Anthony Volpe didn't have a great showing defensively on Sunday.
The Yankees' shortstop was roasted by the team's fans after a few defensive plays where it looked like his lack effort cost the team outs.
The first came in the top of the second inning and the Cubs holding a 1-0 lead. With Ian Happ at first base and one out, Nico Hoerner hit a ground ball to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base in what appeared to be an easy double play for the Yankees.
Chisholm got the ball to Volpe to force Happ out at second, but as the shortstop came across the bag towards first base, he floated the ball across the diamond. By the time the ball got into first baseman Paul Goldschmidt's glove, Hoerner had crossed the base and was safe. Volpe's throw clocked in at 62 mph, far below what he's capable of.
Video is below.
In the top of the eighth, with the Cubs leading 4-1, Dansby Swanson was on first with two outs. Matt Shaw stepped to the plate and hit an easy grounder right to Volpe. He didn't charge the ball, opting to stay back and wait for it. When he fielded the ball, he softly tossed it to Chisholm at second, but Swanson beat the ball there. He was initially called out, but replays showed he easily beat Volpe's throw.
The Yankees wound up losing 4-1 and continued their trend of up and down play. Fans of the team were all over Volpe for his defensive lapses.
Through 95 games, the 24-year-old Volpe is slashing .214/.287/.384 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs. He has 91 strikeouts against 34 walks, and his OPS of .671 leaves a lot to be desired from a former top prospect.
On Monday, Aravinda de Silva became the fourth Sri Lankan – after Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Muralitharan – to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2023To Aravinda Aiya (big brother),It is an honour to welcome you as the fourth Sri Lankan to be inducted to the ICC Hall of Fame. Though I can’t help thinking that if you asked any of the three of us already there – myself, Sanga [Kumar Sangakkara] or Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] – we would all agree that it should have been you first.We all grew up watching you and were part of a generation inspired by what you achieved. I remember the first time I met you, collecting your autograph when I was nine or 10. You were the new kid in the Sri Lankan team then but before long, you were our best batter. As young kids, we all looked at how you went about playing and tried to model our games on it.Related
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I had coaches who told me to play a certain way but you showed the importance of adapting. Whether it was your stance or your backlift, it felt like you were consistently changing – it made it difficult to keep up! But it was a sign of your cricketing intelligence, something I would later be fortunate to tap into.Of course, you will always be remembered for ‘that’ World Cup final in 1996, when you took three wickets and scored the amazing unbeaten century against Australia. Aged 18, I had a big final of my own that weekend, the last inter-school “big match” of my time at Nalanda College. Those two-day occasions were big deals and, on the Saturday, we must have had four or five thousand people in. On Sunday, it was down to just our parents and the prefects! Everyone else in Sri Lanka, it seemed, was watching the final you were involved in.We finished our game early to watch the run chase and we were glued to our TVs. When you walked in, we were struggling on 23 for 2, but you could see the determination in your eyes. You had shown that in the semi-finals as well, when were in trouble against India before you took the attack apart.I will always remember how you took control in the final. The drives, the flicks, the pulls, and how you handled Shane Warne especially during that game-changing partnership for the third wicket, it was incredible. We partied in the streets long into the night and I treasure those memories.
“I still remember how much I laughed when Sanga told me the stories from your time at Nondescripts together. Whether it was taking off your shoes at first slip to ensure someone else would chase down anything that went through the cordon or scoffing tea buns out of your pocket, it sounds like there was never a dull moment”
You were a player who was a generation ahead of your time. Very aggressive and playing fast bowling better than anyone in that Sri Lankan line-up. In Australia, they would always try to intimidate the Sri Lankans but they never could with you. You would always take them down. Seeing that innings in the final against a quality Australian attack gave my generation the belief that this is the brand of cricket we need to play and that we are capable of. You gave us belief we could beat anyone in the world.The fact that within a year I was sharing a dressing room with you and the rest of the World Cup winners was overwhelming. I was completely awestruck and on the first day of my Test debut, I walked into the dressing room, where everyone had their own places.I had to wait around to see where a spot came up and I was lucky – there was a chair two spots down from you. From that point onwards, I realised this is a guy I wanted to talk to about cricket. I had to ask you questions and pick your brains and from that point onwards, that’s what I did, hopefully without you feeling badgered all the time! To bat with you in my first Test, when we made the world record score of 952 for 6 against India, was an honour.I have so much gratitude for the way you took me under your wing, having idolised you growing up. Sanga may have the numbers but if you ask either of us, you are the best batter Sri Lanka has ever produced. Your impact on Sri Lankan cricket cannot be matched and you showed us the way.Aravinda de Silva tries to make his way out of the ground after Sri Lanka’s win in the 1996 World Cup final•Chris Turvey/PA Photos/Getty ImagesBeing in the slip cordon alongside you was also an education. You would usually stand at first slip and we would talk about how the batter was shaping up. I remember how you would describe a weakness and outline how one of our bowlers could get him out. Vaasy [Chaminda Vaas] would bring the ball back in and it would happen, just as you said. It was fascinating.I’m not sure your club team-mates always had as enjoyable a time fielding with you, though. I still remember how much I laughed when Sanga told me the stories from your time at Nondescripts together. Whether it was taking off your shoes at first slip to ensure someone else would chase down anything that went through the cordon or scoffing tea buns out of your pocket, it sounds like there was never a dull moment. That’s something I can vouch for from our time in the dressing room together, though I soon learned I would not be able to keep up with you when it came to partying!When it came to national team duty on the field, though, there was never any doubting how serious you were. We were the first generation to really grow up with that fitness culture and I remember you stressing its importance to us, with the game constantly evolving.You fully deserve your place in the ICC Hall of Fame and I am very proud there are now four of us flying the Sri Lankan flag in there. Your place in Sri Lankan cricketing folklore is assured and I cannot thank you enough for the impact you have had on my career on and off the field.Congratulations my friend.Mahela
Chasing 152, the openers gave Bangladesh a start of 109 in 11.4 overs, and it turned out to be decisive
Mohammad Isam02-Oct-2025Bangladesh prevailed by four wickets in the first T20I despite Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s mid-innings burst of four wickets. Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain took Bangladesh home with eight balls remaining. Bangladesh had lost six wickets for nine runs in the space of 25 balls, that too after their openers got them 109 runs in 11.3 overs.Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan both struck fifties, dominating the Afghanistan bowling as they chased 152. Rashid, though, struck four times in two overs, while Fareed Ahmad and Noor Ahmad took a wicket each, as Bangladesh looked down and out at one stage.Rashid rips through BangladeshFareed had dropped Emon on 27 but he made amends by removing him for 54 off 37 balls in the 12th over. However, Afghanistan barely celebrated the wicket, given the start the Bangladesh openers had provided.Rashid then got the googly zipping through Saif Hassan, whose front-foot prod was not enough to save him. Rashid ended the over with Tanzid’s wicket as the left-hand batter edged the legspinner for 51.Rashid removed both Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain in his next over, both falling lbw. Jaker missed a sweep, while Shamim went back into the crease to turn the ball around the corner. When Noor also had Tanzim Hasan lbw in the next over, Bangladesh looked out of the contest.Nurul saves Bangladesh’s blushesNurul and Rishad were Bangladesh’s last recognised batters. Rishad, though, had not been in good form while Nurul was reeling from his strange knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. But they bounced back with the match-winning stand. Nurul struck two sixes in his unbeaten 23, while Rishad struck the winning runs with his third boundary, as Bangladesh won with eight balls remaining.Rashid Khan picked up four wickets•Afghanistan Cricket BoardBangladesh strike early with the ballBangladesh didn’t lose shape when they bowled during the powerplay, despite Taskin Ahmed going for three fours in the first over. Nasum Ahmed bowled Ibrahim Zadran as the batter went for a slog. Tanzim Hasan got on to rear towards Sediqullah Atal’s chest, for the batter to give a tame catch to Emon at slip.Darwish Rasooli was a victim of a huge mix-up with Rahmanullah Gurbaz when Mustafizur Rahman stopped the ball off his own bowling, with both batters next to each other at the non-striker’s end. Rasooli sacrificed his wicket, as Afghanistan lost three wickets in the powerplay. There was no respite after the powerplay either, as Mohammad Ishaq holed out to deep square leg in Rishad’s first over.Emon, Tanzid make merryBangladesh’s innings kicked off when Emon struck Mohammad Nabi for 16 runs in the fifth over. Rubbing salt into the wounds were two dropped catches in the over. Emon slammed a six off the first ball, before being dropped by Gurbaz on the fourth ball. The batter launched the next ball over midwicket for another six, before Fareed dropped a straightforward catch off the last ball.Tanzid, who returned after being dropped for the last two games, got into the act soon afterwards. He hammered a huge six off Nabi in the seventh over, followed by a second one off Noor in the following over. Both openers hit a six each off Sharafuddin Ashraf in the tenth over before bringing up Bangladesh’s first century stand for any wicket against Afghanistan. Afghanistan did make a comeback from there but could not convert it into a win.
While his performances left a lot to be desired last season, Martin Odegaard is likely to remain Arsenal’s captain for some time to come.
The Norwegian international was made the Gunners’ permanent captain by Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2022.
Able to score goals, control the tempo of games, and create chances for his teammates, the former Real Madrid wonderkid was starting to get back to his best before his latest injury and will undoubtedly be a big miss for the next month.
However, while it seems unlikely that he will lose the armband anytime soon, there are several players in the squad who could succeed him, including one young talent in particular.
Arsenal's captains in waiting
The excellent news for Arteta is that currently, his squad is full to bursting with international superstars who’d be more than capable of taking the captain’s armband if Odegaard were to relinquish it or leave the club.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
One option that would go down brilliantly with the Emirates faithful is Bukayo Saka, as not only is he truly one of their own, but he’s already worn it on multiple occasions.
Moreover, the Hale Ender is without a doubt the most talented attacker in the side and someone who clearly has the mental fortitude for that sort of pressure.
At the other end of the pitch, both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães could be excellent options.
The Frenchman is widely considered one of the most cultured defenders in the league, and with a new five-year deal signed, his commitment to the project is unquestionable.
Likewise, his Brazilian partner is a player who’d run through walls for the team, someone in the mould of Tony Adams who can get the crowd on their feet with a crunching tackle or a thundering headed goal from a corner.
Moreover, while Arsenal have been labelled pushovers and meek in the past, Saliba and Gabriel are anything but, and two of the reasons why the North Londoners are seen as so physical these days.
Finally, the name most fans would probably put forward as an immediate successor to Odegaard is Declan Rice.
The all-action midfielder wore the armband for West Ham United, and has now done the same for England and is simply one of the most reliable performers in the team.
On top of that, he’s vocal on the pitch, clearly passionate and embodies what many view as an old-school captain.
However, while all of these players could become Arsenal’s captain in the future, there is another, younger star who could be the one to take the armband off Odegaard when he’s ready to give it up.
Arsenal's future captain
One of the big positives for Arsenal last season was the emergence and development of young talents, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Hale Ender made his debut for the team against Manchester City in September, was a core member of the starting lineup by the end of the campaign, and, while it might sound extreme, is someone who could take the armband from Odegaard in the future.
In fact, according to club insider Hand of Arsenal, the teenager is very much seen as a “future captain” thanks largely to him already having the “mentality of a seasoned veteran.”
Whether or not you agree that he could become the team’s leader, it’s impossible to deny that the Islington-born gem is already playing well beyond his years.
For example, he ended last season having made 39 first-team appearances, 26 of which were starts, with two of those coming in wins at home and away against Real Madrid.
Appearances
39
Starts
26
Minutes
2306′
Goals
1
Assists
2
Points per Game
1.95
Moreover, he opened his account for the Gunners with a sensational strike against City, and then, while he received plenty of criticism for it, showed an incredible level of confidence by mocking Erling Haaland with his celebration.
As if that wasn’t enough, he then scored on his debut for England, and now has six senior caps to his name, and stands a real chance of making it to next year’s World Cup.
Ultimately, it is still very early in his career, but Lewis-Skelly is an extremely talented player and has already shown that he has the attitude to make it to the very top.
Therefore, there is every chance he could be the one to replace Odegaard as Arsenal’s captain at some point in the future.
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Juventus have reportedly joined the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as the young Red Devils star continues to attract interest from Serie A amidst the stagnation of his Old Trafford career. The 20-year-old has frequently been linked with Napoli and Juve are now said to be 'monitoring' Mainoo, whom they see as the next Paul Pogba if they can convince Mainoo to swap Manchester for Turin.
Mainoo could become new Pogba at Juventus
Reports by in Italy dub Mainoo the ‘talent which conquers half of Europe’ and say that the 20-year-old could become ‘Paul Pogba 2.0’ if he joins Juventus, whom ‘the player likes’.
Reports state that while Mainoo’s potential ‘does not go unnoticed’ at United, Napoli could make him a ‘priority target’ amidst a lack of similar options in the midfield, with a permanent move touted. The door is open for Juventus to make a swoop in January, though, and recreate a famous scenario where Pogba joined the Italian giants from United as a 19-year-old and went on to become one of the world’s best midfielders before returning to Old Trafford for £89 million ($117m) in 2016.
Whether Mainoo’s career could take a similar trajectory remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that comparisons can be drawn between the Carrington academy graduate not being given the first-team opportunities he perhaps deserves, in the same manner Pogba had to deal with before his first exit from the club.
AdvertisementAFP'The club comes first' – Mainoo and Zirkzee told exit reality
Mainoo has previously been reported to have demanded an Old Trafford exit in search of more game-time, but Ruben Amorim recently stated in a press conference that January exits will only occur if it is in the best interests of the club. He appeared to be referring to want-away stars Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.
"The first thing is that the club comes first, so we have to think about the club and the team, and then everything can happen," said Amorim.
"I was a football player, I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation, so I don't know what is going to happen.
"I want my players happy. I understand the frustration of some players, seeing that the World Cup is there, and I know what it means for the World Cup, but Manchester United comes first, so if I can help the club and the players, I will be happy, if not I have to think about the team."
Midfielder maintains minor Old Trafford role
Having played just 170 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, Mainoo’s role within Amorim’s side does not appear to be growing in the near future. While the Portuguese continues to proclaim his trust in the 10-cap England international publicly, his continued selection decisions tell an entirely different story.
Mainoo has even recently been told to join league leaders Arsenal, by former Gunners star Stefan Schwarz: "Arsenal have the best conditions for young players. And they have a manager in Mikel Arteta that is not afraid to give responsibility to them and give them opportunities when he feels they are ready. It's just about preparing them in the best way and that's what Arsenal have done very well the last couple of years."
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AFPMainoo exit situation as Serie A interest intensifies
Speculation linking Mainoo with an Old Trafford exit will undoubtedly only increase in volume as the January transfer window approaches.
Monday’s home defeat to Everton ended a five-game unbeaten run for the Red Devils and consigned Amorim’s side to a first home defeat since August, having won all four of their Premier League home fixtures since opening-day defeat to Arsenal.
Whether the disappointing result will impact Mainoo’s chances of further minutes in the coming weeks remains to be seen, with his 32 minutes on the field against the Toffees representing his longest cameo since August 30 against Burnley.
United have European ambitions this season and with the Champions League race looking wide open at present, Amorim has previously expressed how difficult it is to give minutes to his entire squad with only one game per week. This could, ultimately, lead to Mainoo demanding a departure once again, particularly if interest from the likes of Juventus becomes more concrete.
Arsenal are closing in on the €50 million (£42m/$54m) signing of Riccardo Calafiori, with the Italy international poised to undergo a medical.
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Defender has starred for club & countryReady for Premier League challengeSet to sign five-year deal with GunnersGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners have made the 22-year-old defender a top target for the summer window. Mikel Arteta is looking to further reinforce a unit that was the best in the Premier League last season, with Calafiori capable of operating at centre-half or left-back.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
He will be completing a switch to Emirates Stadium from Serie A side Bologna. Calafiori's stock has been on the rise for some time, as one of few Italian players to emerge from a forgettable Euro 2024 campaign with his reputation intact.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
According to transfer expert , Calafiori will undergo physical examinations this week. Once they have been completed, the Gunners will be in a position to add another player of considerable potential to their ranks. The defender has been left out of Bologna's pre-season tour, which is a telling sign.
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WHAT NEXT?
Calafiori is set to sign a five-year contract in north London that is worth around €4m per season. He will link up with Arsenal on their summer tour of North America, with the Gunners preparing to take in friendly dates with Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.
As FSG prepare to map out what the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield may look like, they are reportedly leading the pack to sign one of Europe's most sought after talents.
Liverpool's search for a midfielder
Despite the incredible success the side have enjoyed this season, it is clear that Liverpool are in need of reinforcements in the summer. Whilst new arrivals have come in and done well, it is clear that they have yet to determine what the future of their midfield looks like.
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Following the recent departures of both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, the Reds have struggled for consistency in the middle of the park. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have performed well so far however, there is uncertainty as to who else FSG see as the immediate answer in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool
It has previously been reported that Liverpool are in for Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala however, they will face stiff opposition from current Premier League champions Man City. Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella is another name linked, but they would once again be entering a bidding war for his signature.
Liverpool lead race for Serie A star
According to Sport Witness, reports out of Italy are suggesting that Liverpool are leading the race to sign Teun Koopmeiners this summer. The outlet states that the Reds are favourites alongside Juventus to secure the services of the Atalanta man for next season.
It is suggested that despite the Dutchman boasting many "admirers in the Premier League", Liverpool are sitting "in the front row", to get a deal over the line. If the Reds are to beat the Turin outfit to the 26-year-old's signature, it is reported that he could cost £51million, however this fee has the potential to drop to £43million further down the line.
Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
It will be a case of Liverpool waiting to see what competition they have for the player before putting an offer in, but losing out on Koopmeiners would be a massive missed opportunity for Jürgen Klopp's men.
Midfielder Stats 2023/24
Goals
Assists
Passes Completed
Tackles
Aerials Won
Teun Koopmeiners
8
3
1048
41
22
Dominik Szoboszlai
3
2
1001
29
8
Alexis Mac Allister
2
4
1108
60
16
Harvey Elliot
2
2
438
15
5
From the above table, it is clear that Koopmeiners can go toe-to-toe with the Reds' current crop of midfielders. Where the Dutchman differs from his Anfield equivalents is his versatility. Able to produce a strong defensive output whilst still contributing on the goalscoring front makes the Atalanta man a very interesting prospect for Liverpool.
Whilst it is clear that Koopmeiners would be a good pickup for the Merseyside outfit, it will be no easy task to beat Juventus to his signature. The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Turin for a while with Inter Milan legend Beppe Bergomi saying that he "is a very strong left-footed player and would be an incredible coup" for the Italian giants.
Atalanta central midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
Regardless of where he plays his football next season, it is clear that Koopmeiners is destined for greatness at the highest level of the European game.
Whilst most of the focus is on the potential incomings at Arsenal this summer, reports suggest that a forgotten man will now be part of the departures at The Emirates in the coming months.
Arsenal transfer news
As the Gunners race towards potential Premier League glory, Mikel Arteta could be set to make some ruthless decisions on the transfer front with links to a clinical striker already stealing the headlines. Among those headlines have been Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres, with the former returning from suspension in fine form and the latter standing tall as one of Europe's best strikers this season.
Before they welcome fresh faces, however, the North London giants may need to make some room and sanction a number of departures. The likes of Thomas Partey and Aaron Ramsdale have been linked with moves away in the last year or so and could now be among those to be shown the door this summer. Ramsdale certainly didn't help his case in his most recent Arsenal outing, of course, making a mistake in a 2-1 victory over Brentford.
The shot-stopper and Partey aren't the only ones who could leave The Emirates this summer either, it seems. According to Dean Jones for GiveMeSport, Arsenal "will sell" Kieran Tierney this summer in a deal worth at least £20m. The left-back has been on loan at Real Sociedad this season after losing his place in Arteta's starting XI to Oleksandr Zinchenko in the last campaign.
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Now, it seems as though the Gunners are ready to part ways with the former Celtic left-back, who takes up a reported £110k a week at the club. At £20m minimum, however, it remains to be seen where Tierney's future lies.
"Warrior" Tierney needs a fresh start
Whether it's been injuries or the arrival of Zinchenko, things just haven't worked out for Tierney at Arsenal, and now he may need a fresh start away from North London. Even at Real Sociedad, the Scot's injury problems haven't gone away, limiting him to just 13 appearances in La Liga this season in a frustrating campaign. The fact is, wherever his future lies, Tierney must fight to remain injury-free if he is to return to his best.
Hamstring injury
23/24
6
Hamstring injury
23/24
9
Knee surgery
21/22
10
Ankle problems
21/22
3
There may well be many disappointed fans of Tierney regarding the fact that things haven't worked out, and that includes Premier League legend Ashley Cole, who once said via The Metro:
"I think he would have liked to see more game time, he’s had a few injuries that hampered his season. When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team.
"There were those questions marks over him and his ability to come from Scottish football and adapt to the Premier League. But I think he’s adapted very well. He’s got those leadership qualities which are needed along with the younger players in there. When he doesn’t play they miss him on he left. For me, he can defend which is a plus."
Manchester United are now back in talks to sign highly-rated Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in 2026.
The Red Devils’ midfield needs to be a key area of focus next summer, due to Casemiro being out of contract at Old Trafford when the season ends.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a resurgence of late, scoring in United’s 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend, however, he still isn’t the player he was and will soon need to be replaced by a younger model.
Baleba emerged as one of the front-runners to join the Red Devils in the summer transfer window, but in the end, he stayed put for the time being, with no defensive midfielders added to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
The 21-year-old Seagulls ace is sure to have plenty of suitors moving forward, though, with a switch to United still very much on the cards, following a new update.
Man Utd willing to pay £90m for Baleba
According to reports relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are once again negotiating over the signing of Baleba from Brighton, and INEOS would be willing to pay as much as £90m for his signature.
An official bid is expected to be incoming for the Cameroonian, as the Red Devils look to complete a significant piece of business next year.
Baleba may not have hit top form yet this season, with his focus arguably affected by the level of interest in him from various clubs, but he has all the tools to enjoy a fantastic career.
He is a force both in and out of possession, averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last term, as well as scoring three goals, and Alan Shearer has hailed him as “absolutely wonderful” on Match of the Day.
As mentioned, Casemiro is not the player he once was, no longer being to cover so much ground at pace, but Baleba could bring that to United’s team, suddenly making them far harder to run through.
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He has so much time to improve further as a player, and while his age means that some inconsistency may be a part of his game to begin with, he feels like a leading option for Amorim, as the Red Devils look to bring in the perfect addition to a vital area of the pitch.
Casemiro isn't the only Man Utd star who has saved his career under Amorim
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou wakes up this morning with one eye fixed on Aston Villa's trip to the Etihad Stadium to clash against champions Manchester City in the Premier League.
Villa are on the edge of top four, one place ahead of Spurs, but the fifth-placed side may yet rue the attacking bluntness that prevented them from securing all three points against West Ham United the day before, on Tuesday evening.
Whether it's a point gained or two points lost will be defined later down the line. Manchester United trail by nine points in sixth, albeit with a game in hand. The fifth spot in the Premier League may yet cement a Champions League spot through new UEFA co-efficient rankings, though that means rooting for rivals like Arsenal and the Hammers on the continent.
It was that man Brennan Johnson who got on the scoresheet to give Spurs a fast start to match his lightning pace, having turned in from close range after good work from loanee Timo Werner to get in behind and pump through a low cross.
Brennan Johnson's game vs West Ham in numbers
Johnson has not always found a starting berth easy to come by during his maiden campaign with the club, but Postecoglou clearly trusts the pacy Wales international and he has been rewarded with some stellar showings on the wing of late.
Minutes played
89'
Goals
1
Touches
50
Accurate passes
26/35 (79%)
Key passes
1
Dribble attempts
2/2
Duels won
2/6
Possession lost
17x
Against the Hammers, he was effective, continuing a promising run of form that is fast shaking off the doubters following his £47.5m move to Spurs from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day in August.
Now with four goals and three assists from ten top-flight matches (just five starts) since the new year, the 22-year-old is proving himself a valuable option and did so once again despite a lukewarm Lilywhites performance.
It left much to be desired heading into the business end of the campaign, with James Maddison one of the chief culprits after yet another indifferent display.
James Maddison's performance vs West Ham
Maddison has now entered a poor patch of form but he has showcased his high-level ability on enough occasions this term to quickly allay any fears that he is falling by the wayside in the final stretch of the season.
Postecoglou has previously hailed Maddison as one of the club's biggest "leaders" and this is reflected through both his conduct and quality on the field. Though he has definitely dipped recently and will need to pick himself back up quickly with so much on the line.
As per Sofascore, the 27-year-old completed 89% of his passes against West Ham, taking 72 touches, succeeding with two of his three attempted dribbles and winning five ground duels, also precisely placing all three of his crosses.
Despite this, the £170k-per-week phenom created just one key pass all evening, solemnly summing up the struggles his side were faced with at the London Stadium, having also lost the ball on 13 occasions.
Writing in his post-match player ratings, football.london's Alasdair Gold branded him with a 5/10 match rating and said: 'Some nice little turns and touches but another game he has struggled to grab by the scruff of the neck as he was doing earlier in the season.'
Something needs to change soon if Tottenham are to beat Aston Villa to that fourth and potentially final Champions League qualifying spot, and while it might seem unthinkable to some, Postecoglou might be inclined to drop his elite playmaker.
Why James Maddison could be dropped
It's dangerous territory when a player cultivates an air of invincibility, and that's not meant by performance on the pitch. Maddison is a wonderful midfielder, he's been the free-flowing machine behind Postecoglou's attacking verve.
In the Premier League this season, the England international has chalked up four goals and seven assists from 20 matches, completing 87% of his passes, creating nine big chances and averaging 2.3 key passes and 5.6 successful duels per game.
Moreover, he ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for passes attempted and the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
It's fair to say that there's no one quite like him down the N17, but that doesn't make him undroppable.
West Ham (A)
1-1 draw
5/10
Luton (H)
2-1 win
5/10
Fulham (A)
3-0 loss
3/10
Aston Villa (A)
4-0 win
8/10
Crystal Palace (H)
3-1 win
7/10
For example, Giovani Lo Celso has qualities that allow him to succeed in an attacking midfield position, but the best-placed stand-in would be Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out of sorts himself recently but brings energy and athleticism that could charge Tottenham's attack and sculpt it back into shape.
Admiring the Sweden international's distinctive attributes, Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir said: "Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart."
Kulusevski has also created 12 big chances from 28 Premier League matches this term, crisp with an 82% pass success rate and also averaging 2.0 key passes and 4.1 ball recoveries per fixture.
Dejan Kulusevski celebrates for Tottenham.
While Kulusevski is principally a wide midfielder, barrelling up and down the right flank to send defenders in a spin and puncture backlines to open up space – space that, usually, allows Maddison to thrive through his playmaking prowess – he has filled in at No. 10 on occasion.
Maddison was positively electric after completing his £40m transfer from Leicester City last summer, winning the Premier League's Player of the Month award for August and leading those such as the Times' Henry Winter to describe him as a "nightmare for defenders."
But he's waned following a several-month-long ankle injury suffered back in November, understandably. Back in his absence, Kulusevski featured centrally, bagging a goal and assist apiece in matches against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest back in December.
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Ange Postecoglou’s side would make a stunning statement of intent by getting this one over the line.
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He's not quite the elite creator that his English teammate is but there's no question that Kulusevski has skills that make him a good fit for life in the centre of the park – again – pushing and prodding into the final third.
This would also allow fleet-footed flankers Werner and Johnson to wreak chaos, with dynamic striker Heung-min Son bringing it all together, supplemented from behind by Kulusevski. It might just work out.