also keep pressure upon Bairstow for the gloves. For now, though, it seems it has been decided there is no place in the side for both of them.”Foakes is obviously a very good keeper,” Bayliss said, “but I think we’ve also discovered someone who can put pressure on that middle order from a batting point of view.”Although Bayliss accepted the struggles of England’s top three were “well documented” he insisted all of them retained a decent chance of playing in the Ashes. Not only are they “the incumbents”, in Bayliss’ words, but it would require county batsmen to score heavily to displace them.”The struggles of the top three is well documented,” he said. “They’ve all shown what they can do but it’s about doing it more regularly. Those three guys are incumbents in those positions, I suppose. If they come out and score as heavily as they have done in the last few years in county cricket, then it might be difficult to look past them.”That definitely includes [Keaton] Jennings. He’s made two Test hundreds and has been one of the heaviest scorers in county cricket. If he comes out and scores a lot of runs in the early matches of the season and no-one else does, then there might not be a decision to make.”We’ve seen what he’s capable of but at the moment he’s lacking some confidence. It’s not easy when everyone is talking about your position and he’s coming to terms with that as well.”Hopefully there are some names out there who can score heavily in the county season to give us a choice to make.”Among those names could be Jason Roy, though he will be in IPL and World Cup action for much of the time, as well as Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and James Vince. The chances of a recall for Ian Bell seem more remote.Jason Roy shapes for the slog sweep•Getty Images

“Roy could be a Test player, yes,” Bayliss said. “He’s one of the names that’s been spoken about [by the selectors] over the last six to nine months. James Vince is another one. Ian Bell not as many times.”There’s a couple of names who’ve done well in county cricket over a number of years that have been spoken about. If those two guys come out and score runs they’ll be in the mix as well.”The younger guys, too, are starting to put their names up in lights. There were a couple on the Lions tour: Pope, who’s obviously played before, and Duckett have done well.”With county cricket failing to produce the top-order batsmen required for the Test game, Bayliss also became the latest to question the domestic schedule. He suggested it may make sense to start the Championship season a little later.”In early season it is very difficult to produce flatter wickets,” he said. “So it’s not easy for batsmen.”It doesn’t necessarily help the good fast bowlers or the spinners playing on softer, greener wickets, either.”Maybe you should play some one-day games in the first few weeks of the season just to put the start of the four-day competition back. One day wickets are normally flat and they use a kookaburra ball in that format.”England took the day off on Wednesday. The limited-overs squad fly to Barbados on Thursday, while most of the Test squad will go home.

تمكن الصربي ألكيسندر ميتروفيتش، مهاجم الهلال من تسجيل هدف فريقه الثالث أمام ضمك، في المباراة الجارية الآن ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي.

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة 85 بعد تلقي ميتروفيتش عرضية من مصعب الجوير داخل منطقة الجزاء ليحرز الهدف من رأسية متقنة.

طالع.. بالفيديو | ضمك يسجل هدفين أمام الهلال في الدوري السعودي

ويواجه الهلال فريق ضمك، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من مسابقة الدوري السعودي (دوري روشن) للموسم 2024-2025، على ملعب فيصل بن فهد بالرياض.

وكان الهلال قد تقدم من خلال ألكيسندر ميتروفيتش، بعد كرة ارتدت من دفاع ضمك عقب تسديدة من حمد تركي إليامي في الدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول.

وتعادل ضمك عندما استغل فرانسوا كامانو خطأ في دفاع الهلال ليسدد كرة قوية سكنت الشباك في الدقيقة 49 سجل من خلاله التعادل.

ونجح حبيبي ديالو في تسجيل الهدف الثاني لصالح ضمك في الدقيقة 52 بعد تلقيه تمريرة عرضية يحولها مباشرة في المرمى.

وجاء هدف تعادل الهلال عن طريق مصعب الجوير في الدقيقة 73 من تسديدة قوية داخل منطقة الجزاء. هدف الهلال الثالث أمام ضمك في الدوري السعودي

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

Spurs in pre-January dialogue over signing big club's "very quick" forward

There’s been contact ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.