علق المحلل الرياضي المغربي عبد العزيز بنيج، على تعادل الأهلي مع مازيمبي الكونغولي، سلبيًا، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

والتقى الأهلي مع مازيمبي على أرضية ملعب استاد تي بي مازيمبي، في إطار لقاءات جولة الذهاب لدور نصف النهائي من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال عبد العزيز بنيج في تصريحات عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “رغم تألق مصطفى شوبير، الأهلي هو الأهلي، فريق لديه خبرة كبيرة يمتلك عناصر ومدرب كفء وهو كولر، يحسب لكولر أيضًا أنه أعطى النضج التكتيكي للفريق”.

طالع أيضاً.. كولر: لاعب الأهلي أدى وظيفته جيدًا أمام مازيمبي.. وسنسجل الأهداف في الإياب

وتابع: “الأهلي ضغط على مازيمبي وفرض سيطرة على الفريق، خاصة في الشوط الأول”.

وأكمل: “مازيمبي لعب أكثر بحماس وخبرة، الأهلي امتص حماس لاعبي مازيمبي بسهولة وتحكم في المبارة”.

واستكمل: “رغم فرص مازيمبي التي شاهدناها وتدخل شوبير، لكن الأهلي كان ممكن أن يفوز أيضًا بالمباراة بعد إتاحة بعض الفرص له”.

وأردف: “أظن أن الأهلي قدم مباراة محترمة جدًا أمام مازيمبي، خاصة من الناحية التكتيكية”.

واستطرد: “رأينا أسلوب لعب للفريق المصري، هناك العديد من الأندية تكسرت أسنانها على هذا الملعب الصعب جدًا وهو ملعب مازيمبي”.

واختتم: “يجب أن يكون هناك تصحيح، فعندما تشاهد مباريات كبيرة في القارة الإفريقية، يجب أن تكون الملاعب والتصوير في المستوى المطلوب، التصوير كان سيئًا للغاية”. تعليق عبد العزيز بنيج على مباراة الأهلي ومازيمبي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

England have suffered a major setback in their preparations for Saturday’s Women’s World Cup opener against India at Derby, with the news that Lauren Winfield, their hard-hitting opener, will miss the match after sustaining a wrist injury.Winfield chose to retire out on 27 during England’s final warm-up match against New Zealand at Derby on Wednesday, but it did not appear an issue at the time as England coasted to a seven-wicket victory with more than 22 overs remaining.She is set to undergo a further assessment next week, but the team management are already anticipating that she will have to miss England’s second fixture, against Pakistan at Leicester on Tuesday.In the meantime, her hand will put in a protective cast until further information is available to the medical staff.Winfield, 26, has been an integral part of the England team’s revival in the past 12 months, in the aftermath of a disappointing showing at the World T20 in March 2016.Lauren Winfield had been in good form in England’s World Cup warm-ups•Getty Images

Following the retirement of Charlotte Edwards last year, Winfield’s partnership with Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order has injected a new intensity into England’s one-day batting, and against Pakistan at Worcester last June, they both made centuries in a record opening stand of 235.Winfield followed that up with two half-centuries in a hard-fought 3-2 series win over West Indies in the Caribbean in October.It is the latest setback to England’s preparations, following the foot injury that Heather Knight, the captain, sustained in the build-up to the tournament. Knight sat out the New Zealand fixture, but confirmed she is back to full fitness with wickets and runs in England’s previous warm-up game, against Sri Lanka at Chesterfield.

Crystal Palace are “ready” to make a second offer in an attempt to sign Flamengo star Matheus Franca, according to reliable journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Matheus Franca leaving Flamengo?

The Brazil U20s international is an academy product at the Maracana Stadium, and having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to become a regular feature of Jorge Sampaoli’s first-team, he’s impressed during his 54 senior appearances to date.

The Serie A outfit are in a strong negotiating position when it comes to the attacking midfielder’s future because his contract isn’t set to expire for another four years, though that hasn’t stopped Roy Hodgson from making his move in the hope of bringing him to the Premier League.

Earlier this month, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Eagles had tabled an official opening bid for the 19-year-old via his social media, stating: “Crystal Palace have submitted a formal proposal for Matheus Franca. Talks are ongoing for the Brazilian talent. Understand Franca’s open to the move despite interest from Chelsea — #CFC spoke to Flamengo but no bid as €25m (£21m) is still excessive.”

Despite this offer being soon after turned down, the Selhurst Park outfit will know that they need to start quickly signing new recruits having so far only landed Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth on a free transfer, and it sounds as if the hierarchy are ready to take a second bite at the cherry to secure their exciting teenage target from South America.

Are Crystal Palace signing Matheus Franca?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Crystal Palace remain in discussions regarding a deal for Franca and that Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman are in the process of preparing a fresh bid to send to Flamengo. He wrote:

“#CrystalPalace are still in talks with #Flamengo for Matheus #Franca. After the first proposal rejected (€15m) [£12m], now the club is ready to make a new increased bid, expected in the next few days.”

How good is Matheus Franca?

Crystal Palace will know that Franca being just 19 years of age means that he’ll be more of a signing for the long-term future of the club, and having been hailed a “big talent” by football scout Jacek Kulig since bursting onto the senior stage and making a name for himself, he’s got a promising career ahead of him.

Flamengo’s £1.9k-per-week earner has a total of 14 goal contributions (11 goals and three assists) to his name in 59 outings since the start of his career and he’s extremely dangerous when driving forward currently ranking in the 99th percentile for most successful dribbles when taking on his marker.

The Rio de Janeiro native, who has already had a taste of success having won two trophies with his boyhood club, would finally provide the manager with plenty of versatility with his ability to operate in six various positions across the pitch, including two roles in the midfield and everywhere across the frontline, so should he put pen to paper, he’d be a massively exciting acquisition for Hodgson in SE25.

It was undoubtedly a positive first season at the helm for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, with the Dutchman helping to bring to an end the club's six-year trophy drought while also securing a return to the promised land that is the Champions League.

A key feature in the 53-year-old's success last term was his ability to help transform some of United's previously floundering players, with Marcus Rashford, in particular, having been given a new lease of life after netting 30 goals in all competitions in 2022/23 – 25 more than the previous season.

Another beneficiary of the former Ajax man's appointment has seemingly been Luke Shaw, with the Englishman hailed as a "leader" and a "great player" by his manager after regaining his place following a tough start to the campaign.

The former Southampton man notably impressed after taking on a new role as a centre-back at times last season, with the 28-year-old having arguably been "unbelievable" in that starting berth, according to former United man, Wes Brown.

With Ten Hag clearly a fan of the defender's versatility, he could potentially snap up another Shaw-esque talent this summer in the form of Real Madrid machine, David Alaba, with the Austrian ace also adept at featuring at full-back or in the centre of defence.

What's the latest on Alaba to Man United?

According to recent reports in Spain, the Old Trafford outfit are showing a 'serious' interest in the 31-year-old, with the suggestion being that the Premier League side may already have a 'pre-agreement' with the former Bayern Munich man.

The belief is that Ten Hag is 'obsessed' with signing the experienced asset, with Alaba potentially set to follow in the footsteps of Casemiro and Raphael Varane by trading the Spanish capital for Manchester.

Should Man United sign Alaba?

While the Vienna native may prove to be something of a short-term solution due to his age, the £372k-per-week ace could slot in nicely as part of an already impressive defensive unit that includes the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Varane and of course, Shaw.

With ex-captain Harry Maguire potentially set to be on his way, the signing of Alaba could help to provide extra cover and competition for Martinez as a natural fit at left centre-back, with Ten Hag believed to favour a left-footer in that role, stating earlier this season:

"Because the left-footed are better orientated on the left side, in possession you then have better angles."

That is seemingly why Shaw was shifted in that central role last term, although the Madrid star could also take on that berth if required, having been lauded as "one of the best in the world at centre-back", according to former Bayern teammate, Joshua Kimmich.

Also, much like Shaw – who has been described as the "best left full-back in the UK" by his manager – Alaba is also an "outstanding" option at left-back, in the words of Kimmich, having notably registered 88 goals and assists in 431 games during his previous stint in Germany.

While the duo would seemingly be rivals for a starting berth in either position, for Ten Hag to be able to call upon such experienced and quality options in those two roles is a real dream scenario, with that signing only set to heighten the strength in depth next season.

With Shaw already blossoming at the Theatre of Dreams under the Dutch tactician, snapping up a possible clone in the form of Alaba should also prove just as fruitful.

Juventus winger Federico Chiesa would prefer to join Liverpool instead of Newcastle United this summer, according to a new transfer update.

How much does Federico Chiesa earn?

The 25-year-old, who currently earns £149,000 per week, has already enjoyed a successful career, most famously winning Euro 2020 with Italy and proving to be an influential performer for them at the tournament.

At club level, Chiesa has also impressed, initially coming to mainstream attention with some impressive performances for Fiorentina, which earned him a move to Juventus. He has registered 42 goal contributions (22 goals and 20 assists) in 94 appearances for the Turin giants, proving to be a potent threat in attack.

That being said, the Italian hasn't always managed to nail down a regular starting berth for his current club, with injuries and form sometimes getting in the way. His current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but it could be that he is allowed to join a new team in the current transfer window.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Chiesa in the recent past and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

Could Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa?

According to journalist Marco Guidi, who was speaking to TV Play [via Sport Witness], the Italy international could be a potential target for both the Reds and Newcastle. Bayern Munich are also in the conversation, with his preference being to seal a move to a 'top club':

“The player would be more inclined to sign for a classic top club, such as Liverpool or Bayern Munich. If Newcastle have the economic strength they will try to take Chiesa. The Newcastle option could only be taken into consideration at the end of the transfer market, in the case of few offers on the plate."

There is no doubting Chiesa's pedigree as a footballer, with the Juve man a hugely dangerous attacking player on his day – Cristiano Ronaldo even reportedly wanted him to join him at Manchester United when he returned to Old Trafford for a second stint at the club.

Former Italy defender Alessandro Pierini has described his compatriot as "world-class" in the past, adding that he "has all the ability and desire of a great player", and there is no doubt he could be a new attacking hero at Liverpool.

The Reds are already extremely well-stocked in that area, however, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo all representing strong options, so it would be a surprise to see the club fork out big money on Chiesa, especially when midfield and defence are more important areas to strengthen.

In the future, Chiesa could potentially be a great signing, especially with Salah's contract slowly running down, but it is hard to see how he would start matches on a regular basis and remain happy with so much competition for places already.

It would, therefore, be a big surprise to see him in a Liverpool shirt ahead of the new Premier League season, unless one of the attackers suddenly leaves, which isn't expected to happen.

كشف مصدر داخل منتخب مصر، أن حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة توجه بطلب لاتحاد الكرة ورابطة الأندية، قبل انطلاق المعسكر المقبل الخاص بشهر يونيو.

ومن المقرر أن يدخل منتخب مصر معسكرًا في توقف شهر يونيو المقبل، لخوض مواجهتي بوركينا فاسو وغينا بيساو في تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو في الجولة الثالثة بالقاهرة يوم 3 يونيو، ثم يلاقي غينيا بيساو في الجولة الرابعة يوم 10 من الشهر ذاته.

وقال المصدر لـ”بطولات”: “حسام حسن يتمسك بالحصول على أسبوع قبل معسكر شهر يونيو المقبل”.

وأضاف: “من المنتظر أن ينطلق المعسكر رسميًا من يوم 3 لـ11 يونيو، ويرغب العميد في الحصول على أسبوع قبل مواعيد المعسكر الرسمية لأسباب فنية”.

طالع.. خاص | طلب عاجل من حسام حسن بعد إصابة 18 لاعبًا من القوام المبدئي لمعسكر منتخب مصر

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 بجانب منتخبات بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو وسيراليون وجيبوتي وإثيوبيا.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم برصيد 6 نقاط، بعد الفوز في أولى جولتين أمام حيبوتي وسيراليون.

Wellington Masakadza, who last played an international match in March 2016, has been included in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2017

Wellington Masakadza, who last played an international match in March 2016, has been included in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka.* The left-arm spinner, who has 15 wickets from 10 ODIs, last appeared in a 50-over international fixture in 2015, against Afghanistan in Sharjah.The Zimbabwe squad for the only Test of the tour had three recalls – Regis Chakabva, Carl Mumba and Natsai M’shangwe – while uncapped allrounder Nathan Waller was also picked. Solomon Mire, Richard Ngarava and Chamu Chibhabha were left out. Waller was a part of Zimbabwe’s squad for the home series against Afghanistan in February but did not get a match. The changes also mean that Mire and Ngarava will have to wait longer for a maiden Test appearance.This is Zimbabwe’s first tour of Sri Lanka since a three-Test series in December-January 2001. While the five-match ODI series on this tour begins on June 30, the one-off Test will be played in Colombo, starting July 14.ODI squad: Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer (capt), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Peter Moor (wk)Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, Malcolm Waller, Chamu Chibhabha, Tarisai MusakandaTest squad: Regis Chakabva, Hamilton Masakadza, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer (capt), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Peter Moor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Nathan Waller , Natsai M’shangwe, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba , Tarisai Musakanda*June 28, 4.00am GMT: This story was updated after Zimbabwe Cricket sent out the official release

Chelsea are keen on tying centre-back Levi Colwill down to a new deal amid interest from Liverpool, according to renowned journalist Neil Jones.

How much does Levi Colwill earn?

The 20-year-old's future has been a big talking point this summer, having seen his stock rise hugely in the past 12 months after shining on loan at Brighton and recently won the European Championship with England's Under-21s.

Liverpool have been continually linked with a move for the £15,000-a-week-earning Colwill, with the Reds seeing him as their first-choice centre-back target, but Chelsea are understandably desperate to retain his services. His current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but the more that time goes on, the more the Blues risk losing him on the cheap.

It remains to be seen what will happen, but it seems clear that the situation is up in the air, with the player himself no doubt weighing up his next move.

What's the latest on Levi Colwill's Chelsea future?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Jones admitted that Colwill's head could be turned by a move to Liverpool, but says Chelsea want to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge:

"It’s no secret that Liverpool like Levi Colwill, as I reported back in March. Colwill is someone Liverpool really admire, and it’s hardly surprising as he was one of the best centre-backs in the league last season, he’s young, left-footed as well which is something Liverpool want, and I think he’s got a big future ahead of him.

"The question has always been what Chelsea will do with him. There’s no question that Liverpool and Brighton want him, but it remains a big question if Chelsea are willing to allow him to leave, and at what kind of price. I think there is a possibility that Colwill will look at the situation at Chelsea and says he wants to play regularly and pushes to do so elsewhere if he thinks it’s not going to happen for him at Stamford Bridge.

"I think Chelsea would like him to sign a new contract, but there’s some uncertainty if he’ll do that, but equally the new manager Mauricio Pochettino could put him into the team once he’s back, and then I’m sure everyone would forget about any prospect of him leaving."

The idea of Colwill leaving Chelsea at this point in his career is hugely concerning, considering he has the potential to be a future start for both the Blues and England, having been lauded as a "fantastic" player by Lewis O'Brien, whom he played with during their time together at Huddersfield Town.

The hope is that Mauricio Pochettino can persuade the youngster to stay put in west London, promising him regular playing time that will aid his chance of starting for England at Euro 2024, with Harry Maguire's place in the team potentially under threat.

The former Tottenham boss has often been an advocate of youth, building an exciting young team at Spurs when Harry Kane and Dele Alli were bursting onto the scene, and seeing Colwill develop in the same way and sign a new deal would be absolutely huge for the club.

Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook

The Report by David Hopps27-Jul-2017Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge invited South Africa back into the series, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook. England presented him as the chief witness for the defence at the start of the third Test at The Oval – and defence is what he diligently delivered.On a crabby day frequently taunted by heavy showers, England finished four down, 171 to the good. Two of their three debutants perished as did a third batsman, Keaton Jennings, who at this level – in fact, at all levels – also remains comparatively wet behind the ears.At such times, Cook’s calming presence has often offered England succour – nigh on 12,000 Test runs amassed without excess, and as if oblivious to the tribulations around him. He just about held South Africa at bay, a workmanlike 82 not out fashioned by the time players left the field for the final time around six o’clock.South of the Thames, life is supposedly relaxed and informal, especially with a 100th Test for The Oval to celebrate, but not for England, who knew that restraint was expected of them, but who struggled to prosper after Joe Root’s marginal decision to bat.An unbroken stand of 51 between Cook and Ben Stokes as the rain became more frequent brought a different complexion after they had slipped to 120 for 4. Stokes, who had taken offence at the questioning of England’s dedication after their Trent Bridge defeat, again playing with utmost deliberation. It was perhaps safest not to mention it.England’s task to put Nottingham behind them was far from straightforward. There was swing and, surprisingly at The Oval, some seam movement on offer for South Africa’s attack on a green-tinged pitch. England had cause to be grateful that Vernon Philander had to retreat from the fray for periods of the day with a stomach upset. Once again, he was excellent throughout.The shot that got Cook to fifty – a rare wide one from Philander which he flashed through gully – was uncharacteristic of a patient innings in which he left well and prospered off his pads. It was his first Test fifty in the first innings for more than a year. His focus, though, will be forward – and the potential for a 31st Test hundred.He was grateful, on 28, to survive an lbw appeal from Chris Morris, the ball angling in towards leg stump but Ultra Edge spotting a nick on to his pad after South Africa reviewed.South Africa followed up the wicket of Jennings in the fourth over of the day with three more in the afternoon. Tom Westley looked comfortable enough in making 24 by lunch, but he fell four balls after the resumption, edging an outswinger from Chris Morris to second slip. As with any international newcomer, analysis will immediately begin – and with Westley it will doubtless emphasise his penchant for the leg side – but it was a decent delivery.John Crawley at Lord’s in 1994 was the last time England fielded a debutant No. 3 at home and there were similarities in Westley’s game, notably in a fluent manner and a strong leg-side game. A first-class average below 38 was hardly eye-catching, but he had a dapper air at the crease and, at 28, many believe him to be a late developer. England certainly need one.Dawid Malan couldn’t keep out Kagiso Rabada’s fantastic delivery•Getty ImagesPhilander, who had been limited to four overs with the new ball before lunch, returned in mid-afternoon and removed Joe Root during his second over back. Root was drawn into a work to leg by a slightly back-of-a-length delivery of impeccable line, it left him a fraction and Quinton de Kock changed direction in time to take a fine, one-handed catch to his right.Dawid Malan, on debut at five, is no stodge: selections like this further underline that England are not about to block out the rest of the summer. He was preferred to Liam Dawson as England sought refuge in an extra batsman, but managed only a single before his 17th delivery proved to be his last, a high-class yorker from Kagiso Rabada, which swung late to hit middle and leg and which left the left-handed Malan falling to the floor as it did so, evidence of a closed-off stance.The sum of England’s morning was 62 in 22.1 overs for the loss of Jennings, who made a duck and who is looking increasingly unlikely to survive his first Test summer. Influential figures, Andy Flower among them, like his character, but increasingly England will be disturbed by his batting average.In three Tests, Jennings’ technique has been well and truly filleted. South Africa are experts at it, especially against someone who they regard as one of their own. He has looked increasingly statuesque; as if afraid every move might be his last. Three debutants at The Oval might not preclude a fourth in Manchester.Not for the first time this series, he was skilfully worked over by Philander, his footwork tentative and bat searching blindly as if unsure which way the ball was moving. He deflected a delivery into his pads, not too far short of square leg, and then pushed blindly at the next. Philander then got him at third slip as he dangled his bat without conviction.Jennings’ departure paved the way for an Essex alliance between Cook and Westley, Westley heartened no doubt, in his first Test innings, to have the presence at the crease of a county colleague he holds in such high regard.The Oval is traditionally the ground for England debutants, but that owes much to its regular place in the English calendar as the last Test of the summer. To find three of them, all a little squeamish with nerves, searching for dressing room pegs in only the third Test of the summer, was a sign of England’s problems.Three debutants a few months before the start of an Ashes series is hardly ideal for England. Consolation, though, is easy to find because South Africa caused the same fallout in the last Australian summer. Tough and uncompromising, they are adept at uncovering weaknesses. Westley’s first four scoring shots in Test cricket were all boundaries, the first of them a signature shot as he whipped Morne Morkel to the square leg boundary.He was fortunate to get a thin edge on an lbw appeal from Morkel before taking two more boundaries off the first over from Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner. An aerial drive was too close to short extra cover for comfort; a further boundary off his pads possessed more aplomb.Neither Morkel nor Rabada were at the top of their game before lunch. Morkel was too short, going for 28 in his first six, while Rabada, despite putting himself through a heavy workload in the nets during his one-Test suspension under the totting up procedure, took a while to slip into gear.Both stepped it up after lunch. Morkel was particularly impressive during a demanding afternoon spell of fuller length. Cook and Root were forced to tough it out. The former captain survived; his replacement didn’t. Root slumped back in a dressing room chair, disconsolate and, like many before him, watched Cook dig England out of a hole.

Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet is reportedly being ‘advanced a lot’, with a €5m deal potentially being enough to secure a transfer instead of €12m.

Are Spurs signing Clement Lenglet?

Spurs and Ange Postecoglou are busy in the transfer market making preparations ahead of the new season, with a number of new faces already through the door.

Attacking midfielder James Maddison has signed from Leicester City, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has arrived from Empoli and left-winger Manor Solomon has put pen to paper on a Spurs deal on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski have made their loan moves permanent in deals worth €40m and €30m, taking the club's total current summer spend to €136m.

Another player who was on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season was Lenglet, but the club previously decided against making a move permanent.

However, a full-time transfer to north London appears to be back on the cards for the player who was hailed as "outstanding" by members of the media during the early stages of the previous campaign.

Sport Witness have shared a number of updates regarding Spurs and Lenglet, two of which have come in the last 48 hours from Spanish outlet Sport.

The first claimed that the La Liga champions are working hard when it comes to player sales, and a transfer to Tottenham for Lenglet is now being ‘advanced a lot’, with some optimism that the move will happen.

The second suggested that a fee of €5m (£4.3m) from Spurs could be enough for Barcelona to accept, despite the fact they had originally wanted more than €12m. Those at the Nou Camp are looking to get the player’s £204,000-per-week salary off the books, with the report stating €5m could be a bargain for the north London side.

How good is Clement Lenglet?

Lenglet made 35 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season, 26 of which came in the Premier League. He came in for praise from John Wenham during the campaign, with the pundit calling him reliable.

“I just wanted to give (Lenglet) credit because I think his performance went a little bit under the radar. I have been impressed with him so far.

“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.”

The 28-year-old ranked highly for Spurs when it came to clearances, average passes and pass completion per 90, as per WhoScored. However, the Frenchman was the club’s 14th-best performer when it came to match rating.

As per FBRef, Lenglet has actually been compared to centre-backs Edmond Tapsoba, Micky van de Ven and Piero Hincapie, three players who have also been linked with a move to Spurs. Over the past 12 months, Lenglet ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs for pass completion, top 4% for through balls and top 4% for tackles in the final third, showing how he could be a shrewd addition for the right price.

Postecoglou may feel he can get the best out of Lenglet following his first year in England, and by the looks of things, a move could be one to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.