Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has sworn to stay at Stamford Bridge and battle N’Golo Kante for a starting position, welcoming the France international ace to West London.

Antonio Conte made the Leicester City hero one of his first purchases as the new Blues boss, but Matic has proclaimed he wants to fight for his place despite the failures of last season, as quoted by Tom Doyle of the London Evening Standard:

I am sure that 100,000 players want to come to play for Chelsea so there is always competition, all life is a fight so every player is ready for that.

Yes, [it is great to have Kante] – he is a good player and I am sure that he will bring a lot of qualities to our team and all good players are welcome to our team.

He is a great player and it was difficult play against him [last season] and I am very happy because he is coming to Chelsea.

Conte has also warned off opposition clubs in their pursuit of the powerful Serbia international, telling former team Juventus the player is not for sale as they look at options to replace Paul Pogba.

John Percy of the Telegraph quoted Conte during Chelsea’s pre-season endeavours:

He [Matic] is not for sale and I know with work he can become a fantastic midfielder, one of the best in the world.

He is a very important player for me, he is very important in my idea of football. He knows this and I’m delighted by his attitude and behaviour and I see in him commitment.

The 27-year-old witnessed his form collapse last season as Chelsea surrendered the Premier League crown with a whimper.

Matic featured in 38 matches in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, according to WhoScored.com, as manager Jose Mourinho was shown the exit door at the Bridge.

In other news, former Chelsea defender Jeffrey Bruma has said he could have recently returned to the Blues after an outstanding campaign for PSV Eindhoven before opting to sign for Bundelsiga outfit Wolfsburg.

Torsten Rumpf of German publication Sport Bild (h/t the Daily Star‘s Marc Williams) quoted the Dutchman talking about his recent transfer options.

Bruma said: “I had other options like Inter Milan. I could have gone back to Chelsea, who wanted me. At Chelsea or Inter, it would have been difficult for me to make the next step.”

The 24-year-old joined the Blues youth team in 2007 from Feyenoord but departed London in 2013 to join PSV after loan spells at Leicester and Hamburg.

Here is Bruma in action before his recent switch to Germany:

At the top of his game, Matic is a wonderful asset, equally talented at both destructive and constructive parts of midfield play.

However, his form was a major reason why Chelsea collapsed last season and contributed to Mourinho‘s hasty downfall. 

Kante proved a world-class talent for the Foxes last term, and he will be arriving at Chelsea to be an automatic starter.

Matic will have to rewind his performance value two years, and if he cannot find his very best quality, he will spend much of the new campaign on the bench as Conte crafts a new team.

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Mauricio Pochettino has been a manager long enough now he knows what to expect, and what to hope for, from pre-season. His Tottenham Hotspur side’s 2-1 loss to Juventus in an International Champions Cup fixture in Melbourne, Australia, went just about to type.

“We will try to improve in all the areas we need to improve and to see what we do, not to see the teams in front of us,” he told Tottenham’s official website ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“The most important thing in these games is for us to improve our physical condition and to arrive in the best condition for the start of the season against Everton in August.”

Juventus were Spurs’ fourth opponent of the summer but their first not behind closed doors. The result was not too important, but those playing will have been well aware chances to impress are running out.

Faces new and old were handed opportunities to make those improvements with involvement in the Premier League’s opening weekend in mind. It was a mixed night for both groups, though understandably, the performances of the new—recent signings and untested academy talent—were of most interest on this occasion.

Described by Pochettino to the club’s website as “a perfect player for us,” Tottenham’s first summer 2016 signing Victor Wanyama may need to be close to that if he is to break into the club’s enviable midfield with any regularity.

Dele Alli, as well as the more likely chief central midfield rivals for playing time—Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier—have not yet returned from their extended post-Euro 2016 breaks. Tasked with helping his defence deal with talents such as Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic, this was an ideal test for Wanyama to show his comparative credentials in a Spurs shirt.

Overall, the Kenyan should be pleased with this public introduction to his new fans.

In a timid first-half showing from his new team-mates, the former Southampton player was Spurs’ most assured performer. In a more improved, substitute-augmented second, he was just as keen.

Individually, Wanyama started as he intended to go on. In his first contribution, he beat a threatening Mario Lemina to the ball, shielded it and won a free-kick.

There was little he could do about either Dybala or Medhi Benatia’s goals—a swift break for the first, poor marking following a corner for the second—but thereafter did his best to provide a protective presence for young centre-backs Dominic Ball and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Albeit aided by Juventus easing off somewhat, Wanyama also began seeing plenty of the ball. He made helpful angles for others and accurately spread play around as Spurs started to go somewhere.

The second-half tackle that led to Erik Lamela’s goal was typical of the calculated assertiveness Wanyama attempted to show. Pochettino will certainly like more of that heading into the season.

It proved a tougher night for Wanyama’s fellow new recruit Vincent Janssen.

Like the midfielder, Janssen was able to stake his own claim for playing time with last season’s top scorer Harry Kane still away. The two forwards may end up being used in conjunction regardless, but demonstrating his capabilities leading the line solo was not going to hurt.

The Dutchman lived up to Pochettino’s billing, again per Tottenham’s website, of a player “that likes to fight and work for the team.” There was little to fault with his intent throughout.

He looked to play on the shoulder when an opening beckoned and presented himself deeper when it did not, teeing up Lamela for a good chance. Earlier on, he ran to the left-hand channel to give an option for left-back William Miller and was also quick to get into the area anticipating crosses from Tom Carroll.

One of Janssen’s final contributions before being replaced with Shayon Harrison was to close down Juventus’ goalkeeper Neto. He was not far from catching him out.

Unfortunately, little actually stuck for the 22-year-old.

The other first-half starters were less eager to offer support than he was, while throughout, his touch deserted him under pressure from Juve’s nearby defenders.

Janssen will hope to give a better account of himself against Atletico Madrid on Friday. Work as hard as he did here and things should go right for him soon enough.

Three-quarters of Tuesday night’s starting defence, Ball, Carter-Vickers and Miller, have been at Tottenham longer than Janssen and Wanyama, but this was a new experience for them all, too.

Youth-team football is one thing, being out on loan (in Ball’s case, with Cambridge United and Rangers) another. Playing for the first team of the club where you learned your trade is a whole different kind of pressure.

The three youngsters handled it with varying success against the famous Old Lady of Turin.

The multi-talented Miller got down his left flank with increasing confidence as the first half developed. It was the full-back’s slotted pass that set up Carroll for one of the earlier-mentioned crosses for Janssen, while he also continued to provide an outlet for those deployed centrally.

Further back, he stopped Lemina on one occasion and did just enough to slow Pol Lirola on another. Some of the 20-year-old’s passing was a little off, though, and he will be disappointed at inadvertently contributing to Juventus’ opener.

Ball, also 20, will be more mortified by it.

He looked like he had Miller’s errant pass backward under control. Unfortunately, Roberto Pereyra pounced on his hesitation, beat the challenge of Carter-Vickers and teed up Dybala to score.

Of the centre-backs, it was Carter-Vickers, two years younger, who looked more assured.

They switched after a time, but Ball continued to look nervous when required to intervene. Carter-Vickers had his iffy moments, too, but he also fared better against Dybala in isolation and by the latter stages looked to be enjoying himself more (it is looking like no coincidence Pochettino had him as part of some matchday squads last season).

The second-half saw Marcus Edwards, Harrison, Anton Walkes and, later on, Luke Amos all called on, too.

With Tottenham already behind, theirs was a different sort of learning experience to their youth-team peers. The half-time substitutes had already injected some life into the performance; any sort of positivity to their work would be measured as further improvement.

Beyond what they brought to the match itself, their efforts will also have strengthened some of the hopes around their first-team viability.

England youth international Edwards’ Spurs future was uncertain earlier this year with the Guardian’s David Hytner reporting a contract “stand-off” with the club. Now handed a closer look from Pochettino in the senior squad, he followed up his assist for Harrison and goal against Rotherham with an encouraging half-hour against the more formidable Juventus.

Barged off the ball by Alex Sandro on his first touch, the 17-year-old was better prepared thereafter. He did not shy from attempting the penetrative dribbles that make him such an eye-catching talent, but he also smartly judged when he was better served handing it off to others (no small thing when you consider the time it took someone like Lamela to learn it upon his arrival in England).

On the 76th minute, Edwards made a particularly good run down the middle for DeAndre Yedlin. Slightly behind him, he could not quite bring the delivery under control, but the thinking was impressive.

Harrison is another player with an appreciation for the benefits of movement. Like Janssen, he has an admirable work ethic, too.

Both were seen from the off when he dropped into his own half to help Spurs maintain possession before moving it on via Walkes and Edwards; the latter again later when he chased one pass admirably down the right flank, the former in the forward runs that twice facilitated chances for Lamela.

Harrison benefited from fortunate, unintentional (in their delivery, not necessarily their target) touches both times. But they were also moments that stressed the general striker’s belief that being in the right position can lead to something happening.

Harrison’s seeming adherence to it almost paid off in stoppage time when a leftward diagonal run allowed Lamela to play him in. The 19-year-old let it run across him and forced a save from Neto with an outstretched shot.

Amos and Walkes experienced more low-key respective outings. That is no bad thing at this stage in their development, though, giving them a nice little confidence boost ahead of what they hope will be more substantial opportunities.

Though it will not be easy getting to be involved in the first team, at this stage they have the right to look forward. For others representing Spurs in Australia, they are already there, looking to maintain their status or just keep their hopes of playing for the club alive.

Nacer Chadli and Ryan Mason both finished last season in underwhelming fashion and did not do their cases much good here. Carroll and Yedlin were much livelier, interested even, but could still do with being more productive moving forward.

Kieran Trippier and Michel Vorm were adequate, Heung-Min Son energetic closing down but not really effective (he may have one eye on the Olympics Games tournament with South Korea). Lamela played like he looks set to carry on where he left off in a strong 2015-16, while youngsters Josh Onomah and Harry Winks looked very comfortable following their greater first-team involvement last season.

Upcoming games against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan should give us more of an insight to the overall strength of Pochettino’s Tottenham heading into the season. Not a crystal clear one, but a decent enough look at what he may have in mind and who is looking in good shape.

The new faces played the familiar beats of their roles in the Argentinian’s team. It is up to them now to earn their shot at becoming proficient enough that they may become more prominent performers.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Mauricio Pochettino has been a manager long enough now he knows what to expect, and what to hope for, from pre-season. His Tottenham Hotspur side’s 2-1 loss to Juventus in an International Champions Cup fixture in Melbourne, Australia, went just about to type.

“We will try to improve in all the areas we need to improve and to see what we do, not to see the teams in front of us,” he told Tottenham’s official website ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“The most important thing in these games is for us to improve our physical condition and to arrive in the best condition for the start of the season against Everton in August.”

Juventus were Spurs’ fourth opponent of the summer but their first not behind closed doors. The result was not too important, but those playing will have been well aware chances to impress are running out.

Faces new and old were handed opportunities to make those improvements with involvement in the Premier League’s opening weekend in mind. It was a mixed night for both groups, though understandably, the performances of the new—recent signings and untested academy talent—were of most interest on this occasion.

Described by Pochettino to the club’s website as “a perfect player for us,” Tottenham’s first summer 2016 signing Victor Wanyama may need to be close to that if he is to break into the club’s enviable midfield with any regularity.

Dele Alli, as well as the more likely chief central midfield rivals for playing time—Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier—have not yet returned from their extended post-Euro 2016 breaks. Tasked with helping his defence deal with talents such as Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic, this was an ideal test for Wanyama to show his comparative credentials in a Spurs shirt.

Overall, the Kenyan should be pleased with this public introduction to his new fans.

In a timid first-half showing from his new team-mates, the former Southampton player was Spurs’ most assured performer. In a more improved, substitute-augmented second, he was just as keen.

Individually, Wanyama started as he intended to go on. In his first contribution, he beat a threatening Mario Lemina to the ball, shielded it and won a free-kick.

There was little he could do about either Dybala or Medhi Benatia’s goals—a swift break for the first, poor marking following a corner for the second—but thereafter did his best to provide a protective presence for young centre-backs Dominic Ball and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Albeit aided by Juventus easing off somewhat, Wanyama also began seeing plenty of the ball. He made helpful angles for others and accurately spread play around as Spurs started to go somewhere.

The second-half tackle that led to Erik Lamela’s goal was typical of the calculated assertiveness Wanyama attempted to show. Pochettino will certainly like more of that heading into the season.

It proved a tougher night for Wanyama’s fellow new recruit Vincent Janssen.

Like the midfielder, Janssen was able to stake his own claim for playing time with last season’s top scorer Harry Kane still away. The two forwards may end up being used in conjunction regardless, but demonstrating his capabilities leading the line solo was not going to hurt.

The Dutchman lived up to Pochettino’s billing, again per Tottenham’s website, of a player “that likes to fight and work for the team.” There was little to fault with his intent throughout.

He looked to play on the shoulder when an opening beckoned and presented himself deeper when it did not, teeing up Lamela for a good chance. Earlier on, he ran to the left-hand channel to give an option for left-back William Miller and was also quick to get into the area anticipating crosses from Tom Carroll.

One of Janssen’s final contributions before being replaced with Shayon Harrison was to close down Juventus’ goalkeeper Neto. He was not far from catching him out.

Unfortunately, little actually stuck for the 22-year-old.

The other first-half starters were less eager to offer support than he was, while throughout, his touch deserted him under pressure from Juve’s nearby defenders.

Janssen will hope to give a better account of himself against Atletico Madrid on Friday. Work as hard as he did here and things should go right for him soon enough.

Three-quarters of Tuesday night’s starting defence, Ball, Carter-Vickers and Miller, have been at Tottenham longer than Janssen and Wanyama, but this was a new experience for them all, too.

Youth-team football is one thing, being out on loan (in Ball’s case, with Cambridge United and Rangers) another. Playing for the first team of the club where you learned your trade is a whole different kind of pressure.

The three youngsters handled it with varying success against the famous Old Lady of Turin.

The multi-talented Miller got down his left flank with increasing confidence as the first half developed. It was the full-back’s slotted pass that set up Carroll for one of the earlier-mentioned crosses for Janssen, while he also continued to provide an outlet for those deployed centrally.

Further back, he stopped Lemina on one occasion and did just enough to slow Pol Lirola on another. Some of the 20-year-old’s passing was a little off, though, and he will be disappointed at inadvertently contributing to Juventus’ opener.

Ball, also 20, will be more mortified by it.

He looked like he had Miller’s errant pass backward under control. Unfortunately, Roberto Pereyra pounced on his hesitation, beat the challenge of Carter-Vickers and teed up Dybala to score.

Of the centre-backs, it was Carter-Vickers, two years younger, who looked more assured.

They switched after a time, but Ball continued to look nervous when required to intervene. Carter-Vickers had his iffy moments, too, but he also fared better against Dybala in isolation and by the latter stages looked to be enjoying himself more (it is looking like no coincidence Pochettino had him as part of some matchday squads last season).

The second-half saw Marcus Edwards, Harrison, Anton Walkes and, later on, Luke Amos all called on, too.

With Tottenham already behind, theirs was a different sort of learning experience to their youth-team peers. The half-time substitutes had already injected some life into the performance; any sort of positivity to their work would be measured as further improvement.

Beyond what they brought to the match itself, their efforts will also have strengthened some of the hopes around their first-team viability.

England youth international Edwards’ Spurs future was uncertain earlier this year with the Guardian’s David Hytner reporting a contract “stand-off” with the club. Now handed a closer look from Pochettino in the senior squad, he followed up his assist for Harrison and goal against Rotherham with an encouraging half-hour against the more formidable Juventus.

Barged off the ball by Alex Sandro on his first touch, the 17-year-old was better prepared thereafter. He did not shy from attempting the penetrative dribbles that make him such an eye-catching talent, but he also smartly judged when he was better served handing it off to others (no small thing when you consider the time it took someone like Lamela to learn it upon his arrival in England).

On the 76th minute, Edwards made a particularly good run down the middle for DeAndre Yedlin. Slightly behind him, he could not quite bring the delivery under control, but the thinking was impressive.

Harrison is another player with an appreciation for the benefits of movement. Like Janssen, he has an admirable work ethic, too.

Both were seen from the off when he dropped into his own half to help Spurs maintain possession before moving it on via Walkes and Edwards; the latter again later when he chased one pass admirably down the right flank, the former in the forward runs that twice facilitated chances for Lamela.

Harrison benefited from fortunate, unintentional (in their delivery, not necessarily their target) touches both times. But they were also moments that stressed the general striker’s belief that being in the right position can lead to something happening.

Harrison’s seeming adherence to it almost paid off in stoppage time when a leftward diagonal run allowed Lamela to play him in. The 19-year-old let it run across him and forced a save from Neto with an outstretched shot.

Amos and Walkes experienced more low-key respective outings. That is no bad thing at this stage in their development, though, giving them a nice little confidence boost ahead of what they hope will be more substantial opportunities.

Though it will not be easy getting to be involved in the first team, at this stage they have the right to look forward. For others representing Spurs in Australia, they are already there, looking to maintain their status or just keep their hopes of playing for the club alive.

Nacer Chadli and Ryan Mason both finished last season in underwhelming fashion and did not do their cases much good here. Carroll and Yedlin were much livelier, interested even, but could still do with being more productive moving forward.

Kieran Trippier and Michel Vorm were adequate, Heung-Min Son energetic closing down but not really effective (he may have one eye on the Olympics Games tournament with South Korea). Lamela played like he looks set to carry on where he left off in a strong 2015-16, while youngsters Josh Onomah and Harry Winks looked very comfortable following their greater first-team involvement last season.

Upcoming games against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan should give us more of an insight to the overall strength of Pochettino’s Tottenham heading into the season. Not a crystal clear one, but a decent enough look at what he may have in mind and who is looking in good shape.

The new faces played the familiar beats of their roles in the Argentinian’s team. It is up to them now to earn their shot at becoming proficient enough that they may become more prominent performers.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a9epci
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Mauricio Pochettino has been a manager long enough now he knows what to expect, and what to hope for, from pre-season. His Tottenham Hotspur side’s 2-1 loss to Juventus in an International Champions Cup fixture in Melbourne, Australia, went just about to type.

“We will try to improve in all the areas we need to improve and to see what we do, not to see the teams in front of us,” he told Tottenham’s official website ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“The most important thing in these games is for us to improve our physical condition and to arrive in the best condition for the start of the season against Everton in August.”

Juventus were Spurs’ fourth opponent of the summer but their first not behind closed doors. The result was not too important, but those playing will have been well aware chances to impress are running out.

Faces new and old were handed opportunities to make those improvements with involvement in the Premier League’s opening weekend in mind. It was a mixed night for both groups, though understandably, the performances of the new—recent signings and untested academy talent—were of most interest on this occasion.

Described by Pochettino to the club’s website as “a perfect player for us,” Tottenham’s first summer 2016 signing Victor Wanyama may need to be close to that if he is to break into the club’s enviable midfield with any regularity.

Dele Alli, as well as the more likely chief central midfield rivals for playing time—Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier—have not yet returned from their extended post-Euro 2016 breaks. Tasked with helping his defence deal with talents such as Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic, this was an ideal test for Wanyama to show his comparative credentials in a Spurs shirt.

Overall, the Kenyan should be pleased with this public introduction to his new fans.

In a timid first-half showing from his new team-mates, the former Southampton player was Spurs’ most assured performer. In a more improved, substitute-augmented second, he was just as keen.

Individually, Wanyama started as he intended to go on. In his first contribution, he beat a threatening Mario Lemina to the ball, shielded it and won a free-kick.

There was little he could do about either Dybala or Medhi Benatia’s goals—a swift break for the first, poor marking following a corner for the second—but thereafter did his best to provide a protective presence for young centre-backs Dominic Ball and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Albeit aided by Juventus easing off somewhat, Wanyama also began seeing plenty of the ball. He made helpful angles for others and accurately spread play around as Spurs started to go somewhere.

The second-half tackle that led to Erik Lamela’s goal was typical of the calculated assertiveness Wanyama attempted to show. Pochettino will certainly like more of that heading into the season.

It proved a tougher night for Wanyama’s fellow new recruit Vincent Janssen.

Like the midfielder, Janssen was able to stake his own claim for playing time with last season’s top scorer Harry Kane still away. The two forwards may end up being used in conjunction regardless, but demonstrating his capabilities leading the line solo was not going to hurt.

The Dutchman lived up to Pochettino’s billing, again per Tottenham’s website, of a player “that likes to fight and work for the team.” There was little to fault with his intent throughout.

He looked to play on the shoulder when an opening beckoned and presented himself deeper when it did not, teeing up Lamela for a good chance. Earlier on, he ran to the left-hand channel to give an option for left-back William Miller and was also quick to get into the area anticipating crosses from Tom Carroll.

One of Janssen’s final contributions before being replaced with Shayon Harrison was to close down Juventus’ goalkeeper Neto. He was not far from catching him out.

Unfortunately, little actually stuck for the 22-year-old.

The other first-half starters were less eager to offer support than he was, while throughout, his touch deserted him under pressure from Juve’s nearby defenders.

Janssen will hope to give a better account of himself against Atletico Madrid on Friday. Work as hard as he did here and things should go right for him soon enough.

Three-quarters of Tuesday night’s starting defence, Ball, Carter-Vickers and Miller, have been at Tottenham longer than Janssen and Wanyama, but this was a new experience for them all, too.

Youth-team football is one thing, being out on loan (in Ball’s case, with Cambridge United and Rangers) another. Playing for the first team of the club where you learned your trade is a whole different kind of pressure.

The three youngsters handled it with varying success against the famous Old Lady of Turin.

The multi-talented Miller got down his left flank with increasing confidence as the first half developed. It was the full-back’s slotted pass that set up Carroll for one of the earlier-mentioned crosses for Janssen, while he also continued to provide an outlet for those deployed centrally.

Further back, he stopped Lemina on one occasion and did just enough to slow Pol Lirola on another. Some of the 20-year-old’s passing was a little off, though, and he will be disappointed at inadvertently contributing to Juventus’ opener.

Ball, also 20, will be more mortified by it.

He looked like he had Miller’s errant pass backward under control. Unfortunately, Roberto Pereyra pounced on his hesitation, beat the challenge of Carter-Vickers and teed up Dybala to score.

Of the centre-backs, it was Carter-Vickers, two years younger, who looked more assured.

They switched after a time, but Ball continued to look nervous when required to intervene. Carter-Vickers had his iffy moments, too, but he also fared better against Dybala in isolation and by the latter stages looked to be enjoying himself more (it is looking like no coincidence Pochettino had him as part of some matchday squads last season).

The second-half saw Marcus Edwards, Harrison, Anton Walkes and, later on, Luke Amos all called on, too.

With Tottenham already behind, theirs was a different sort of learning experience to their youth-team peers. The half-time substitutes had already injected some life into the performance; any sort of positivity to their work would be measured as further improvement.

Beyond what they brought to the match itself, their efforts will also have strengthened some of the hopes around their first-team viability.

England youth international Edwards’ Spurs future was uncertain earlier this year with the Guardian’s David Hytner reporting a contract “stand-off” with the club. Now handed a closer look from Pochettino in the senior squad, he followed up his assist for Harrison and goal against Rotherham with an encouraging half-hour against the more formidable Juventus.

Barged off the ball by Alex Sandro on his first touch, the 17-year-old was better prepared thereafter. He did not shy from attempting the penetrative dribbles that make him such an eye-catching talent, but he also smartly judged when he was better served handing it off to others (no small thing when you consider the time it took someone like Lamela to learn it upon his arrival in England).

On the 76th minute, Edwards made a particularly good run down the middle for DeAndre Yedlin. Slightly behind him, he could not quite bring the delivery under control, but the thinking was impressive.

Harrison is another player with an appreciation for the benefits of movement. Like Janssen, he has an admirable work ethic, too.

Both were seen from the off when he dropped into his own half to help Spurs maintain possession before moving it on via Walkes and Edwards; the latter again later when he chased one pass admirably down the right flank, the former in the forward runs that twice facilitated chances for Lamela.

Harrison benefited from fortunate, unintentional (in their delivery, not necessarily their target) touches both times. But they were also moments that stressed the general striker’s belief that being in the right position can lead to something happening.

Harrison’s seeming adherence to it almost paid off in stoppage time when a leftward diagonal run allowed Lamela to play him in. The 19-year-old let it run across him and forced a save from Neto with an outstretched shot.

Amos and Walkes experienced more low-key respective outings. That is no bad thing at this stage in their development, though, giving them a nice little confidence boost ahead of what they hope will be more substantial opportunities.

Though it will not be easy getting to be involved in the first team, at this stage they have the right to look forward. For others representing Spurs in Australia, they are already there, looking to maintain their status or just keep their hopes of playing for the club alive.

Nacer Chadli and Ryan Mason both finished last season in underwhelming fashion and did not do their cases much good here. Carroll and Yedlin were much livelier, interested even, but could still do with being more productive moving forward.

Kieran Trippier and Michel Vorm were adequate, Heung-Min Son energetic closing down but not really effective (he may have one eye on the Olympics Games tournament with South Korea). Lamela played like he looks set to carry on where he left off in a strong 2015-16, while youngsters Josh Onomah and Harry Winks looked very comfortable following their greater first-team involvement last season.

Upcoming games against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan should give us more of an insight to the overall strength of Pochettino’s Tottenham heading into the season. Not a crystal clear one, but a decent enough look at what he may have in mind and who is looking in good shape.

The new faces played the familiar beats of their roles in the Argentinian’s team. It is up to them now to earn their shot at becoming proficient enough that they may become more prominent performers.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a9epci
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool in pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in a potential £25 million swoop.

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star) who stated that, while Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the Croatia international, so too is Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Brozovic only recently joined the Serie A side on a permanent deal, although the club are said to be happy to move him on for the aforementioned valuation.

The versatile 23-year-old has caught the eye with some distinguished performances in the Italian top flight. Here is a glimpse of what he can offer when in the mood:

Brozovic also showed glimpses of real quality with some classy outings at the UEFA European Championship this summer and would be a key man for plenty of elite European sides.

For Inter and Croatia, he’s shown a very useful adaptability. Brozovic can sit in deeper position in midfield, can shine as a box-to-box player and make an impact in the attacking third with his scuttles forward. As a technically proficient footballer, he’d fit in well at the Emirates Stadium too.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe commented on how well Brozovic fared in a wider berth at the Euros for Croatia:

Having a player who is so flexible is never a bad thing, even for a team like Arsenal who have so many midfield options. Brozovic would fit in well with the style of play deployed by Wenger and has the physicality in his game to cope with the intensity of English football. With so many competitions to come next term, he’d be an asset.

Liverpool would benefit in a similar way if they were able to lure him to Anfield, and Brozovic would arguably get more game time in a Reds squad less stocked with midfield options. That will surely be something the player will consider should both outfits meet his asking price.

Leicester City to Discuss Riyad Mahrez

According to Aidan Magee of Sky Sports News HQ, Leicester City are set to hold talks over the future of Riyad Mahrez, with the winger linked with a move to Arsenal.

It’s stated the Algerian’s position will be “on the agenda” when the club’s “owners and officials” sit down in Los Angeles on Monday. As noted in the piece, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a possible pursuit of last season’s PFA Player of the Year.

Indeed, Mahrez emerged as one of the stars of English football’s top flight in 2015-16, as he inspired the Foxes to a surprise title triumph. As these numbers from Squawka Football show, he was thrilling to watch last term:

And as we can see here, courtesy of Leicester’s Twitter feed, he seems to have carried his excellent form into pre-season, too:

For Leicester, it would be a big disappointment if their star man was to depart, especially having already lost N’Golo Kante to Chelsea this summer. Mahrez was the man who added the stardust to the functional, counter-attacking football the Foxes played under Claudio Ranieri last term; he’d be an extremely difficult presence to replace.

Arsenal will be keen to capitalise on any indecisiveness, as Mahrez has the potential to add another dangerous attacking edge to their play. Leicester seem keen to get the issue sorted quickly and will hope these talks make the winger’s situation clearer.

Gunners fans will remain hopeful they can lure this rising star of world football to the Emirates.

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Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool in pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in a potential £25 million swoop.

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star) who stated that, while Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the Croatia international, so too is Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Brozovic only recently joined the Serie A side on a permanent deal, although the club are said to be happy to move him on for the aforementioned valuation.

The versatile 23-year-old has caught the eye with some distinguished performances in the Italian top flight. Here is a glimpse of what he can offer when in the mood:

Brozovic also showed glimpses of real quality with some classy outings at the UEFA European Championship this summer and would be a key man for plenty of elite European sides.

For Inter and Croatia, he’s shown a very useful adaptability. Brozovic can sit in deeper position in midfield, can shine as a box-to-box player and make an impact in the attacking third with his scuttles forward. As a technically proficient footballer, he’d fit in well at the Emirates Stadium too.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe commented on how well Brozovic fared in a wider berth at the Euros for Croatia:

Having a player who is so flexible is never a bad thing, even for a team like Arsenal who have so many midfield options. Brozovic would fit in well with the style of play deployed by Wenger and has the physicality in his game to cope with the intensity of English football. With so many competitions to come next term, he’d be an asset.

Liverpool would benefit in a similar way if they were able to lure him to Anfield, and Brozovic would arguably get more game time in a Reds squad less stocked with midfield options. That will surely be something the player will consider should both outfits meet his asking price.

Leicester City to Discuss Riyad Mahrez

According to Aidan Magee of Sky Sports News HQ, Leicester are set to hold talks over the future of Riyad Mahrez, with the winger linked with a move to Arsenal.

It’s stated the Algerian’s position will be “on the agenda” when the club’s “owners and officials” sit down in Los Angeles on Monday. As noted in the piece, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a possible pursuit of last season’s PFA Player of the Year.

Indeed, Mahrez emerged as one of the stars of English football’s top flight in 2015-16, as he inspired the Foxes to a surprise title triumph. As these numbers from Squawka Football show, he was thrilling to watch last term:

And as we can see here courtesy of Leicester’s Twitter feed, he seems to have carried his excellent form into pre-season too:

For Leicester it’d be a big disappointment if their star man was to depart, especially having already lost N’Golo Kante to Chelsea this summer. Mahrez was the man who added the stardust to the functional, counter-attacking football the Foxes played under Claudio Ranieri last term; he’d be an extremely difficult presence to replace.

Arsenal will be keen to capitalise on any indecisiveness, as Mahrez has the potential to add another dangerous attacking edge to their play. Leicester seem keen to get the issue sorted quickly and will hope these talks make the winger’s situation clearer. Gunners fans will remain hopeful they can lure this rising star of world football to the Emirates.

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Paris Saint-Germain got their International Champions Cup tour off to a winning start on Sunday evening with a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ohio.

Pre-season friendlies are tough to judge, especially when a large amount of first-team players are still absent from action and various clubs are at different stages of their preparations.

For PSG and manager Unai Emery, this is just the beginning of their new era, and the Spanish coach spoke of his delight afterward—not just at the result but also with the work his players put into the game.

“I am very happy but today the match was good for the work we did,” he told the team’s official website after the game. “We’ve done a lot in training and the match was a continuation of that work.”

He continued:

The result was not really the most important thing for us, but of course we want to win as many games as possible and today we did that. But like I said, what’s important is the way the team worked together and the way they played as a team. It was a good match. It was good for the players’ fitness, but also for demonstrating our team’s philosophy and how we want to play.

Ligue 1 starts at the beginning of August, so these games in the U.S. are to make sure the champions are up to full fitness for the campaign ahead. The expectation is the club will once again lift the French title, and it will be their performance in Europe on which the Parisians are ultimately judged.

What is important at this stage is Emery puts his stamp on the team, the way PSG play and how the players react to the Spaniard’s methods. That’s something Brazilian full-back Maxwell emphasised after the game, per the club’s website: “We won the match and that’s always important but right now it’s all about finding our rhythm and carrying out what we’ve been doing in training to try and adapt ourselves as quickly as possible to the coach’s philosophy.”

It’s difficult to know what to take from Sunday’s friendly. PSG started the game in a 4-1-4-1 formation. The defence is perhaps close to what you could expect from the first team, with the exception of Presnel Kimpembe beside Thiago Silva—although the 20-year-old will be hoping for increased minutes this season.

In midfield, Benjamin Stambouli was the anchor, with Adrien Rabiot and Lorenzo Callegari ahead of the former Tottenham Hotspur man. Jonathan Ikone and Lucas Moura provided the width and Hatem Ben Arfa played as the No. 9.

However, it was the full-backs who stole the show. Serge Aurier, looking for a fresh start under Emery, opened the scoring. A Ben Arfa’s free-kick was saved by Samir Handanovic, who uncharacteristically couldn’t hold onto his effort, and the Ivorian was quickest to react, firing the ball into the empty net.

Later in the second half, in a move that would have seemed impossible last season, the former Toulouse right-back was handed the captain’s armband and went on to score a second and pick up the man-of-the-match trophy.

“I’m happy for the team,” Aurier said after the game, per the PSG website.

He continued:

We were able to play to our game plan and follow our coach’s instructions. Even if there were a few moments of hesitation, I think there were more positives than negatives. Paris Saint-Germain has become a big institution. We’re happy to be able to count on the support of our fans wherever we travel in the world.

His second, PSG’s third, was more typical of Aurier. Substitute Alec Georgen was given too much time and space wide on the right following a short corner, and the 17-year-old played in a superb right-footed cross, which Aurier powered home with his head.

This is the perfect start to the season for the 23-year-old defender. He needs to wipe the slate clean from the last campaign, not to forget the mistakes he made—namely the infamous Periscope video—but to learn from them, move on and make this the turning point in his career.

His team-mates always stood by him publicly, and regardless of whether they were angered by his actions, this is a new start for everyone. Aurier is privileged he is such a good player. You would have to suspect if a lesser talent had made the same mistakes, they would have been cast aside.

This is likely his final chance, and with the potential to become one of the leading players on this team and even in Europe, he has to take it. He has started well, and Emery’s leadership might well have breathed new life into the full-back.

Aurier’s two goals were good, but they were topped by another defender looking to have an improved campaign this season.

Layvin Kurzawa replaced Maxwell at half-time, and he showed the qualities he could bring to the squad if allowed the chance.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure, free-kick duties are up for grabs. Ben Arfa’s effort in the first-half led to a goal for Aurier, but the French left-back upped the ante in the second with a stunning left-footed strike.

It was that good you had to watch a replay to make sure it had gone in.

That finish exemplified just what Kurzawa’s left foot is capable of and the danger he poses on the pitch. Although Maxwell is the 34-year-old veteran and the full-back with all the experience, this should be Kurzawa’s time to shine. 

The former AS Monaco man said, per PSG’s website:

Everyone played a good game. Now it’s down to us to carry on working hard in training so that we can win our remaining two matches. I felt confident for the goal but I have to think Hatem and Lucas for allowing me to take that free-kick. I found the back of the net and that’s great for the team.

During his time in the principality, the 23-year-old showed time and time again the threat he could provide going forward. That was backed up by the three league goals he scored for PSG last season in just 16 appearances.

Kurzawa’s apprenticeship is over. It is time for the defender to be allowed to step up and become, like Aurier, the future of PSG.

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Reported Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez is unaffected by the speculation linking him with a move to the Gunners this summer, according to his Leicester City team-mate Demarai Gray. Meanwhile, Inter Milan are adamant Mauro Icardi won’t be sold amid links with Napoli. 

Per the Evening Standard‘s Sam Long, Gray said: “There is a lot of speculation around him but he doesn’t seem to be bothered by any of that, does he? He works hard and he’s a Leicester player. We’ll just do what he does, train and focus on games.”

According to Eurosport, the Algerian could be the subject of a €50 million offer from Arsenal.

The PFA Player of the Year was one of the champions’ most outstanding players last season, as WhoScored.com revealed:

His pace, flair and eye for goal makes him a thrilling player to watch and a highly effective contributor from the wing.

He demonstrated as much on Saturday in the Foxes’ pre-season friendly with Celtic:

Leicester are understandably hoping to keep him, and manager Claudio Ranieri firmly believes he’ll stay put this summer:

As strong a player as he is, Arsenal’s pursuit of him is slightly unnecessary as they already have Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey contesting their attacking-midfield positions.

Unless they plan on pushing Sanchez into a central role, it’s difficult to see where he fits in their side when their most pressing need is for a prolific centre-forward—and at the fees reported, that’s a huge sum for a club as frugal as Arsenal to devote to a position they’re well stocked in.

Mahrez could certainly add more goals to the team, but he shouldn’t be a substitute for a clinical striker.

Speaking of which, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro‘s George Bellshaw), “Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis has already begun negotiations with the player himself and his entourage, and he’s ready to present a £46 million bid” for Icardi, whom Arsenal also want.

However, Inter don’t want to sell him to Napoli or the Gunners, per Sky Sports (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio’s David Amoyal):

Indeed, director Piero Ausilio clarified the Argentinian does not have a release clause and explained the club’s aim “is to reinforce the squad and we get better by keeping Icardi not selling him, regardless of the figures being offered.”

The 22-year-old Nerazzurri captain was actually outscored by Mahrez last season by a single league goal, but he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems.

As OptaPaolo revealed, he could be considered the most clinical finisher in Serie A:

It’s also important to take into account that Icardi is playing in a fairly workman-like Inter side who lack creativity, so he’s not enjoying the same number of chances most top strikers get. At Arsenal, he’d have far more opportunities to find the back of the net.

While there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window, with pre-season already well under way Arsenal’s failure to bring in an upgrade on Olivier Giroud is becoming a concern.

It seems as though Icardi won’t be on the table this summer, so Arsenal should either test Inter’s resolve or act quickly in pursuing another target.

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Reported Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez is unaffected by the speculation linking him with a move to the Gunners this summer, according to his Leicester City team-mate Demarai Gray. Meanwhile, Inter Milan are adamant Mauro Icardi won’t be sold amid links with Napoli. 

Per the Evening Standard‘s Sam Long, Gray said: “There is a lot of speculation around him but he doesn’t seem to be bothered by any of that, does he? He works hard and he’s a Leicester player. We’ll just do what he does, train and focus on games.”

According to Eurosport, the Algerian could be the subject of a €50 million offer from Arsenal.

The PFA Player of the Year was one of the champions’ most outstanding players last season, as WhoScored.com revealed:

His pace, flair and eye for goal makes him a thrilling player to watch and a highly effective contributor from the wing.

He demonstrated as much on Saturday in the Foxes’ pre-season friendly with Celtic:

Leicester are understandably hoping to keep him, and manager Claudio Ranieri firmly believes he’ll stay put this summer:

As strong a player as he is, Arsenal’s pursuit of him is slightly unnecessary as they already have Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey contesting their attacking-midfield positions.

Unless they plan on pushing Sanchez into a central role, it’s difficult to see where he fits in their side when their most pressing need is for a prolific centre-forward—and at the fees reported, that’s a huge sum for a club as frugal as Arsenal to devote to a position they’re well stocked in.

Mahrez could certainly add more goals to the team, but he shouldn’t be a substitute for a clinical striker.

Speaking of which, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro‘s George Bellshaw), “Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis has already begun negotiations with the player himself and his entourage, and he’s ready to present a £46 million bid” for Icardi, whom Arsenal also want.

However, Inter don’t want to sell him to Napoli or the Gunners, per Sky Sports (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio’s David Amoyal):

Indeed, director Piero Ausilio clarified the Argentinian does not have a release clause and explained the club’s aim “is to reinforce the squad and we get better by keeping Icardi not selling him, regardless of the figures being offered.”

The 22-year-old Nerazzurri captain was actually outscored by Mahrez last season by a single league goal, but he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems.

As OptaPaolo revealed, he could be considered the most clinical finisher in Serie A:

It’s also important to take into account that Icardi is playing in a fairly workman-like Inter side who lack creativity, so he’s not enjoying the same number of chances most top strikers get. At Arsenal, he’d have far more opportunities to find the back of the net.

While there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window, with pre-season already well under way Arsenal’s failure to bring in an upgrade on Olivier Giroud is becoming a concern.

It seems as though Icardi won’t be on the table this summer, so Arsenal should either test Inter’s resolve or act quickly in pursuing another target.

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Reported Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez is unaffected by the speculation linking him with a move to the Gunners this summer, according to his Leicester City team-mate Demarai Gray. Meanwhile, Inter Milan are adamant Mauro Icardi won’t be sold amid links with Napoli. 

Per the Evening Standard‘s Sam Long, Gray said: “There is a lot of speculation around him but he doesn’t seem to be bothered by any of that, does he? He works hard and he’s a Leicester player. We’ll just do what he does, train and focus on games.”

According to Eurosport, the Algerian could be the subject of a €50 million offer from Arsenal.

The PFA Player of the Year was one of the champions’ most outstanding players last season, as WhoScored.com revealed:

His pace, flair and eye for goal makes him a thrilling player to watch and a highly effective contributor from the wing.

He demonstrated as much on Saturday in the Foxes’ pre-season friendly with Celtic:

Leicester are understandably hoping to keep him, and manager Claudio Ranieri firmly believes he’ll stay put this summer:

As strong a player as he is, Arsenal’s pursuit of him is slightly unnecessary as they already have Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey contesting their attacking-midfield positions.

Unless they plan on pushing Sanchez into a central role, it’s difficult to see where he fits in their side when their most pressing need is for a prolific centre-forward—and at the fees reported, that’s a huge sum for a club as frugal as Arsenal to devote to a position they’re well stocked in.

Mahrez could certainly add more goals to the team, but he shouldn’t be a substitute for a clinical striker.

Speaking of which, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro‘s George Bellshaw), “Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis has already begun negotiations with the player himself and his entourage, and he’s ready to present a £46 million bid” for Icardi, whom Arsenal also want.

However, Inter don’t want to sell him to Napoli or the Gunners, per Sky Sports (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio’s David Amoyal):

Indeed, director Piero Ausilio clarified the Argentinian does not have a release clause and explained the club’s aim “is to reinforce the squad and we get better by keeping Icardi not selling him, regardless of the figures being offered.”

The 22-year-old Nerazzurri captain was actually outscored by Mahrez last season by a single league goal, but he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems.

As OptaPaolo revealed, he could be considered the most clinical finisher in Serie A:

It’s also important to take into account that Icardi is playing in a fairly workman-like Inter side who lack creativity, so he’s not enjoying the same number of chances most top strikers get. At Arsenal, he’d have far more opportunities to find the back of the net.

While there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window, with pre-season already well under way Arsenal’s failure to bring in an upgrade on Olivier Giroud is becoming a concern.

It seems as though Icardi won’t be on the table this summer, so Arsenal should either test Inter’s resolve or act quickly in pursuing another target.

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