A selection of Tottenham Hotspur fans have been reacting on social media after Everton began investigating allegations of racist abuse directed at Heung-min Son during Sunday’s 1-1 draw.
The Toffees announced that they would be carrying out an investigation via their Fan Services Twitter account following the game, as one supporter located in the home section was believed to have directed racially infused insults at the South Korea international.
Son had been shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson and was seen walking back to the tunnel in tears, after an incident which led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffering a fracture dislocation to his right ankle.
Which North London club is facing the biggest crisis at the moment? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…
Gomes sustained the blow midway through the second-half when he collided with Serge Aurier following a foul by Son, and underwent surgery on Monday.
Tottenham have confirmed that they are aware of the investigation being carried out by Everton, and have stated they will support the Toffees in any punishment issued.
The investigation comes within a week of UEFA issuing Bulgaria a two-game stadium ban following their fans’ racist abuse toward England players at a Euro 2020 qualifier held last month.
Bulgaria were also fined €75,000 (£65,000) for the events seen against the Three Lions, having been forced to play England with a partial stadium closure for a previous offence.
Here are some of the messages shared in response to the cause behind Everton taking action and launching an investigation into allegations of racism…
Liverpool have yet to show their hand in the summer transfer market, with FSG loathe to splurge cash for the sake of… well, spending, really.
Signings. Are they all they are made out to be, glazed and packaged as some gleaming, all-saving solution? Arne Slot has inherited an imperfect team, sure, but he’s also taken the reins at Liverpool – Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, in fact.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
There’s a case that there isn’t anyone actually available on the market that would slot right into the starting line-up, if you’ll pardon the pun.
However, some market opportunities are simply too irresistible to turn from – isn't that the mantra? We’ll buy, chaps, fear not, but only if it’s all just so.
Liverpool's late-stage transfer plans
Back in July, not long after the cameras had first started snapping at Slot, sporting director Richard Hughes, also new, claimed that Liverpool’s summer would lead toward a “crescendo”.
Martin Zubimendi.
That hasn’t really been the case, for the Reds remain the only team across Europe’s top-seven divisions to have refrained from bringing in a first-team signing, coming close to signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in what would have solved the long-standing no. 6 quandary, only for him to reject Anfield's advances.
Now though, according to The Telegraph’s Miguel Delaney, that could be about to change, with Crystal Palace expecting late-window bids for attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
The England star’s £60m release clause expired recently but he could still be on the move, with Liverpool weighing up a stunning late swoop.
Why Liverpool want Ebere Eze
Oliver Glasner transformed Crystal Palace last season, restoring rubble to rock following a dreary end to Roy Hodgson’s reign.
If Glasner is the foreman of the Selhurst Park project, Eze is the architect, especially now that Michael Olise has joined Bayern Munich for about £50m.
A skilled and ambitious winger, Eze, who is 25, has been excellent for the Eagles since he signed from Queens Park Rangers for £19.5m in 2020, albeit missing some sizeable chunks due to injuries.
Still, he's been in fine fettle over the past year or two. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last year for goals scored, the top 5% for shots taken and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.
This makes for nice reading, as far as number-on-page stuff goes, but Eze's brilliance transcends simple numbers, his rank in a tally. Artful and fleet-footed, he is an electric presence down the left flank with so many ways to hurt his opponents.
Eberechi Eze celebrates for Crystal Palace
He can also operate in a more central attacking-midfield role, shifting through the half-spaces before wheeling away and weaving into the danger area, where he can strike on goal with fearsome intent or use his pace to draw defenders away and create openings for his teammates.
It would be interesting to see how he'd fare at a team like Liverpool's, competing against the likes of Luis Diaz for a starting berth on the left flank, but there's no question that he has the ability to make a difference.
Matches played
37
27
Matches started
32
24
Goals
8
11
Assists
6
4
Pass completion
85%
84%
Big chances missed
13
5
Big chances created
5
7
Shots per game
2.5
3.1
Key passes per game
1.8
2.0
Ball recoveries per game
3.4
5.0
Dribbles per game
1.8 (54%)
2.6 (52%)
Duels won per game
4.6 (40%)
6.1 (48%)
As you can see, he's hardly failed to match Liverpool's starting left flanker over the past year, and he might now even prove to become one of Liverpool's finest forwards, perching alongside Diogo Jota in the starting fold.
Imagine Ebere Eze & Diogo Jota
Stick him on the field, and he shall score. Or assist. Jota would prove to be a worthy partner for any one of the Premier League's finest forwards, for he is one of the most prolific strikers around.
FBref record that the Portuguese ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 12% for assists claimed and the top 16% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the level of quality that he graces Anfield's pitch with – if fit, of course.
Diogo Jota and Arne Slot
Jota's a wonderful goalscorer, with high-quality finishing and a remarkable sense of right-place-right-time about him. He's actually been hailed for his "deadly" shooting by analyst Raj Chohan.
Scoring 15 times for the Reds last year despite only starting 19 matches during an injury-hit season, Jota has proved his quality time and time again – with Eze alongside him, Liverpool could finally find the level of striking that eluded them toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
No Premier League side created more chances than Liverpool's 102 last season (Manchester City and Newcastle United were joint-second with 97), and the Merseysiders led the way again after two matches of the fresh term, with nine already.
Despite this, there was a level of profligacy about Klopp's unit, hampering the hopes of winning the league title, clinching the Champions League trophy, of triumphing in the FA Cup.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota celebrates
Liverpool burned out. Diaz is great but he's not the most clinical of wingers, while Darwin Nunez has the proverbial heart of the fanbase in his arms but, let's face it, has much to do in the final third before he lives up to that lofty price tag, rising to £85m.
Eze only missed five big chances in the top flight last year and, as noted earlier, ranks among the highest-scoring of his position. Analyst Ben Mattinson has even claimed that he's on his way to becoming a "superstar" – and you wouldn't bet against Liverpool being the club to help him realise that status.
100% duels won: 8/10 Liverpool star was good as Diaz v Brentford
Liverpool confidently brushed Brentford aside to pick up two wins from two in the Premier League.
Ahead of the opening week of the Premier League season in 2023/24, Arsenal had confirmed all of their business.
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and David Raya were all now donning the famous red and white. This time around, though, it's been a much slower affair.
Riccardo Calafiori was confirmed during the US tour but it took until Sunday for supporters to see their first glimpse of the new defender.
The Italian has had a little period of adaptation but came off the bench to raucous applause against Lyon this weekend, a game the Gunners won 2-0.
It wasn't the same free-flowing display as we got in the 4-1 win over Leverkusen but two set-piece goals from William Saliba and Gabriel were enough as Arsenal flexed their muscles from corners once again.
Arsenal now have six days to prepare for their opening clash of the season with Wolves, but will we see any other new faces by then? Rumours surrounding Mikel Merino continue to swirl.
The latest on Merino to Arsenal
It feels as though the saga revolving around the Real Sociedad midfielder has been going on for weeks now.
Talks have taken place and it did look as though they were closing in on a move as of last week. However, the latest on that deal is that Arsenal still have some work to do to conclude a deal.
That's according to Fabrizio Romano who speaking this weekend said: "Mikel Merino deal is very similar to the deal of Riccardo Calafiori – final talks ongoing with Sociedad regarding payment structure. Still some work to do for Arsenal."
A fee of around £25m has been mooted in recent days. That would make this deal a considerable bargain for Edu and Co.
Arteta's answer to Merino
As Arsenal concluded their pre-season matches with an Emirates Cup triumph against Lyon, a few players stood out.
Gabriel and Saliba were as imperious as you'd expect, both netting from corners taken by a certain Rice.
Rice was the subject of unwarranted criticism as England reached the final of Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
Playing as a holding midfielder alongside Kobbie Mainoo for the majority of the tournament, he failed to get into his rhythm and was left to struggle in Gareth Southgate's system, one that didn't really cater to the forward thinking and progressive play that Rice showed in his debut campaign at Arsenal.
Well, in his first start since that tournament in Germany, the former West Ham captain showed his true colours again.
Progressive in his play and creative from that number 8 position, he registered two assists and dictated things well in the centre for the Gunners. It's remarkable to think that based on his set-piece delivery here, and indeed last season, he did not take corners for England.
Rice registered career-best numbers in 2023/24, scoring seven times and picking up ten assists, the vast majority of which came from set-plays.
His all-round game was present against Lyon this weekend, winning 100% of his aerial battles and completing his one and only dribble.
Minutes played
64
Touches
54
Accurate passes
28/34 (82%)
Key passes
3
Crosses
3/6
Long balls
2/2
Shots
2
Dribbles
1/1
Duels won
5/6
Interceptions
2
Tackles
3
It's that multi-faceted approach – notably the ability to win duels from the left-hand side of the pitch – that proves Arsenal perhaps already have their answer to Merino.
The idea that's been proposed since the rumours began is that the Euro 2024 winner will play as the 8, meaning Rice moves further back.
However, as we saw last term, he is perhaps even better in offensive areas with the likes of Jorginho or as it was on Sunday, Thomas Partey, behind him.
So, in what way is Rice like Merino?
Well, the club's record buy has a few similar statistics from last season when comparing the two midfielders.
Progressive passes
7.77
5.91
Goals
0.20
0.18
Long pass completion
65.2%
65.9%
xA (expected assists)
0.13
0.10
Passes into penalty box
1.09
0.98
Shot-creating actions
2.79
2.36
Tackles won
1.42
1.56
Attempted take-ons
1.28
1.49
As we can see, in some important metrics for that no.8 role, they are very alike. Defensively they win a similar number of tackles and when it comes to some passing numbers, they are very much on par.
Interestingly, it's Merino who comes out on top for attempted take-ons, an area Rice thrived in when marauding forward last season.
This isn't to say that Mikel Arteta should now ignore signing the Real Sociedad man but the knock-on effect it could have on their £105m signing should be considered.
Arsenal target Merino alternative who'd be unreal next to Rice & Odegaard
The “world-class” midfielder would be an excellent signing.
West Ham United are still in talks for another signing after a busy few days, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham’s summer signings and latest rumours
Julen Lopetegui’s first competitive Premier League game as Hammers boss is days away, with the Spaniard preparing his side to take on Aston Villa at the London Stadium on August 17th. It is shaping up to be a new-look Irons starting line up, with the club and technical director Tim Steidten working extremely hard behind the scenes in the transfer market.
Recently, West Ham’s summer signings list has doubled to six after Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez all officially completed their moves to the Hammers. Summerville was the first of the trio to be announced, arriving from Leeds and was quickly followed by Fullkrug, who left Dortmund. Rodriguez was the latest and cheapest, joining on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis.
West Ham summer signings
From
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Now, attention appears to be back on more signings, with an offer on the table for experienced centre-back Mats Hummels, who is currently a free agent.
Meanwhile, Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a target this summer, with reports over the weekend suggesting that a five-year deal had been agreed with the player and a £10m offer submitted to the Red Devils.
As we know, a deal is yet to be agreed, and Romano has shared the latest.
Romano shares Wan-Bissaka to West Ham update
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said that West Ham could start exploring other centre-back targets to Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, but when it comes to Wan-Bissaka, talks are still ongoing, describing it as an “important” move for the Irons.
“Again, for Todibo, they are waiting to see what happens with Juventus, but I think they could start exploring other options in the next days, and then let's see if there will be some other opportunities.
“West Ham already did many things in the last 48 hours. They signed three players, so I think West Ham will still be active. But as of now, they are still negotiating, especially in the case of Wan-Bissaka, it's an important one for them.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Manchester United
Lopetegui has Vladimir Coufal as his only recognised senior right-back option after Ben Johnson left on a free transfer to join Ipswich Town, so you can see why adding a right-back is important for West Ham.
Wan-Bissaka, who cost Man Utd £50m back in 2019, is now 26 years of age and has plenty of experience in the top flight for United and Crystal Palace, making more than 170 Premier League appearances.
Solid defensively, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for Wan-Bissaka during his tenure, telling the club's official website: "We saw an exceptional defender when I watched him last season. He had a couple of games especially against [Leroy] Sane, against Manchester City, and you think ‘wow, he’s so hard to go past'."
Tottenham Hotspur have got 'good lines open' and will push to try and sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?
As per Sky Sports, Tottenham are keen on signing Maddison this summer; however, they face fierce competition to land the £110k-a-week ace from Newcastle United.
Due to the fact that Spurs have finally found a new manager in the form of Ange Postecoglou, they could now 'formalise' their interest in Maddison in the coming weeks.
According to the Northern Echo, the prospect of being able to relocate to London would appeal to Maddison, which is something that could give the Lilywhites an advantage in the race for his signature.
Postecoglou is said to value Maddison as a key target this off-season and Spurs have opened preliminary discussions with Leicester City at board level.
90min journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking on the Chasing the Transfer podcast, has indicated that Tottenham may be frontrunners to sign Maddison, stating: "I think Tottenham are in pole position here. As long as Maddison likes Ange Postecoglou and wants to play Ange ball at Tottenham, I make them favourites at this point. They’ll pay more than Newcastle are willing to pay.”
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Tottenham will pull out all the stops to land Maddison this summer.
Jones told FFC: "The fact that he has to move this summer means that other teams are going to obviously be looking at it and could make a move at any moment. Tottenham kind of have to prioritise it because of that, I understand that they've got good lines open to try and make it happen."
Would James Maddison be a good fit for Tottenham Hotspur?
Maddison, who has been hailed as a "magician" embodies the type of flair and intuition that Tottenham were missing during this campaign and would be a very intelligent capture by Postecoglou if he was able to land the England international.
All in, Maddison made 32 appearances in all competitions for Leicester City in 2022/23, registering ten goals and nine assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.
Functioning as a midfield technician for the Foxes, Maddison was also able to provide an inventive spark from the middle of the park and successfully carried out 138 short-creating actions in the Premier League, as per FBRef.
WhoScored also note that the Coventry-born playmaker carried a keen goal threat this term and took on an average of 2.8 shots per match in the English top flight.
Interest in his services is likely to be widespread this summer and it will remain to be seen where Maddison chooses to take the next step in his career over the next few months.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Clement Lenglet will be "first out the door" as Spurs decide not to make his loan deal permanent, according to journalist Wayne Veysey.
Who could Spurs axe this summer?
Ange Postecoglou's arrival at Spurs marks the beginning of a new era as chairman Daniel Levy finally appoints Antonio Conte's successor, over two months after the Italian departed north London.
The 57-year-old will officially begin work on July 1, with Levy excited by his arrival and explaining exactly why he's the perfect fit to Tottenham's official website.
“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," explained Levy."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."
Postecoglou may already have a vague idea of whom he'd like to keep at N17, with many players facing the axe.
Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Lenglet, Eric Dier and Ben Davies have all been tipped to potentially leave, while Spurs are also planning to offload Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).
Going back to Lenglet, reporter Veysey has shared an update on the Frenchman's future at Spurs, and it's claimed he will "be first out the door" as the north Londoners decide not to make his loan deal a permanent one.
Writing for Football Insider, Conte's departure in March apparently ended any hope of the centre-back staying indefinitely, with Lenglet also thought to be on around £204,000-per-week.
Lenglet is now likely to go following Postecoglou's appointment as manager and the 27-year-old seems set to return to parent club Barcelona this month when his temporary deal expires.
It's added that the club, and by extension Levy, are "preparing for major changes" behind-the-scenes.
Who is Clement Lenglet?
Signing for Barca from Sevilla in 2018 for around £32 million, the France international has arguably failed to become a regular there and opted to join Spurs last summer.
He went on to make 26 league appearances under Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason with seven appearances in the Champions League – where he managed to get on the score sheet once (WhoScored).
Conte was full of praise for Lenglet at one time, saying this on him last August after one of his first ever appearances for the club.
"I’m happy for Lenglet, for Clement, because he came in with personality. We need a player to play, to play with personality, to have the quality to play football, also to attack. It was positive."
Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Ivan Perisic now wants to leave Spurs this summer, and specifically has a desire to re-join former side Inter Milan.
Who could leave Spurs this summer?
This summer could be one of the most crucial at Spurs in recent memory as chairman Daniel Levy attempts, and arguably fails, to spin many different plates.
The north Londoners, having failed to secure European football for next season, are also still on the lookout for a new manager after parting company with Antonio Conte over two months ago.
Tottenham are also said to be chasing a sporting director to replace the departed Fabio Paratici, who was forced to resign from his managing director role following a 30-month worldwide ban from football.
Amidst all of this work, Spurs are in danger of falling in behind in the transfer market, even if some reports suggest they're already pushing for James Maddison of Leicester City.
To balance the books and fund transfers of this ilk, the Lilywhites will need to offload squad members, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defender Davinson Sanchez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso being among the names who could depart.
ivan-perisic-tottenham-hotspur-unleash-everton
As well as the aforementioned trio, a report by Calciomercato from Italy now suggests that 2022 summer signing Perisic may soon follow.
According to their information, the Croatia legend wants to leave Spurs this summer, and is desperate to re-join Inter – who have just reached a Champions League final without him.
The outlet claims Perisic "pushes" to wear the Nerazzurri jersey again, and the 34-year-old has a "desire to say goodbye to London" after just one year.
The versatile player has apparently maintained good relations with Inter in recent months, with it now looking like he is eyeing a San Siro reunion.
Who is Ivan Perisic?
Signed by Spurs in the summer of 2022, Perisic formed one of the major contingent of signings bought to back Conte for the 22/23 campaign.
Thereafter, the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich star went on to make 34 Premier League appearances under Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason (WhoScored).
He also ranks in Tottenham's top ten best-performers by average match rating for last season, having registered more assists (8) than any other Spurs player in the division (WhoScored).
Perisic, called a "top class player" by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, arguably impressed and justified that tag with his contributions going forward.
Only fellow wing-back Pedro Porro averaged more crosses into the box than Perisic, and going by these numbers, Inter may well be interested in taking their former star back.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag holds a "serious interest" in signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Will Mason Mount leave Chelsea?
Despite reports at the end of April indicating that Mount would be willing to commit to a new long-term deal at Chelsea, there has seemingly been no progress in that regard, and he could well be on the move this summer, with a number of teams interested.
Football Insider report that Man United are now confident they will win the race for the England international, despite interest from Liverpool, who are said to be keen on agreeing a deal, while Arsenal have also been named as potential suitors.
There is still a chance the 24-year-old remains at Stamford Bridge, as new manager Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he wants him to stay, however with the Red Devils said to be "pushing", it remains to be seen whether he is willing to extend his stay.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Crook has now claimed that Ten Hag has been a fan of the £80k-per-week Chelsea star for quite some time, which could potentially open the door for a summer move to Old Trafford.
The talkSPORT reporter said: "I think ten Hag has serious interest. I think he's been an admirer of Mount since he played in the Netherlands at Vitesse and the midfield is an area that still needs some surgery."
Should Man United sign Mason Mount?
There may be some understandable concern about Man United making a move for the Englishman, as his 2022-23 campaign was not his best by any stretch, registering just three goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
That is a considerable drop-off from the previous season, during which he recorded a remarkable 11 goals and ten assists in the top flight, reaching double figures for goals for the first time in his career.
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
However, the Cobham academy graduate offers a lot more than just attacking contributions, as he has also played a critical goal for Chelsea defensively over the course of the past year, averaging 1.98 tackles per 90, in the 88th percentile compared to his positional peers.
Hailed as a "superstar" by Rob Guest, Mount could be an excellent addition to Ten Hag's squad if he is able to reignite his previous form, and Man United should undoubtedly come forward with an offer this summer.
Referee Andre Marriner and his VAR team may have made a big mistake in the recent Newcastle United draw as he failed to send off Bruno Guimaraes.
What’s the latest on Newcastle and VAR?
Eddie Howe’s side were able to secure a spot in the top four and this qualify for the Champions League despite being held to a draw against Leicester City.
The Magpies dominated with 78 per cent possession, 12 concerns to one, and 23 shots to one, but still couldn’t score as the game ended 0-0 (via BBC Sport).
Even so, Newcastle will be delighted to get that one point that means they cannot be caught by Liverpool who are fifth in the Premier League with only one game to play.
However, they can potentially count themselves lucky to have completed the game with 11 men on the pitch as Guimaraes landed a brutal challenge on Boubakary Soumare.
In the end, the referee only opted to dish out a yellow card but as you can see by the still image shared on the TalkSport Twitter feed, it was bad foul potentially deserving of a red card.
You can also see the footage here.
Did Bruno Guimaraes deserve a red card?
In the end, Guimaraes wasn’t sent off with VAR opting not to upgrade the yellow card to a red but as you can see with how high his studs are raised, he’s a lucky boy.
Had that been a dismissal, Newcastle may well have lost the game and not secured Champions League football on the night as they would have had to play from the eighth minute onwards with just ten men.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle
In the ChronicleLive player ratings, journalist Lee Ryder noted the midfielder was “lucky to stay on with a wild challenge.”
He wasn’t the only one to comment on the bad tackle either, with football writer Craig Hope also adding: “That looked like a red card to me?”
After the game, Foxes manager Dean Smith wasn’t happy about the tackle. He told the press: “I do feel that Bruno could have been sent off. It was a dangerous lunge that endangered the opponent.”
Liverpool are understood to have concrete interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
What’s the latest on Ruben Neves' future?
Football Insider reported earlier this week that the Merseyside outfit are eyeing a summer swoop for the 26-year-old.
Although Barcelona has been tipped as the favourites for the Portuguese’s signature, it is believed that Wolves are only willing to accept a deal involving cash, rather than a player exchange for their captain, so the Reds are patiently waiting to see how the situation unfolds.
After the Midlands club played their last home game of the season in a 1-1 draw with Everton, Neves fuelled the uncertainty with a poignant statement on his future sayng: “Let's see what's going to happen. I always say the same thing, I truly love to be here. But I never hide that I want to play Champions League football."
Although Jurgen Klopp’s side faces an outside chance of securing the top four, a move to Anfield would be an extraordinary step up for Neves, who deservedly should play European football in some capacity next season.
What could Neves bring to Liverpool?
The £50k-per-week star joined Wolves in 2017 and has made 252 appearances, achieving promotion from the Championship in his first year and has since made Wolves a sturdy and competitive top-flight side, who have barely been threatened by relegation.
This season, the former Porto prodigy has appeared on 34 occasions in the Premier League and has recorded the second-highest average rating (6.98) in the whole squad, according to WhoScored.
Hailed as "fantastic” and "amazing" by his teammate Jose Sa, the titan has evolved as a splendidly component all-rounder – this is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, as well as the highest 15% for interceptions.
However, beyond the stats, Neves is a commanding pillar of leadership and experience. In October 2015, he became the youngest player to start as a captain in the Champions League, aged 18 years and 221 days.
The £45m-valued talent was also announced as the permanent Wolves captain at the start of the current campaign, meaning Liverpool could repeat their Jordan Henderson masterclass if they seal such a deal.
Not only would they be plucking a star midfielder away from another English club, but they'd also be bringing in a player with outstanding leadership skills.
The Englishman has been a stalwart for the Reds and has made 491 appearances for the club, and as he approaches his 33rd birthday, the integration of Neves, another skipper who embodies Henderson’s incredible leadership, would be a smart move.
A fountain of experience, the 39-cap international would need no time to acclimatise to English football and would seamlessly slot into Jurgen Klopp’s team.