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Amid the plethora of young talent Nuno Espirito Santo has at his disposal, it appears many Tottenham Hotspur supporters are excited about yet another in summer signing Bryan Gil.

The 20-year-old made his home debut recently against Pacos de Ferreira in the second leg of Spurs’ UEFA Europa Conference League play-off, a performance which attracted real media praise. 

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Gil was one of the highest-rated performers on a night where he showcased his real threat and optimism going forward, coming after Spurs initiated a player-plus-cash deal to bring him to N17 in the summer.

On Friday, the dazzling youngster also completed 80 minutes for Spain’s Under-21s as they demolished Russia’s youngsters 4-1 – with this milestone attracting praise from Spurs supporters.

Indeed, many Lilywhites are excited by yet another young talent in the Spaniard with the club already boasting the likes of Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine, who have also been tipped to shine at Tottenham (The Evening Standard).

As Gil features for the majority of Spain’s encounter with the Russians, Spurs fans took to social media in praise of their starlet – find all of their best responses in reply to Tottenham’s official account down below.

Spurs fans herald Gil…

“Can’t wait to see him get full 90 minutes in the prem, we’ve got a serious player on our hands here!”

Credit: @thfc_cody

“He looks a player I thought and a lot more suited to feeding a goal machine than Foden or Grealish!”

Credit: @Dugiedomingo

“Can’t wait to see him back. So excited about this young man.”

Credit: @Wibblesoncommon

“Start him against Palace”

Credit: @jack_thfc_

“What a talent this guys is”

Credit: @stevehotspurs

“Generational.”

Credit: @RoyalThanimal

“My wonderkid”

Credit: @nba_mb

In other news: Offer ready: Paratici already eyeing next Spurs swoop as news emerges on ‘extraordinary’ star, find out more here.

Donny van de Beek only became a Manchester United player a year ago, but the writing could already be on the wall for the technically gifted midfielder.

After joining the Red Devils from boyhood club Ajax in a £40 million deal last summer, Van de Beek struggled for game time during his maiden Premier League campaign, starting just four top-flight fixtures.

His lack of action led to speculation that the Netherlands international could seek pastures new in the recently concluded transfer window, with a loan move to Everton widely rumoured.

However, the midfielder has played down any talk that he was close to leaving in an interview with former United ace Rio Ferdinand, insisting that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was certain about his future at the club.

“No, I spoke with the manager and the club, and they said they wanted me to stay here,” Van de Beek explained to Ferdinand on his YouTube channel (as relayed by The Mirror).

“The manager was really positive about me, and he said ‘I need you, and I want to keep you here’. He also said: ‘What I see from you every day at training, is a different Donny now’,” he added.

“He was really positive about me, and now I am feeling well, I am in good shape, and I hope that I can show the fans that I have improved a lot. He said he sees a big difference, maybe I am a bit stronger now, and he can see that I have one year of experience in England now.”

Nevertheless, despite Van de Beek’s positive outlook, it appears as though the Old Trafford outfit are already lining up a potential replacement for the 24-year-old.

Well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that Leicester City maestro Youri Tielemans is on United’s wishlist, possibly resulting in the Dutchman’s departure.

“I am told that he is on many top clubs’ list. Real Madrid have his name in mind for the future, Barcelona the same,” Romano said (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury).

“In England, many clubs are interested. Manchester United have to decide on Paul Pogba, but Tielemans is one to watch for the future for Manchester United.”

Although Pogba has entered the final year of his current contract with the 20-time English champions, his style varies greatly from that of Tielemans, and it’s unlikely that the Leicester gem would be considered a direct successor for the World Cup-winning colossus.

As a result, it’s likely to be Van de Beek that makes way for the Belgium international should United make their move, with Bruno Fernandes instrumental to their play and Fred and McTominay positioned further back.

It’s been a frustrating spell on English shores for Van de Beek, and he’ll surely be hoping to use this season as a platform to showcase his true ability on the biggest of stages.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potentially huge selection blow pre-NUFC, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

The Bombay High Court has cleared the way for the BCCI to seek a new broadcast deal by rejecting a plea from Sony TV, which had challenged the Indian cricket board’s decision to terminate its five-year deal to televise the IPL

Cricinfo staff23-Mar-2009The Bombay High Court has cleared the way for the BCCI to seek a new broadcast deal by rejecting a plea from Sony TV, which had challenged the Indian cricket board’s decision to terminate its five-year deal to televise the IPL.The BCCI has, meanwhile, signed a fresh broadcast rights deal worth a reported US$1.2 billion with World Sports Group (WSG), which in turn has been engaged in discussions with various broadcasters for a new IPL deal. It has been reported that Sony is among those who are now trying to negotiate a new deal with WSG and sources have indicated that ESPN-Star Sports (ESS) and NDTV, the New Delhi-based media organisation, are also in discussions to telecast the IPL.It is unclear, though, if Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, which held the IPL contract under the Sony umbrella, will approach the Supreme Court to appeal against Monday’s decision.Sony had sub-licensed the IPL’s subcontinent broadcast rights last year from WSG, who had won an original ten-year bid for US$1.02 billion, but moved the court after receiving a notice of termination from the BCCI, which runs the IPL. The Indian board claimed that Sony had repeatedly violated the integrity of telecast by prematurely cutting to breaks and inserting commercials during a live match, replays and other on-field action.The court placed a freeze on IPL signing another broadcast deal and in the meantime, attempts between Sony and the IPL to negotiate an out-of-court settlement failed after the broadcaster agreed to the Indian board’s commercial terms but sought a “non-terminable contract”.IPL officials were unavailable for a reaction. Rohit Gupta, president of network sales at Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd said he could not discuss “anything at all” regarding the issue.The IPL’s relationship with Sony had turned rocky last month after the IPL lost out on a US$31.16 million deal because of a dispute between Sony and Big TV, a direct-to-home provider. Ties between the two dipped further after the subsequent resignation of Kunal Dasgupta, the then Sony CEO, who was known to be close to Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman. Sony is also understood to have been keen on renegotiating the financial terms of its contract with the IPL and had concerns about the tournament’s revised dates and some of the venues that were being considered.

Matt Clarke returning from injury sooner than expected is a sigh of relief, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast.

Clarke had looked like he would be out for a while after straining his hamstring, but manager Valerien Ismael recently confirmed that the central defender could return earlier than anticipated.

The Frenchman has been handed some dilemmas at the back in this early stage of the season, with Dara O’Shea also currently out injured.

The 22-year-old has been ruled out of action for the next four to six months after fracturing his ankle while on international duty, making Clarke’s speedy recovery more than a welcome sight.

Asked by FFC if the news surrounding Clarke will come as a sigh of relief to Ismael following O’Shea’s serious injury, Palmer said:

“Yeah, it is because obviously the backbone of your side is always your defence and to have two key players missing from the start of the season, two key centre-backs… you don’t want them missing for a large chunk of the season.

“That’s your backbone of anything, keeping clean sheets, not conceding goals – and to get good central defenders now is tough.”

West Brom were also without new signing Kean Bryan for their recent clash against Derby County, so the Baggies certainly are having a hard time at the back.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan is disappointed that Australia have rested key members of their squad for the ODI series, beginning on April 22, because their presence would have benefitted a young Pakistan side

Cricinfo staff08-Apr-2009Pakistan captain Younis Khan is disappointed that Australia have rested key members of their squad for the ODI series, beginning on April 22, because their presence would have benefited a young Pakistan side. The Australian selectors left out Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson from the five-match series in Dubai.”When you play against the top players like Ponting, you learn different and good things,” Younis told AFP. “Ponting is a brilliant captain and, when you play against such a leader, you tend to learn. Hussey is a stubborn batsman and Johnson has developed into a world-class bowler whose every delivery is near 140 kmph. So we will miss them.”Michael Clarke was named captain for the series and the Australia squad also includes returning allrounders Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson and fast bowler Brett Lee. “It is a great opportunity for this young [Pakistan] team,” Younis said. “When you play against a top team like Australia there are a lot of opportunities to learn and I hope my team gain in experience.”Younis said that he was not “expecting much” from his team but hoped that his players would learn from Australia’s attitude on the field. “The Australians have an attitude which says everything about their cricket. That is, not to give up, aggression in all situations and I am sure my team will observe that.”If my team plays a little bit above their potential then I am sure we can achieve better results. I am not expecting much from this team but my main expectation is that they play with full throttle and potential.”Pakistan’s squad for the series includes Shoaib Akhtar, who has returned after recovering from a knee injury. “My request to Akhtar is to play for the team, for himself, and remain focused on the game,” Younis said. “I will not put extra pressure of expectations on him but he will have to play with his full ability.”

It was always likely that Hampshire’s main obstacle in this game would be a former England batsman battling for a recall. But it was Jim Troughton, not Ian Bell, who led the way as Warwickshire replied to Hampshire’s worthy first innings

George Dobell at Edgbaston23-Apr-2009
ScorecardJim Troughton showed how he has matured as a batsman with an important century against Hampshire•PA PhotosIt was always likely that Hampshire’s main obstacle in this game would be a former England batsman battling for a recall. But it was Jim Troughton, not Ian Bell, who led the way as Warwickshire replied to Hampshire’s worthy first innings.Troughton’s England days are surely behind him but, on this form, that is a shame. Now aged 30, he has matured into a better, tighter player than the 24-year-old who played six ODI’s in 2003 and, in compiling the 15th first-class century of his career, produced some delightful strokes.Troughton has always been a pleasing stroke-maker but, in the past, has suffered for a looseness outside off stump. Such profligacy appears to have been eliminated, for now at least, leaving a player blessed with a wide arrange of shots and the judgement to know when to use them. Here he gave only one chance, on 99, when Liam Dawson put down a sharp opportunity at leg slip off the deserving Chris Tremlett.Warwickshire were grateful for Troughton’s defiance. At 120 for four they were somewhat precariously placed, but Troughton’s unbroken stand of 104 with the equally fluent Tim Ambrose leaves this game intriguingly poised going into the third day.The top order had shown little resistance. Darren Maddy prodded at one he could have left before Tony Frost, responding to an optimistic call from Jonathan Trott, was run out by a direct hit from the substitute fielder David Griffiths. Trott then felt for one away from his body only to see Dominic Cork, at first slip, cling on to a sharp effort with his left hand.Bell couldn’t take the opportunity to strengthen his case for an England recall. Though he looked untroubled in caressing a series of sweetly-timed drives through the covers, he was unfortunate to receive a brute of a ball from the mercurial Chris Tremlett that reared horribly and took the batsman’s glove before looping to first slip. To add injury to insult, Bell was left with a bruised hand, though the club insist it is not a serious blow.Perhaps it was Tremlett’s performance that should be of most interest to England’s selectors. Though initially cumbersome, he was stirred into life late in the day and, roaring in from the Pavilion End, produced a couple of mightily impressive spells.This, at last, was a glimpse of the menacing fast bowler that Tremlett might yet become. Gaining sharp bounce and seam movement, he beat the outside edge on several occasions and appeared head and shoulders more dangerous than any other bowler on display. It was an exhilarating passage of play and timely reminder to those who question the quality or the intensity of county cricket.Sadly the integrity of county cricket took another blow with the withdrawal – and substitution – of Marcus North. After just one day’s county service, he has been summoned to replace the injured Shaun Marsh in the Australian squad playing Pakistan in Dubai. North’s place in this game has been taken by Michael Lumb.Whether it should have been is debatable. The playing conditions state that “a replacement player shall be allowed in the event of a cricketer being required to join the England Team for a Test or One-Day International match.”But the ECB are an accommodating bunch. Not ones to let their own rule book dissuade them, they reasoned that any international call-up represented a “parallel situation” and sanctioned the substitution on the basis that Lumb was a “like for like” replacement. Warwickshire, though initially sceptical, accepted the change without resistance.Earlier Nic Pothas completed the 24th first-class century of his career as Hampshire extended their first innings to challenging proportions. Pothas shepherded the tail so effectively that the last three wickets added 108, with Tremlett an increasingly confident partner in an eighth-wicket stand of 70.Though Chris Woakes finally produced a fine yorker for Tremlett and Balcombe played around a straight one, Tomlison resisted long enough to see Pothas to his century and Hampshire to a fourth batting bonus point.

Recently appointed Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has revealed that he wants to play attacking football at the City Ground.

What’s been said?

In an open letter to Nottingham Forest fans shared on the club website, Cooper revealed that one of his first goals is to get Forest playing creative and attacking football, as well as suggesting that his ultimate ambition is to reinstate the Reds as a Premier League side.

The 41-year-old went on to state that he plans to work closely with the club’s academy setup, as he believes it is important to keep a regular flow of young players pushing for a first-team place at the City Ground.

Music to the ears of fans

Considering the general trend of Nottingham Forest in recent years, with Chris Hughton often coming under fire for his defensively minded style of play, as well as the club signing large quantities of older players on relatively big contracts in the past few seasons, in addition to results on the pitch being nowhere near good enough, the fact that Cooper appears to be a manager who is very much the opposite of Hughton in many regards is sure to delight fans of the club.

Indeed, with Cooper achieving back to back top six Championship finishes with a Swansea City side that boasted a number of impressive young players, should the 41-year-old be able to repeat this feat with Forest, he will certainly go a long way to winning the club’s fanbase over.

And, while getting a team who are only off the bottom of the Championship table as a result of Derby County’s 12 point deduction playing creative and attacking football is easier said than done, the fact that Cooper has stated his desire to do so will undoubtedly come as music to the ears of the Garibaldi fans, who have suffered for far too long in the second tier of English football.

In other news: Journalist reveals NFFC talks for “outstanding” £1.8m-rated ace, he’d be a major coup

Ireland threw away a winning position to crash to a 27-run defeat against Pakistan at Castle Avenue

Cricinfo staff27-May-2009
Scorecard
Sana Mir led from the front with a four-wicket haul•Getty ImagesIreland threw away a winning position to crash to a 27-run defeat against Pakistan in a women’s one-day international at Castle Avenue. Ireland were coasting at 106 for 4 during their reply, but they lost their last six wickets for eight runs and the last five for two in an eventful 12 balls. Four wickets fell in the 40th over, bowled by Pakistan captain Sana Mir, and two run-outs due to poor calling handed the advantage to the visitors.Melissa Scott Hayward called for a run and was stranded by a good throw from point and two balls later, Mir bowled her opposite number Heather Whelan. Another run-out followed when Amy Kenealy called Suzanne for an impossible single. Kenealy couldn’t survive the last ball, bowled on the backfoot, and an over which started at 112 for 5 ended at 112 for 9. Six balls later, the victory was completed by Javeria Wadood when she trapped Marianne Herbert in front.The Ireland openers, Claire Shillington and Emma Beamish, fell early but Isobel Joyce and Eimear Richardson added 55 for the third wicket and Richardson then put on another 25 with Jill Whelan to stregthen the chase. Unfortunately all three departed for 20s as Pakistan’s sixth, seventh and eighth bowlers proved their secret weapons. Fourth change Javeria bowled eight overs for 14 initially, and weaved her magic later on to finish with 4 for 10.Having put Pakistan in, the hosts had reduced them to 31 for 3 in the 13th over. However, much like the Ireland innings, Pakistan then enjoyed two major partnerships before losing their last six wickets for 11 runs. Richardson was mainly responsible, returning for a second spell to finish with 3 for 19 although Pakistan contributed to their own downfall with a couple of run-outs.The teams will next play a tri-series, also involving Nottinghamshire, at Malahide on Thursday and Rathmines on Friday.

Queens Park Rangers left-back Sam McCallum has dropped a promising update on the injury he picked up in the Rs’ Carabao Cup victory on Tuesday.

What’s been said?

In a post on his personal Instagram account (via Football League World), the Norwich City loanee revealed that the knock which saw him withdrawn in the 66th minute of the penalty shootout win over Everton in midweek is only “minor”, before claiming he will come back stronger from it.

In his social media post, McCallum said: “Hopefully only a minor setback but will be back stronger.”

Fans will be buzzing

While it would still seem as if McCallum will be a doubt for the trip to West Bromwich Albion tonight, considering just how impressive the 21-year-old has been for QPR so far this season, the defender’s revelation that his knock is only minor is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his four Championship appearances for the Rs this term, the £3.15m-rated man has scored two goals, as well as taking 1.5 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £5k-per-week defender has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, averaging 1.3 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 0.5 clearances and winning 5.5 duels per match.

These returns have seen the player who QPR manager Mark Warburton dubbed a “quality” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the club’s ninth-best performer in the league this term.

As such, it would certainly appear to be the case that the sooner McCallum returns to action, the better for everyone involved with the west London side, especially as fellow QPR left-back Lee Wallace is also sidelined due to injury.

In other news: “Lively” £3.6m-rated QPR dynamo who made three key passes stole the show vs Everton

Nuno Santo’s return to UEFA Europa Conference League action on Thursday evening as they welcome Slovenian champions NS Mura to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Things have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, having lost three straight heavy defeats in the Premier League after Sunday’s north London disappointment.

The Portuguese head coach blamed himself for his team selection at the Emirates Stadium and he will have plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff this evening.

One of Spurs’ biggest issues right now is in the final third – they look lacklustre in attack and have really struggled to score goals, even when they were winning, it was merely by a 1-0 margin.

After six league games, Spurs rank last for average number of shots per game (9.3) and sit second-bottom for expected goals (5.47 xG), which only goes to show just how severe the problem is at the club.

The likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli have consistently failed to step up to be the team’s main creator in attacking midfield. It’s been a massive, and underlying, issue ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan in January 2020.

However, the difference is, Nuno could well have a solution right under his nose, thanks to the moves sporting director Fabio Paratici made in the transfer market this summer.

He managed to offload the injury-prone Erik Lamela and in return, secured a promising Spanish gem in Bryan Gil – a flair player capable of pulling the strings and linking the midfield to the attack.

The 20-year-old wizard simply has to start this evening if the Portuguese is to turn things around. He’s now under mounting pressure to deliver results and Gil would aid his chances substantially.

Valued at £27m, the Spain U21 international has already been likened to the Danish playmaker, as well as another former Spurs midfield dynamo, Luka Modric.

“I think they’ve just got to nail down that role for him. As soon as they nail down that role, I think we’re going to see a very talented young player coming to the fore. He’s kind of got a bit of everything: he can pass, he can dribble, he’s very creative, he has clever movement,” said football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

“They’ve just got to decide, is he a guy that can ultimately become the new Eriksen, because the more and more I watch him play, I think the ability’s there to do that. Some have even made a Modric comparison and said, maybe he could end up coming even deeper and becoming that kind of player.”

Gil averaged 1.7 crosses and 1.9 key passes per 90 in La Liga last season, as per WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he’s a player that looks to create chances frequently.

This season, Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn top the charts, managing 1.5 key passes per 90 but these are returns still below that of the young prodigy.

As a player that has been described as a “big talent”, “exciting” and one with “unbelievable amounts of technique”, it’s time for Nuno to unleash the rarely-seen gem a lot more often.

There’s only so long he can continue to count on his more senior figures, especially as they continue to let him down.

Gil must start against Mura this evening. It could be a game-changing call from a manager under intense scrutiny right now.

AND in other news, Nuno could finally axe Dele Alli if Spurs secure “explosive” £36m-rated “young Salah”…