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A rictus of a grin contorted Trent Alexander-Arnold's face. Before half time, the influential Liverpool star had struck the bar with a venomous strike after waves of Arsenal pressure at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup.

Liverpool rode their luck and Jurgen Klopp probably inwardly tipped his cap to the hosts' profligacy, but this group of players, resilient and tenacious and together, held firm to turn the tide in the closing stages and advance to the fourth round with a 2-0 win.

Luis Diaz, under fire of late for a dip in performance, has made improvements over recent games and will be delighted with his stunning strike at the death to confirm Arsenal's demise, assisted by the Gunners' personal scourge in Diogo Jota.

Prior, Alexander-Arnold – donning the captain's armband with Virgil van Dijk ill – had whipped in a fierce free-kick that was fortuitously turned in by Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior.

It was a hard-fought and noteworthy victory. However, not all caught the eye, with Cody Gakpo unable to spark the game into life and withdrawn before the hour mark.

Cody Gakpo's performance in numbers vs Arsenal

Writing in his post-match ratings, 90min's Grey Whitebloom was not impressed by the Dutchman's endeavours and handed him an ignominious 2/10 score, writing: 'Utterly ineffective throughout a painfully forgettable 59 minutes on the pitch.'

Harsh? Probably. But it's true that Gakpo was not influencing proceedings as he might have hoped despite an adroit pivot to beat his man and instigate the phase that led to Alexander-Arnold's bar-rattling strike.

The 24-year-old, who has been hailed for his "special skill set" by Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders, has scored eight goals this season but remains a conflicting figure, enduring several lacklustre games.

Against Arsenal, as per Sofascore, Gakpo was indeed ineffective as he sort of played in flux from the No. 8 role and out on the right wing, withdrawn after 59 minutes having taken just 20 touches, which is even fewer than Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who enjoyed a largely impressive night between the sticks but took the fewest touches (32) of any starting player, bar Gakpo.

Minutes Played

59

Touches

20

Accurate Passes

14/16 (88%)

Key Passes

1

Crosses

0

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Duels Won

1/4

While he completed 88% of his passes and made one key pass, his impactful moments were few and far between and Klopp will surely be considering whether to drop him for the forthcoming Carabao Cup tie against Fulham, with Jota impressive off the bench once again.

Of course, it's not all doom and gloom for Gakpo, who scored an important late goal against Newcastle United on New Year's Day during Liverpool's emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United.

Moreover, he has actually scored in all three of his side's Carabao Cup fixtures thus far and will be desperate to pardon his poor display in London with a confident performance over the Cottagers.

The £120k-per-week Gakpo remains an important member of Klopp's squad and his versatility has impeded him in instances, but there is no denying that a trail of lacklustre displays litter the road of Liverpool's campaign.

With Jota in fine form and Luis Diaz returning to his best, perhaps Gakpo should sit the next one out, and if his manager does decide to hand him a starting berth once again, he surely needs to play as centre-forward.

Tottenham Hotspur's player recruitment has been impressive over the past few seasons. The London club have managed to bring in the likes of Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski for relatively affordable prices.

With the addition of Ange Postecoglou during the summer, Spurs have gone from a team that finished eighth in the Premier League last season to one that is currently locked in an early title race with Manchester City, Liverpool and north London rivals Arsenal, having recovered well from the devastating loss of record scorer Harry Kane.

However, there are still some names on the books that serve as a reminder to the Lilywhites of what can happen when recruitment goes wrong, but one of these players could be in line for a return to the starting lineup.

James Maddison injury update

Spurs lost 4-1 on Monday night at home to Chelsea after going down to nine men in the second half with the game at 1-1. What will be more worrying for Postecoglou is the loss of both Maddison and van de Ven before the interval. The latter is currently facing months out after a significant hamstring strain while Maddison is still being assessed ahead of Tottenham's clash with Wolves at the weekend, although it's unlikely that the England international will feature at Molineux.

Having signed in the summer for £40m, the 26-year-old has had an emphatic impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, registering eight goal contributions in 11 games under Postecoglou. Maddison's attacking counterpart Son Heung-Min has stated that it has been "a joy" to play with the former Leicester City playmaker ever since his arrival from the King Power Stadium.

The man to replace James Maddison

Losing Maddison will certainly impact the rest of the team but it means that Postecoglou may be forced to turn towards Giovani Lo Celso in the meantime.

The Argentine has made merely two appearances for Spurs in the Premier League this season, totalling 24 minutes on the pitch. Lo Celso's only start of the campaign came in an EFL Cup defeat against Fulham where he was replaced at half-time.

2019/20

37

2

3

2,151'

2020/21

28

5

1

1,526'

2021/22

19

1

2

917'

2023/24

3

0

0

69'

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Lo Celso initially moved to Spurs on loan under Mauricio Pochettino back in 2019 but the deal was made permanent for £27.5m in January during Jose Mourinho's stint in the dugout. Nonetheless, his time in England hasn't worked out and The Athletic's Tottenham journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke even labelled the midfielder as a "flop", having spent the last eighteen months out on loan at Villarreal while sitting on £70k-per-week.

While reports are claiming that the English side have slapped a £15m price tag on Lo Celso's back, following Maddison's injury, the Argentina international could be handed one last chance to prove he still has a future at Spurs.

Lo Celso's stats last season

Ange's only other solution would be to deploy Rodrigo Bentancur in a more advanced position, but the Uruguayan is not as creatively savvy as his South American counterpart. Given the duo have played a combined total of 54 minutes in the Premier League this season, a comparison of their stats from the previous campaign will offer a better conclusion as to who should start in the absence of Maddison.

Straight off the bat, Bentancur averaged 0.3 goals per 90 playing for Spurs last season to Lo Celso's 0.16 goals per 90 at Villarreal, although the latter registered a higher xG per 90 with 0.2 compared to Bentancur's 0.13 xG per 90, according to FBref.

However, when it comes to assists and chance creation, the duo aren't even close. Lo Celso averaged 0.24 assists per 90 from 0.24 expected assists per 90 last term, while the former Juventus man managed just 0.12 assists per 90 from an xA of 0.04 per 90.

Lo Celso was better at progressing his side up the pitch too, having averaged 7.76 progressive passes per 90 to Bentancur's 4.55 despite predominantly playing in a higher position. The Spurs "flop" also recorded 2.32 passes to the penalty area per 90 and 2.48 key passes per 90 to Bentancur's 0.54 passes into the box per 90 and 0.66 key passes per 90. In addition, Lo Celso filed 2.8 progressive carries per 90 with Villarreal in comparison to Bentancur's 1.56.

Bentancur is much more defensively proficient than Lo Celso but with Postecoglou looking for a direct replacement for Maddison, Lo Celso is arguably and quite possibly surprisingly the best man to fill his tricky boots.

Looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Leeds United will have their eye on January reinforcements, hoping to hand Daniel Farke a major boost. So far, the former Norwich City boss has had an inconsistent spell at Elland Road, with things starting to improve just before the international break.

That said, if the German is handed a substantial budget to work with when the winter window opens, he could really cement the Whites' Championship play-off chances. And those in Yorkshire will now be boosted by the incoming money from one particular sale, which could result in some crucial arrivals.

Latest Leeds United transfer news

During the summer, Leeds did well to weather the storm of several departures, welcoming the likes of Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu in the process. Piroe has got off to a particularly strong start, finding the back of the net a total of seven times in 12 games. Farke could yet be handed a financial boost to welcome players of a similar level to his new star striker too, following the latest Raphinha transfer news.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are set to receive a £21m installment from Barcelona for their deal to sign Raphinha back in the summer of 2022. The installment is set to arrive before January as part of the initial £55m deal. That fee could yet be used to pay off some of Leeds' own debts, rather than be sent entirely the way of Farke to welcome additions.

Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear did recently state that the manager will have funds available, however, telling the Supporters' Advisory Board, via The Yorkshire Evening Post: "Also, discussion about funds, if needed in January, due to injury, will be available. The greater value in January will be from the loan market, [the club] have deliberately kept two loan spots free.”

How many goals has Raphinha scored for Barcelona?

Since making the decision to leave Leeds, Raphinha's stats show that he has endured a mixed spell at Barcelona. The winger has scored just 12 goals and assisted a further 15 in 57 appearances in all competitions. Certain numbers arguably prove that there is still a player ready to set the world alight there, however, as per FBref.

Player

Assists Per 90

Progressive Passes Per 90

Non-Penalty Goals Per 90

Raphinha

0.42

4.43

0.38

At his best, Raphinha has earned high praise, too, including from former teammate Daniel James, who told FIFA: "He’s a magician. He’s always been a great player – I played against him at United and he was always great – but he’s improved so much. He fully deserved his Brazilian call-up and I think since he got it, he’s pushed on even more, he’s even more confident. He can do absolutely anything on the pitch. It’s great playing with him."

At the time, the winger's exit would have hurt Leeds, but as it continues to pay out, they may well face the benefits both on and off the pitch, especially when the transfer window opens.

Whilst Arsenal have returned to Europe's elite on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta guiding his side back into the Champions League and in the discussion for the Premier League title, the work that the Gunners have done off the pitch also deserves high praise, with the recruitment team getting things fairly spot on these days, welcoming the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice in recent years.

Their form off the pitch doesn't look set to come to an end anytime soon, either, with reports suggesting that they are interested in rivalling Liverpool for one particular target.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have been rewarded ever since they started getting things right in the transfer window, going from top-four failures to title challengers in an astonishing transition last season. They have not slowed down under Arteta, either, remaining unbeaten after eight games in the current campaign, and even laying down a marker by defeating champions Manchester City.

If Arsenal are to compete for silverware once more, then January could be a crucial turning point, especially if they beat Liverpool to the signature of their midfield target. The latest Andre Trindade transfer news, relayed by This is Anfield, has claimed that the Gunners are interested in signing the midfielder. According to reports, Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has even visited the Fluminense training ground, which has only added fuel to the fire.

The official reason for the visit was to learn about the Fluminense youth development process and to continue the strong partnership between the clubs. The fact that Andre is a Fluminese player makes Edu's visit all the more interesting, however, especially given the recent rumours. The Serie A season in Brazil ends in December, potentially allowing Andre to make a January departure from his current side.

How has Andre performed this season?

Despite Fluminense sitting frustratingly sixth in Serie A, Andre has still left many impressed with his performances, doing enough to earn his first two caps for the Brazil national team. Based on Andre's stats, it's clear that the Brazilian is one of the best in his position in his league, too, and has even outperformed some current Arsenal midfielders.

Player

Interceptions Per 90

Progressive Passes

Take-ons Completed

Andre

1.31

6.57

1.41

Kai Havertz

0.51

4.12

0.20

Fabio Vieira

0.95

4.76

0.95

It's no surprise, then, given the numbers, that Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly battling it out to sign Andre, with a keen eye on the January transfer window. The 22-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Brazil, too, including from journalist Fernando Campos, who said:

"Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different. Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

With that said, it looks as if Andre is one to keep an eye on in the coming months, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly set to do battle for his signature in January.

Manchester United are on the verge of reaching yet another crisis point, adding to the woes of their recent history. Erik ten Hag has earned the right of patience after an impressive debut season, but will know that those at Old Trafford will only accept a number of disappointing results.

Their defeat at home against Galatasaray in the Champions League followed their recent Premier League loss at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace, compiling their misery. Further reinforcements could well be needed in 2024, and, with that said, reports suggest that the Red Devils have made their first move to sign a £70m player.

What's the latest Man Utd transfer news?

During the summer transfer window, it seemed as though Manchester United ticked every necessary box when it came to incomings. In came midfielder Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund to finally give Ten Hag an out-and-out number nine. And in came Andre Onana, to seemingly solve United's goalkeeper problem, before the arrival of Sofyan Amrabat added the cherry on top.

Yet, seven games into the Premier League season, and United look anything but improved. In fact, yu could argue they look worse than last season, already losing four games. With more arrivals clearly needed, the Red Devils will have an eye on January.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, via reports in Spain, United have seemingly made their first move by contacting RB Leipzig to request details over a possible move for forward Lois Openda, who joined the German club last summer, and is reportedly now valued at €90m (£78m). United's interest reportedly comes as a result of Anthony Martial's pending exit, with the Frenchman's contract coming to an end next summer, leaving the Red Devils short on attacking depth. Openda, 23 years of age, could certainly fill the gap set to be left behind by the Frenchman, whilst also competing for Hojlund's starting place.

How has Lois Openda performed this season?

Openda has got off to a flying start at Leipzig, after earning a move by scoring 21 goals for RC Lens in Ligue 1 last season. So far, in his debut campaign, the forward has found the back of the net five times in 10 games in all competitions, representing just how quickly he has settled at his new club.

Statistically speaking, Openda has even outperformed Manchester United's current forward options in a number of areas, too. According to FBref, the Belgian has shown signs that he could be an upgrade on Ten Hag's current attack, when compared in league action.

Player

Goals

Assists

Progressive Carries

Lois Openda

4

2

9

Marcus Rashford

1

1

32

Rasmus Hojlund

0

0

4

Anthony Martial

0

0

3

Given the stats, it's no surprise that Openda's reported price tag is in the £78m region. At just 23 years of age, too, the Leipzig man may only get better and better, potentially increasing that figure more and more along the way. This means that, if United want to make their move, then the sooner they do it, potentially, the better. The forward has also earned plenty of praise already during his career, including from Taviolieri, who recently labelled the attacker as "exceptional".

Former Australia captain Alex Blackwell has become the first woman in the 159-year history of New South Wales cricket to be elected to the board.Blackwell, 34, retired from all formats in February after a record 251 matches for Australia. She led her country to victories in the Ashes and the World T20, and was even more prolific in domestic cricket. It was only four months ago that she won her 14th Women’s National Cricket League Trophy for New South Wales.”I grew up loving the game and am grateful for all the opportunities that cricket has given me,” Blackwell said. “I want to continue contributing to the game and thank the Cricket NSW members for the faith they have placed in me to do that at Board level.”I have been fortunate to play during a rapidly expanding era in women’s cricket and being the first woman elected to the cricket NSW board continues that journey. Cricket in Australia has never been watched or played by more people, particularly women and girls, and I am keen to help ensure that continues.”There have been other women on the Cricket NSW Board – notably former director Rina Hore and current director Patricia Forsythe – but Blackwell is the first woman to be elected by members.Chief executive Andrew Jones pointed to this development as a consequence of governance reforms. “Until 2016 Elected Directors could only be drawn from a pool of 34 club, Zone and association delegates, all but one of whom were male,” he said. “Now members can nominate anyone for election they believe to be qualified. This important change allows members to elect people the calibre of Alex as directors without them needing to be delegates first.”Blackwell will continue captaining Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Sunrisers Hyderabad produced another masterclass at defending a small total after their captain’s 56 lifted them to 146

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu07-May-20185:40

Dasgupta: Williamson’s attacking captaincy made the difference

Sunrisers Hyderabad lost their last seven wickets for 34 runs in four overs, but their bowling attack bailed them out again to put Royal Challengers Bangalore on the brink of elimination.Kane Williamson was front and centre in Sunrisers’ innings, making 56 off 39 balls on a two-paced pitch, where most other batsmen struggled. He later dropped Virat Kohli on 33, and fell on his back, but came away smiling in the end.RCB’s chase of 147 fell apart when Kohli and AB De Villiers fell in successive overs for the second game in a row and even though Colin De Grandhomme struck some late blows, the asking rate and the skill of Sunrisers’ attack was too much to overcome. Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended 11 runs off the last over to help Sunrisers open up a two-point lead at the top of the table.The straightjacket
RCB’s bowlers quickly read the Hyderabad pitch, and ventured cross-seamers and a variety of slower balls. One such cross-seamer from Tim Southee stuck in the pitch and floored Alex Hales’ middle stump in the third over. Moeen Ali, who was making his IPL debut, and the seamers straightjacketed Shikhar Dhawan by offering very little room. Only three out of 19 balls he faced finished wide outside off. He laboured to 13 before splicing a Mohammed Siraj short ball to deep square leg. Kohli made life more difficult for the batsmen with smart field placements. He posted himself at short cover for Manish Pandey, who simply chipped a catch to the RCB captain. It was Yuzvendra Chahal’s first wicket away from home in IPL 2018.0:36

‘We gave away more runs than we wanted to’ -Siraj

Williamson rises above another tough pitch
On a similar sluggish pitch in Jaipur last week, Williamson made a masterful 63 off 43 balls. He may not have the raw power but his ability to manoeuvre the ball into the gaps makes him such a good player even on bad pitches. On Monday night, he got his eye in and then forced the pace. He scored 31 off his first 29 balls before cranking up the tempo and hitting 25 off his next nine balls. Umesh Yadav, ultimately, had him holing out to long leg but not before the Sunrisers captain had brought up his fifth fifty of the season. The shot of the night came when he fetched a wide legbreak and slog-swept it against the break over the midwicket boundary. RCB came back at the death courtesy two late wickets from Siraj, and went into the break with momentum.Rashid v Kohli and De VilliersAfter a cameo from Parthiv Patel, Kohli launched the chase with a flurry of boundaries, including a fierce short-arm jab through midwicket off the left-arm spinner. By the end of the Powerplay, RCB had shaved 55 off the target. Enter Rashid Khan, who was bowling to Kohli for the first time in T20s. His sixth ball to Kohli drew an outside edge, but Williamson dropped a simple catch at slip. On 33 then, Kohli could add just six more before Yusuf Pathan plucked a one-handed catch that he initially misjudged at short third man off Shakib.Rashid’s first ball to de Villiers drew a review for caught behind from Sunrisers, but he survived as replays showed no bat on his leg-side swipe. Then came a fizzing legbreak, which de Villiers edged past short third man. Then came the wrong’un, which he chopped onto his stumps. For the second time in successive games, RCB’s big two had fallen in successive overs.Siddarth Kaul then had Moeen feathering one behind to leave RCB at 84 for 5 in the 12th over. It took a period of calm from Mandeep Singh and de Grandhomme to bring it down to 39 off 24 balls. Williamson summoned Rashid, and he was welcomed with two muscular hits for six from de Grandhomme. Off the next over, Bhuvneshwar was picked off for a boundary to narrow the equation to 19 off 12 balls. Kaul and Bhuvneshwar, however, closed the game out with a slew of yorkers, giving nothing away to the set pair at the crease.

يستعد فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، لخوض مباراة مهمة مساء اليوم الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ضد خصمه مانشستر يونايتد.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة الفريقين في قمة منافسات الجولة العشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25.

طالع | تشكيل ليفربول الرسمي أمام مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي.. موقف محمد صلاح

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 45 نقطة، في حين أن مانشستر يونايتد يعيش وضعًا كارثيًا حيث يتواجد في المركز الرابع عشر برصيد 22 نقطة.

ويأمل النجم المصري محمد صلاح مواصلة تألقه هذا الموسم، خاصة في مباراة اليوم كونه معتادًا على الأداء الرائع ضد مانشستر يونايتد.

ويتصدر محمد صلاح قائمة هدافي الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 17 هدفًا، كما يتصدر قائمة اللاعبين الأكثر صناعة للأهداف برصيد 13 أسيست. تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، كوانساه، فان دايك، آندي روبرتسون.

خط الدفاع: ماك أليستر، جرافنبرخ.

خط الوسط الهجومي: محمد صلاح، سوبوسلاي، جاكبو.

خط الهجوم: لويس دياز.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester United did not produce the kind of blistering offensive performance that Liverpool supporters have become accustomed to under Jurgen Klopp's illustrious rule, but they returned to their free-scoring best in midweek.

Dispatching an abject West Ham United side 5-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Liverpool have reaffirmed their credentials as one of Europe's most devastating units, coming at the perfect time with a third successive Anfield clash against Arsenal in the league just around the corner.

Mikel Arteta's first-placed side are just one point ahead of the Reds, but the effort against the Hammers really underscores the quality of Klopp's squad, with Curtis Jones crowned Man of the Match after a stunning midfield display.

Curtis Jones' game vs West Ham by numbers

The Athletic's James Pearce praised Jones for his "flying start" to the campaign, but a controversial red card against Tottenham Hotspur in September, followed by disruption due to injuries, has stifled his progress.

Nonetheless, the Scouse-born star has been in fine fettle of late and perhaps produced his standout performance last night, bagging two goals to stretch his club's grip on the cup tie.

As per Sofascore, the 22-year-old complemented his strikes with a 93% passing accuracy, two key passes, success with both of his dribbles and 89 total touches – only the impressive Jarell Quansah had more.

As remarked by BBC's Raj Chohan, the goals might have been nice but Jones' ball retention and control in the engine room was simply "phenomenal", and he is proving to be one of the most underrated players on English shores.

Goals

2

Key Passes

2

Pass Success

62/67 (95%)

Shots on target

3

Successful dribbles

100%

Duels Won

2/6

Touches

89

Ranking among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref, he is vital to the system.

Perhaps not as important as Darwin Nunez though, with the Uruguayan dynamo seemingly reborn on the left wing last night…

Darwin Nunez's performance vs West Ham

There were goals galore against West Ham but forward Nunez's goalless run extended to 11 matches, but few of a Liverpool persuasion will care too much as the 24-year-old proved his worth with an energetic and influential showing out of position.

He's something of an enigma, this wonderful, perplexing, brilliant, bouncing ball of destructive energy; while Nunez has been criticised for wayward finishing throughout his Anfield career, the commitment and electricity of his craft continue to win the Anfield faithful over. Time and time again.

Jones might have bagged his first goal with a deft, rolling effort from an acute angle, but it was the £140k-per-week star's "superb” defence-splitting pass – as hailed by Neil Jones – to set the midfielder into space.

And his failure to find the back of the net was not for want of trying, hitting the woodwork with a curling attempt, expertly fingered onto the post by Alphonso Areola, while also completing 84% of his passes, creating four key passes, making five tackles and winning eight duels, evidencing his commendable application.

The goals will come, and even if Nunez never manages to reach the kind of prolific heights of the likes of Mohamed Salah, who was on the scoresheet once again off the bench, he is a remarkable, singular tool with a disposition for havoc-wreaking moments and chaos-igniting surges that could prove the difference in this chase for silver-laden success at Anfield.

Glasgow Rangers head into their Europa League tie on Thursday evening against Aris Limassol slightly despondent after dropping points for the first time in the Premiership under Philippe Clement.

It took a last-minute penalty by James Tavernier to rescue a point against Aberdeen and while no ground was lost to Celtic in the title chase, a win would have put the pressure on them.

The Gers did enough to win the tie, yet it wasn’t to be, and they will move on hoping to secure a win against the Cypriot side in Europe which could secure them a spot in the knockout stages.

Clement has done a fabulous job so far, especially considering the squad he inherited from Michael Beale.

The summer transfer window was meant to be the chance for Beale to rebuild and while he did bring nine new players to the club, only a couple have really hit the ground running.

Jack Butland and Danilo have been the standout performers, as both have taken their opportunities well and will be integral to any success Clement wishes to achieve this season.

While the transfer window is set to open in a few weeks, the Belgian may wish to save some money and give more young talent a chance, as there is plenty emerging from the academy.

Rangers youth talents who could emerge under Clement

Zak Lovelace is the one youngster who is garnering the most attention, and rightly so. Since joining the Ibrox side in the summer of 2022, he has already made four first-team appearances, despite only turning 17 in January, and there is no limit to what he could achieve if he continues to work hard.

In 38 games for the academy teams at the Gers, Lovelace has 19 goals and ten assists, and while he has yet to score for the senior side, it surely won't be long before he does.

Bailey Rice is another name who has been touted as becoming a future first-team starlet and, while he has yet to make an appearance under Clement, the 17-year-old has played three games for the Gers so far.

Both Lovelace and Rice will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of another academy talent who has taken his opportunities this season with both hands – Ross McCausland.

Ross McCausland’s Rangers statistics

The 20-year-old has been at the club since 2019, joining from Northern Irish side Linfield, and he eventually made his senior bow during the 2021/22 season against Hearts.

The winger grabbed an assist during that tie, and it set him up for further progress last season as he scored nine goals and registered five assists for the B team while making another appearance for the senior side.

This season, however, McCausland has broken through into the first team and has featured on a regular basis since Beale departed.

Under Clement, the Northern Irishman has played in every single league match and his performances culminated in the player gaining his first-ever start for the Gers against Livingston.

McCausland won a penalty during the first half while giving a solid account of himself on the right wing during the tie and across his six appearances in the league, he has already created a big chance and averaged one key pass per game.

The youngster looks set to sign a new and improved long-term deal at the Glasgow side and this would be a big boost for Clement as he is clearly a fan of blooding young talent.

16 years, one month and 14 days

16 years, four months and 14 days

16 years, four months and 27 days

16 years, five months and 15 days

16 years seven months and 7 days

There could be another player similar to McCausland in the U18 side, however, as Archie Stevens might just be the next attacking talent to make his senior bow in the near future.

Archie Stevens’ youth statistics

The right-winger joined the Ibrox side in the summer of 2022 from English side AFC Wimbledon and it was seen as a shrewd signing as he was courted by a host of other clubs.

Just a few months after arriving, former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave him his senior debut during a League Cup tie against Queen of the South along with the likes of Lovelace and Robbie Ure.

3 exciting youngsters at Rangers that Clement now simply has to unleash

Clement has various young talents he could unearth in the coming months

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 20, 2023

Whilst still raw and developing, his former academy manager Michael Hamilton reckons Stevens has what it takes to make it to the very top, saying:

“He’s a very attack-minded player, his stronger position is on the right, he scores goals, he creates some things out of nothing, he’s got the ability to beat two, three players at a time and creating so he’s a highly-effective player.

“He’s also more than capable of playing as a 10. Last season, we tried to develop other parts of his game, so he was playing in the middle as a 10 and on the left just to get him to face different scenarios and come up with different solutions really.”

Could he perhaps follow in the footsteps of McCausland and gain some senior minutes before the end of the season?

He is also making a splash on the international stage too, winning seven caps for the England U17 side while he already has three appearances for the U18 team and his future looks wonderful.

The former Club Brugge and AS Monaco boss has blooded young talent such as Charles De Ketelaere, Aurelien Tchouameni and Youssouf Fofana during his spells at both clubs, and it proves that there is a clear pathway from the academy to the first-team under the leadership of the 49-year-old.

McCausland is currently reaping the rewards for his recent displays as he looks set to be signing a new deal and this should only give encouragement to players who are in the academy looking up.

Stevens is a highly gifted youngster who has the potential to make an impact in the senior squad over the next few years, and he must keep developing and learning from those ahead of him in the pecking order.

If he keeps his head down, Clement will surely repay his dedication and if you are an academy player at the Light Blues right now, it must be an exciting time.