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Tottenham Hotspur could land themselves a new Jan Vertonghen-like colossus this January after Antonio Conte’s transfer demands emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 52-year-old boss has requested defensive reinforcements, with two key targets in mind in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt and his former Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.

Conte managed the latter during his Serie A title-winning campaign last season but it remains to be seen how much it would command to bring him to north London.

Transfermarkt currently value him at £54m.

Shades of Vertonghen

Bastoni played 33 times for the Italian in the league last season, featuring alongside Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij in his famed three-at-the-back system.

The trio contributed towards Inter recording the best defensive record in the division, so it’s no surprise that Conte would be keen to have him in his squad once again.

Unlike much of his current options at Spurs, Bastoni is a natural left-footer, so he would be of huge use in 2022, especially as the manager has had to turn to left-back Ben Davies to fill that left-sided role due to the lack of options.

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Interestingly, the 22-year-old defender started life out as a full-back but as his career has gone on, he has developed into a solid central option, with his ball-playing ability and control two major strengths to his game.

This could, therefore, draw some similarities to Vertonghen, who was a crucial and influential defender in N17 for many, many years. He too was a ball-playing left-footer that could be deployed in the middle or out wide.

“He controls the opponent, space and with a refinement that has rarely been seen, reminds me of a young [Leonardo] Bonucci,” once claimed Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti.

The praise for Bastoni doesn’t just stop there, though.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once lauded him as a “complete, dominant and elegant” centre-back, as well as being “Conte’s talisman” at the San Siro, whilst tactical analysts Top Bins Talk dubbed him a “Rolls-Royce defender”.

In Bastoni, Paratici could well discover Spurs’ new Vertonghen and he’s the sort of player that Conte could really do with right now on the left side of defence.

AND in other news, Spurs reportedly make “the biggest offer” to sign £31.5m-rated “animal”…

Newcastle United’s move for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is reportedly gathering pace ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Express (who cite Spanish outlet Sport), the 24-year-old has issued a contract ultimatum to the Barca hierarchy ahead of a potential switch to St. James’ Park.

The original report states that: “The Ousmane Dembele saga is reaching an end. Barcelona¡s pressure on the player and his camp to sign a renewal has been ramped up and another meeting that could prove decisive has been pencilled in for this week.”

It goes on to claim that although the flying winger wants to remain in Catalonia, time is running out to reach an agreement on fresh terms, and he could negotiate with other clubs over the winter.

Imagine him and Saint-Maximin

Dembele was regarded as one of the world’s most promising youngsters when he joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund back in August 2017 for a fee potentially rising to £135.5 million.

However, injuries have significantly hampered the France international’s progress and game time ever since he arrived at Camp Nou.

Across his four-and-a-half-year spell with the Blaugrana, Dembele has failed to start over 20 La Liga games in a single season, scoring 30 goals and providing 21 assists in his 121 appearances.

But despite the World Cup winner’s fitness woes, there is no doubting his quality. Thomas Tuchel once dubbed his personality as “crazy” while former teammate Lionel Messi even added his seal of approval, selecting Dembele in his 15 ‘youth on the rise’ players for Topps Champions League cards.

“His pace is frightening in training”, read the Dembele card, as quoted by GIVEMESPORT, and it’s not the only time Messi has praised his former teammate.

“On the pitch, he’s a phenomenon. It’s up to him where he ends up, he could be one of the best,” Messi is quoted by Sport as saying in December 2018. “He’s young, and he is adapting.”

If Newcastle’s new, ambitious owners are able to convince Dembele to join their ongoing revolution, then they would undoubtedly form one of the scariest attacking duos in the Premier League.

The youngster’s ambipedal nature means his equally comfortable on either flank and able to go past an opponent on the outside or inside, making him a nightmare to defend against.

While current Magpies star Allan Saint-Maximin would also likely benefit from the attention Dembele would draw, allowing him more space to operate in and someone on his wavelength to link up with.

In 14 outings this team, Saint-Maximin has already contributed six goal contributions, and it’s the left-winger who would arguably benefit the most from his compatriot’s arrival.

And, in other news…Howe could end NUFC’s midfield woes with “incredible” 29 y/o who’s “one of the best”

Having bowled out Pakistan for 212, Australia were made to fight every inch for the two-wicket win that handed Pakistan their second 5-0 sweep in history

The Bulletin by Jamie Alter31-Jan-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outRicky Ponting’s 55 gave Australia the early initiative which was never entirely abandoned despite a tigerish performance from Pakistan’s spinners•Getty ImagesAs Britain’s Andy Murray faltered in his attempt to win his first Grand Slam title taking on world No.1 Roger Federer in the Australian Open final in Melbourne, a more absorbing sporting contest took place in Perth. Having bowled out Pakistan for 212, Australia were made to fight every inch for the two-wicket win that handed Pakistan their second 5-0 sweep in history. Fittingly, it was Michael Hussey, Australia’s most valuable player for a scrap, who steered them home with an unbeaten 40.After Clint McKay set the tone with 4 for 35, there was a welcome return to form for Ricky Ponting, whose 55 gave Australia the early initiative which was never entirely abandoned despite a tigerish performance from Pakistan’s spinners. Australia had begun the series with a brilliant chase at the Gabba and finished off the rout with Hussey again there to oversee victory, which was achieved in the last over courtesy a no-ball. They will go into the ODIs against West Indies in buoyant mood, while Pakistan look at their calendar for the few months – which only includes Twenty20s until July – still disheveled and searching for their mojo.After four one-sided affairs, it was good to witness a contest in the last match. Defending a low total, Pakistan’s only chance was to bowl Australia out. They took two wickets inside the fielding Powerplay as the openers fell to aerial shots, but the way Ponting was playing, Australia looked on course for a comfortable win. His first ball was fended wide of the slips for four, and two strokes soon after were especially memorable – an incredible back-foot punch to a length ball and a caressed nudge past square leg. Two more controlled leg-side boundaries had Ponting off to a flier.Mohammad Asif had been the best Pakistan bowler in this series, but today it was the spinners who scrambled Australia’s intentions and turned a walk in the park into a tiptoe through a minefield. On a pitch that had showed signs of cracking after Pakistan’s innings, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, recalled for the specialist spinner Saeed Ajmal, made a fist of defending a modest total.Afridi, the captain today, made the key breakthrough as the in-form Cameron White reached way outside off stump and dragged the ball onto his stumps in the 17th over. With that Ponting stepped down a notch, allowing Afridi and Malik to slowly apply the squeeze. After crossing fifty for the first time in nearly three months, Ponting danced down to Malik and picked out long-on. Not too long after Malik struck again when he lured Adam Voges out of his crease and an easy catch was held at midwicket. James Hopes never looked in command against spin and became Afridi’s second when an outer edge was well taken by Younis Khan at slip. Australia had lost three wickets for 28 runs, and at 6 for 150, their performance was in danger of freefall.But one man was still there. Hussey’s tussle with Malik was especially compelling – Malik repeatedly tried to beat Hussey in flight, and each time Hussey rose to the challenge, using the depth of his crease well. Even when he wasn’t to the pitch he was willing to take some chances, reaching out to steer the ball. A superbly placed late cut in the 44th over took the equation to 39 from 38 balls, but in the second over of the batting Powerplay Mitchell Johnson chased and nicked Naved-ul-Hasan behind.Nathan Hauritz, coming off a maiden ODI fifty, eased the pressure with a spanking four in the next over before he turned his attention to Naved, steering a deliberate shot to third man. With fine leg up, Iftikhar strayed down leg and Hussey pulled four, cuing chants from that section of the crowd. Brilliant running, some nerves from the fielders and another controlled pull from Hussey allowed Australia scamper past the finish line with four deliveries to spare.Earlier in the day, it had been Pakistan’s batsmen who pressed the self-destruct button. The Australian fast bowlers – led by Ryan Harris, who added impressive control to his pacy offerings – shackled the Pakistan top order early in the piece. Umar Akmal, and Fawad Alam subsequently injected some momentum with half-centuries – only one other batsman got to double digits – but Pakistan were restricted to a total far below what they would have liked.After opting to bat, Pakistan had taken 17 balls to put a run on the board and 48 to strike the first four. Harris, Johnson and McKay each struck in their first overs and a score of 3 for 17 after 13 overs summed up Pakistan’s predicament. The three quicks landed the ball around an off-stump line, varied the length fractionally and found the tiniest bit of movement. McKay’s first three overs were run-free out of a period in which Pakistan went five overs for a single run. Umar survived a couple of close calls early on, edging outside off and missing twice, but soon tightened up and looked confident and competent. Johnson returned and effected a run-out off his own bowling, after Umar dabbed a short ball and harried off, sending Malik on his way for 36.The acceleration was smooth for a good stretch, with Fawad playing well. Between overs 21.2 and 34.2 there were only three boundaries as Hopes and Hauritz were able to operate largely unmolested, but with each run the pair added Pakistan inched towards a respectable total. Fawad timed the ball well from the start, getting off the mark with a controlled steer off a Johnson yorker, and then found the gaps far more consistently than any of the other batsmen did.Umar raised his fifty from 87 balls but once the stand was broken – and it took a clever slower delivery from McKay to do it – Australia tightened the screw again superbly by taking the last six wickets for 54 runs in 53 deliveries; Harris took his tally to 13 wickets in three consecutive games and McKay snared 4 for 35. Despite pushing Australia to the limit under lights, a target of 213 wasn’t enough.

Lancashire have confirmed that the club’s committee will propose Jack Livingstone for the position of president at the next AGM

Cricinfo staff25-Feb-2010Lancashire have confirmed that the club’s committee will propose Jack Livingstone for the position of president at the next AGM, to be held at Old Trafford on June 19.Until then, he is nominated as president-elect. The position of president has been vacant since the death of Lord Steinberg in November last year.Livingstone has been an active member of LCCC since 1947 and has had a successful business career, most notably in the finance sector. He has also held several positions with various North West charities, including the chairmanship of the Lord’s Taverners North West Region and the LCCC Youth Trust.In 2005, he and Lord Steinberg launched an appeal to raise money for youth cricket development in Lancashire.

West Brom could be looking at the possibility of taking a striker from MLS according to one Baggies reporter.

What’s the news?

In a recent article for the Birmingham Mail, West Brom journalist Joe Chapman had this to say about the possibility of the club making a move to sign Orlando City striker Daryl Dike in January.

He said: “I wouldn’t entirely rule out the signing of someone like Daryl Dike. We know Ismael knows all about him, that he’s a big fan of him. He got a serious tune out of Dike at Barnsley last season, and he’s very well-liked out in the MLS.

“He’s someone who has been linked with the Premier League; as we’ve seen before, players in the MLS will come over here at this time of year because their season has finished, or is about to finish. Provided they could agree something with Orlando, Daryl Dike would still very much be their number one.”

With the 21-year-old having scored a total of 28 goals in 63 appearances in total for Orlando and Barnsley, it’s easy to see why West Brom would be interested in bringing the striker to The Hawthorns in January to push them closer to the top of the table with his goals.

Despite sitting in third place of the Championship table with 37 points from 21 games played so far this season, West Brom have scored the least amount of goals (29) out of any of the top five teams in the league.

Meanwhile, West Brom’s top goalscorer in the division so far this season with nine goals is Karlan Grant, which isn’t a lot compared to Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has 21 goals.

With this in mind and the fact that the January transfer window is opening very soon, it seems as though the Midlands club should look to secure the signature of Dike who could add a bit of extra attacking power to Valerien Ismael’s squad.

If West Brom do manage to finally bring the forward to the club for his reunion with Ismael after being linked with him over the previous summer transfer window, this would surely have a lot of Baggies fans buzzing. Especially if he can become their main regular goalscorer and push them closer to promotion back to the Premier League, which would make it a very smart investment from the club.

On the basis of what he did under Ismael at Barnsley – bagging nine in 22 – they could be a match made in heaven.

In other news: West Brom must keep Sam Johnstone beyond January.

Tottenham Hotspur are proving to be tough competition in the race for the signature of Fiorentina striker Dušan Vlahović and are considered to be ahead of other prospective suitors, as per Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The Lowdown

Over the course of the past year, the Serbian striker has been linked with a myriad of clubs. The 21-year-old prospect has received widespread attention across Europe after scoring 15 goals in 17 Serie A games this season, and former Manchester City ace Stevan Jovetić has even been quoted saying that “he will be the best striker of the next few years with Erling Haaland”.

The Serbia international’s contract in Florence is set to expire in the summer of 2023. This means that the Serie A club may be forced to sell him by next summer if they want to avoid the possibility of him leaving on a free transfer the following year.

Despite him having a current market value of £45m, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso will demand a fee of at least €70m (£59.5m) for Vlahović in the January transfer window.

The Latest

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are proving to be tough competition in the race for Vlahović’s signature, and they are considered to be above other contenders in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, or ‘above all’ as the report put it.

Italian duo Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are believed to have identified the Fiorentina attacker as the perfect addition to the Spurs squad.

Tottenham face competition from Juventus, who have also targeted Vlahović in their search of a new number nine. It is reported that Spurs have a vastly superior budget to the Turin club, which could prove to be the deciding factor if the player is allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

The Verdict

With Harry Kane having scored just one Premier League goal in 13 games this season, it may be essential that Tottenham bring in a striker to bolster their attacking options in their bid for Champions League qualification.

Vlahović could be the answer to Conte’s Kane dilemma, with the Serbian netting a goal in every 101 minutes this season.

However, despite this encouraging report, it could be difficult for Spurs to secure the services of the prolific Serbian striker, as a number of European giants are set to battle it out for the player. Also, the likes of Juventus can offer him Champions League football, a selling point that Tottenham don’t have.

In other news: Source confirms Spurs are in contract talks over ‘top class’ £8.1m-rated star, he wants to sign

Tamil Nadu and Bengal marched into the finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy to set up a replay of last year’s title clash

Cricinfo staff27-Feb-2010
Scorecard
Abhinav Mukund kept piling on the runs•ESPNcricinfo LtdTamil Nadu’s formidable batting unit clicked again to set up a thrashing of Madhya Pradesh in the semi-finals at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket ground. It was Abhinav Mukund who made a century this time, supported by half-centuries from opener S Anirudha and S Badrinath. The other major contribution was an all-round effort from R Sathish, blazing a 17-ball 39 and then bagging four wickets to bury MP’s chances.After choosing to bat, Tamil Nadu’s openers piled on a 177-run stand before Anirudha fell at the end of the 32nd over. With the foundation in place, Tamil Nadu stepped up the pace, with Badrinath slapping eight fours and a six to slam a 40-ball 58. Abhinav, meanwhile, progressed to his third List A century, making a steady 130. Medium-pacer Amarjeet Singh removed both off consecutive deliveries in the 44th over to reduce Tamil Nadu to 276 for 3. Even then, there was no respite for MP, with Sathish and K Vasudevadas ransacking 72 runs in the final six overs to set a massive target of 349.MP lost opener Jalaj Saxena early but kept fighting through a brisk 72-run association between Naman Ojha and Monish Mishra. However, a double-strike from medium-pacer Yo Mahesh, removing both set batsmen in the space of the three deliveries in the 14th over took the momentum out of the chase, and MP never recovered. It didn’t help that none of their batsmen reached even 50, and they were bowled out in the 44th over, 134 runs short.
Scorecard
Manoj Tiwary’s patient half-century steered Bengal past Karnataka and into the finals, setting up a replay of last year’s title clash. His effort came after a solid platform laid by the openers, Shreevats Goswami and Arindam Das, who put up 118 runs, which meant even a late wobble didn’t hurt Bengal. The game had been billed as a clash between Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, but neither of the former India captains had much of an impact on the outcome.Karnataka’s top-order batsmen flopped after they were sent in, and it was only a battling 93-run partnership between CM Gautam and S Aravind that lifted them from the depths of 130 for 8 to a middling score. The experiment to play Vinay Kumar at No. 3 worked to an extent, his 43 was the highest score among Karnataka’s top six. Dravid stuck around for 48 deliveries to compile 29 before he was caught behind off debutant offspinner Soumya Pakre. That dismissal came in the middle of a collapse that started with Vinay’s exit – Karnataka losing five wickets for 29 runs. It was then that Gautam combined with Aravind, who had made only 15 runs in his career before today’s unbeaten 38, to revive Karnataka.Bengal’s chase had its shakiest period when four wickets went down for 24 runs after the openers had put on a big stand. Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha, though, put Bengal back on top with a 74-run association, and the target was overhauled with an over to spare.

Newcastle United look set to pip Manchester United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, as per Football Insights.

The Lowdown: Trippier in demand…

Trippier, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2019, is thought to be open to a Premier League return.

He was first linked with a move to Newcastle shortly before Eddie Howe’s arrival. Reports then claimed that Howe wanted to make the right-back his first January signing, with Manchester United also interested.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are also willing to make a move, but it seems as if a move to Tyneside has been finalised.

The Latest: PIF’s first signing

The Mag relayed a claim from Football Insights, who suggested that Trippier is set to become PIF’s first signing after taking over at St James’ Park.

Football Insights’ Twitter post on Monday evening believes that a move is ‘all done’, with more information set to come out ‘in the next day or two’.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Howe will know exactly what Trippier would bring to his side, with the 31-year-old making 61 appearances in total under him at Burnley, scoring four goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions over two seasons in Lancashire (Transfermarkt).

The Magpies also have just two right-backs on the books compared to three left-backs, so adding Trippier to his squad would balance thatt out nicely, and it seems as if Howe is going to get his wish.

The England defender has plenty of international experience and helped Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last season, so securing his signature seems to be a good starting point as Howe looks to lift Newcastle out of the Premier League relegation zone over the coming months.

In other news: ‘Seriously interested’ – Fabrizio Romano has revealed PIF’s ‘top’ Newcastle target

A round-up of the tenth round of matches in the Plunket Shield

Cricinfo staff01-Apr-2010Northern Districts lifted the Plunket Shield in style, successfully chasing 407 to earn full points against Central Districts at McLean Park . Having secured first-innings honours, a draw would have sufficed to give ND the trophy, but Hamish Marshall and Brad Wilson had other plans, and brought up stroke-filled tons to take their side home on the last day. Daniel Flynn, Michael Parlane and James Marshall struck fifties to complement the centurions’ efforts and bring up the six-wicket win. The victory rounded off a wonderful season for the side, which had also emerged victorious in the one-day competition.ND’s bowlers set up their side to dominate the game after winning the toss, bowling Central out for 217 on the first day. Peter Ingram started the innings in dazzling fashion with a 58-ball 85, that included 17 fours and two sixes, but things changed drastically once he fell in the 17th over. Graeme Aldridge and Jonothan Boult picked three wickets each as CD’s middle order failed to capitalise on the start. ND’s reply ran into trouble against the Central seamers – Michael Mason, Ben Wheeler and Doug Bracewell – who reduced them to 120 for 6. Peter McGlashan then spearheaded a revival with the lower order that ensured that Northern secured a significant lead.Peter Ingram resumed service in the second innings, as CD hunted for an outright victory. His 246-ball 178 was supported well by the rest of the batting line-up, with Jamie How, Timothy Weston, James de Terte and Bevan Griggs making significant contributions. How declared late on the penultimate day, leaving ND the tough ask of 407, but in the end it proved to be insufficient.ND’s coach Grant Bradburn was pleased with his team’s showing through the season. “I’m very proud of the boys and all our staff. It’s been a hard slog but it’s very satisfying. The Plunket Shield is a tough grind. I’m so very proud of the guys and the whole staff. It recognises the time and effort we have put into the guys and culture here at ND,” Bradburn said.James Marshall, the victorious captain, echoed his coach’s feelings. “It’s the second trophy he’s been able to get his hands on this season. The boys worked hard for it and we had a couple of celebratory drinks,” he said. “This is something special. Cricketers don’t often get the opportunity to have two trophies in one season so this is something the guys will cherish for the rest of their career.”Otago’s batsmen hung on for a draw on the last day against Wellington at the Basin Reserve . Right from the time Jesse Ryder went after their bowling on the first day, Otago’ were playing catch-up cricket despite having won the toss. Ryder smashed three sixes and 12 fours in a 109-ball 103, and the rest of the batting chipped in to lift the hosts to 389. Otago’s reply was meek, and Sam Wells’ resolute unbeaten 102 contributed more than half of their score. The wickets were shared around, with James Franklin and Andrew lamb picking three each.In the second innings, Wellington’s top order sent Otago’s bowlers on a leather-hunt, as they sought to set a monumental fourth-innings target. Stephen Murdoch set the tone with a quick 88, before his opening partner Neal Parlane stole the show, striking 193 in 195 balls. Cameron Merchant also brought up a century, before the declaration came, setting a target of 600. Craig Cumming put his head down to bring up a responsible century, while Greg Todd fell five short of his, as they batted out 110 overs to earn a hard-fought draw, despite a wobble towards the end where three wickets fell in the space of 13 runs.Auckland made short work of a fourth-innings chase of 337 to put it past Canterbury by seven wickets at Colin Maiden Park. Michael Bates gave Auckland a running start on the first day, picking six wickets to dismiss Canterbury for 203, despite a quickfire century from Michael Papps. Richard Jones and Andrew de Boorder ensured that the hosts’ innings did not flounder in similar fashion. Both of them narrowly missed out on tons, and Anaru Kitchen made 62 to give Auckland a 149-run lead, while Todd Astle finished with 6 for 103.Papps brought up a contrasting hundred in the second innings, and received better support from his colleagues. Johann Myburgh made 86, while Peter Fulton contributed 95, and they helped Papps raise 161 for the second, and 168 for the third wickets respectively. Papps top-scored with 180, at at 403 for 3, Canterbury looked set to stretch to a mammoth total. Richard Sherlock then ran through the middle order and put paid to such plans, picking 7 for 133, as Auckland were left requiring 337 runs to win. Michael Vermuelen created a couple of early hiccups before Jones and Reece Young settled down to take their side home. Jones made 170, and Young 126 as Auckland reached the target in the 91st over.

Northern Districts 10 6 2 0 2 0 52 1.245 4985/125 4771/149 Canterbury 10 4 3 0 3 0 36 1.207 5846/141 5597/163 Central Districts 10 4 3 0 3 0 32 0.872 5507/154 5657/138 Otago 10 3 3 0 4 0 28 0.923 5394/149 6156/157 Auckland 10 3 5 0 2 0 24 1.032 5453/132 5446/136 Wellington 10 2 6 0 2 0 20 0.825 5831/177 5389/135

Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing a major defensive upgrade at Tottenham Hotspur this winter transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Spurs boss has two main priorities in January as he presses to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar.

The Slovakia international has long been a target for the north London outfit, even before Conte was appointed last month. In fact, a move for the 26-year-old failed to materialise back in the summer of 2020.

It remains to be seen exactly how much Skriniar would command next month, though CIES Football Observatory currently value him at €40m (£36m).

Colossal centre-back upgrade

By launching a bid for his former Inter colossus, Conte could finally axe one of Spurs’ most inconsistent performers in Davinson Sanchez.

The Colombian, who cost a one-time club-record £42m from Ajax in 2017, has struggled to cement a place in the starting XI for several seasons now and you could argue that he’s only broke in now due to Cristian Romero’s injury.

Yet still, he’s only started seven league games this term and was part of last season’s leaky and error-prone backline under Jose Mourinho, where he started 17 times.

Often dubbed a “liability” to the side, Sanchez could be shifted aside should Spurs manage to secure a move for Skriniar.

Under Conte, he ranked as Inter’s sixth-best performer and second-most used centre-back on their way to their first Scudetto in over a decade. He clearly played a major role in the side having the best defensive record in the Serie A, too.

Across the course of his career, Skriniar has averaged 3.6 clearances, 1.6 tackles and a phenomenal 91.3% passing accuracy for both club and country, via WhoScored. That would suggest that he’s not only a defensive animal but one that is equally adept with the ball at his feet. It’s no wonder he thrived under Conte.

Italian football expert David Amoyal once dubbed him an “absolute beast” and it’s easy to see why, on the above evidence.

Spurs must allow Conte his wish to sign Skriniar this winter. In doing so, they could finally get rid of Sanchez, who just isn’t consistent enough to be a regular starter.

AND in other news, 28% duels won vs West Ham: Spurs passenger who lost ball every 3 touches is surely giving Conte nightmares…