Former captain says retaining the incumbent over Bethell is the “sensible” decision

Matt Roller15-Oct-2025

Ollie Pope’s place is under pressure going into the Ashes•PA Images via Getty Images

Alastair Cook has urged England to keep faith with Ollie Pope at No. 3 for the Ashes, rather than taking a “gamble” on Jacob Bethell.England’s first-choice top seven has been unchanged for over a year, but Bethell’s emergence in New Zealand last November when Jamie Smith was on paternity leave put significant pressure on Pope’s position at No. 3. Pope responded with hundreds against Zimbabwe and India at the start of the 2025 summer, but only made one half-century in his next eight innings.Bethell made 6 and 5 in his only Test appearance of the summer, deputising for the injured Ben Stokes at The Oval, but scored half-centuries in each of his first three Tests last year. He will have the chance to push his case in six white-ball fixtures against New Zealand from Saturday, but Cook believes that sticking with Pope for the Ashes should be an “easy” decision.Related

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“I would bat Ollie Pope at No. 3,” Cook said on Tuesday, at the launch of TNT Sports’ Ashes coverage. “I think it’s quite an easy decision on this, actually. You’ve got someone who’s been part of this build-up for three or four years, he’s captained the side, he’s played some extraordinary innings for England and he’s a hundred-maker.”If you get rid of him now, I think that changes the whole dynamic of what they’ve built up over the last year, how settled they’ll feel for that top seven… If it doesn’t work out, do you then move back to somebody you just got rid of, confidence-wise? I think it’s easy to go the other way, and I think that would be the sensible thing.”Cook, who was player of the series when England last won the Ashes in Australia 15 years ago, described Bethell as an “incredibly talented player” but said that it would be a “big, big gamble” to pick him primarily on his performances against the white ball: “They’ve invested so much in people like Pope and Crawley that it’d be such a strange thing to change it now.”Brendon McCullum’s decision to replace Pope as vice-captain with Harry Brook has furthered the sense that England might move away from him. Rob Key, England’s managing director, denied last month that it formed part of an “elaborate scheme” to drop Pope, but said that a final decision would only be taken in the days leading up to the first Test in Perth on November 21.Jacob Bethell is waiting in the wings•Getty Images

Cook believes that the change in vice-captaincy will liberate Pope, rather than damaging his confidence or his standing in the England dressing-room. “I think that will just take the pressure off Ollie Pope,” he said. “I’m sure it will have hurt him, because any time you get taken off a leadership [position], it wouldn’t be ideal. But I don’t think it undermines him.”He also believes that Australia will be wary of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley’s opening partnership, and their ability to score at an unusually quick tempo. “Australia will be so respectful of Crawley and Duckett, and what they can do to impact the game,” Cook said.”Crawley is a different opening batter to what history says you need: a guy who is very inconsistent and averages 30 but, on his day, plays an innings which I don’t think anyone else in the world can play at the top of the order… Against bowling which suits him – he prefers the ball coming on at a good pace on good, true wickets – he is a real danger for Australia.”It has to line up well…. He’s not like this consistent machine who scores runs, but they’re definitely fearful of that, without a shadow of a doubt. Because an hour of Duckett and Crawley playing well, or an hour and a half on that first morning, England will build huge momentum and it starts the series well.”Watch live exclusive coverage of The Ashes on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Some of the best players in the world are in football’s engine room, possessing an array of qualities, whether that be protecting their defence, dictating the flow of the play or creating goalscoring opportunities for teammates.

With such a range of playing styles across the midfield spectrum, working out the best in this position can be an unenviable task. But we have given it a go anyway, with plenty of star power in this list of the top 15 midfielders in the world today.

Ranking factors

To help rank the players in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their teams’ performances Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others say about them

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

Jude Bellingham

22

Real Madrid

England

Moises Caicedo

24

Chelsea

Ecuador

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

Vitinha

25

PSG

Portugal

Rodri

29

Man City

Spain

Jamal Musiala

22

Bayern Munich

Germany

Federico Valverde

27

Real Madrid

Uruguay

Dominik Szoboszlai

25

Liverpool

Hungary

Joao Neves

21

PSG

Portugal

Scott McTominay

28

Napoli

Scotland

Bruno Fernandes

31

Man Utd

Portugal

Kevin De Bruyne

34

Napoli

Belgium

Martin Odegaard

26

Arsenal

Norway

Florian Wirtz

22

Liverpool

Germany

15 Florian Wirtz Liverpool and Germany

Florian Wirtz had a magical couple of seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, which resulted in Liverpool spending an initial £100m on his services in 2025.

Despite often playing behind the main strikers, Wirtz is still a goal machine in attacking midfield. Still a youngster at 22, it is frightening to think where Wirtz could go if he can stay injury-free and adapt to the demands of English football.

However, so far, he has struggled in the Premier League, showing signs of brilliance in the Champions League.

14 Martin Odegaard Arsenal and Norway

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has had to battle back from numerous injury setbacks over the last 12 months.

In a way, his temporary unavailability to Mikel Arteta’s side only served to prove how vital he is to the Gunners, who suffered creatively during his absence in attacking midfield.

Labelled as “world class” by Paul Merson, the Arsenal star possessed the maturity and level of talent that handed him the captaincy, and could yet be the man to lead the Gunners to their next trophy under Arteta having continued to improve at the Emirates Stadium.

13 Kevin De Bruyne Napoli and Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne may well be past his peak, but he is still showing his world-class ability after leaving Man City for Serie A champions Napoli.

The 34-year-old still has what it takes to be a leading figure, whether that be at club or international level, and has already scored numerous goals and registered assists for his new employers.

12 Bruno Fernandes Man Utd and Portugal

Bruno Fernandes has been Man Utd’s shining light in recent memory, with the Portugal international arguably the only world-class player on the books at Old Trafford.

At his best in an attacking midfield role, Pep Guardiola has even called Fernandes one of the best creative players he has ever seen.

11 Scott McTominay Napoli and Scotland

Scott McTominay has shown Man Utd what they have been missing after leaving Old Trafford for Napoli in 2024.

The Scotland international starred in his first season in Italy, being named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player after helping Napoli to the title. His displays were even recognised at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, where he finished 18th and his sensational bicycle kick helped Scotland reach the World Cup.

10 Joao Neves PSG and Portugal

Joao Neves’ first full season at the Parc des Princes couldn’t have gone any better, playing regularly under Luis Enrique and lifting all there was to be won, including the Champions League.

The ball-playing midfielder was key to PSG’s success in Europe and has continued to star in the French capital, making his initial £50m move from Benfica look a real bargain.

9 Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool and Hungary

As part of a relentless Liverpool side, Dominik Szoboszlai has become a giant in the Reds midfield. The Hungarian improved on his goal threat from his first season at Anfield, coming amid a slight change in position, showcasing his versatility in a more advanced role under Arne Slot.

Now looking right at home in England, Szoboszlai is on the path to greatness on Merseyside, with his manager labelling him as “unbelievable” amid his role in Liverpool comfortably sauntering to the Premier League title.

8 Federico Valverde Real Madrid and Uruguay

A versatile and clinical technician, Federico Valverde hardly looks out of place among the best in the game following his recent performances for Real Madrid.

An almost guaranteed starter for one of the best teams in the world, there’s little to suggest there is anything other than the highest respect from his manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

In fact, the Italian has dubbed the Uruguayan as “the most complete player in football”. As of now, it is difficult to picture a Real Madrid side succeeding without him, as displayed through his vital winner against Athletic Club as the team’s title bid looked set to fall flat.

7 Jamal Musiala Bayern Munich and Germany

Jamal Musiala’s rise to stardom in Germany has been a rapid one, while his prominence in a Bayern Munich side, of all sides, is an illustration of his current status in the game.

Being able to dominate games for the Bavarians or on the international stage for Die Mannschaft is a sign of his rightful place at the elite level.

Statistically one of the best chance creators in the league from midfield, Musiala will hope to continue to blossom under the wing of Vincent Kompany, having worked his way up to the top in a short space of time.

6 Rodri Man City and Spain

2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has unfortunately suffered some injury issues, but he is perhaps the epitome of someone who shapes how his team plays and performs, as illustrated by his long unbeaten run when starting for Manchester City, which came to an end after the 2024 FA Cup final.

Man City’s form – and season – fell apart following the Spaniard’s layoff, and there is arguably no player as good as he is in his position of defensive midfield. But having been out for so long, he perhaps relies on returning to top form to reclaim his place as the best midfielder in the game.

On a pitch better suited, on a day with more luck, he could have bowled exactly as he did on day two and finished with several wickets

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Jun-2025Nahid Rana took 0 for 97 in the only innings he bowled in Galle, has 0 for 54 at the end of day two at the SSC, but if you’re thinking of jumping off the Rana hype train over his Sri Lanka performances, hold up, stay close, this isn’t your stop. Those figures don’t necessarily correlate with his potential. There are things to consider here.Up first on the list of things to consider is the raw pace. Rana is almost certainly the fastest bowler Bangladesh has ever produced. He is not just fast in brief, fresh bursts; he can be fast late on difficult days too. Deep into session three on day two at the SSC, he was still breaching 145kph, still bowling bouncers, still rushing batters, even the supremely well-set. He has also been known to bowl faster than 150kph. Forget Bangladesh, for most of Test cricket’s history, it would not have had a bowler who could consistently bowl that quickly. Even now, around the world, there may only be a handful that fast.There are other virtues. Those bouncers, partly because of the pace, but also because it is one of his more accurate deliveries, can often be truly vicious. Pathum Nissanka, very arguably the batter of this series so far, found this out on 94 when he tried to hook Rana, and discovered the ball was on him already at 149kph – fast for a bouncer. It smacked his helmet hard by the badge, looped so high in the air that Rana could race forward in his follow-through and spring forward to intercept it centimetres above the grass. He appealed for that catch, but on replay, it was clear there was no way the bat could have touched it. The ball was too fast – already in Nissanka’s face by the time he pulled his bat through.Related

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Bowling short was a big part of Rana’s day. When he bowled bouncers, he generally forced the batters to duck, or he hit them. There was a short leg in place, plus a catching fine leg, and catchers out to the off side, so balls that skewed off the shoulder or handle of the bat could be gobbled up. In first-class cricket, he had frequently blasted batting orders out this way, averaging 19.81 across 19 innings for Rajshahi Division.The easy critique to make here is that Test batters are not first-class batters, and that you need more than raw pace to get Test batters out, but this is not necessarily the case. Test batters frequently get out to sheer pace and bounce, but this SSC pitch – slow off the deck and with modest bounce and carry – is almost exactly wrong for Rana, so he can only make so much of his height and pace.Pathum Nissanka was pinged in the helmet by a Nahid Rana bouncer•AFP/Getty ImagesOne theory about Rana’s present state is that he is most effective as a third seamer, not as a new-ball bowler. There is evidence to back this up. In his first outstanding Test performance, Rana was the second-change bowler, and took 4 for 44 to seal a historic series win in Pakistan. Three months later – in Kingston – his only five-for came when he was first change. Four of those wickets were with the old ball.On day two at the SSC, he was frequently bowling cross-seam short balls, which is a deeply third-seamer move. Swing bowlers tend to like preserving that shiny side of the ball, for conventional swing first, and reverse swing later. Even spinners like one side of the ball to be in smooth condition, because they can get more drift that way. It is the fast bowlers who revel in the shorter lengths and exploit the chaos, the uneven bounce created by cross-seam deliveries.Nahid beat plenty of cross-batted shots with cross-seam deliveries on day two, but they never took an edge. Both Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal looked most uncomfortable against Rana’s bowling late in the day, but he had been wayward in his two new-ball overs, conceding 20. “Rana didn’t bowl well with the new ball initially, but found his rhythm again and looked good towards the end” is what coach Phil Simmons said.He is 22, and still developing skills, having had no serious cricket coaching till being discovered late in his teens. But pace is pace and height is height, and as long as you stay fit, those things can get you pretty far in a fast-bowling life. On a pitch better suited, on a day with more luck, Rana could have bowled exactly as he did on day two and finished with several wickets.

Mikel Arteta has built a squad full to bursting with world-class talent at Arsenal.

However, when it comes to picking the club’s most important player, their talisman, it’s impossible to ignore Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End superstar is still just 24years old and has already amassed a staggering tally of 76 goals and 71 assists in 277 games for the club.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to an up-and-coming talent who has been compared to Saka.

Arsenal target the next Saka

There is over a month to go until the transfer window actually opens, but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from being linked with a plethora of exciting talents.

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Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, for example, has been touted for a £120m move to the Emirates, as has Crystal Palace’s equally exciting Adam Wharton.

However, as talented as the two midfielders are, neither one can really be compared to Saka, unlike Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.

Yes, according to a report from Germany, Arsenal are one of a few teams interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt gem.

However, on top of beating the competition, the Gunners would have to stump up a fee of around €80m, which is about £71m, to get their man.

That is a lot of money to spend on a young talent, but given Bahoya’s ability and potential, it might well be worth it for Arsenal, especially as he’s been compared to Saka.

Why Arsenal should sign Bahoya

So, first and foremost, the comparison between Bahoya and Arsenal’s talismanic number seven comes from analyst Spencer Mossman, who described him as being “like a younger Bukayo Saka.”

That might sound like a bold thing to say, because it is, but it does make sense.

For example, on top of being an “excellent wide area creator” who is “on a continuous upward trajectory”, he’s more than happy to track back and “do the dirty work.”

That ability to influence proceedings at the sharp end of the pitch, while also willing to do the less glamorous things, was one of the reasons Saka quickly became an essential part of the first team.

Another reason the young Frenchman is such an exciting prospect is that, in the words of Mossman, “he’s able to get quality crosses away with both feet.”

This means that he’d not only be able to cover for the Hale Ender on the right but also play on the left, in turn pushing the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to step up their games.

Finally, despite still being just 20 years old, Mossman has highlighted the winger’s physicality as a key strength, claiming that he’s like an “Olympic-level athlete.”

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.67

Top 1%

% of Dribblers Tackled

61.8%

Top 2%

Passes Blocked

1.54

Top 2%

Tackles

2.36

Top 3%

Dribblers Tackled

1.08

Top 3%

Blocks

1.64

Top 4%

Tkl+Int

2.77

Top 6%

% of Aerials Won

54.1%

Top 6%

Goals/Shot on Target

0.50

Top 7%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

0.82

Top 8%

Successful Take-On %

52.1%

Top 8%

Aerials Won

1.03

Top 15%

Finally, on top of passing the eye test, the former Angers gem has also got some brilliant underlying numbers to his name this season.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the attacking third, the top 4% for blocks, the top 7% for goals per shot on target, the top 2% for successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, even though it wouldn’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Bahoya, as he could be another Saka in the making.

Arsenal have the next Gabriel and he's the "best CB Hale End has produced"

The incredible youngster looks like he could go to the very top for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 21, 2025

أعلن أحمد عبد الرؤوف، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، قائمة بدلاء الفارس الأبيض لمباراة اليوم أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في المواجهة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة.

ويلعب الزمالك ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اليوم ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية، على أرضية ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

وتقام منافسات بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية في نسختها الخامسة، بعد أن أقيمت 4 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها 3 مرات متتالية.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة المصرية

ويشهد تشكيل الزمالك، أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية، الدفع بمجموعة من الشباب والناشئين لتعويض غياب اللاعبين الدوليين المنضمين إلى منتخب مصر الأول الذي يستعد لأمم إفريقيا، ومنتخب مصر الثاني المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب. بدلاء الزمالك أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة

حمود الشناوي وزياد مدحت ويوسف وائل الفرنسي وأحمد صفوت ومحمد حمد وأنس وائل وحازم أسامة وأحمد حمدي وناصر منسي.

The Seidler family, who have owned the Padres since 2012, will be exploring a potential sale of the franchise, they announced on Thursday.

Peter Seidler purchased the San Diego franchise in 2012 for $800 million. He acted as chairman for the Padres from that point until his death in November 2023. His brother John took over in his stead and oversaw the last two seasons for San Diego, in which the team made the postseason twice and won one playoff series.

This year the Padres went 90-72 but bowed out in the wild card round to the Cubs. Manager Mike Shildt announced his intention to retire shortly after their elimination. Now the organization might undergo even more significant changes with a possible sale on the horizon.

“The family has decided to begin a process of evaluating our future with the Padres, including a potential sale of the franchise,” Chairman John Seidler said in an announcement. “We will undertake this process with integrity and professionalism in a way that honors Peter’s legacy and love for the Padres and lays the foundation for the franchise’s long-term success.

“During the process and as we prepare for the 2026 season, the Padres will continue to focus on its players, employees, fans, and community while putting every resource into winning a World Series championship. We remain fully committed to this team, its fans, and the San Diego community.”

The Seidlers will engage with BDT & MSD Partners in an effort to explore the sale.

The price tag for the Padres will be hefty should the Seidlers sell. The most recent MLB franchise to be sold, the Rays in September, went for $1.7 billion. San Diego figures to go for a higher number than that, and potentially higher. The Rays were in the middle of figuring out a new stadium situation when they got sold; the Padres don’t have such questions, with Petco Park widely recognized as one of MLB’s better venues.

Furthermore, the Padres have found much more on-field success than Tampa Bay in recent seasons, qualifying for the playoffs in four of the last six seasons with an NLCS appearance to boot. The roster boasts multiple big names and even bigger salaries. There’s a built-in diehard fan base in San Diego. There’s a lot to like about the Padres for any potential buyer.

As this is only the beginning stages of a possible sale it will be a while before any notable movement occurs. Potentially years. But the first step has been taken—the Padres may be under new ownership for the first time in nearly 15 years.

Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract in New York and test free agency this offseason, according to a report from ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

The Yankees lost their ALDS tilt with the Blue Jays earlier this week, ending their season. The news regarding Bellinger's future is the first to trickle out of the Bronx since the franchise's postseason elimination.

Bellinger posted the second-highest wins above replacement (WAR) of his nine-year career in 2025, as he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI. He also stole 13 bases and posted an .813 OPS.

The 30-year-old Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his career with the Dodgers, before two seasons with the Cubs and this season with the Yankees.

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Em 10º na Série B, o Sport pode ter uma importante baixa para a sequência da temporada. Aos 17 anos, o lateral Pedro Lima pode trocar o Leão da Ilha pelo Real Madrid, pelo menos de acordo com o “AS”, da Espanha. Em sua manchete, o jornal chama Pedro de lateral do futuro, e segue:

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Um investimento interessante para um menino que é comparado, pelas suas condições, a uma lenda como Cafu – relata o artigo, que diz ainda que o campeão europeu monitora substitutos na lateral para Carvajal e Lucas Vázquez (ambos com 32 anos).

---

Afirmou o ”AS”

O atleta, que já foi monitorado pelo Chelsea, tem 70% de passe vinculado ao Sport, com os outros 30% divididos entre ele mesmo e o empresário. A investida dos ingleses foi de 8 milhões de euros, cerca de R$46 milhões. As conversas não avançaram por Pedro não atender os requisitos para jogar na Premier League.

Números de Pedro Lima pelo Sport na temporada

No time profissional desde o início da temporada, Pedro Lima já atuou em 29 jogos, marcando dois gols e dando duas assistências. Na Seleção Brasileira, costuma ser titular na equipe Sub-17.

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Real MadridSport

Tottenham have expressed a real interest in signing one star from Barcelona ahead of 2026, according to a new report.

Spurs shortlist attacking targets with big-names on the radar

Spurs are preparing significant investment in attackers for January and beyond, with media sources indicating a new forward or two will definitely arrive at the club next year.

Indeed, Thomas Frank’s side have identified multiple targets as they attempt to revive their campaign.

Tottenham have significant funds available for the right acquisition, with the club willing to test the waters for elite talent. The recruitment team, led by co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, are expected to prioritise signing a wide forward rather than a central striker, though no final decision has been confirmed as they approach the January window.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo remains the primary target, with the Lilywhites now intensifying their interest ahead of January.

The Ghana international has seriously impressed this season with his blistering pace and proficiency, which will definitely appeal to Frank as he seeks to add more creative spark.

Semenyo’s new deal also includes a tempting £65 million release clause which will be active early next month, but this has piqued rumoured interest from the likes of Liverpool and Man City as well.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as another concrete target, viewed alongside Semenyo as possessing the energy and attacking versatility suited to elevating Tottenham’s forward line.

However, sources indicate Ndiaye is considered more likely as a summer acquisition rather than a January signing.

More ambitious names include Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.

Tottenham tipped to strike Grealish-like deal for player who'd 'jump' at chance to join

Spurs could get him on loan in January.

ByEmilio Galantini 7 days ago

Tottenham are believed to be exploring a potential January deal for Rodrygo, who himself would consider a move to north London as he instructs his representatives to find him a new club.

Aghehowa, who’s been in monstrous form since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid in 2024, also has huge admirers at Spurs, amid reports that they’re also prepared to make a winter move for the Spaniard.

Paratici and Lange appear to be drawing up a shortlist of credible attacking targets as the Lewis family look to kickstart a new era post-Daniel Levy, with Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford now also on their radar.

Tottenham 'determined' to sign Barcelona star Marcus Rashford

Rashford finds himself at a career crossroads following his impressive revival at the Camp Nou, with Tottenham now emerging as serious contenders to lure the forward back to the Premier League.

Despite his outstanding form in Spain, Barcelona remain indecisive about the £30 million purchase option in his loan deal from Man United, creating uncertainty that several English clubs are eager to exploit.

His Barça renaissance has persuaded the Calatans’ hierarchy to at least contemplate activating the permanent deal clause, but their precarious financial situation complicates matters.

While the £30 million fee appears affordable on paper, Rashford’s long-term future hangs in the balance, and Spurs could offer him a route to London.

That is according to Spanish media sources, who report that Tottenham have identified Rashford as the ‘ideal’ profile to rejuvenate their attack.

Spanish newspaper AS, as referenced, claim that Spurs are ‘determined’ to sign the 27-year-old and ready to offer him an ‘immediate leading role’ in the team — though any transfer would have to wait until the summer considering he’s still on loan in La Liga.

Rashford’s wages, reported to be around £325,000-per-week, present a pretty major roadblock for Frank’s side, but his proven Premier League experience and versatility would undoubtedly improve the team.

The United academy graduate, during spells of superstardom at Old Trafford, earmarked himself as an England regular before falling out of favour and impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s much-needed 2-0 win against Brentford yesterday could be the victory Thomas Frank needed to kickstart his career in charge in North London.

Xavi Simons and Richarlison’s first-half efforts were enough to secure all three points for the Lilywhites, subsequently securing the first league win since the end of October.

The win was just the club’s second home triumph of the campaign, with the only previous three points coming against Burnley way back on the opening day of the Premier League season.

However, it’s given the Dane the platform he needs to be a success in the role, especially after the pressure has ramped up on his shoulders over recent weeks.

Despite the win, numerous players once again struggled within Frank’s side, which could lead to the manager finally discovering his best starting eleven at the club.

Spurs’ poor performers against Brentford

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has fallen way below his usual high standards over the last couple of weeks, with his showing against Brentford yet another disappointing one.

The Uruguayan international featured for 65 minutes before being withdrawn after losing possession on six separate occasions – just over once every ten minutes.

He also failed to complete any dribbles and was also dribbled past on one occasion, with youngster Archie Gray managing to outperform him during the meeting.

However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with full-back Djed Spence also enduring an uncharacteristically poor performance on home soil against the Bees.

The full-back featured for the entirety of the win, but only managed to achieve a 40% success rate from the ten duels that he entered down the left-hand side.

He also failed to make any tackles, whilst not finding a teammate with any of his four crosses – subsequently highlighting his struggles at both ends of the pitch.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Brentford

Since Frank’s appointment as Spurs manager, he’s often tinkered with his squad to try and stumble across his best starting eleven to lead the club up the Premier League.

Whether it be various different partnerships across the squad, or players operating in unnatural positions, the Dane has tried it all to push the side in the right direction.

Undoubtedly, the first home win since August yesterday demonstrated glimpses of a successful side, with the Lilywhites restricting the visitors to limited opportunities throughout.

However, that didn’t stop numerous players from struggling to make a positive impact, as seen with the aforementioned pairing of Bentancur and Spence.

They weren’t alone in struggling, with Randal Kolo Muani, another who was unable to produce his best performance of the season against Keith Andrews’ side.

The Frenchman was asked to operate off the left wing rather than his usual centre-forward position – something which no doubt affected his lack of impact on proceedings.

He featured for 74 minutes before being replaced, but his hard work and work rate only merely covered up his lack of tangible impact during the 2-0 victory against the Bees.

Minutes played

74

Touches

40

Dribbles completed

0

Crosses completed

0

Big chances missed

1

Duels lost

88%

Duels won

12%

Fouls committed

2

The 27-year-old only registered a total of 40 touches of the ball during his time on the pitch – with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario managing more with his total of 45.

He also failed to complete any of his five attempted dribbles, whilst none of his crosses were able to find the men in white – showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

When he did have the chance to find the back of the net, Kolo Muani did squander his opportunity, resulting in the loanee registering a missed big chance.

Out of possession, he was just as lacklustre in North London, subsequently winning just two of the 15 duels he entered – resulting in a total of 88% of duels lost.

There’s little denying that Kolo Muani has been a decent option for Frank’s men this season, but his showing was one to forget yesterday – which could lead to him being dropped from the side.

It was certainly a positive afternoon for Frank’s men, but one that has raised another issue for him, with the manager desperately needing to utilise the Frenchman in a more central role going forward.

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