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Nico Williams has explained why “crazy” success has not changed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with the Athletic Club star acting as a big brother.

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Euro 2024 glory savoured with SpainLa Roja winger illuminated that tournamentStruck up close bond on & off the fieldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Williams is only 22 years of age, but that makes him a seasoned veteran compared to international team-mate Yamal. The talented teenager savoured Euro 2024 glory with Spain the day after his 17th birthday, having made a senior breakthrough in Catalunya at the age of 15.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT NICO WILLIAMS SAID

Yamal and Williams starred for La Roja as a continental crown was captured on German soil, with the pair striking up quite the friendship. Williams has told of that bond: “We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me. He's in a great place and he's a world star at 17 years old. It's crazy. Everything that goes well for Lamine makes me happy. He's a great player who's still maturing and I think he has no limits if he keeps doing things the way he's done up until now. He's a kid who, on top of that, hasn't changed at all with success. He's still the same person and I'm really happy to have him as a friend.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal is not the only international colleague that Williams now considers to be part of his sporting family, with the Athletic Club forward adding on an emotional summer: “The camaraderie and lifelong friends I took away from there. More than I expected at the beginning, to be honest. You spend 44 days with the same people, with similar experiences and ways of seeing life, and in the end you get along.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

There has been talk of Yamal and Williams being reunited at club level, with Barcelona eager to bring another exciting playmaker into their ranks. Said interest has been shunned for now, but a big-money transfer appears destined to form part of Williams’ short-term future.

NYCFC and LAFC got back to winning ways while several MLS teams clinched their spots in the postseason

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NYCFC send message to NY Red BullsLAFC build momentum off USOC winOrlando has won four of its last five gamesWHAT HAPPENED?

Matchday 35 came to a close and seven clubs clinched spots in the postseason – and one of which did so emphatically in the case of NYCFC.

In addition to the Houston Dynamo, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Orlando City SC, New York Red Bulls and LAFC all secured their spots in the upcoming playoffs. Only one automatic playoff slot remains in each conference, while two play-in spots are up for grabs for both the Eastern and Western conferences as well.

With most of the postseason field determined, jockeying for playoff position will come next in the final three matchdays. And there is still a chance, albeit slim, that Inter Miami may lose their grasp on the Supporters' Shield — especially after yet another draw.

Here were the biggest results of this weekend.

AdvertisementHUDSON RIVER DOMINATED

The vibe was very similar to "Red Wedding" 7-0 masterclass by the Red Bulls back in 2016 — only this time it was NYCFC returning the favor.

Both teams entered the team in poor form. NYCFC hadn't won since July 3 while the Red Bulls weren't much better, with their last win coming on July 20. With both teams having their full squads available, there were no excuses and both managers were under immense pressure. In the end, it's Nick Cushing who would have checkmate over his counterpart Sandro Schwarz.

This is a result, NYCFC fans will talk about for years and rightly so considering the performance. It's not quite what was displayed in 2016, but its close enough and levels more pressure on a Red Bulls team that had high hopes this season.

CUP MOMENTUM

LAFC stressed the importance of momentum following their thrilling win over Sporting KC in the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday. They backed up Saturday in a potential preview of the MLS Cup Final against FC Cincinnati in a 2-1 win.

Just looking at the stats, FCC have won the match against LAFC at home. They had 60 percent of possession and edged the xG numbers at 2.1 to LAFC's 1.6. Yet, LAFC's difference in attacking quality proved to be the difference as they made more of the limited possession and capitalized on lapses repeatedly.

For all the talk of the visitors' established veterans such as Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris and Kei Kamara, it might have been 18-year-old Venezuelan starlet David Martinez who stole the show. In just his second start, the teen had a classy finish that belied his age to give his team the lead at the 34th minute.

More importantly, LAFC snapped a five-game winless streak in league play. All-in-all, a big result for Steve Cherundolo's group.

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ImagnFLORIDA'S OTHER TEAM IS ROLLING

With Inter Miami stealing the headlines, it can be easy to forget the other ambitious team in the Sunshine State — Orlando City SC.

Orlando has quietly picked up wins in four of its last five games, with its latest against FC Dallas. Facundo Torres is a catalyst behind this recent uptick, with the forward scoring four goals and providing one assist during that span.

Torres doesn't get as much hype as some of the other leading stars in MLS, but he's exceeding his xG by almost five goals, according to FBref. If he continues his recent tear, it could warrant some MVP consideration — even if there are stronger candidates who deserve to be favorites.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo corre contra o tempo para tentar trazer jogadores novos, principalmente um centroavante, posição carente no elenco. A equipe já tentou Calleri, Benedetto e iniciou conversas com Ignácio Ramírez, uruguaio de 24 anos do Liverpool-URU.

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De acordo com o regulamento da Libertadores, os clubes tem 72 horas antes do início das quartas de final para fazera troca de até três atletas da lista de inscritos. Ou seja, o São Paulo tem até sábado a noite para inscrever algum novo jogador na lista da competição intercontinental.

No entanto, segundo apurou o LANCE!, a chance de chegar algum jogador contratado é muito difícil, haja visto o tempo curto para as negociações e o registro de novos atletas. Crespo sofre com a falta de opções no ataque, principalmente com as lesões de Eder e Luciano.

GALERIA
Agora é Choque-Rei na Libertadores! Veja os duelos marcantes entre São Paulo e Palmeiras na história

VEJA A TABELA DA LIBERTADORES E SIMULE OS RESULTADOS

Uma opção viável deve ser o atacante Juan, que viajou com o elenco para as partidas contra Vasco e Athletico-PR. O artilheiro do sub-20 estava na lista de inscritos da Libertadores na primeira fase, mas nas oitavas de fina saiu para dar lugar ao argentino Rigoni. Agora, deve voltar a relação.

O São Paulo volta a jogar pela Libertadores na próxima terça-feira (10), às 21h30, contra o Palmeiras, pela ida das quartas de final da competição. A volta está marcada para o dia 17, no mesmo horário, desta vez no Allianz Parque.

حقق فريق برشلونة فوزًا كبيرًا على خصمه فريق ريال مايوركا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني،  موسم 2024/25.

واستضاف ملعب “سون مويس” مباراة الفريقين، المُقدمة من الجولة التاسعة عشر من الليجا، حيث فاز برشلونة بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدف (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وحسبما أُعلن عقب صافرة النهاية، حصل نجم برشلونة رافينها على جائزة رجل مباراة اليوم ضد ريال مايوركا.

وقدم رافينها أداءً رائعًا في مباراة اليوم، حيث تمكن من تسجيل هدفين، أحدهما من ضربة جزاء.

ويتصدر برشلونة حاليًا جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 37 نقطة، بفارق 4 نقاط عن ريال مدريد الذي سيلتقي مع أتلتيك بلباو، مساء الأربعاء في مباراة مُقدمة من الجولة نفسها، كما أن الملكي لديه لقاء مؤجل ضد فالنسيا.

من جهة أخرى، يلتقي برشلونة مع خصمه ريال بيتيس مساء السبت القادم في الجولة السابعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني.

Everton have endured a tough couple of campaigns off the field, with the club suffering multiple points deductions during 2023/24, which has threatened the club's ever-present Premier League status.

The Toffees have so far received two separate sanctions, with the club being deducted eight points in total after breaches of the Premier League's FFP and PSR rules.

However, Sean Dyche's side are still outside the relegation zone despite the breaches, sitting two points clear of Luton Town, who occupy the last drop zone place.

The club's solid defensive record is partly to thank for their league position, with the club only conceding 48 times – a tally that is 22 less than Rob Edwards' side.

However, the club allowed one defender to leave Goodison Park in the last couple of years, with the club making the right decision given his recent form during 2023/24.

Yerry Mina's stats at Everton

After joining the club for £28.5m from Barcelona back in the summer of 2018, centre-back Yerry Mina was brought in to bolster the Toffees' defence and push the club towards European football.

He suffered with injuries during the majority of his first campaign on Merseyside, but went on to feature 13 times for the club during his season in English football.

The 2019/20 campaign would be his best on two fronts for Everton, making 29 appearances and scoring twice – both his highest tallies during his stint at the club.

However, Mina's game time would gradually decrease in the seasons following, starting in 2020/21 when the Colombian still made a respectable 24 starts, but still a drop from the season prior.

The former Barcelona centre-back could only muster 20 appearances over the course of the next two seasons, with Mina departing Goodison at the end of the 2022/23 season after his contract expired.

Yerry Mina's stats in 2023/24

After leaving Everton last summer, the now 28-year-old Colombian joined Fiorentina in Italy on a free transfer, with his contract length with the Serie A side unknown.

However, he only made four appearances for the club, none of which came from the start, before leaving after just six months to join fellow Italian side Cagliari in January.

He's since started nine out of ten games in the league for the side who currently occupy 14th place in Serie A as he looks for a more settled home after his Goodison departure.

Despite his impact on Merseyside for the Toffees, the club made the right decision in allowing Mina to leave the club at the end of his contract in July last year.

The centre-back was on a whopping £120k-per-week, as per Spotrac, at Everton, with the club needing to cut costs where possible to try and comply with the Premier League's strict FFP rules.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

His wages alone will save the Toffees over £6.2m per year, which will go a long way to ensuring the club stay within the regulations in the seasons to come.

Given Jarrad Branthwaite's rapid rise to a consistent first-team starting position, the club haven't missed Mina, with the Colombian unlikely to have dislodged the youngster given his form in the Premier League under Dyche this season.

Everton may regret 2023 sale whose value has risen 844% after leaving

He’s excelled away from Goodison Park this campaign.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 11, 2024

Who's hot, who's not? GOAL ranks all 29 teams across Major League Soccer

The 2024 MLS field is more open than ever. There's a clear hierarchy atop both the Eastern and Western Conferences, but outside the top five teams, it's open season for playoff qualification.

Inter Miami just secured their playoff berth, the first team in MLS to do so this season. But now, with just eight matchdays left in the campaign, who will follow suit?

Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew just claimed the Leagues Cup after a thrilling victory over LAFC. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake were dealt a brutal hand at the weekend, with a loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.

Elsewhere, 2023 Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati are soaring, while there are a handful of contenders who are unexpectedly creeping up: LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls – and yes, they're back: the Seattle Sounders.

With 26 matchdays complete, which club leads the pack, and who is falling short of expectations? GOAL presents the latest MLS Power Rankings.

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USA Today Images29Nashville SC ⬇️

Not good, Nashville. Another game, another loss at Geodis Park. They fell 2-0 to Austin FC, and their struggles on all ends of the pitch once again continued. With the Eastern Conference generally underperforming, though, they're still in the playoff hunt.

Advertisement28D.C. United ⬇️

Seven goals were scored in the first 48 minutes of their match with FC Dallas at the weekend. Unlucky for DC, though, they were on the trailing end of four of them.

They're bottom of the Eastern Conference due to criteria points at the end of the weekend, but still just two points out of a play-in game for the postseason. If Christian Benteke can continue his scoring heroics, with the Belgian tied atop the Golden Boot race with 17 at the moment, nothing is impossible.

27St. Louis City SC ⬇️

City held a 4-2 lead over the Portland Timbers at the weekend, but collapsed and ended up with a 4-4 draw. That's not to say it wasn't an exciting match, but rather, a disappointing close from the boys in red.

City are 10 points out of contention for a spot in the postseason, they can't really afford hiccups like their result at the weekend as the campaign closes out.

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USA Today Sports26San Jose Earthquakes ⬆️

An incredible 2-0 victory over RSL has them in high spirits. However, their Spring and ealy summer campaign put them in a hole that seems too deep to dig out of. Even with their impressive performance on the road in Utah, they still sit 17 points out of a play-in game for the postseason.

Next generation of fast bowlers also impress as New Zealand bury T20I series demons

Deivarayan Muthu11-Feb-2020

No Trent Boult. No Lockie Ferguson. No Matt Henry. New Zealand’s second line of fast men – Adam Milne and Seth Rance – are also recovering from injuries. To add to their troubles, Scott Kuggeleijn and Mitchell Santner were unavailable for the second ODI due to illness. Tim Southee, too, was sick at Eden Park, but still soldiered on to finish his ten overs and claim the prize scalp of India captain Virat Kohli.New Zealand were so depleted during the second game that they needed their assistant coach Luke Ronchi to fill in as a substitute on the field. They’d also called up local lad R Majitha as a reserve player.ALSO READ: India lose series but gain Rahul, a long-term fix at No. 5Despite being struck down by multiple injuries and illness, New Zealand found a way to beat India 3-0 and hand them their first bilateral ODI series whitewash in 22 years. This, after losing the preceding T20I series 5-0 from winning positions.New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who had sat out the first two games in the ODI series because of injury, was particularly pleased with how the likes of Hamish Bennett and Kyle Jamieson stepped up in the absence of the seniors.Bennett, who had been central to Wellington Firebirds clinching the 20-over Super Smash title earlier in the domestic season, changed up his pace and lengths smartly at Bay Oval. He also unveiled his knuckle ball at the death as his four strikes, including that of centurion KL Rahul, pinned India down to 296 for 7.2:46

Kane Williamson lauds ‘outstanding, clinical effort’ from his side

Jamieson, who had sparkled both with bat and ball on debut at Eden Park, his home ground, followed it with a fine new-ball spell at Bay Oval, where he castled Mayank Agarwal with a beauty.”As you know on some of these surfaces with some short boundaries, the job of the bowlers is so important,” Williamson said at the post-match press conference. “They also operated nicely in partnerships and we were able to hold our nerve in key moments. Today, was a great example of [it]. Once again we were put under pressure by India, but we were able to have a really good death phase, which helped us keep India to about a par total. A lot of positives in different areas, so it’s an opportunity to build on this series and keep moving forward as an ODI side.”An outstanding start from Kyle. Obviously, he has been around the squad for a little period of time. To get the opportunity to bowl with the new ball today and bowl really nicely in the first [second] ODI […] he’s an exciting prospect. Coming in with that height does bring a point of difference – a great attacking weapon.”New Zealand’s batting line-up had cracked under pressure in the T20I series – and they lost in two Super Over finishes – but they responded better in the ODIs. On Tuesday, Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill forged a rapid 106-run opening stand, with both batsmen passing fifties. However, the hosts lost 4 for 61 after the opening partnership ended and gave India a sniff.Tom Latham, one of the stars of the first match, and Colin de Grandhomme, though, shut Kohli and co. down with a calculated, unbeaten 80-run stand off 46 balls. While de Grandhomme was largely circumspect against the experienced Indian bowlers, he lined up Shardul Thakur’s length balls and slower variations, taking him for 33 off nine balls at a strike rate of 366.66.”I can’t say one thing, but I think throughout the series the most pleasant thing could be the cricket smarts and the composure the guys had,” Williamson said.Gary Stead, who had taken a break and handed over the reins to bowling coach Shane Jurgensen for the ODIs, came in for heavy criticism over the past few days. But, Williamson opted not to read too much into his absence, and reiterated that the coach had taken his pre-planned leave.”Yeah, we both have each others’ numbers (laughs). We talk to each other,” Williamson said. He’s [Stead’s] obviously thrilled with the performance and progression of the team and that’s always the focus – for the side to keep developing and improving. And that’s the message we have been speaking about for a long period of time .”New Zealand are set to not only welcome back Stead for the two-match Test series, but also Ferguson and Boult. Ferguson had returned to action in the ongoing 50-over Ford Trophy for Auckland on Sunday. The fast bowler went wicketless but got through his ten overs, while Boult has been bowling in the New Zealand nets in the lead-up to the Test series, which begins with the first game at the Basin Reserve from February 21.”Expecting all of those guys to be fit for the first Test and they’re all tracking nicely,” Williamson said. “So, yeah, it’s an exciting opportunity, like I say, against one of the best sides in the world.”

Frozen out of the Sheffield Wednesday first team picture earlier this season under the previous regime of Xisco Munoz, it wouldn't have been out of the ordinary to see Marvin Johnson walk out of the door in South Yorkshire before Danny Rohl's emergence onto the scene at Hillsborough.

The German boss has managed to get the best out of a once unloved Johnson again, alongside completely turning around the fortunes of the Owls as a whole who now view an escape from the relegation mire in the second tier as achievable.

Before falling out with his ex-boss Munoz at the start of the season, the 33-year-old wing-back was instrumental in his team winning promotion back up to the Championship – the silky number 18 registering 11 assists in total last season, including picking up one in the entertaining playoffs that ensued.

Firing on all cylinders again even as his career nears its natural end-point soon, the decision to bring in the 5 foot 10 Owls man on a free transfer back in 2021 continues to look like a stroke of genius.

Marvin Johnson's time at Sheffield Wednesday

Johnson has gone on to make 22 Championship appearances this season for Rohl's relegation-threatened Owls, a remarkable amount of games tallied up considering his first taster of second-tier action didn't come about until the start of November.

Since then, however, he's been a crucial component to a revitalised Wednesday team that, prior to Friday night's defeat to Leeds, had won five of their last six games in the division, despite still being rooted near the foot of the overall standings.

Casting an eye back to Johnson's debut for the Owls three years ago however, it's very much a new-look squad assembled under Rohl in the present that are attempting a once unthinkable escape from the bottom three.

Johnson would prove to be a hit with his new South Yorkshire fanbase from the get-go, instantly endearing himself into the hearts of the Hillsborough masses with an impactful first season.

The now 33-year-old would pick up three goals and nine assists from 44 appearances in total, with both of those totals ending up being eclipsed the following campaign by the ex-Middlesbrough man.

Johnson was crucial to Wednesday achieving promotion glory at Wembley under Darren Moore just last year, with the lively and energetic number 18 notching up three key passes on the big stage facing off against Barnsley.

With how much of a top-notch addition Johnson has proven to be for the South Yorkshire titans, it shouldn't be a real surprise to see that his transfer value has shot up since joining.

Acquired for nothing just three years ago, the creative machine's transfer worth now stands at the same value as Barry Bannan's does in the Wednesday ranks, according to Transfermarkt.

Marvin Johnson's transfer value in 2024

As of late December last year, Johnson comes in at an approximate worth of €250k (£214k) which ties him with Scottish wizard Bannan when compared to other stars in the Owls mix.

Both now represent seasoned heads in the more youthful side Rohl has put together – with Bannan coming in at 34 years of age too – but the experienced duo are still very much effective regardless of time weighing down on them.

Theoretically, if Wednesday had ended up selling on Johnson when everything had gone sour, selling him on for his estimated value now would have been viewed as making a healthy profit on a player the Owls are still grinning about today managing to sign on a free transfer deal.

Although Johnson finds himself way off being amongst the top five assets currently at Hillsborough – according to Football Transfers – the loyal Owls servant will aim to still prove he's worth relying on by Rohl between now and the end of the season to stave off relegation.

He is already proving that, forming a fantastic partnership with Djeidi Gassama down Wednesday's left-hand side recently that caused havoc against Plymouth Argyle.

Away from that synergy with his teammates pleasing his manager, Johnson on his own has proven he still warrants being in and around the Wednesday first-team with a couple of crucial strikes and assists in big moments of games.

Marvin Johnson's continued importance for Wednesday

Johnson's last two assists for Wednesday have proven to be game-defining contributions, teeing up Ike Ugbo for the winner against Bristol City in mid-February alongside playing the role of hero again versus Birmingham City earlier that month for the same goalscorer to fire home to clinch the 2-0 victory.

A strike right at the end of 2023 by Johnson also allowed the Owls to pick up a narrow 1-0 victory away at Preston North End, the 5 foot 10 Wednesday man cooly converting after a fast-paced breakaway move at Deepdale opened up the hosts.

Described as being a "sparkling" footballer by former Owls footballer and pundit Carlton Palmer at the peak of his powers back in his German manager's plans, Rohl will be overjoyed that he has such a dependable figure in his squad in Johnson who won't shirk away from giving his all in the ongoing relegation battle still playing out.

Johnson will aim to bow out from his extensive career sticking by the South Yorkshire side until the very end, with the Wednesday masses still very much in love with the 33-year-old even if the start of the campaign was rocky for the former Boro man.

An interesting update has come to light on the future of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, amid claims he is attracting serious interest from elite clubs ahead of the summer window.

West Ham facing battle to keep Paqueta

The Brazil international has been David Moyes' superstar player alongside winger Jarrod Bowen this season.

ExWHUemployee shares big David Moyes contract update out of West Ham

The Scotsman claimed last week that the offer of a new contract was on the table.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 1, 2024

Paqueta has started 20 league matches under Moyes this season, scoring two goals and netting five assists, with his dynamism and creative quality in abundance for all to see.

The former Lyon star was actually attracting huge interest from Man City last summer, who were pushing to sign him but eventually pulled out due to an investigation into Paqueta's alleged gambling breaches (Fabrizio Romano).

However, once that investigation clears, it is believed Paqueta could be subject to bids from City, Aston Villa, Arsenal and even Tottenham.

If West Ham and Moyes elect to continue their work together past this season, increasing interest in the South American will come as a real worry for the Irons head coach who surely won't want to lose him.

They already had to part company with fan favourite and former club captain Declan Rice last year, who made a £105 million move to London rivals Arsenal.

West Ham make Paqueta promise behind-the-scenes

According to journalist Dean Jones, sharing some background on their attempts to keep Paqueta at the London Stadium, West Ham are making promises to Paqueta behind-the-scenes as they try to thwart potential buyers.

“I don’t think that Aston Villa would be a bad move for Paqueta, to be honest. But, if he is going to leave West Ham, it's going to take something special in terms of what they are promising him for the future," said Jones to GiveMeSport.

“Considering his performances across the season, you could probably say that he is West Ham’s most important player in terms of making that team tick. Villa obviously have their work cut out in terms of signing him because I have heard that Manchester City are still interested in him and might have something to say about where he goes next.

“I can't believe for one second that Villa would be able to sign Paqueta without some competition from Manchester City. It's a tough deal to do – and probably expensive – but I think it is also a reflection of just where Villa are right now and where they're heading.”

It will be interesting to find out exactly what West Ham are "promising" Paqueta, but if they do have to sell, reports suggest West Ham could well bank £85 million if any club decides to trigger that buy-out clause in his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back victories in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, avenging their November home defeat against Aston Villa with a sweeping win at Villa Park.

Spurs were aided by John McGinn's red card in the second half but the visitors had already soaked up the stadium's initially defeating atmosphere early and struck twice after the break

Unai Emery's Villans prodded for a route back into the contest but Tottenham controlled and commanded, with late strikes from Heung-min Son and substitute Timo Werner sealing an emphatic 4-0 victory to put hopes of returning to the top four in their own hands.

There were many impressive displays from Ange Postecoglou's side, with young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr proving his worth after being benched last weekend.

Pape Matar Sarr's performance vs Aston Villa

The game was level and, numerically, so were the teams. It was just five minutes after the interval following a first phase that just hadn't shifted into top, thrilling gear.

Sarr collected Kulusevski's pass and considered it a personal duty to make something happen, gliding up the right channel and whipping in a delightful cross, threaded right into the path of the surging James Maddison in the box.

The 21-year-old was withdrawn after 70 minutes with Tottenham 2-0 up, but after entering after the break against Crystal Palace, it's pretty clear that the Senegal international needs to start all of the biggest occasions henceforth.

Minutes played

70'

Assists

1

Touches

42

Accurate passes

30/36 (83%)

Key passes

1/1

Crosses

1/1

Interceptions

1

Ground duels won

1/3

Writing in his post-match player ratings, football.london's Alasdair Gold handed Sarr a healthy 8/10 score, saying: 'Picked up an unfortunate yellow card in the first half after slipping into Tielemans and took a big whack that saw him limp off at the break. He was excellent though after the interval and it was his drive and pinpoint cross that served up Maddison's opener.'

While many impressed, Sarr's energy and confidence emanates throughout the Spurs squad and he simply has to start if Tottenham are to achieve their goals over the next few months.

Not the only player to have caught the eye though, another fine display from Brennan Johnson surely now confirms that the Welshman must keep his starting berth going forward.

Why Brennan Johnson is now undroppable

Tottenham signed Johnson from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest for £47.5m last summer and he has impressed so far, racking up two assists off the bench against Crystal Palace and now firing his team into a 2-0 lead at Villa Park, moments after Maddison's opener.

As per Sofascore, the 22-year-old, who has been hailed for his "frightening pace" by content creator HLTCO, complemented his goal with success in four of his seven attempted dribbles, also chipping in with two tackles and winning seven of his 14 contested ground duels.

Moreover, Johnson has taken his Premier League tally for the Lilywhites up to four goals and six assists from just 21 appearances, including 14 starts, and while Werner scored for the second game running in the dying embers, off the bench, it's pretty clear that Johnson's starting to bloom and must be handed opportunities from the outset.

Gold also deemed Johnson deserving of an 8/10 match rating, writing: 'Bright from the start of the match, gave Villa plenty of problems with his pressing, dribbling and runs and he showed he's not just a super sub with a curling finish on the slide to double Tottenham's lead.'

Tottenham have so many options and it really is quite remarkable how Postecoglou is placing the framework of success at the club after such a torrid 2022/23 campaign, and with the likes of Sarr and Johnson rising to the fore, lofty ambitions might just be realised.