Steven Bergwijn has been quite the enigma at Tottenham Hotspur since his arrival nearly a year ago.

The 23-year-old arrived from PSV Eindhoven last January for around €30m (£26.5m) as one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at the club. He has since seen his value rocket to a whopping €70m (£62m) as per the CIES Football Observatory.

But why?

Supporters on social media have gotten on his back at times, and on the face of it, it appears quite reasonable as he’s not scored since a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which was Spurs’ first game back after the temporary break in June.

The general consensus

The north Londoners romped to a 3-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, a victory which moved them to third place in the Premier League.

Bergwijn was one of the few disappointments as he missed a sitter at 1-0. He also successfully pulled off just one of his three dribble attempts, fired three shots without scoring, won just 25% of his duels, and was dribbled past twice, via SofaScore.

It led to the following reactions on Twitter…

Unjust?

Indeed, the Dutch international has struggled in terms of goal contributions having provided only four assists in 19 appearances this term, but many in N17 need to realise the greater impact he is having under Mourinho.

In some ways, he has become his sacrificial lamb on that right-flank.

Per FBref, only three other players are pressing more than Bergwijn in the final third of the pitch and those three are managing more minutes, so it’s not completely reflective of his true potential.

This much is backed up by his heat map for the season, via SofaScore:

Clearly, he is involved way more than what is perceived – the map above shows he is contributing defensively just as much as he is up the field.

Without his presence against Leicester, Mourinho’s side were utterly dominated as the Foxes ran away with a 2-0 victory, so it can’t be a coincidence that Spurs pick up their first win in five games with Bergwijn back in the starting XI.

There’s a reason why journalists (The Extra Inch via This is Futbol) have lauded him a “really special” talent and “more effective than [Lucas] Moura” in the past.

Get off his back, Spurs fans.

AND in other news, Pathetic Spurs star who lost possession 19 TIMES badly betrayed Mourinho…

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed fine partnerships over the years, the latest being Harry Kane and Heung-min Son’s telepathic double-act that has seen them consistently deliver goals.

Indeed, they are on the verge of breaking Premier League records this campaign.

Belgian twosome Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were the defensive wall for Mauricio Pochettino for many seasons, whilst there has to be an honourable mention for Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele.

And who could forget the ‘David and Goliath’ pairing of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe?

Now the door has opened for Daniel Levy to seal the next deadly duo in north London.

According to L’Equipe, Spurs have made contact with veteran winger Angel Di Maria over a potential free transfer in the summer as he remains out of contract in the French capital at the end of the current season.

Whilst Paris Saint-Germain, managed by former favourite Mauricio Pochettino, is hopeful of keeping hold of the 32-year-old, Jose Mourinho is keen to bring his old Real Madrid man to N17.

And Levy ought to do what he can to convince the £220k-per-week Argentina international to join.

He’s formed an exciting partnership with Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso for both club and country over the years. By bringing Di Maria to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Levy could create the second coming of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.

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When Keith Burkinshaw secured the two World Cup winners in 1978, it transformed the fortunes of Spurs and sent a stark warning across Europe.

The north London outfit had only just been promoted to the First Division, so the £750k swoop for the Argentinian pair was quite the outstanding coup.

They both struggled to hit the ground running, but soon their influence helped Spurs to two FA Cup final wins.

Levy’s team haven’t secured a piece of silverware since 2008, and the wait goes on, so bringing someone in of Di Maria’s calibre would certainly bolster their prospects of breaking that duck.

He has won La Liga and Ligue 1, and the Champions League too, whilst he was part of the Argentina squad to finish runner-up at the 2014 World Cup.

Di Maria can be Villa, whilst Spurs already have Ardiles 2.0 in Lo Celso.

When playing together, the duo have an impressive 76.5% win-rate and combined, they have delivered a total of 21 goals and 23 assists, per Transfermarkt.

Dubbed “exceptional” by new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and “extraordinary” by PSG enforcer Marco Verratti, Di Maria would be an incredible free transfer signing irrespective of his poor stint at Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The £25.2m-rated winger could help Lo Celso thrive with the £55m arrival only delivering seven goals and four assists in the 18 months he’s been at the club.

Perhaps the influence of his international and former PSG teammate can be the spark he needs, and in turn, it may well give Spurs another famous duo – one that is certainly shades of Ardiles and Villa mark two.

AND in other news, Mourinho could give Spurs new threat with £36m “exceptional talent” who idolises Ozil…

The January transfer window proved to be a busy one for Glasgow Rangers as no fewer than three players signed with the Ibrox club.

Most of those arrived towards the end of the window, with Scott Wright, Jack Simpson and Nnamdi Ofoborh all arriving via Bosman moves.

While the first two have already teamed up with Steven Gerrard’s squad, Ofoborh has headed straight back out on loan with Wycombe Wanderers.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has signed a four-year deal with the 54-time Scottish champions, will spend the rest of the season at the Adams Park Stadium with Gareth Ainsworth’s side.

Whilst there is plenty of information about Wright and Simpson, with the former having previously played for Premiership rivals Aberdeen, admittedly very little is known about Ofoborh, who spent the majority of last season on loan with the Chairboys.

The former Nigeria U20 international was highly regarded at the Vitality Stadium, with Bournemouth Echo sports reporter Tom Crocker revealing former boss Eddie Howe held him in high esteem. He said: “Nnamdi certainly seems to be a lively character, who is always smiling. Eddie Howe always praised how hard-working he was, explaining how he’s always last off the training pitch every day and how popular he was with the first team group.”

Gerrard has previously placed a great emphasis on the importance of working hard on the training pitch, suggesting that Ofoborh should feel right at home at Ibrox.

In terms of his playing style, there are obvious comparisons that can be drawn with the ever-reliable Steven Davis. Despite the difference in age, both play in similar positions, with Ofoborh currently averaging one tackle, one dribble and two interceptions per 90 in the Championship.

For context, that’s more interceptions than Davis himself has managed on average per game in the Scottish Premiership this season (1.3), which implies that he could be his heir-in-waiting.

His versatility will also be a big bonus for the Ibrox boss after impressing in a more defensive role in the centre of the defence. He’s capable of playing that role in a back four and has shown that he is willing to put in a defensive shift to frustrate opponents, as evidenced by his 1.1 tackles per game during the 2019/20 season.

With Rangers facing a potential shortage of defensive options in the near future, there’s no doubting the fact that this could make a massive difference next season.

AND in other news, Glen Kamara has become virtually undroppable for Glasgow Rangers…

For Wolves, adding further numbers to their squad over the winter window was absolutely imperative.

The Old Gold had lost Raul Jimenez for a prolonged period of time because of a fractured skull and since that issue, they have won only three of their last 11 outings.

It has been a torrid time for Nuno Santo who has witnessed his side more or less fall apart over the last month or so.

The club’s woeful performances were highlighted in the FA Cup when they could only surpass non-league Chorley 1-0.

Thus, Wolves could do with a few more additions before the transfer market closes. They have, of course, welcomed Willian Jose on loan but we’re tipping two more incomings.

Here is the XI that could line-up for Wolves once the deadline closes.

You will notice two new faces in the side, one of which is Douglas Costa. Rumours surfaced over the last week linking the Brazilian with a loan switch to Molineux.

Juventus have grown tired of his lack of game time during his temporary stint at Bayern Munich, and thus, the Premier League has emerged as a potential destination for the second half of the campaign.

If he does come to Wolves, he may take the place of Adama Traore on the right-wing. After all, we’ve already discussed the vast similarities between the duo on FFC.

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Another change is in midfield where Christian Eriksen starts. Tim Spiers claimed a deal for the Dane was a non-starter this month but fresh reports from Italy revealed that talks have been held with his entourage.

Eriksen is a proven Premier League creator and in over 300 appearances for Tottenham, registered 69 goals and 89 assists. Thus, he would simply have to play behind Willian Jose if he comes to the Midlands.

Behind that, we’re not expecting any incomings. Although, we do think Wolves could persevere with four at the back with potentially up to three attacking additions in January.

AND in other news, Shi must seal Wolves swoop for “outstanding” 6-goal gem, he’s shades of Bakary Sako…

MatériaMais Notícias

Ricardo Oliveira deu entrevista pela primeira vez após a negociação com o Beijing Guoan, da China, na sexta-feira. Até então, havia dúvidas quanto ao ânimo do camisa 9 e esse foi um dos principais pontos que o atacante quis esclarecer para a torcida do Santos.

– Garanto ao torcedor santista: Não vai faltar empenho, nem vontade, com muita certeza vamos voltar para o lugar que a gente deve estar. Com trabalho, alegria e empenho. Jamais faltará vontade da minha parte – afirmou.

Neste domingo, o camisa 9 volta à Vila Belmiro pela primeira vez após quase ter saído do Peixe. O adversário é o Corinthians, time no qual Ricardo Oliveira marcou três vezes no ano passado, duas no palco do clássico, que será às 16 horas.

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Desinibido, o centroavante da Seleção Brasileira não esconde o desejo de ter ido à China ganhar R$ 50 milhões em dois anos.

– Fiquei triste. Gostaria que as coisas tivessem caminhado de outra maneira? Sim. Vi uma possibilidade muito boa financeiramente, para minha família, e oportunidade extremamente boa para a instituição. Mas passou. Não posso lamentar. Não vou jamais me resguardar. Não vou deixar de correr. Nunca vou fazer corpo mole. Tenho contrato até 2017 e vamos cumprir o contrato – determina.

Contando com o apoio da torcida do Alvinegro, Ricardo Oliveira espera voltar ao caldeirão da Baixada Santista no melhor estilo: com gols sobre o maior rival.

– Estou completamente preparado. Foi um momento difícil. O que está proposta à minha frente é se doar, ajudando, me doando e fazendo gols! Resultado de um trabalho coletivo – concluiu.

Confira o bate-bola com Ricardo Oliveira:

Qual sua motivação para jogar um clássico após a negociação?

Clássico não precisa de motivação, palestra… Clássico contra um dos maiores rivais do clube, dentro de casa, a gente sabe que esses jogos são bons de jogar, não tem jeito, todos querem jogar. É um momento oportuno para conseguirmos uma vitória e tirar qualquer possibilidade de que tentam jogar situações que não existe no nosso elenco. Oportunidade única. Vamos nos empenhar para conseguir essa vitória.

Como vê o ambiente do elenco do Santos no momento?

Chamei eles para conversar a respeito do nosso foco para a temporada. Nos comprometemos a nos dedicar e fazer melhor do que estamos fazendo até agora. Existe uma irmandade.

Como espera ver a Vila Belmiro no dia do clássico?

Espero que o torcedor compareça em massa na VIla, como um só para que a gente consiga vencer esse jogo. Quando vejo aquele estádio inflamado, arrepia, mexe com a gente.

Speaking recently to Football Insider, Kevin Campbell discussed the reasoning behind Jack Harrison’s omission from Marcelo Biela’s Leeds United side.

Having highly impressed over his 24 Premier League starts prior to the club’s clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, scoring six goals, providing four assists and averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.90, Harrison was a surprise exclusion from Bielsa’s starting XI against Dean Smith’s side last weekend.

However, in a recent interview with Football Insider, Kevin Campbell claimed that the Argentine manager will learn a great deal about the £8.1 million-rated Manchester City loanee this week, in how he reacts in training after being benched, as well as offering his opinion on why Harrison was dropped.

He said: “One thing Bielsa is not going to allow is complacency. If you are complacent and you are not doing what he wants you will be taken out. A little stint on the sidelines will definitely liven Harrison up.

“Bielsa will find out a lot more about him now. He’ll find out if Harrison is a sulker or whether he is a player who rolls his sleeves up. That is what Harrison has got to do, he needs to roll his sleeves up.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering the fact that Harrison has been one of United’s better players in the Premier League so far this season – with his average WhoScored match rating ranking him as the club’s sixth-best performer – as well as the fact that Bielsa himself recently stated that the 24-year-old is a “very strong player mentally” as well as a “very dedicated professional,” it is questionable whether Harrison’s sleeves have not already been rolled up this season.

Having said that, the winger’s form has dipped considerably in recent weeks, so perhaps Bielsa’s dropping of the £15k per week man will provide him with the wakeup call he requires to refind his impressive levels of performance, as Campbell suggests.

In other news, Phil Hay shed light on this Leeds star’s contract details – find out more here!

كشف عبد الظاهر السقا المدير الرياضي لنادي فيوتشر إف سي، عن أهداف الفريق خلال مشاركته الأولى في الدوري المصري الممتاز، هذا الموسم، وموقف الزمالك من استعادة عمر كمال عبد الواحد في الموسم المقبل.

فيوتشر يستعد لمواجهة الأهلي يوم الأحد 26 ديسمبر الجاري، في إطار منافسات الجولة السابعة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري.

طالع | فيوتشر يستعد لـ الأهلي بخماسية نظيفة أمام جينيس وديًا

وقال السقا خلال تصريحات لبرنامج “بوكس تو بوكس” على قناة “ETC”: “أول موسم لنا بالدوري، وهدفنا أن نكون متواجدين بقوة ونقدم مستوى مميزًا”.

وأضاف: “إضافة إلى تسويق وتكوين شخصية النادي وشعاره ثم يأتي الجميع بعده، شخصية اللاعبين داخل غرف الملابس كانت أساس اختياراتنا”.

وأكمل: “تعاقدنا مع عمر كمال عبدالواحد لمدة ثلاثة سنوات مع حرية تحديد مصيره بعد الموسم الأول بالاستكمال معنا أو العودة للزمالك، فإذا رغب في الانضمام للأبيض خلال الموسم القادم سيتم ذلك وفقًا للعقد”.

وكان نادي فيوتشر إف سي تعاقد مع عمر كمال عبد الواحد، على سبيل الإعارة بداية من الموسم الحالي، بعد قرار إيقاف القيد في القلعة البيضاء.

وتابع: “لم أتفاجأ من تألق أحمد رفعت مع المنتخب، وحتى الآن لم يستفد المنتخب من إمكانيات اللاعب بشكل كامل رغم تألقه”.

طالع .. فيديو | مباراة ساخنة أذابت ثلوج الإسكندرية.. الاتحاد وسيراميكا يتعادلان برباعية في الدوري

وواصل: “حزين على استبعاد طارق حامد لاعب الزمالك من قائمة المنتخب ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا”.

وأتم: “لا يوجد مدير فني مصري قادر على تنفيذ اختيارات كيروش، خبرات المدرب البرتغالي ترجح كفته أمام انتقادات قائمة المنتخب”.

West Brom are set to have club captain Kyle Bartley available for the Black Country derby this weekend, according to the Express & Star.

The 29-year-old lasted only an hour in last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Blackpool but it appears as if he made it through unscathed and is now in line to start against Wolves on Saturday.

Bartley had missed five straight matches with a calf injury.

Although it’s a big boost to have your skipper back for one of the biggest games of the season, it does give Baggies boss Sam Allardyce a selection headache.

The last thing a struggling side like Albion needs is to constantly chop and change players, especially in a leaky defence that ranks worst in the Premier League.

“We can’t make too many rotations so it’s going to be a big ask for some of the players,” said the 66-year-old earlier this week.

It seems as if Big Sam had settled for Semi Ajayi and Dara O’Shea in recent matches, though Bartley’s return throws doubt into that continuing for much longer.

And with another game on Tuesday night against West Ham, there’s no guarantee that the former Leeds colossus even starts up at Molineux.

Allardyce also told reporters, via the E&S:

“Kyle had to come off after 60 minutes according to our sports science and medical staff. We didn’t want to fatigue him and get another injury,” before adding: “It was about getting him in and trying to win that game and saving him for the game next week against Wolves, then we have a midweek game against West Ham.”

In the absence of an out-and-out defensive midfielder, Ajayi moved into the role as they were dumped out of the cup, so there’s a chance that he sticks with the same defence that leaked two goals to League One Seasiders, which would mean Ivanovic partnering Bartley despite neither completing the full 90 minutes in preparation for this huge clash.

Bartley’s return would be seen as a major positive in a game like this as Allardyce needs a leader to step up and stop the rot of leaking so many goals.

Former caretaker boss Jimmy Shan once dubbed him a “natural -born leader” as he’s a “voice in the changing room” and a “real competitor,” which is exactly what Albion need right now.

If 100% fit, he should start against the Baggies’ arch-rivals in what is the first Black Country derby in nine years.

AND in other news, Dowling heading for an unforgivable West Brom disaster over £30k-p/w gem…

Glasgow Rangers have confirmed a loan move for one of their promising Ibrox young prospects.

What’s the word?

Glenn Middleton has joined St Johnstone on loan until the end of the season. The Rangers winger has settled for a loan stay at McDiarmid Park as he bids for more game time having struggled for minutes under Steven Gerrard this season.

A spirited Ryan Kent inspired Gerrard’s side to a 5-0 victory over Ross County, as goals from Kent, Filip Helander and Joe Aribo had them 3-0 up at half-time, with Ryan Jack and Connor Goldson adding the extras.

Should Kent succumb to injury, however, Gerrard may find himself short of options out wide, so it’s a big call from Ross Wilson to sanction such a move for Middleton.

Shrewd move

Back in December, The Daily Record’s Michael Gannon revealed the 21-year-old was set for the Ibrox exit amid interest from overseas.

Middleton has spent spells abroad with Norwich and Bradford City, but is yet to really make much of an impression in his home country.

Gerrard had hinted he could have a long-term future at Rangers after all after he impressed against Falkirk in the Betfred Cup, saying: “Glenn has been on loan and had injuries but he has been back within the group for four or five weeks now.

“He has been working hard and playing for an opportunity.

“We think he can do left-back, left-wingback or left-wing and it was a strong cameo from him.â€

However, he has found his chances hard to come by since Gerrard offered those words of encouragement, with his brief cameo against Falkirk his solitary appearance this season.

Saints boss Davidson is currently in desperate need of bolstering his firepower upfront, particularly on the wings, as left-wingers Craig Conway and Liam Craig aren’t getting any younger. Conway has four goals and two assists in the Premiership so far, that being the fourth-best behind the likes of Chris Kane, David Wotherspoon and Stevie May, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite his obvious struggles, Scotland U21 international MiddletonÂhas still scored five goals and supplied five assists in 29 games for the Gers.

Not only will this benefit his development, but Wilson’s shrewd move will also spare Gerrard a selection headache. Middleton has shown flashes of his potential but Kent has been nothing short of sensational this season and Wilson is paid to make these kinds of decisions.

There’s no denying the fact that he needs game time, something he isn’t going to get at Ibrox, at least for the time being, and another spell away from the club could do wonders for his career.

AND in other news, Rangers are close to securing Scott Wright from Aberdeen…

MatériaMais Notícias

No jogo que marca a estreia do treinador Mário Marques – que está de volta após distrato com o Bonsucesso, assumindo a vaga do demitido Emanoel Sacramento – o Bangu vai até o Sul-Fluminense enfrentar o Volta Redonda, pela segunda rodada da Taça Guanabara. O jogo será neste sábado, no Raulino de Oliveira, às 16h.

As equipes vêm de derrotas. O Bangu levou 2 a 0 do Vasco e o Voltaço não passou pelo Boavista, que fez 1 a 0. O jogo tem grande importância. Afinal, os times são rivais diretos por uma vaga para a Série D do Brasileiro.

Mário Marques treinou o time 2014 e 2015, teve bom retrospecto. Em44 partidas, venceu 19, empatou 11 e perdeu 14 (55,6%). Só que elenão teve muito tempo para conhecer o atual elenco e, por isso, deverá manter a base do antecessor. Uma possível novidade será a estreia do zagueiro Rafael Henriques, que foi relacionado contra o Vasco, mas não entrou em campo. Leo Garcia também é outro contratado para a Taça Rio estará no banco e poderá fazer a estreia.

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O Volta Redonda vem apresentando bom retrospecto em casa. Neste Carioca, jogou quatro vezes em seus domínios e acumula três vitórias e um empate. Ciente da força em casa, o técnico Felipe Surian espera uma boa presença de público e mostra confiança com a volta de seu principal jogador, o meia Marcelo – suspenso na derrota para o Boavista.

A ausência será a do zagueiro Luan, machucado. Gabriel fará a dupla com Mailson. Outra possibilidade pode ser a entrada do atacante Lopes Tigrão. O veterano de 36 anos vem entrando durante as partidas, mas desta vez pode ganhar uma oportunidade desde o início.