ميرور: ليفربول وآرسنال.. الدوري الإنجليزي يواجه اتهامًا بعدم النزاهة

يواجه مسؤولو الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز رد فعل عنيفًا بسبب قرارهم الأخير بشأن إعادة جدولة بعض المباريات في البطولة، في شهر أبريل المقبل، حسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية.

وأوضحت أنه من غير المرجح أن يكون آرسنال سعيدًا لأنه يواجه جدولًا مزدحمًا بالمباريات، في حين سيحصل توتنهام على راحة لمدة 15 يومًا قبل ديربي شمال لندن يوم الأحد 28 أبريل.

بينما يواجه ليفربول أسوأ كابوس بخوض ديربي ميرسيسايد أمام إيفرتون يوم الأربعاء 24 أبريل مساءً، قبل ملاقاة وست هام يوم السبت 27، ظهرًا.

في حين تم تأجيل مباراة مانشستر سيتي ضد توتنهام، التي كان مقرر لها يوم 20 أبريل، نظرًا لخوض حامل اللقب مباراة نصف نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي ضد تشيلسي.

وبدلًا من إعادة جدولة تلك المباراة، لتكون في منتصف الأسبوع التالي، سيلعب مانشستر سيتي ضد برايتون يوم 25 من الشهر نفسه.

هذا يجعل مانشستر سيتي في مهمة سهلة أمام برايتون، مقارنة بتلك أمام توتنهام الذي يمثل عقبة دائمًا بالنسبة للمدرب بيب جوارديولا.

وهذا يمنح توتنهام استراحة كاملة، بدءًا من مباراته أمام نيوكاسل يوم 13 أبريل، حتى يلعب مع آرسنال يوم 28 من ذلك الشهر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ذا صن: مستقبل محمد صلاح على رأس 5 أولويات قصوى في ليفربول

وخلال تلك الأيام الخمسة عشر، سيخوض آرسنال أربع مباريات حاسمة ضد أستون فيلا وبايرن ميونخ وولفرهامبتون، ومباراتهم المعاد ترتيبها مع تشيلسي.

وأفادت أن ذلك الأمر قد يكون له آثار هائلة على سباق المنافسة الشرس على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي، إلى جانب المعركة الخاصة بالمراكز الأربعة الأولى.

وأكدت أن قرار مسؤولي الدوري الإنجليزي جعل الإدارات في مختلف الأندية تتسائل عن النزاهة الخاصة بالمباريات، والدور الذي قد تلعبه إعادة الجدولة في تحديد من سيفوز باللقب وسيصل إلى المراكز الأربعة الأولى.

ومن الواضح أن جدول المباريات قد تُرك في حالة من الفوضى المطلقة بسبب مباريات كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، إلى جانب مشاركة الفرق الإنجليزية في دوري أبطال أوروبا، الدوري الأوروبي ودوري المؤتمر.

Mathews out of Bangladesh T20s, unlikely for IPL's start

Angelo Mathews will miss the T20s against Bangladesh next week, and is also unlikely to be fit for the start of the IPL, SLC cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha has confirmed

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Apr-2017

‘He has to be 100% fit. Angelo has to make that call with the physio, because if he’s not 100% fit, we will not let him go’•Associated Press

Angelo Mathews will miss the T20s against Bangladesh on April 4 and 6, and is also unlikely to be fit for the start of the IPL, SLC cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha has confirmed.Mathews has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the T20 series in South Africa, and though he was expected to have recovered by now, his return has been further delayed by a mild calf strain. He had also missed the Zimbabwe tour late last year through injury.”At this stage I think I can say Angelo will not play the T20s,” Gurusinha said. “The only chance is the second one, but, to be honest, I doubt it. The IPL will be affected because he has to wait for the physio and the trainer to give him the green light. He has to be 100% fit. Angelo has to make that call with the physio, because if he’s not 100% fit, we will not let him go.”Mathews has signed with Delhi Daredevils, who play their first game on April 8. SLC is reluctant to release Mathews unless he has fully recovered because they would like him to be available for the Champions Trophy in the UK in June.”Angie is unbelievably understanding,” Gurusinha said. “He wants to give everything for Sri Lankan cricket. He says: ‘ [brother], I want to be fit for the Champions Trophy’, and he wants to be fit. He’s disappointed.”If he does not recover in time for those early Daredevils matches, Mathews will join a growing list of high-profile players whose IPL participation has been affected by their international workload. Over the past few weeks, R Ashwin, M Vijay, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock, Mitchell Marsh and Martin Guptill have all become unavailable for all or part of the IPL.

Tottenham: Postecoglou Identifies "Monster" £60m Maddison Partner As Transfer Priority

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to make one of the most stunning moves of this summer window, with a new target identified…

How much would Dusan Vlahovic cost?

The latest comes from journalist Valentin Feuillette, writing for French publication Foot Mercato, who took to Twitter to detail the Lilywhites' surprising pursuit of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.

Although the Serbia international only moved to Turin in January 2022, the struggles felt at the Allianz Stadium have led someone of his quality to be touted around Europe.

The writer would succinctly detail just how much they will demand, and the key factors that could lead to a deal being struck.

He noted:

"Dušan Vlahović in the sights of Tottenham! Spurs priority if Harry Kane leaves, Contact between Juventus and Tottenham, Good relations between managements, PSG in battle, Requested price 70 million (£60m)".

Given how new manager Ange Postecoglou has already started his spending this window, this latest addition could provide the perfect replacement should their main marksman depart, and hand new signing James Maddison an ideal partner with which to play from.

How many goals does Dusan Vlahovic have?

Standing at 6 foot 3, the mere presence of this powerful, yet speedy, striker would immediately bolster Spurs' front line in terms of physicality.

For all the qualities Kane possesses, he is without this explosive power and, crucially, six years his senior.

Not to mention that Bayern Munich continue to test their resolve with continued interest in the man who fired in 30 Premier League goals last term despite the miserable year felt in this part of north London.

However, Vlahovic too has remained prolific since bursting onto the scene for Fiorentina.

Such consistency in front of goal would likely leave fans feeling more optimistic should the England captain depart, that they would simply be swapping one lethal finisher out for another.

His true breakout campaign came during the 2020/21 year, as he would notch 21 Serie A goals for the Viola to earn the attention of Europe's elite.

Following that up with 29 goals across all competitions had led Juventus to pounce, and given that these figures were shared across two clubs outlines his ability to acclimatise well.

james-maddison-tottenham-hotspur

This form even led journalist Carlo Garganese to dub him a "monster", writing:

"He is 22 and he fights three defenders at a time. Scary how strong he is. Imagine him in a few years when he’s a man."

Considering he is just 23 years old, a tally of 95 goals in just 220 games suggests a sparkling future for this young front-man with all the attributes to dominate at the top level.

Pairing this kind of physicality and lethal finishing with the creative exploits of Maddison could pose a frightening partnership set to be struck next season, as this tricky English maestro would surely thrive off having someone so potent beside him.

Not only would his powerful play style forge more pockets of space for him to operate in, as Garganese suggested, but that lightning-quick turn of pace would then allow the former Leicester City man to also supply him from deep should defences push up.

When compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe, his ranking within the top 15% for progressive passes per 90 should help supplement this suggestion.

With ten goals and nine assists for a Foxes team that fell to the drop, the 26-year-old playmaker now seems ready to step up to the demands of a club of this size, one expected to try and get back into Europe's top competition – the Champions League.

Pairing his creativity and added attacking threat with the daunting prospect of Vlahovic could see Postecoglou strike up an immediately elite front line, ready to realise his long-term ambitions with ease.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة النصر وضمك اليوم في الدوري السعودي.. والمعلقين

يخوض فريق النصر مباراة قوية اليوم الجمعة أمام نظيره ضمك، في المواجهة التي ستجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري السعودي.

ويلتقي النصر مع ضمك على أرضية استاد الأمير سلطان بن عبد العزيز، في الجولة 27 من مباريات المسابقة السعودية.

ويدخل النصر المباراة أمام ضمك محتلاً المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي برصيد 62 نقطة من 26 مباراة، فاز في 20 لقاء وتعادل في مواجهتين، وخسر 4 مرات.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | رونالدو يقود النصر لاكتساح أبها بثمانية أهداف ويحافظ على وصافة الدوري السعودي

أما ضمك فيتواجد في المركز الثامن بجدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي، وفي جعبته 35 نقطة من 26 مباراة، حقق الفوز في 9 مواجهات وتعادل في 8 لقاءات، وخسر في 9 مرات. موعد مباراة النصر وضمك اليوم في الدوري السعودي

تنطلق المباراة اليوم الجمعة في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، العاشرة بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة النصر وضمك اليوم في الدوري السعودي

تذاع المباراة بين فريقي النصر وضمك على قناة SSC EXTRA 1. معلقين مباراة النصر وضمك اليوم

يتولى مهمة التعليق على المباراة رؤوف خليف وفارس عوض.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

أرتيتا بعد التعادل مع مانشستر سيتي: قطعنا خطوة كبيرة ومستحيل أن تكون سعيدًا بنقطة واحدة

تحدث ميكيل أرتيتا المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، بعد التعادل أمام مانشستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وانتهت مباراة مانشستر سيتي وآرسنال بالتعادل السلبي، على ملعب “الاتحاد”، بالجولة الثلاثين للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وتراجع آرسنال في الترتيب إلى المركز الثاني خلف ليفربول المتصدر بفارق نقطتين، ومانشستر سيتي في المركز الثالث بفارق 3 نقاط عن الصدارة.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحاته إلى “بي بي سي” و”سكاي سبورتس”: “مباراة تنافسية حقًا كما يمكنك أن تتخيل، لقد قطعنا خطوة كبيرة أخرى اليوم”.

وأضاف: “لديهم القدرة على تغيير الخطط ليدخلوا في العمق في العديد من اللحظات، إنهم يتمتعون ببنية بدنية عالية ولكن أعتقد أننا تعاملنا مع ذلك بشكل جيد للغاية”.

وأردف: “أعتقد أننا حظينا بأفضل المواقف، كنا عدوانيين حقًا في بعض الأحيان وكنا نمرر الكرة إلى مناطق رائعة، الطريقة التي تنافسنا بها فرديًا وكفريق كانت رائعة”.

وأشار أرتيتا: “على المستوى الفردي، عليك أن تكون في أفضل حالاتك، لقد قمنا بعمل جيد حقًا، كانت 2021 هي المرة الأخيرة التي لم يسجلوا فيها على أرضهم على الاتحاد، منذ ثلاث سنوات، وهذا يوضح مدى صعوبة الأمر”.

وأكد: “لقد كان اختبارًا صعبًا للغاية بالنسبة لنا اليوم، أردنا الفوز ولكن عندما لا تتمكن من الفوز، يجب ألا تخسر”.

وواصل: “من المستحيل أن تكون سعيدًا تمامًا بنقطة واحدة فقط، أعتقد أننا قطعنا خطوة كبيرة اليوم، لقد اكتسبنا تجربة اللعب هنا الموسم الماضي وواجهنا ذلك بطريقة مختلفة اليوم، لعبنا المباراة بطريقة استثنائية”.

وتابع: “وفي أجزاء أخرى من المباراة كان بإمكاننا تقديم أداء أفضل بكثير، خاصة مع وجود الكرة في الثلث الأخير”.

وشدد أرتيتا: “لم يكن لدينا ما يكفي من رباطة جأش للعب، وحصلنا على بعض اللحظات الكبيرة للفوز بالمباراة”.

وحول ما كان استثنائيًا في الأداء، أتم: “التزام اللاعبين، والانضباط الذي كان لديهم في الأجزاء الدفاعية، فزنا بالكرة عدة مرات، ثم عندما قاموا بالضغط، بقينا في العمق”.

Crystal Palace eye summer swoop for £35m "mountain"

The dark cloud hanging over the seemingly inevitable exit of Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha has served as an excellent distraction to the more under-the-radar saga surrounding Marc Guehi.

The Englishman is attracting considerable interest, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal all “monitoring” his situation.

If the former Chelsea youth follows in Zaha’s footsteps and departs Selhurst Park, then owner Steve Parish will need to find a suitable replacement.

However, it appears that this process is already well underway, with the club identifying Perr Schuurs as their primary defensive target.

What’s the latest on Perr Schuurs to Crystal Palace?

According to Tuttosport (via The Hard Tackle), the Eagles, as well as top-flight rivals West Ham United and Liverpool are all targeting the 23-year-old, who could be available for €40m (£35m).

Due to both their competitors being able to offer European football, it will be an extremely difficult deal for the southeast London outfit to navigate.

Why should Crystal Palace sign Perr Schuurs?

The 23-year-old began his career in his native Netherlands and moved to Ajax in 2018. During this spell, he made 95 appearances for the club, winning three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, and a Johan Cruyff Shield.

Internationally, the 6 foot 3 “mountain” – as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting – was also making a name for himself, having been called up to the senior squad in 2020 and being named in the UEFA European U21 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2021.

The defender then permanently transferred to Torino in the summer of 2022, which is where he has played his best football. Last season, in 30 Serie A appearances, Schuurs averaged 3.2 clearances and 1.7 tackles per game, without making any errors leading to a shot or a goal.

These statistics mean that the centre-back ranks impressively across the continent as he sits within the best 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion per 90, tackles per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

This range of metrics demonstrates that he is a physical and dominant force, whilst also being an impeccably competent ball-carrier.

A player of this quality is more than capable of replicating the role of Guehi and his sturdy partnership with Joachim Andersen.

The former Fulham captain is a formidably consistent performer for Palace, playing in 66 of the club’s last 76 top-flight games.

Last term, he was the defender with the highest average rating (6.82) in the Premier League, winning 72% of his aerial duels, making no errors leading to shots or goals, and averaging 80% pass accuracy, as per Sofascore.

joachim-andersen-crystal-palace-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

Andersen’s former coach, Svend Graversen, has hailed the Dane’s mentality and composure, saying:

“He’s always been very good on the long passes. Growing up, what I liked was that he took full responsibility to bring the ball through the lines.

“He was the leader in defence — I put him at centre-back but he was normally a midfielder. You could see the calmness on the ball, his awareness, especially the space in front of him in the defence was very good.

“There was the potential to be a top defender. As an under-17, he was the best in the league. Even though the national team couldn’t see it right away, he was on another level.”

Therefore, the possible exit could be softened by the possibility of a glimmering partnership between Andersen and Schuurs.

Carey, Labuschagne, McDermott among NPS intake

The emergence of Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne and Ben McDermott as players of national interest has been confirmed by their inclusion in Cricket Australia’s national performance squad for 2017

Daniel Brettig19-Apr-2017

Ben McDermott century’s century for the Hobart Hurricanes against the Melbourne Renegades was one of the innings of the the 2016-17 Big Bash League•Getty Images

The emergence of Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne and Ben McDermott as players of national interest has been confirmed by their inclusion in Cricket Australia’s national performance squad for 2017.Carey enjoyed a strong season as wicketkeeper for a South Australian side that made the Sheffield Shield final for a second consecutive season, while Labuschagne enjoyed a strong season for Queensland and McDermott produced one of the innings of the Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes against the Melbourne Renegades.At a time when the national selectors are looking ardently towards youth, the trio will be aware of their standing when reminded of the fact that three members of last year’s squad – Matt Renshaw, Hilton Cartwright and Sam Heazlett – all went on to play for Australia during the 2016-17 season.”It’s been really pleasing see three players from the 2016 National Performance Squad go on to play international cricket in the past 12 months,” the national talent manager and selector Greg Chappell said. “In Matthew Renshaw and Hilton Cartwright at Test level, and Sam Heazlett at ODI level, the NPS program is having a real impact in developing Australia’s emerging talent into cricketers capable of playing at the game’s highest level.”There is a wealth of talent in this squad, and a nice balance between players with domestic experience pushing to play for Australia in the near future, and players who we believe can make the step up from underage championships, to domestic level and hopefully international cricket over the next couple of years.”Pace bowlers will be the first to arrive at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on May 8, before the full intake begins on May 29. The players will be sent to the Snowy Mountains for a boot camp before other keynote events including a five-day spin camp in June, a visit to the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai in July and a fielding and wicketkeeping camp in August.”Our spin camp has been running now for a number of years, and each year I see it getting better. We have international conditions, international spinners and international coaches coming through as part of that particular program as well,” the NPS head coach Troy Cooley said. “With the facilities we have, we can replicate Indian conditions and Australian conditions, and it really is a good opportunity for both batsmen and bowlers to develop their game outdoors in the sun.””We’ve done some excellent work with the State Talent Managers and the National Selection Panel to select this squad, and we have another talented group of young players. Our role in this important pathway program is to value-add to the hard work the States are doing with these players.”Our facilities are world renowned, and provide plenty of opportunities for cricketers to learn and develop their craft in a multitude of different conditions to not only improve on their current skills, but replicate the touring life of an international cricketer.”There are several specialist camps as part of this year’s program, including a boot camp in the Snowy Mountains to test our players’ adaptability and resilience away from the game, and a trip to the MRF Academy which adds a real international flavour to the program, and further sub-continent experience.”National Performance Squad 2017: Alex Carey, Jackson Coleman, Michael Cormack, Brendan Doggett, Jake Doran, Daniel Fallins, Jordan Gauci, Ryan Gibson, Ryan Hadley, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lewin Maladay, Ben McDermott, Tom O’Donnell, Ben Pengelley, Henry Thornton, Param Uppal, Mac Wright

توتنهام يستغل تعثر أستون فيلا بثلاثية أمام نوتينجهام فورست في الدوري الإنجليزي

حقق توتنهام فوزًا هامًا على نظيره نوتينجهام فورست بثلاثية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة 32 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

المباراة جمعت بين الفريقين على ملعب توتنهام الجديد في لندن، وتقدم أصحاب الأرض عن طريق مدافع نوتينجهام فورست مبكرًا في الدقيقة 15 بهدف ذاتي في مرماه.

طالع أيضًا.. شيفيلد يفرض تعادلًا قاتلًا على تشيلسي في الدوري الإنجليزي

وتمكن النيوزيلندي كريس وود من تسجيل هدف التعادل لـ نوتينجهام فورست في الدقيقة 27، لينتهي الشوط الأول بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1.

في الشوط الثاني، تمكن ميكي فان دي فين من تسجيل الهدف الثاني لـ توتنهام عند الدقيقة 53، قبل أن يسجل بيدرو بورو الثالث بعد 5 دقائق.

حافظ توتنهام على تقدمه حتى نهاية اللقاء، ليرفع رصيده إلى النقطة 60، في المركز الرابع مستغلًا تعثر أستون فيلا أمام برينتفورد أمس، بينما نوتينجهام فورست في المركز السابع عشر برصيد 25 نقطة.

Roston Chase earns maiden ODI call-up

Roston Chase has been rewarded for his consistent run in the Pakistan Tests with a maiden call-up to West Indies’ ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jun-2017

Roston Chase’s early promise in Test cricket has earned him a maiden ODI call-up•AFP

Allrounder Roston Chase has been rewarded for his consistent run in the Pakistan Tests with a maiden call-up to West Indies’ ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan.Twelve of the 14 members who were part of the squad for the third ODI against Pakistan – West Indies’ last ODI assignment – were retained. Chadwick Walton, the wicketkeeper who made just 36 runs in three outings in that series, and left-arm spinner Veersammy Permaul were left out.West Indies squad

Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell

Chase, who made his Test debut last year, has already established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman, scoring three centuries in 10 Tests, in addition to being a handy offspinner.”He was considered before for ODI selection, primarily because of his all-round ability,” Courtney Browne, Cricket West Indies’ chairman of selectors, said. “With his prolific run scoring in the last Test series and his continued steady all-round performances in the PCL, we now feel it’s time to introduce him to ODI cricket.”He was not among the leading run-scorers in the Super50 tournament earlier this year, but we believe with his skill set and the way he has been playing, he could be an asset. His outstanding efforts with the bat could not be ignored any longer, coupled with his useful bowling can only add value to our squad.”There was no place for senior players Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, despite Browne having earlier hinted at the board revisiting the eligibility criteria for ODI selection. Currently, the CWI follows a stringent policy of considering only those players who have featured in the domestic 50-over competition.All three ODIs will be played at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, with the first game slated for June 9.West Indies have already clinched the T20I series, with the final match to be played in St Kitts on Tuesday.

West Ham Could Sign Amazing £20m Cresswell Upgrade

West Ham United's priority at this stage of the transfer window may well be on bringing in a midfield replacement for Declan Rice, but David Moyes could desperately do with some upgrades in other positions.

Who are West Ham looking to sign?

Beyond their midfield targets, which are said to consist of Conor Gallagher, Scott McTominay, Amadou Onana and Youssouf Fofana, West Ham have also been linked with centre-back Luiz Felipe, plus strikers Folarin Balogun and Habib Diallo.

Spezia's Emil Holm has also been touted as a target at right-back, while it could also be all change on the opposite flank as Aaron Cresswell is in talks over a move to fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to the Daily Mail.

That suggests Moyes already has a player lined up to come in at left-back, and The Athletic claims United are one of a handful of clubs interested in signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.

Maatsen starred on loan for promoted Burnley in the Championship last season, but it is reported that the Clarets have declined to meet Chelsea's £20m asking price to sign the defender permanently, opening the door for West Ham to pounce should they wish.

Is Ian Maatsen a good option for West Ham?

Maatsen was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season after impressing for Burnley last time out, while also picking up the Player of the Month gong along the way in January.

The Netherlands U21 international was crowned Man of the Match on four occasions by WhoScored, which was the joint-most of any Burnley player, along with Nathan Tella and Manuel Benson.

An attacking full-back, Maatsen scored four goals and assisted six more in 39 appearances. Indeed, he is ranked in the top 13% of all full-backs across the eight leagues most similar to the Championship in terms of quality, as per FBref, and the top 16% for assists.

Maatsen averaged 0.27 goals or assists every 90 minutes last season, which compares to 0.04 for Cresswell across his 28 matches for West Ham, though the latter did of course play in a division higher.

Still, that is a huge difference and suggests Moyes is looking for a more attack-minded alternative at left-back. Even if taking the defensive metrics into consideration, it could still be argued that Maatsen is a big upgrade on what West Ham already have.

West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell.

The Dutchman outperformed Cresswell last season in terms of tackles won per 90 minutes (1.42 v 0.44), blocks per 90 (1.01 v 0.85) and interceptions per 90 (1.45 v 1.09).

Maatsen also came out on top in metrics such as pass-completion percentage (80.6 v 77.8) and touches of the ball per 90 (86.1 v 64.8), though Cresswell is stronger in terms of aerial duels won (50.9% v 32.3%).

Described as a "superb" player by Manchester Evening News reporter Alex James, it appears as though Maatsen is destined to play in the Premier League one way or another this coming season – and indeed for many years beyond.

West Ham supporters will surely hope that is with them, rather than across London at Chelsea.

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