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Tottenham could be poised to implement a host of intriguing changes throughout Thomas Frank’s squad this summer, and not just in terms of incoming new players.

Tottenham open talks with Premier League club to sign £30m star with Kudus

The Ghanaian isn’t Spurs’ only target.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 9, 2025

Frank is set to welcome West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus to Hotspur Way after Spurs and the east Londoners shook hands on a £55 million deal earlier this week, with the 24-year-old coming in as their first major signing of the window.

They’re also set to sign Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White for around £60 million, who’s poised for a medical today following quick-fire talks, with Daniel Levy making serious statements in a show of backing to his new manager.

However, while these signings are undoubtedly a huge boost for Frank, it is worth noting that the arrivals of Kudus and Gibbs-White means that Spurs will “almost certainly” have to sell at least one player (The Telegraph).

This is due to their current abundance of non-locally trained players, which will go up to 24 after Kudus comes in. As things stand, this will force Tottenham to tackle their Champions League campaign with a reduced squad list, as UEFA requires at least eight players of a 25-man Champions League squad be ‘locally trained’.

If Spurs or any other club fail to meet this requirement, the maximum number of ‘A-list’ players will be reduced to compensate for it.

With the Lilywhites now forced into the position of potentially needing to sell squad members after Kudus’ signing, even if Gibbs-White falls into the ‘locally trained’ category after coming through Wolves’ academy, it remains to be seen what impact this UEFA headache will have.

In terms of the best candidates for Daniel Levy to consider shipping out the Spurs exit door, there are a few.

They’ve already agreed to loan Alejo Veliz to former club Rosario Central, confirming the transfer earlier this week, but there are a few who could join the Argentine.

Frank won’t want to lose Cristian Romero to Atlético Madrid, but the La Liga side are still attempting to sign him (AS), while there is a belief that Tottenham are much more open to selling Richarlison after an injury-blighted 2024/2025.

Son Heung-min has also entered the final 12 months of his contract, and Levy could be tempted to make money back off the South Korean’s sale, rather than lose him for free next year, amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC.

Yves Bissouma wants to leave Tottenham and join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahçe

According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Levy could have another sale opportunity in the form of Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Mali international, like Son, has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the north Londoners are prepared to take a small loss on the initial £25 million they paid to sign him from Brighton in 2022.

Sabuncuoğlu states, via news aggregator Fener Ajans on X, that Levy will let Bissouma leave for £20 million this summer, and Fenerbache are seriously interested in the 28-year-old. The reporter also claims Jose Mourinho has identified Bissouma as his top midfield target for the Süper Lig giants, and he wants to join the former Tottenham boss in Turkey.

The £100,000-per-week ace was exceptional for Ange Postecoglou during the 59-year-old’s debut season in the dugout, and has displayed flashes of brilliance since, with James Maddison calling his teammate a “ridiculous player” at times.

However, the trouble with Bissouma has been surrounding his consistency, and now could potentially be the time to cash in.

Alejandro Garnacho has already been left exhausted in Chelsea training as the former Manchester United star was spotted struggling for breath in one of his sessions. Garnacho fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim after his public clash with the manager following the club's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last season. After being part of Amorim's 'bomb squad' this summer, the winger signed for the Blues.

• Garnacho exhausted after a Chelsea training session
• Couldn't move his legs
• Joined Chelsea from United this summer 

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Towards the end of the summer transfer window, Garnacho finally exited Old Trafford as he signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The Argentine is now undergoing rigorous training, and after one such intense session at Cobham, Garnacho was left exhausted.

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  At the end of the training session, Garnacho said on camera: "I can't move my legs now man. That sprint in the last one."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Emerging through United’s youth academy, Garnacho made his senior debut for the club in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League in April 2022. He then became a regular in the first team, helping the club win the Carabao Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship. However, the Argentina international endured a difficult relationship with current United boss Amorim.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

  Garnacho will hope to make his Chelsea debut once action resumes after the international break, although it's unclear just how fit he is. Enzo Maresca's side are scheduled to face Brentford on September 13.

Manchester United are now plotting a move for another “world-class” Arsenal target, having seemingly missed out on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report.

Arsenal set to win race for Gyokeres

It was always going to be tough for Man United to win the race for Gyokeres, without Champions League football on offer next season, but they are believed to have made a late approach for the striker.

In fact, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano even revealed the Red Devils were given the opportunity to sign the centre-forward by intermediaries, although he always made it clear that Arsenal were his first choice.

Now, it appears as though the Gunners are closing in on the Sweden international, with a medical due in the next 24 hours, meaning United will be forced to move on to alternative striker options, and they are moving quickly to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

In the same report, it is revealed that Ruben Amorim also wants to bring in a new central midfielder this summer, and the recruitment team have now set their sights on a different Arsenal target in that area of the pitch.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Man United are now plotting a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who could be available for around £30m this summer, having failed to adapt to life in the Bundesliga.

Talks held: Man Utd ready to make shock move to sign £40m World Cup winner

The Red Devils are stepping up their pursuit of a new signing, having held discussions over the weekend.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 22, 2025

Given their financial issues, however, the Red Devils would rather sign Palhinha on loan, but Bayern are reluctant to agree to a deal of that nature, and would prefer to get the central midfielder off the books permanently.

It could also be difficult to tempt the Portuguese maestro into a move, as he does not want to leave the Champions League side and would rather fight for his place.

"World-class" Palhinha could be solid signing for Man Utd

The 30-year-old may have failed to make his mark in the Bundesliga, but he has already proven himself in the Premier League, making 152 tackles in the 2023-24 season, the highest number of any player.

During that campaign, reporter Dom Smith was left particularly impressed by the Portugal international’s performances, describing him as “world-class”.

Marco Silva also praised the former Fulham man for the influence he had on his teammates, saying: “His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.”

Clearly, Palhinha has the qualities to be a success at Old Trafford, but United’s financial issues could make it difficult to get a deal over the line.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off the pitch against Nottingham Forest on Saturday after aggravating his shoulder problem. Odegaard's injury comes as a huge blow for the Gunners ahead of their Champions League opener against Athletic Club and their trip to Etihad Stadium for the Premier League fixture against Manchester City next week.

• Odegaard forced off with injury against Forest

  Odegaard was visibly disappointed after being forced to leave the pitch in the 17th minute of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners captain was replaced by 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. 

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  When did Odegaard pick up the shoulder injury?

  Odegaard was named on the Arsenal bench against Liverpool before the international break as he was nursing a shoulder injury that he picked up after falling awkwardly on his shoulder against Leeds United. The midfielder, however, featured for Norway in both of their games during the international and even scored a goal in their 11-1 thumping of Moldova. Unfortunately, the Gunners skipper suffered yet another blow on his shoulder, following a challenge from Morgan Gibbs-White, which forced the midfielder to leave the pitch.

• Arsenal's injury crisis continues

  Mikel Arteta is already missing the services of key first-team players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, who are all out injured. Like Odegaard, Saliba picked up an injury early in the game against the Reds last month and was forced off the pitch within the first 10 minutes of the game. 

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  When is Arsenal playing next?

  Odegaard's injury comes as a huge blow for the Premier League giants, who next face Athletic Club in their Champions League opener on Tuesday, before travelling to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on September 21. 

Newcastle United have submitted an offer to sign another Manchester United target, amid the two clubs’ pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle and Man Utd both make Sesko offers

The Magpies haven’t had things all their own way during the summer transfer window, missing out on numerous targets while also facing the possibility of losing star striker Alexander Isak.

Liverpool are keen on signing the Sweden international before the September 1 deadline in a deal that could break transfer records. However, Eddie Howe recently admitted that “nothing has changed” regarding Isak’s future despite him missing pre-season.

“Nothing has changed. It is very much the mindset of business as usual for the players. You don’t get a chance to think of anything other than training or the next game when you come on these tours. The level is so high that we still have to be at our best.

“Naturally, we are going to miss a player of his quality and the group are going to feel that. I cannot sit here and claim that they won’t, but they are a very professional group of players. They are doing brilliantly, as far as I can see, in terms of managing the current situation.”

Newcastle and PIF will need to sign a replacement for Isak before letting him go, and one forward they are battling to sign is Sesko. Both the Magpies and Man Utd have made proposals to the player, who looks set to decide his next move over the coming days.

However, those at St James’ Park and Old Trafford aren’t just battling for Sesko, as per a recent transfer update.

Newcastle have offer for Real Madrid player rejected

According to a report from Spain, both Newcastle and Man Utd are fighting over a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

In fact, it is claimed that Newcastle moved to sign Lunin ‘on loan with an option to buy, but their initial offer was rejected’.

Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, the possible departure of Altay Bayindir and the need for competition for Andre Onana has seen them eye Lunin, but those at the Bernabeu ‘aren’t considering his departure anytime soon’.

As we know, Newcastle have now got their new goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale in a similar deal to the one they proposed to Madrid for Lunin.

Newcastle enquire for £33m Sesko alternative who made the Ballon d'Or top 30

The Magpies could take full advantage of the situation.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 31, 2025

Signing from Southampton on a season-long loan with the option to buy, Ramsdale will provide competition to Nick Pope after they missed out on bringing James Trafford to St James’ Park.

Whether or not Newcastle still want Lunin remains to be seen, but it looks as if they recently made their move.

The last two Premier League seasons have seen all three of the newly promoted sides get instantly relegated, but Sunderland are making some big moves in the transfer market in an attempt to break the pattern.

Of the Black Cats’ ten biggest signings, six of them have come in this transfer window. The most expensive of the bunch has been 21-year-old midfielder, Habib Diarra, who joined from Strasbourg for £30 million.

Regis Le Bris has brought in a good mix of players who are varied in their positions and their age profiles. Unproven youngsters like Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi have been balanced with seasoned pros like Granit Xhaka and Reinildo Mandava.

These new signings integrated with Le Bris’ playoff-winning squad already make a team that are well-situated to fight for survival, but Sunderland aren’t finished there, as it has been revealed that they have been pushing to bring in a Premier League-proven striker.

Sunderland made shock move for Calvert-Lewin

TalkSport’s Alex Crook has reported that Sunderland approached Calvert-Lewin earlier in the window. Calvert-Lewin is currently a free agent after his contract with Everton expired. While Sunderland have already displayed a willingness to be bold this transfer window, a move for an England-capped player would be a big statement.

Crook’s report indicates that at this moment in time, the negotiations between the two parties have stalled due to Calvert-Lewin’s desire to play for a club higher up the table. The Englishman has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Leeds; however, Ruben Amorim’s side appears on the verge of signing Benjamin Sesko, and Leeds were put off by his wage demands that were reportedly around the £100,000 a week mark.

At £5.2 million a year in wages plus a potential signing-on fee, a move for the striker looks feasible for Sunderland, given how much they’ve already been willing to spend this window. Interestingly, When Calvert-Lewin was being linked to a move to Old Trafford, Alan Pardew controversially said that “on their day there’s not much between” him and Arsenal’s new striker, Viktor Gyokeres.

Since these negotiations took place, Sunderland have signed Chelsea’s Marc Guiu on loan, but as Calvert-Lewin is a free agent, they could easily go back in for him if he doesn’t find a preferable club.

Calvert-Lewin's defensive value

Many Sunderland fans may question why they are looking to sign a striker who hasn’t registered more than 11 goal involvements in any of the last four seasons. However, as Calvert-Lewin’s danger in front of goal has decreased, his abilities as “the first defender” have improved.

In comparison to some of the best strikers in the league, Calvert-Lewin has outperformed them drastically in numerous defensive actions.

Le Bris may not see Calvert-Lewin as a striker who will score bags of goals and keep Sunderland up, but as a rotation player who can see out games and defend from the front, helping ensure that Sunderland don’t concede too many late goals.

In this sense, the signings of Guiu and Calvert-Lewin could work well together as they provide Le Bris with multiple options depending on the situation.

Marcus Rashford's hope of making a permanent switch to Barcelona next summer has hit a roadblock as the Spanish giants are all set to see their spending power slashed by £100m due to La Liga's latest constraints. Rashford has regained his old form since moving on loan to Barcelona from Manchester United in the summer and the player reportedly wishes to stay back beyond this season.

• Rashford dazzles in Barca's UCL win

  Rashford dazzled on his return to England earlier this week as his brace helped Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park. The United flop has been in fine form since he left Old Trafford in the summer to complete a loan switch to the Catalan side. 

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  Rashford's permanent move hits stumbling block

  Rashford, who fell out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim, is now regularly getting game time under Hansi Flick and the England international is reportedly considering making his switch permanent to the Spanish giants. However, his wish might not materialise as the Catalan giants' spending power has been curtailed by La Liga's salary caps, according to the . 

• Barca's spending curtailed by more than €100m

  The report adds that as per the new La Liga regulations, Barcelona's official salary cap for the 2025-26 season has been cut from €463million to €351 million, a drop of €112m. The reduction is due to a reported disputed financial mechanism relating to their VIP boxes at Camp Nou. The delay in renovation of Barcelona's home ground has significantly reduced their matchday income, which is also affecting their spending power. 

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  When are Barcelona playing next?

  Flick's side will be back in action in La Liga on Sunday as they host Getafe in a crucial fixture. Barcelona have won three out of their first four league games and are two points behind rivals Real Madrid on the points table. 

USMNT star Christian Pulisic put on a clinic for AC Milan in their Serie A clash with Udinese. Having registered two goals and an assist, he was hailed by the Italian media. Pulisic is considered to have been “literally unstoppable” in his latest outing, with the U.S. international putting in a “majestic” performance that helped to secure a 3-0 win.

• Pulisic the leader: Talismanic performance

  The Rossoneri eased their way to three precious points on the road. They needed somebody to put in a talismanic display, with Pulisic once again being the man to step up to the plate.

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• Man of the Match: Star performer in Udine

  The 27-year-old forward was replaced 63 minutes into a Serie A clash at Bluenergy Stadium, but had done more than enough by that point to earn Man of the Match honours and further underline his value to the cause at San Siro.

• Pulisic ratings & praise from Italian media

  Pulisic was awarded a stunning rating of 9.5/10 by . showered the American with praise, saying: “A majestic, complete performance that literally crashed Udinese’s system. Pulisic proved himself a true champion and a real man when, after being substituted, he went to console Santiago Gimenez, apologising for the misplaced pass in their last action together.”

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  American star shining bright in Italy

  wrote of Pulisic: “Literally unstoppable. He’s always the one scoring. Back in the starting XI, he netted the opener that unlocked the match and then completed his brace. A nightmare for Udinese’s defence.”

  added: “Back as a starter and an absolute protagonist of the match. Two goals, one assist, and the opponents were almost always forced to stop him with fouls. Captain America.”

Chelsea have been one of the busiest Premier League sides this summer, and that’s been the case in pretty much every summer window since Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club in 2022.

Better signing than Hato: Chelsea now leading race for £52m PL "nightmare"

The dynamic gem could be something special at Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 5, 2025

Only this time, the west Londoners head into next season looking like genuine title contenders.

Chelsea are fresh off the back of a very promising last few months, winning both the UEFA Conference League and the inaugural new edition of the Club World Cup, not to mention qualifying for the 2025/2026 Champions League.

BlueCo have therefore sought to back manager Enzo Maresca with a complete revamp of the squad, with Chelsea being extremely active in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

In the last 72 hours, a host of surplus players in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja have sealed permanent exits from Stamford Bridge – with the trio’s departures poised to yield around £65 million (The Mail).

After being fined for breaching FFP rules by UEFA last month, player sales are absolutely key, as Chelsea must produce a “positive transfer balance” or face not being able to register new signings for their Champions League squad next season (Nizaar Kinsella).

The Blues are intent on spending even more money before deadline day too, adding to their already-impressive collection of new signings in Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and left-back Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea have been in talks for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for some time, but a potential deal for the Dutchman apparently won’t impact their long-standing interest in Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Reliable media sources indicate that Chelsea are expected to bid for Garnacho before the window shuts as they pursue another left-winger after Gittens. Now, Sky Sports have shared an update on this.

Chelsea in talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons

The broadcast giant reports that Chelsea are in ongoing talks to sign both Garnacho and Simons right now, and Maresca’s side are “pushing” to make the duo their next signings of the summer.

Simons is apparently valued at around £60 million, according to talkSPORT, while The Mirror recently claimed that United have slashed Garnacho’s asking price to around £40 million with the clock ticking to strike a deal.

The latter is on Ruben Amorim’s ‘for sale list’ after his Old Trafford fallout, while Simons has apparently made it clear that he’d like to leave Leipzig this summer, with manager Ole Werner leaving him out of their Saturday squad for a friendly defeat to Atalanta.

This potential £100 million double-signing would be a real statement of intent from Chelsea.

Garnacho and Simons bagged a combined 22 goals and 20 assists in all competitions last term, and depending on their role in the squad, the promising young attackers could be major assets as Maresca looks to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City at the very top.

It's incredible to think that, four years ago, Aitana Bonmati was the subject of one of the most shocking snubs in Ballon d'Or history. After playing a starring role in Barcelona's first Women's Champions League triumph, the midfielder looked sure to be in the mix for the Golden Ball – and yet, she didn't even make the 20-player shortlist. Did she take it personally? Knowing her focus on team over individual, perhaps not, but she's certainly made herself impossible to ignore in the interim, with Bonmati claiming a third successive Ballon d'Or on Monday.

It's an achievement that puts Bonmati in an exclusive club, alongside only Lionel Messi and Michel Platini, and that is a feat that highlights just how rare it is to be recognised as the most outstanding player in the world so consistently. 

Granted, individual accolades in women's football don't have the same extensive history as those on the men's side, with the Ballon d'Or Feminin only introduced in 2018. However, a look at the honour roll of the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award, first handed out in 2001, offers a further glimpse into the elite company Bonmati now sits with. 

Only Marta, widely considered the greatest women's player of all-time, and Birgit Prinz, not far behind the Brazilian in that conversation, achieved a three-peat. Despite still only being 27 years old, Bonmati's name now deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation as the all-time greats. 

On its own, Monday's Ballon d'Or triumph cemented her status as the best player in the world right now. As a third Golden Ball in succession, meanwhile, it underlined the fact that Bonmati is already in legendary territory – with so much more of her career still to come.

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  Early signs

  When Bonmati first really marked herself out as one of the best players on the planet on a wider scale in that 2020-21 season, she was just 23 years old and by no means playing at the level she is right now – yet her talent shone as Barcelona marched to a first Women's Champions League title. 

  Being named Player of the Match in the final, as the Catalans battered Chelsea 4-1, set the tone for the years to come. So often, Bonmati has scooped up those accolades on the biggest stages.

  For those that followed Barca's mesmerising journey to that triumph, it was a real shock when the Ballon d'Or nominees were revealed. Not only did Bonmati deserve to be battling for the award, team-mate Caroline Graham Hansen did too. 

  Both would've been worthy inclusions on the podium as Alexia Putellas deservedly picked up her first Golden Ball. Fortunately, such snubs are a thing of the past for Bonmati at this point – and that's because Bonmati's brilliance has become obvious to absolutely everyone over the last four years. 

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  Rising to the occasion

  At Euro 2022, she was Spain's top performer on a huge stage, earning herself inclusion in the Team of the Tournament despite La Roja's quarter-final exit. Every other member of the XI at least made the semi-finals, except Bonmati.

  That ability to not only withstand the pressure of the toughest challenges but seemingly get better when the moments are so great went up another level in the 2022-23 season, as she helped Barca win their second Champions League title and Spain win a first Women's World Cup. 

  She was the Champions League Player of the Season, the Player of the Match in the World Cup final and the Player of the Tournament for the whole event. All of those honours make her MVP award in the Supercopa de Espana final seem rather small, but that is further evidence of her being a player who rises to the occasion.

  She would go on to be named the Champions League Player of the Season in three successive campaigns, claim another Player of the Match award in a UWCL final and be crowned the Best Player at the 2025 European Championships, amid her three successive Ballons d'Or, back-to-back triumphs at the FIFA Best awards and so much more. 

  Quite simply, this is a player who never goes missing. And Bonmati has worked to make sure that is the case. 

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  Becoming a complete player

  Over the last few years, the diminutive midfielder has refined and enhanced her game to become the kind of complete footballer who is always able to influence a match, no matter how it is playing out.

  When she first burst onto the scene, it was her intelligent movement and remarkable technical skill that stood out. With experience, she would start to translate the attacking threat that carried into reliable goal-scoring numbers. 

  After hitting nine in all competitions in the 2019-20 season, the midfielder has passed double figures in all five seasons since. The statistics are not the be all and end all, but she makes sure she is always contributing.

  There was a conscious effort from Bonmati to work on the defensive side, too, so that her impact on her team was not limited to one end of the pitch. 

  "I'm little," she said with a laugh, speaking to GOAL about this during the 2022-23 season, "but I try to help the team also in defensive tasks, in every part of the pitch. Three or four years ago, I decided that if I wanted to be a complete player, I had to do those things also. Not only score and make assists, but also do defensive tasks to help the team."

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  The evolution of Bonmati

  After ticking off that particular box, Bonmati then started to become more influential in possession in deeper areas, rather than just in and around the box. Part of the drive behind that element related to what Jonatan Giraldez, the previous head coach at Barcelona, wanted from her in his set-up in the 2021-22 campaign in particular.

  However, even as the demands on her have changed, for club and country, that comfort she has in dropping deep, picking up the ball and dictating games is still so evident. She really can do it all.

  It's that evolution which makes her the best player in the world. No matter what the opposition is doing, no matter what the game state might look like, no matter the situation her team are in, Bonmati is able to morph her game into one which best suits the circumstances, because she is so talented, so intelligent and so well-learned. Because of that, it's essentially impossible for an opponent to shut her down, too. She is always going to leave her mark on a match.