Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand previously
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2018BPL chairman and BCB director Afzalur Rahman Sinha died at the Gleneagles Global Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 68 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.A Freedom Fighter in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand. He was a well-acknowledged financier and sports organiser, who joined the BCB in 1998 and later became chairman of its finance committee.Sinha was also president of Surjo Tarun, a Dhaka league side with whom he has worked with for two decades. He had also chaired Acme Laboratories; a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh.
The former England wicketkeeper was in charge of Worcestershire for 11 years and oversaw their promotion into Division One of the County Championship recently
Mohammad Isam and George Dobell05-Jun-2018Former England wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes is set to become the Bangladesh head coach for all three formats later this week. His appointment will end the BCB’s search for a new coach that has lasted eight months following Chandika Hathurusingha’s resignation last October.ESPNcricinfo has learned that since the other candidates have not been called up for a face-to-face interview, Rhodes is BCB’s No. 1 choice. It is also understood that Rhodes is Gary Kirsten’s recommendation. Kirsten was recently appointed BCB’s short-term consultant to find coaches. The BCB is also in talks with Lance Klusener as a batting consultant.Rhodes, who will turn 54 next week, played 11 Tests and nine ODIs and is now known for his talent-spotting skills. Hehad been in charge of Worcestershire since 2006, having played for them from 1985 to 2004. But he was sacked last year by the county and relieved of his duties as head coach of the England Under-19 squad just before the World Cup, after it emerged that he had failed to report the arrest of a young allrounder – Alex Hepburn – in a timely fashion.He also oversaw the promotion of Worcestershire into Division One of the County Championship at the end of the 2017 season and had been recently made an England scout. His work with Worcestershire involved promoting a young and homegrown squad.”I can confirm I’ve had talks with Bangladesh,” Rhodes told ESPNcricinfo. “And I can confirm I’m interested in what I think is a really prestigious role. But nothing is confirmed at this stage and nobody should jump the gun and presume it is.”BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that Rhodes’ experience, especially in English conditions, gave him a distinct advantage over the other shortlisted coaches. With the World Cup in England under a year away, the BCB had been seeking someone with that specific background, which is why they had initially almost confirmed Paul Farbrace. Rhodes was also part of the England coaching staff during their Test series in Bangladesh in 2016.”Steve Rhodes is in our shortlist as a head coach,” Chowdhury said. “We are hoping that he will meet us in Dhaka in a couple of days. We shared our tentative candidates list with Gary Kirsten so this is a joint effort. The list is made up of his recommendations and our list, which is why Rhodes is coming this week.”We had initially approached big names and experienced coaches but they couldn’t come because of various reasons. Among the currently available coaches, Rhodes is the most experienced. Also, the 2019 World Cup will be held in England which is another reason that we are looking at him.”Chowdhury further said that Rhodes will be making a presentation about his plans with the Bangladesh cricket team, similar to Richard Pybus and Phil Simmons’ interviews in December.”We have already communicated with him that we would like to know what plans he has for the Bangladesh team for the 2019 World Cup and 2020 World T20,” Chowdhury said. “Generally, when someone is appearing for an interview here, it is assumed that we have had some basic discussions with him.”Without naming Rhodes, Chowdhury said that the new coach will be joining the Bangladesh set-up during the training camp for the West Indies tour later this month. “During the break between the Afghanistan and West Indies series, we would expect the new coach to join the training camp ahead of the West Indies tour.”The BCB’s search for the new head coach began in November last year when they first approached Tom Moody, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Andy Flower and Justin Langer but all five turned the offer down. Then they interviewed Pybus and Simmons but the BCB didn’t contact them back and both were soon appointed by Cricket West Indies and the Afghanistan Cricket Board respectively.Then the BCB nearly confirmed Geoff Marsh and Farbrace before asking Kirsten to help them find a new coach in a tough market where T20 franchise assignments are turning out to be more attractive.
da bwin： Chelsea need to shift players on amid their fine from UEFA for breaking FFP rules, and there are many different squad members who face the chopping block with no certainty over their long-term futures.
Romano: Chelsea now make contact with agent of "electric" £70m Spurs target
The Blues have made an approach for a forward, who is also being targeted by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025
da roleta： The Blues have received a guaranteed fine from UEFA of around £27 million for not complying with “the football earnings rule, which was assessed for the first time in the 2024/25 season” (Ben Jacobs).
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
If Chelsea fail to comply with FFP over the next four seasons, they could get slapped with further penalties of up to £51.2 million (BBC) – putting more pressure on BlueCo to sell both their high earners and players deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca.
Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all up for sale, as per The Athletic, with Chelsea also actively looking to offload £325,000-per-week outcast Raheem Sterling.
Noni Madueke has agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), so a potential exit for him could happen fairly soon. As well as the England international, fellow first-teamers Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have also been linked with Stamford Bridge departures, especialluy after the arrivals of both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this window.
There is also the matter of Carney Chukwuemeka, who is now a Chelsea player once again following the conclusion of his Borussia Dortmund loan.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined Dortmund on loan in January, playing his last game for them against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, and their sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has already confirmed the Bundesliga side’s intention to re-sign him.
Borussia Dortmund looking to re-sign Carney Chukwuemeka
Speaking to the media, Kehl admitted that Dortmund will hold discussions over Chukwuemeka in the next few days, and will attempt to keep the former Aston Villa prodigy in Germany after flashes of promise during his first six months.
“We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation,” said Kehl.
Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka in action
“I think it was a good move from Carney to join us. Now let’s see how we manage everything. It won’t be easy, but we will try to keep him because he’s a very good player.
“It’s always easier to loan a player than to buy one, especially within Carney’s [price] range, but let’s see. We are not that far advanced [in talks] at the moment, but I can tell you that we are pretty close to the player, and he loves Dortmund.
“Everything else will be decided between Chelsea and us. That won’t be tomorrow. That won’t be on Tuesday. I think it will take some more days.”
Chelsea want as much as £40 million for Chukwuemeka, and it is unclear whether Dortmund can reach that high. He also reportedly earns around £100,000-per-week at Cobham, and with no future in the first team, Chelsea will be keen to trim that high salary off their books.
Chukwuemeka has been called a “clinical” player by France legend Marcel Desailly during his time in west London, but his three-year stay could soon be drawing to a close.
Liverpool's recent Premier League victory away to Burnley ended two successive draws at Anfield against rivals Manchester United and title contenders Arsenal, with the latter's recent dropped points meaning Jurgen Klopp's side will head into the new year in first place.
Of course, there is so much action yet to take place and injuries have made life tough for Liverpool, who have deceived prevalent praise for their success this season while still leaving plenty of room for improvement.
Liverpool could land a bigger talent than Quansah in £88m "superstar"
Jurgen Klopp could complete his defence with this statement signing.
ByAngus Sinclair Dec 30, 2023
Then again, while some might claim that the Reds are 'overachieving', Klopp deserves all the plaudits for discarding the struggling engine room of last term and welcoming four exciting additions to return the squad to title-chasing calibre.
These acquisitions – Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch – came at the expense of several other touted players throughout the summer months, though with the winter transfer window now just around the corner, Klopp appears to be lining up a bid for such a previous target.
Liverpool transfer news – Manu Kone
According to transfer specialist Rudy Galetti, Liverpool are back in for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, whose contract expires in 2026 and is also being monitored by Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.
While the Bundesliga side have no immediate urgency to cash in on the 22-year-old, he was available for a ballpark €35m (£30m) in the summer after impressing with his performances in Germany.
Fabrizio Romano was among the reporters in the summer to confirm that the Anfield side were eager to add Kone to the ranks, and though Klopp ultimately focussed his attention elsewhere, the rising star remains on the shortlist and could be signed in January.
Manu Kone's style of play
Kone has chalked up 70 displays for Gladbach since signing from his homeland team Toulouse in 2021, leading the German club's former sporting director Max Eberl to declare him an "interesting" player and a "top talent".
Swiftly asserting himself as an elite ball-carrier with adept defensive skills and a positional awareness that allows him to track and impede runners, Kone has got heads turning – with Liverpool at the front of the line.
Highlighting his skills, journalist Antonio Mango said: "Koné does all his work in the centre of the pitch, capable of leading attacking, he’s fantastic at transitioning from defence to attack. Koné has a little bit of swagger about him but in a good way, very confident and composed in possession and accomplished when being pressed."
Strengths
Weaknesses
Dribbling
Aerial duels
Tackling
Discipline
Passing
Long shots
*Sourced via WhoScored
This season, the 11-cap France U21 international's progress has been hampered by injury but he has started to find his feet in recent months, starting five of Gladbach's past six outings in the German top-flight.
Across his eight appearances in the league, Kone has completed 88% of his passes and averaged 2.1 tackles, 5.3 ball recoveries and 2.5 dribbles per game; while yet to return to his finest form, the core qualities on display denote his pedigree as one of the most talented midfield prospects around.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 21% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90.
He's certainly proved his level against high-quality opposition, with talent scout Jacek Kulig saying last season: "Another fantastic performance against Bayern. One-man army in midfield."
While the £32k-per-week gem is a multi-functional player with a dynamic approach to his craft, his defensive skill set appears to have enough about it that Klopp has decided to reignite his interest, with a transfer to Merseyside surely coming with the caveat that he will be deployed, principally, in the holding midfield role.
How Manu Kone compares to Wataru Endo
Liverpool enjoyed a successful midfield rebuild in the summer but still need to sign a specialist No. 6 to fortify the centre of the park for years to come, despite signing Endo from Stuttgart for £16m in August.
The Japan international was targetted after the Reds failed to stop both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia from joining Chelsea, and while this move was met with surprise initially, he has proved to be an industrious and important member of Klopp's high-flying side, having started the past five Premier League matches.
Of course, the decision to sign the midfielder perhaps even surprised Klopp himself, but he has popped up with some big moments – scoring a crucial thumping effort in a dramatic late turnaround against Fulham – to ensure that the side returns to form this season.
Further, having started all of his outfit's Europa League and Carabao Cup encounters – with Liverpool having topped their continental group stage and advanced to the semi-finals of the domestic competition – his ability to impress and serve consistently across multiple competitions has been vital to the fight for silverware.
Previously hailed as a "proper warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Thatchard, the £50k-per-week star has been something of an unsung hero this season, but at 30 years old, he is not the lasting solution that Kone could prove to be in the future.
While he is an assiduous player, Endo is not one to progress the ball forward himself, nor is he the most inventive with his distribution, and while this is no detriment to his game, there is a sense that Klopp might opt for a more dynamic option for the years ahead.
Given Kone's expansive style and robustness, it's hardly surprising that Liverpool want to add him to the fold, and though he's definitely not the finished article, this is something that could play into the Anfield club's hands, allowing him time to develop while competing against the experienced Endo for a starting spot in the future.
Manchester United have been handed a boost after learning that one of their first-team stars will be available for tonight's Champions League game vs Galatasaray.
Man United team news
The Red Devils have travelled to Turkey to take on Okan Buruk’s side this evening at the Rams Park, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45pm UK time, but with an extensive list of absentees, the club will have to try and pick up a positive result without several of their squad members in attendance.
Erik ten Hag has Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount all out on the sidelines, while Marcus Rashford will also not be at the manager’s disposal due to serving a suspension following his red card.
Man Utd have an amazing young talent who's as exciting as Mainoo
This youngster could soon thrive in the Manchester United first team.
ByTom Lever Nov 29, 2023
During the Premier League 1-0 victory over Luton Town earlier this month, Rasmus Hojlund was forced off the pitch on 79 minutes after sustaining a knock which saw him replaced by Anthony Martial, meaning that he had to withdraw from representing his country Denmark over the recent international break.
The Old Trafford centre-forward therefore missed the previous top-flight encounter against Everton, though following a fresh update, some hugely encouraging news has emerged regarding the fitness of the 20-year-old ahead of tonight’s important fixture under the lights.
Rasmus Hojlund set to return
Taking to X, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell confirmed that Hojlund will be available to play vs Galatasaray, as well as Antony, who has also returned to training and will be involved in Ten Hag’s matchday squad for Man United.
“Erik ten Hag confirms Rasmus Hojlund + Antony are fit to be in the squad against Galatasaray. Says he has "no fear" of starting Kobbie Mainoo in what is expected to be an even more hostile atmosphere than Goodison Park.”
Manchester United strikerRasmus Hojlund.
Man United receive boost over "scary" Hojlund
Since putting pen to paper from Atalanta over the summer, Hojlund has impressed during his 15 appearances across all competitions to date, so the fact that he’s able to stage his comeback for a game with this much riding on it will come as a huge boost for Man United.
Standing at 6 foot 3, the left-footed striker has scored five goals in four games this season in the Champions League, which shows how prolific he’s been in the final third in this specific competition (Transfermarkt – Hojlund statistics).
Ten Hag’s £85k-per-week earner (Man United salaries), is also capable of operating as a second striker alongside his usual role when leading the line through the middle, so his ability to easily adapt to his boss’ demands is another reason as to why it’s such positive news to have him back.
As per reporter Sacha Pisani, Hojlund is a “scary” player considering the pace he has, so for all of the qualities that he brings to the frontline, his return will be a massive plus for the head coach as he looks to secure a victory on the road against the Super Lig outfit.
Liverpool have reportedly been tracking an "immense" footballer for some time, and a new update suggests that they could finally get their man soon.
Liverpool want January signings
The Reds could easily look to make new signings when the January transfer window arrives, even though Jurgen Klopp has built a fantastic squad capable of challenging across four different competitions. Perfection is often needed up against Manchester City in Premier League title races, and at the moment, Liverpool's squad has a few chinks in the armour that is just holding them back slightly.
The lack of a proper defensive midfielder like Fabinho is arguably a problem, even though Alexis Mac Allister is largely doing well enough there, and defensive depth also looks a little short, with a versatile player who can shine at both centre-back and left-back needed, especially with Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson not getting any younger.
Fluminense midfielder Andre has possibly emerged as Liverpool's most commonly linked January transfer target, but he may not be the only player that the Merseysiders look to snap up in the next window.
Goncalo Inacio transfer update
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been watching Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio for over two years now and are plotting a move for the centre-back in January. The Reds are thought to be "at the front of the queue" for his services in a deal worth his £52m release clause.
Sporting CP defenderGoncalo Inacio.
"Goncalo Inacio is re-emerging as a January defender target for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp seeks a new defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk, but the Reds will be forced to pay up, TEAMtalk has learned.
"Liverpool are keen to add another option to their defence after a summer of rebuilding their squad. Key players left and a new midfield took priority leaving manager Jurgen Klopp in need of defensive reinforcements. The club hoped to add a centre-back in summer but were unable to bring in a quality option. The signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch took priority."
This is hugely exciting news, with Inacio someone with so much potential as a player, but already a key man for Sporting at just 22 years of age. The Liverpool transfer target has already made 139 appearances for his current club, which is impressive for such a young footballer, and he has been hailed as "immense" for his "recovery speed" by Premier League Panel on X.
The fact that Inacio can excel in both a central and left-sided defensive role could make him the perfect option for the Reds, and while he clearly wouldn't come on the cheap, he is a player who could mature into a world-class figure in the coming years.
Appearances
139
Goals
11
Assists
8
According to a recent update, Liverpool are leading the race to sign Inacio in a £50m+ move, suggesting that he really is seen as a primary transfer target in January, and is someone they appear to be willing to break the bank for. Klopp's midfield has had major improvements made to it, but now it appears to be time to nail other areas of the pitch.
After defeat against Chelsea last Monday, Tottenham Hotspur's striking start to the season took another hit as the Ange Postecoglou's threadbare side succumbed to Wolverhampton Wanderers pressure at Molineux in a dramatic turnaround.
Tottenham had blitzed into form in the Premier League this season and won eight of their first ten matches, also drawing twice, before this succession of losses demoted them to fourth place, though they sit just two points behind table-topping Manchester City.
The third international break of the term perhaps comes at the perfect time for Spurs, whose manager Postecoglou can now recalibrate and refocus after a testing period.
Destiny Udogie will return to action following suspension, but the likes of impressive summer signings Micky van de Ven and James Maddison are expected to be sidelined until the new year. There's no shirking away from it – it's a detrimental blow.
That being said, it does open up a window of opportunity for other midfielders to stake their claim for a starting spot in Postecoglou's first team.
The players who could replace James Maddison
Against Wolves, Postecoglou opted to tweak the system and remove the creative role somewhat, opting for a midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The latter, Hojbjerg, has not been favoured for a starting spot this term and clearly doesn't offer the same level of creativity as Maddison; he produced an industrious display against Wolves, but he's not the solution over the winter period.
Coming off the bench and testing Jose Sa's goal with a fizzing strike was Giovani Lo Celso, however, with the Argentinian now presented with a lifeline after previously falling by the wayside on English shores.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielderGiovani Lo Celso.
Branded a "flop" by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke, Lo Celso had spent the past 18 months out on loan with Villarreal in LaLiga, but he does fit the bill to replace Maddison in the middle.
Indeed, Lo Celso ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for assists and the top 1% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
There is past evidence that he can't quite live up to the rigours of the Premier League, though the same cannot be said for Rodrigo Bentancur, whose return to fitness comes at the perfect time for Postecoglou.
Rodrigo Bentancur's style of play
The international break is loathed by many supporters, and it does feel somewhat tedious amid the excitement of the domestic scene, but the sojourn helps Spurs pick themselves up and allows Bentancur to continue to rebuild his fitness.
The Uruguayan midfielder joined Tottenham from Juventus for £21.5m in January 2022 and posted five goals and two assists from just 17 Premier League starts last year before disaster struck and he ruptured his ACL back in February.
Described as "technically immense" by broadcaster Adam Smith, Bentancur has earned three substitute appearances for Postecoglou's side recently and could be in line for a first start of the season when domestic football swings back around.
The £75k-per-week star was incredibly clinical last term, taking only 0.8 shots per game in the Premier League – as per Sofascore – but still boasting an impressive return, also completing 85% of his passes and forging 2.5 tackles per outing.
Postecoglou could find a brilliant blend of offensive vigour and defensive authority in this dynamo, who could fill the void left by a playmaker of Maddison's ilk and ensure that Tottenham's centre retains its strength over the coming months of action.
Tottenham Hotspur extended their winning run in the Premier League to four matches with victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, maintaining their lead at the top of the table.
The meteoric rise under Ange Postecoglou's stewardship has been nothing short of exemplary, and against the Eagles, while not at their best, Spurs got the job done and brandished their title-winning credentials after securing a 2-1 victory.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Whereby last season only brought misery and a fourth managerial dismissal in as many years following Antonio Conte's sacking in March, there is now a tangible possibility that silverware – a premium so agonisingly out of reach for so long at Tottenham – could be gleaned.
Spurs' win against Roy Hodgson's side means that eight victories have been collected from ten Premier League matches, having drawn the opener away to Brentford and again against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Tottenham's performance vs Crystal Palace
Palace were resilient and looked to stifle the away side's attacking verve through a cohesive, collective understanding of the match plan, and while they held their shape well for the lion's share of the first 45 minutes, the tactical tweaks in the second half swayed the odds in Spurs' favour.
Indeed, after a drab opening half, the away side knuckled down and started to thread their plan together, with James Maddison warming after an ineffective first 45 and Postecoglou's substitutions working well.
Ben Davies earned his first Premier League start of the campaign in the absence of Destiny Udogie, but the 30-year-old stalwart was hooked during the break and replaced by the more energetic Emerson Royal, who was in the thick of the action and actively progressed the play.
Maddison's whipped delivery, forcing an own goal, put the Lilywhites in the driving seat shortly after the break while Heung-min Son's eighth goal in seven Premier League matches confirmed that three points would be returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With another win in the bag, Tottenham's manager praised the "disciplined" performance, and it was indeed the kind of composed and controlled display that was often elusively out of reach last term, as the north London club slumped to an eighth-placed league finish and conceded a staggering 63 goals.
Postecoglou deserves all the plaudits for the transformative effect that he has instilled, but there is little doubt that the signings made across the summer have been nothing short of superlative, with the likes of Maddison, Micky van de Ven and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario steering the ship on course.
James Maddison was "superb" again
Maddison, of course, has been the standout so far since joining from Leicester City for £40m in the summer, having scored ten goals and supplied nine assists in the English top flight despite only starting 28 times as his outfit plummeted into the Championship.
This term, he has already posted three goals and five assists from the opening ten games of the Premier League term, winning August's Player of the Month award, and while he did not add to his tally at Selhurst Park, he was once more at the centre of the success.
Hailed for his "superb" link-up play by football.london's Alasdair Gold, the England international warmed into his role in the second half, and after forcing Joel Ward to turn into his own net, he served reliably as the conduit, ensuring his teammates had apt supplementation.
Metric
#
Minutes played
89
Touches
57
Pass completion
31/16 (86%)
Key passes
2
Ground duels won
4
Dribble attempts
1/3 (33%)
Tackles
1
Clearances
1
It was by no means his most impressive display for the club, but it is an illustration of how consistent his performances have been since the summer, and as Spurs march on, he will continue to serve as the centrepiece.
Maddison is the obvious player to shower effusive words upon, but it was the performance of Pape Sarr that perhaps went under the radar despite exhibiting the sheer collective value of this newly-vitalised team.
Pape Sarr is Postecoglou's true hero
Sarr, aged 21, moved to Tottenham from Metz in a £15m deal in 2021 but returned to the French side on a season-long loan, and while he sat on the periphery last season, he is now very much at the core of the midfield.
Praised for his “unbelievable” performance by scout Lee Mayes, who remarked at how well he "ran the whole midfield", the Senegalese starlet took 92 touches and completed 89% of his passes – very much omnipresent in his duties.
Making two interceptions and clearances apiece and succeeding with his one dribble, he was everywhere on that pitch and played a big part in both of Tottenham's goals, with Gold among those waxing lyrical after the match.
Gold said: "Forgot to mention Pape Matar Sarr, who was terrific again. Never stopped running, providing an outlet and using the ball well on the whole. Played a big part in the second goal and still mad to think he's only 21. He's only going to get better and better under Postecoglou."
Against Crystal Palace, he demonstrated a maturity and energy that evades all but the select few midfielders who sit atop the pile, and it really is frightening to consider how good he might become over the coming years.
Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr.
As per FBref, the all-action midfielder ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 19% for assists, the top 18% for progressive passes and the top 20% for passes attempted per 90.
Frankly, there is so much more to come, and Tottenham really have unearthed a jewel in this rising star, who has been sensational in the early phase of the campaign and a large reason behind such a relentless start.
And while Tottenham are currently five points clear in their table-topping position, both Arsenal and Manchester City have the opportunity to close the gap this weekend.
Nonetheless, the job that Postecoglou has done so far has been remarkable, and there would have been scant optimism that such a position of strength could have been established mere months ago.
With gifted stars like Sarr in the centre, there is every possibility that this season's success will endure, and Tottenham will prevail.
Newcastle have been dealt a huge injury blow in the run-up to the end of the season after it was confirmed that Sven Botman suffered an ACL injury.
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Botman injured during Man City clashDefender diagnosed with ACL injuryWill undergo operation next weekWHAT HAPPENED?
The centre-back was forced off in the late stages of the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. He has since been diagnosed with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and faces up to nine months out after he undergoes surgery next week.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT NEWCASTLE SAID
An update from the club read: "Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.
"Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday's match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.
"The Dutch centre-back initially sustained a knee injury in September 2023 and elected for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan – a decision which saw him return to action in December.
"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old Netherlands international has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's team this season, making 22 appearances in all competitions. He was previously ruled out with a knee injury that sidelined him from late-September until December.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?
The absence of a key figure comes as a big blow to Newcastle as they look to get back into the fight for a place in European football next term. Howe's side sit 10th in the table and take on West Ham in their next match on March 30.
There was some initial worry about Newcastle United this season, especially after they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion. Since then, however, Eddie Howe's side have put an end to any doubts by defeating Brentford, putting eight past Sheffield United and knocking Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup.
That's not to say the Magpies couldn't do with further reinforcements, though, which could result in a busy January transfer window for those at St James' Park despite some FFP constraints, with reports they could sell several players to fund signings.
And that could see them complete a move for one particular player that they already had a go for, having failed in their pursuit during the summer.
What's the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Spending a reported €153m (£133m) during the summer transfer window, Newcastle welcomed the likes of Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento, and Sandro Tonali to hand Howe a squad capable of potentially making it back-to-back top four finishes in the Premier League. And after a slow start, the Magpies now look back on track to compete alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool, who are all gunning for Champions League qualification.
The January transfer window could yet make all the difference, too, especially if Newcastle secure the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz. According to Football Transfers, those at St James' Park are eyeing a move for the Southampton star, who they reportedly approached in the summer, only to be put off by the Saints' £30m price-tag.
Whilst Howe remains an admirer, AC Milan and Benfica also reportedly made an approach for the midfielder in the summer, handing Newcastle plenty of competition if they are to pursue his signature come the winter transfer window.
Considering their spending power, if Newcastle are keen on Alcaraz, then it will be interesting to see how Southampton fare when it comes to the battle to keep hold of their star.
Should Newcastle United sign Carlos Alcaraz?
Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.
At 20-years-old, Alcaraz opted to stay put at Southampton despite their relegation to the Championship, and a solid start by Russell Martin's new side has quickly turned disastrous, with a run of four straight defeats in the Championship.
If that form continues, Alcaraz, who, it must be said, has played his part in what has been a dismal run, may start to consider his immediate future, especially if the right offer comes in during the January window from Newcastle.
Statistically speaking, the midfielder was certainly a standout in a poor Saints side last season. According to FBref, in 13 starts, Alcaraz made 20 progressive carries and 28 progressive passes, whilst also making 14 blocks and 11 clearances in a showing of great potential in a short period in the Premier League.
He has earned deserved praise during his time at St Mary's, too, including from former manager Ruben Selles, who said, via the official Southampton website: "That was the idea – to put him in that position as a 10 or as a striker, to be more aggressive in the pressure, to understand the triggers and to have some situations in front of the centre-backs but also in behind, as [with] the goal.
“That was the game plan, Carlos played good. He understands everything – I am helping him also, giving him some instructions so it’s easier for him to understand. He did really well, unfortunately for only 45, 46 minutes."