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Aston Villa's season is threatening to fizzle out as they are struck by fixture congestion and injury woes, with Unai Emery's side now looking less than certain for Champions League football next season.

Villa hit by another defensive injury

The Villans were handed a major boost just last week when it emerged that Tyrone Mings was making good progress in returning from his knee injury suffered at the beginning of the campaign, though he is not expected to feature before the end of the Premier League season.

Versatile defender Ezri Konsa is also on the treatment table, and is facing at least another fortnight out, while Jhon Duran is another key piece of squad depth out of action through injury.

And now they have another problem at centre-back, with Diego Carlos suffering an injury during a training session. Emery later confirmed that it was a hamstring issue and that the Brazilian would be sidelined for between three and four weeks with the injury.

It is yet another issue for the midlands outfit to contend with, having lost Boubacar Kamara to a season-ending knee injury in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago and with Emiliano Buendia having missed the entire season to date with the same issue.

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Now, Villa journalist and writer Ty Bracey has had his say on the fallout from Carlos' absence. Speaking to Aston Villa News, he revealed that though it is 'another blow' for Emery, there are alternatives within the squad.

Villa stuttering at crucial point

Injuries are not helping Villa's situation, and the return of European football could see them tested once more. Emery's side were clear favourites for a top 5 spot before Christmas, but have won just three games out of their last seven across all competitions since the turn of the year.

Player

Injury

Return date

Tyrone Mings

Knee

Next season

Boubacar Kamara

Knee

Next season

Emiliano Buendia

Knee

Next season

Ezri Konsa

Knee

March

Diego Carlos

Hamstring

March

Jhon Duran

Unknown

March

Defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League has seen the Red Devils close the gap in the race for European football, and as it stands, all of Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are separated by just five points, though it remains the Midlands outfit leading the way.

They also await their fate in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League draw, which takes place on Friday, February 23rd, and which the Villans will feel that they have an excellent chance of winning with Emery at the helm.

However, with a smaller squad keeping everyone in peak condition for both competitions will become increasingly difficult, and with tricky Premier League games against Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all to come, it could ultimately prove a step too far for the injury-hit squad.

Of course, the season will still be considered a major success for Villa even if they miss out on Champions League football, with Emery having overseen a major change of fortunes at the club after taking over from Steven Gerrard 18 months ago. Should they add a European trophy too, it would be the best season in living memory for plenty of Villa fans.

Glasgow Rangers returned to the summit of the Premiership table for the first time since 2022 following their professional 3-0 victory over St Johnstone last weekend and it represents a stunning turnaround.

Philippe Clement has certainly rejuvenated a squad which was clearly stagnating under Michael Beale and losing 3-1 to Aberdeen back in September has proven to be a major blessing in disguise.

All that matters between now and the end of the season is wins, and they can deliver a major psychological blow to Celtic by defeating Hearts this afternoon and extending their advantage – temporarily at least – to five points.

The previous three games against the Jambos this season have all ended up in victories for the Light Blues and Clement will be aiming for more of the same today.

The key question is, will the Belgian make any changes to his starting XI from the win last weekend?

While the majority of players performed well, there were still a few who may be benched for the home clash today, with Scott Wright being one of the most notable players who delivered yet another dismal display for the Gers.

Scott Wright’s performance against St Johnstone in numbers

Given the club had played four games across the first 18 days of February prior to the trip to McDiarmid Park last week, it was evident Clement was going to freshen up things.

This meant Ross McCausland dropped to the bench in order to be given a rest, and he was replaced by Wright, who was making only his seventh start of the campaign.

With the side under pressure to win the game in order to move top of the table, it was certainly a big gamble to start the winger, especially as he had scored just twice all season.

In the end, he was only given 45 minutes to showcase his talents before he was hooked for Dujon Sterling at half-time.

In the first half, Wright failed to really get involved in the game, taking just 21 touches, making one key pass and winning only two of his seven contested duels in what was a rather underwhelming performance.

Sterling certainly offered more in an attacking sense, and he is a natural full-back, which goes to show just how poor Wright had been against the Saints.

Scott Wright’s season in numbers

It is not Clement’s fault that he is still having to rely on Wright, as Beale failed to add anyone of value to the right-wing area during the summer transfer window.

Under the former Club Brugge coach, the Scot has started only four matches, and it is clear he favours McCausland as his main choice on the right flank.

Among the rest of the squad, Wright currently ranks in a lowly 17th spot for shots on target per game (0.2), while ranking 21st for big chances created (one), 17th for key passes per game (0.6) and 15th for successful dribbles per game (0.4), and these figures clearly suggest he has failed to have any sort of positive influence when given a chance in the team.

Against Hearts, Clement must ditch Wright and unleash McCausland, as the Northern Irishman will be fresh and ready for the challenge.

Ross McCausland’s statistics this season for Rangers

The youngster has come on leaps and bounds since being given an opportunity by interim manager Steven Davis following Beale’s sacking in October.

He enjoyed a brief cameo in the defeat to Aris Limassol, before enjoying a 49-minute spell against St Mirren as he came on for fellow academy gem Zak Lovelace in a win over St Mirren just a few days later, and he has been part of the senior side ever since.

Indeed, the winger has failed to play in just two games since the clash in Paisley and there is no doubt he can be a key player for the future if he maintains his current level.

Two goals and three assists across 25 matches is a solid, if unspectacular return, but the talent is clearly there.

He was hailed by journalist Josh Bunting in 2022, who said: “Ross McCausland looks like a superb talent for Rangers and Northern Ireland, that’s a stunning strike to equalise against Celtic B in the Glasgow Cup, such a nice technique to even hit the target, so good at picking up the little pockets of space to get shots in on goal.”

Premiership statistics this season

Scott Wright

Ross McCausland

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

2

Key passes per game

0.6

1.7

Big chances created

1

2

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

0.9

Against Hearts in December, McCausland delivered a decent performance as he made two key passes, succeeded with two of his four dribble attempts, and won over half of his ground duels, proving he is no lightweight despite his slender frame.

Another display like this against the same opposition today could see plenty of chances being created as they chase another league victory.

Among his teammates in the top flight this season, McCausland has impressed. Not only does he rank fourth for key passes per game (1.7), but he is also seventh for successful dribbles per game (0.9) and this shows that he can be a key attacking threat.

It is clear that after his performance last weekend, Wright should no longer be starting matches for the Gers, especially with the club in a title race with Celtic.

Every point will need to be earned with good performances, but the Scot is currently the weak link whenever he starts and there could be a time when this will come back to haunt Clement.

From now on, it should be McCausland and Sterling who are the main contenders for a spot on the right flank and this will surely be an area in which the manager seeks to improve once the summer transfer window comes around.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Unfortunately, he does not have that luxury and the moment and must work with what he has, but the 20-year-old talent should have enough in his locker to terrorise the Hearts defence.

The clash against the high-flying Jambos today will be as tricky a match as the Gers have faced in recent weeks, but if the starting XI can step up and perform well, then all three points should be secured.

Record-breaker Lamine Yamal announced himself on the international stage as Spain cruised past Croatia in their Euro 2024 opener

Fabian Ruiz and Lamine Yamal ran the show as three first-half goals secured Spain a 3-0 win over Croatia to kick-start their Euro 2024 campaign.

After a low-key start to the game, two goals in three minutes from Alvaro Morata and Ruiz put Spain 2-0 up in 32 minutes. Dani Carvajal tucked home record-breaker Yamal's sublime delivery on the stroke of half time as Croatia looked shell-shocked.

Zlatko Dalic's side improved in the second half and looked to have pulled a goal back through Bruno Petkovic, who scored after having his penalty brilliantly saved by Unai Simon, only for it to be chalked off due to encroachment – with Ivan Perisic setting off too early and then providing the assist.

In the end, the 2012 Euro winners kept a clean sheet and showed they are a force to be reckoned with.

GOAL rates Spain's players from Olympiastadion…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Unai Simon (7/10):

Made a number of important saves in the first half to preserve Spain's lead. His distribution was questionable at times, no more so when he lost the ball in his box and then moments later Rodri conceded a penalty – one that he expertly saved to atone for his error.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

After looking a little suspect defensively, responded in style with a neat finish from a great cross. The Real Madrid man was solid if unspectacular.

Robin Le Normand (7/10):

Was beaten a couple of times at the back by quick Croatia feet but was part of a backline that looked composed and had the beating of the opposition's attack.

Nacho (7/10):

Wasn't really troubled at the back but did the stuff that generally goes unnoticed in a more than adequate performance.

Marc Cucurella (7/10):

It was perhaps surprising he started at left-back after the season he has had for Chelsea but after being proficient enough he made a fantastic, last-ditch diving stop to deny Josip Stanisic from close range early in the second half.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Pedri (7/10):

Looked lively and was neat and tidy in possession. Was the quietest of Spain's midfielders but was competent enough before being replaced.

Rodri (7/10):

For much of the contest he anchored Spain's midfield well, just as he does for Manchester City. But he undid his good work, somewhat, by giving away a penalty late on – one that was saved, mind.

Fabian Ruiz (9/10):

Played an inch-perfect pass to set Morata on his way for the first goal and then went on a superb, slaloming run before firing into the corner for an excellent individual goal. A player to watch this tournament.

GettyAttack

Lamine Yamal (9/10):

The first 16-year-old to play in a Euros fired in an inch-perfect cross to the onrushing Carvajal to make it 3-0 before half time. His quality shone through and he was unlucky not to get a goal and another assist.

Alvaro Morata (8/10):

Looked like the ball was going to get stuck under his feet but recovered to slot home Spain's opener. A much-derided figure but one who does pop up with important goals for his country and led the line well.

Nico Williams (8/10):

Croatia struggled to get to grips with his pace and trickery. He and Yamal were the out-ball Spain used and they were very effective.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):

Didn't do a great when brought on for the dangerous Williams.

Dani Olmo (7/10):

Had a couple of nice driving runs and shots on goal when introduced in the second half.

Mikel Merino (7/10):

Played some nice through balls to his team-mates to kickstart attacks.

Ferran Torres (7/10):

Looked to run at the defence whenever he got the ball.

Martin Zubimendi (N/A):

Had too little time to make an impact.

Luis de la Fuente (8/10):

Made some bold calls with Yamal and Cucurella but both, particularly the former, paid off in fine fashion. He got his tactics and Spain's formation spot on as they eased past a dangerous team.

For Manchester United, the biggest signing of the 2023 summer transfer window – going by the fee at least – was Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish striker cost United £72m, one of the top ten most expensive outlays in their history and the second-biggest of the Erik ten Hag era after the £82m deal for Antony a year earlier.

Hojlund has made a slow start for the Red Devils, scoring just one goal in his first 15 Premier League appearances (a late winner against Aston Villa last month), but he fared better in Europe, where he bagged five in six before United's early Champions League exit. Still, time is on the 20-year-old's side, and the early teething problems haven't put the club off knocking on Atalanta's door again over another young talent.

Man Utd ahead of Bayern and PSG for Scalvini

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, United are leading the race to sign Giorgio Scalvini from La Dea. Ten Hag's side have been watching him for "several months", as have Bayern Munich, while PSG have also shortlisted him as one of three possible centre-back signings. The competition is fierce, then, but United is "ahead" as it stands.

Atalanta are coming under "more and more pressure" to sell the defender and accept that "it will be difficult" to keep hold of Scalvini, but that doesn't mean it will be "easy" to get him out of Bergamo during the January transfer window. They're already set out their demands of around £43m.

Scalvini is "destined for greatness"

20-year-old Scalvini has been with Atalanta since 2015, when he first joined from Brescia, and he's already made 78 senior appearances for his club, including 23 this season. Despite his youth, he's a key player for Gian Piero Gasperini, who's started him in 16 of his side's 19 Serie A matches so far.

Capped seven times by Italy too, he ranks fifth in the league for blocks (30), second for interceptions (35) and eighth for aerial duels won (50), which highlights his astute positioning and strong athletic attributes. Crucially, he's gifted on the ball too, sitting second in the division for take-on success (81.8%). That suggests he'll be able to cope well under a high press from Premier League forwards.

Scalvini's stats this season	Volume	Atalanta rank
Tackles	36	3rd
Interceptions	35	1st
Blocks	30	2nd
Clearances	42	2nd
Errors leading to shot	0	=1st
Aerials won	50	2nd

Scalvini finished in the top ten in the voting for the 2023 Golden Boy award, given to the best under-21 player in Europe. Only two defenders – Benfica's Antonio Silva and Barcelona's Alejandro Balde – finished ahead of him, and he was also named the best young Italian player at the ceremony.

As such, Serie A podcaster and football writer Danny Corcoran is certainly justified in calling him an "incredible defender", and you can see why Gasperini has declared that "he's destined for greatness". £43m isn't cheap, of course, but it's a fee that Scalvini could easily pay back, and the beauty of this signing is that it wouldn't just be a long-term move – he's shown in Serie A this season that he's ready to thrive at the highest level.

Lionel Messi is not the only man making headlines in MLS, with Real Salt Lake star Chicho Arango scoring a 62-yard screamer from the halfway line.

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Colombian forward in fine formLeads Golden Boot race in 2024Bagged a hat-trick in latest gameWHAT HAPPENED?

The Colombia international forward is, like Inter Miami talisman Messi, another player that has been in fine form this season. He netted a hat-trick in his latest appearance, with RSL easing their way to a crushing 5-1 victory over Austin FC.

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Arango was the undoubted star of that show, as he landed himself a match ball and took control of the MLS Golden Boot race – with the South American up to 16 goals for the season, leaving him three in front of Christian Benteke and four clear of Inter Miami icons Messi and Luis Suarez.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Arango opened the scoring against Austin in stunning style, as he took aim from just inside his own half. Having spotted Brad Stuver a long way off his line, Arango proceeded to fire a long-range effort over the goalkeeper's head that soared into the back of the net.

يرى خالد الغندور لاعب الزمالك السابق ومقدم البرامج الرياضية الحالي، إن إبراهيم عادل جناح فريق بيراميدز أفضل من حسين الشحات لاعب النادي الأهلي.

وقال الغندور في تصريحات تلفزيونية ببرنامج “هاتريك” المذاع عبر فضائية “أون تايم سبورتس٢” تعليقًا على اختيار أفضل جناح أيسر في الدوري المصري: “كيف يكون حسين الشحات أحسن جناح في مصر، وإبراهيم عادل هو الذي يتواجد مع منتخب مصر حاليًا”.

محمد عمارة: محمد هاني غير مقنع.. وجوناثان أفضل ظهير أيسر في الدوري

وأضاف: “هل تقييمنا بناءً على النادي الذي يلعب له اللاعب، أم على حسب اللعب في منتخب مصر”.

وأردف: “اللجنة الفنية عندما تختار أفضل جناح في الدوري لا بد أن يكون لاعبًا في المنتخب”.

وتابع: “إبراهيم عادل لم يلعب كثيرًا بسبب الإصابة، لكنه هداف الأولمبياد ويلعب في فريق ليس له جماهير”.

وواصل: “أحمد سيد زيزو أفضل جناح أيمن بلا منازع، لكنه لم يصنع الفارق مع الزمالك هذا الموسم، عندما يتم اختيار أفضل لاعب في أي مكان في العالم يتم ذلك بناءً على معايير ومن ضمنها اللعب مع منتخب مصر”.

وأتم: “قولًا واحدًا إبراهيم عادل أفضل جناح أيسر بلا منازع هذا الموسم على حساب حسين الشحات، الشحات لم ينضم لمنتخب مصر مع كوبر وكيروش وفيتوريا”.

Arsenal are reportedly planning to execute a shock move for Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny to replace Aaron Ramsdale.

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• Ramsdale to leave Arsenal
• Gunners looking for homegrown options
• Szczesny has emerged as a potential target

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following Ramsdale's relegation down the pecking order in the goalkeeping department to first-choice David Raya, the English shot-stopper is set to depart the Emirates in search of regular playing time, with Newcastle United being considered the frontrunner to secure his services. According to Arsenal have already initiated a search for a replacement, with Szczesny emerging as a potential candidate.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Gunners are keen on recruiting a homegrown goalkeeper to adhere to Premier League squad regulations, making Szczesny an appealing option. The 34-year-old rose through the ranks of the Arsenal academy and emerged as the No.1 choice, making 181 senior appearances, before departing for Juventus in 2017. Moreover, Juventus' pursuit of Michele Di Gregorio from Monza has further encouraged the Premier League outfit to go for the Polish keeper.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  However, Szczesny's reported weekly wages of £100,000 after tax can prove to be a major hurdle for Arsenal. He has one year left in his Bianconeri contract and it remains to be seen if he is willing to settle for the No.2 slot at Emirates.

  Meanwhile, another homegrown goalkeeper under Arsenal's radar is Brighton's Jason Steele. Whereas, Arsenal scouts are also monitoring Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj. However, Ramaj's reluctance to sacrifice guaranteed playing time poses a potential obstacle to any transfer.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, James Hillson, and Reiss Nelson are all expected to depart Arsenal in the summer which has prompted the club management to look for homegrown players across Europe. They are allegedly looking to further reinforce their squad with a defender, a midfielder and a forward as the North London outfit harbours lofty ambitions for next season.

أعلن الاتحاد السوري لكرة القدم، عن تعاقده مع المدرب الجديد لتولي مهمة منتخب نسور قاسيون، خلفًا للأرجنتيني هيكتور كوبر.

وكان هيكتور كوبر مدرب منتخب مصر الأسبق، قد تولى مهمة تدريب منتخب سوريا، كما عاونه في الجهاز كل من عصام الحضري ومحمود فايز.

كوبر يتقدم باستقالته من تدريب سوريا بعد خماسية اليابان

وذلك قبل أن يرحل جهاز كوبر على خلفية الخسارة القاسية على يد منتخب اليابان في التصفيات الآسيوية المزدوجة والمؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 وكأس آسيا 2027.

وأكد الاتحاد السوري تعيينه الإسباني خوسيه لانا، مديرًا فنيًا لمنتخب سوريا الأول خلال الفترة المقبلة.

يذكر، أن لانا قد نجح في الفوز في قيادة منتخب إسبانيا تحت 19 سنة، هذا الصيف دون أن يتلقى أي هزيمة.

Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic revealed he idolised Cristiano Ronaldo while growing up as he showed his admiration for Lionel Messi.

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Vlahovic spoke about importance of statisticsIdolised Ronaldo growing upAdmires Messi, Neymar and HazardWHAT HAPPENED?

Vlahovic, who is currently the second-highest scorer in Serie A behind Lautaro Martinez with 16 goals, claimed he understands the importance of statistics in the game as he does not possess the quality or skills of players like Eden Hazard, Neymar and Lionel Messi. He also revealed his love for Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo whom he idolised from his Manchester United days.

AdvertisementWHAT DUSAN VLAHOVIC SAID

Speaking to L'Equipe, the 24-year-old striker said: "I understand it too. I'm not Neymar, (Eden) Hazard or (Lionel) Messi, guys who, when you see them, you say to yourself: 'Wow, what a player!' For me, my advantage would rather be the statistics, precisely, the goals. But whatever the profile, the attacker is fundamental in a team. If the attacker plays well, the team plays well. Football has changed so much.

"Today, people say: 'Football is more physical, there are more races.' But they don't understand that precisely because there are physical players, your technique must be at the top. You have less and less time and space to do things. They also say: 'Ah, there are no more numbers 10 from the time, what a shame.' While there are still plenty of top quality players like them, but we see them less because everything is going much faster."

(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

When asked about the attackers he admired growing up, the Serbian added: "Cristiano Ronaldo, obviously, who I followed from Manchester, when he was a left winger, I liked his movements, his killer instinct, I think he's one of the best in history. Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) I also really liked it, and I liked Fernando Torres with his slightly long hair during his Liverpool days. And then Karim Benzema, a player that I adore."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DUSAN VLAHOVIC?

The attacker has been linked with a move to the Premier League with clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly keen on signing him. For now he remains focused on the Bianconeri and will be next seen in action for them on Tuesday against Lazio in the Serie A.

Last week, Premier League clubs voted against banning loan moves between affiliated clubs in the aftermath of Newcastle United being linked with signing Ruben Neves in January, having left Wolves for £47m in January.

13 teams in the top flight voted in favour of the ban while seven rejected its premises. One of the seven contrarian voters were Newcastle, which may not have come as a surprise to many people as the Magpies are currently owned by the PIF which also has a majority stake in some of Saudi Arabia's biggest clubs; Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli.

Nevertheless, the striking down of the proposal has opened the door for Newcastle to dip into the Saudi Pro League market in January and head coach Eddie Howe has his sights set on one player in particular.

Gabri Veiga to Newcastle links

Speaking on the Premier League All-Access Podcast, journalist Alex Crook revealed that Newcastle United have turned their attention away from signing Neves and could well reignite interest in Gabri Veiga.

The Magpies were keen to secure Veiga's services during the summer but were pipped to his signature by Al-Ahli who activated the midfielder's £34m release clause.

Veiga broke onto the scene two years ago with his boyhood club Celta Vigo and came to the forefront of the minds of many elite clubs in Europe, especially after scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances in his first full campaign.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti even hailed the youngster as being an "excellent" player, while Premier League outfit Arsenal were reportedly looking to sign the Spain international to replace the outgoing Granit Xhaka last season.

Regardless, Al-Ahli pipped all suitors to the signing of Veiga, handing the 21-year-old a three-year deal worth £10.4m per year. However, Veiga could be on the move already, with Newcastle set to come calling this winter.

How Gabri Veiga compares with Joelinton

Veiga has featured 12 times in all competitions for Al-Ahli this term and has scored once and registered two assists in the process, while featuring as a central midfielder, a holding midfielder and a number '10', according to Transfermarkt.

The Spaniard hasn't contributed to many goals under the guidance of 35-year-old head coach Matthias Jaissle but has still been a key component for the side who are currently sitting third in the league this term.

The former Celta man could be the perfect player to ease Joelinton out of the side if Howe can get his hands on the talented midfielder. In fact, Veiga even outperformed Joelinton in a number of key metrics last term when the pair were both plying their trades in Europe.

Gabri Veiga vs Joelinton

Per 90 Metrics

Gabri Veiga – 2022/23

Joelinton – 2022/23

Goals

0.43

0.2

Expected Goals

0.24

0.24

Assists

0.16

0.03

Expected Assists

0.11

0.06

Key Passes

1.1

0.88

Switches

0.12

0.14

Passing Accuracy %

80.5

87

Progressive Passes

4.27

4.39

Progressive Carries

2.67

2.16

Tackles

1.69

2.36

Final 1/3 Tackles

0.16

0.27

Stats via FBref.

Newcastle have transitioned from a side battling to survive in the Premier League to one vying for titles and a place in Europe's elite club contest but the Magpies still boast just the ninth-highest possession average in the top flight with 53.2%, as per FBref.

Eventually, Howe will want his side to become more dominant on the ball and players like Veiga are a necessity for this.

While Joelinton is statistically more efficient defensively, Veiga trumped the Brazilian on several fronts, particularly in playmaking, despite being six years younger than his potential future teammate. Evidently, Veiga has a massive ceiling and could be the perfect player for the Geordie club to make the step to the next level.