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Chelsea’s struggles this season have been well documented, yet they have still reached a League Cup final, while preparing for an FA Cup semi final against Manchester City next month.

Mauricio Pochettino has a young squad which is filled to the brim with talent, yet perhaps adding in another couple of experienced heads for 2024/25 would be the best course of action.

They even have one on their own doorstep, as Romelu Lukaku is currently shining out on loan at AS Roma this term.

Romelu Lukaku’s statistics for AS Roma

Lukaku has scored 18 goals in 37 appearances for the Serie A side this season, while creating four big chances and averaging 0.8 key passes per game, indicating that he is enjoying a new lease of life in Italy.

Chelsea have scored 47 Premier League goals this season, with Cole Palmer top-scoring with 14 goals, followed by Nicolas Jackson, who has 12 goals in all competitions.

Romelu Lukaku's stats for AS Roma this season
Metric	Europa League	Serie A
Goals	7	10
Assists	1	3
Big chances created	3	4
Shots on target per game	1.6	0.8
Scoring frequency	114 minutes	215 minutes
Via Sofascore

Lukaku has scored more than both of these players, and he could certainly be a better option for Pochettino to utilise compared to Jackson, who has failed to really hit the ground running in England thus far.

Dubbed as a “machine” by writer Alex Barker in 2022, the Belgian frontman has plenty to give and, under a new manager, he could really thrive next season.

Not only that, but the 30-year-old is also comparable to one of the best strikers on the continent – Victor Osimhen.

How Romelu Lukaku compares to Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian international has been in wonderful form since the start of last season, scoring 44 times during that period, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title since the days of Diego Maradona.

The Stamford Bridge side have been linked with the player for quite some time now, with the latest report claiming the west London club are one of the main contenders for his signature.

If they don’t manage to secure his signature, then the Blues could seemingly already have a potential copy in the form of Lukaku, who is noted as a similar player to Osimhen, as per FBref.

Indeed, this season, the duo have registered similar statistics with regard to goals scored (ten vs 11), shots on target per 90 (0.88 vs 1.22), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.34 vs 0.47) and shot-creating actions per 90 (2.27 vs 2.1) as both players have proven to be a dangerous force in the opposition penalty area for their respective teams.

Since making the move back to Chelsea in the summer of 2021, Lukaku scored just 15 times before re-joining Inter Milan after a solitary campaign in England.

He certainly has a point to prove following this poor spell. The question is, will he want to return to Stamford Bridge, especially given how successful he has been at Roma during 2023/24.

Having a player like Lukaku available could give Pochettino a major boost – that is if he is still in charge of the Blues come next season.

Whatever happens, the Belgian gem has a few more years at the top left in him yet and whoever makes use of his services next season will be guaranteed goals.

Leeds United are currently competing to secure promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking after their relegation last summer.

The Whites could need to splash the cash to bolster their squad if they do win promotion back to the big time, and they have already been linked with an interest in £25m-rated Celtic star Matt O'Riley.

When they were last in the Premier League, the club swooped to sign Georginio Rutter for a club-record £35.5m from German side Hoffenheim in January 2023, but he could not help the team avoid the drop.

The club once broke their transfer record in the top-flight to sign striker Brian Deane in the summer of 1993 and, if you adjust for the inflation of fees in football, that move was worth even more than the one to bring Rutter to Elland Road.

How much Leeds' deal to sign Brian Deane would be worth in 2024

Per Totally Money, Leeds paid a fee of £3.9m to sign the centre-forward from Sheffield United ahead of the 1993/94 Premier League campaign.

Adjusting for the aforementioned inflation of transfer fees in football over the subsequent years, that £3.9m would be worth a staggering £60.6m in 2024 money.

The Whites signed the number nine, who was born and raised in Leeds, from the Blades after the impressive marksman had plundered 12 or more goals in each of his last three top-flight seasons.

Deane fired in 12 and 13 First Division goals in the 1990/91 and 1991/92 campaigns, respectively, before a fantastic return of 15 goals and ten assists in 41 matches in the first-ever Premier League term.

His sublime goalscoring form for Sheffield United convinced Leeds to smash their transfer record, in a deal that would be worth over £60m today, and it turned out to be a howler by the club.

Brian Deane's Leeds career in numbers

The former England international, who was capped three times by his country, enjoyed a fantastic debut season with the Whites, as he scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 41 Premier League matches, carrying his form for the Blades over to Elland Road.

Unfortunately, that sublime first year with Leeds was the outlier in his four-year stay with the Yorkshire-based side, with the 6 foot 3 striker's form in front of goal declining after that.

Premier League career (Leeds)

Brian Deane

Appearances

Goals

Assists

1993/94

41

11

12

1994/95

35

9

2

1995/96

34

7

1

1996/97

28

5

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, his appearances and goals in the Premier League slowly declined each year, with a distinct lack of creativity after his debut season as well.

Having hit double figures for goals in his last three years with the Blades, Deane only scored more than nine goals in one of his four campaigns with the Whites, and he did not win a single trophy during his time there.

They then sold him back to Sheffield United in the summer of 1997 for a fee of £1.5m, which shows that they made a significant loss on him to go along with his underwhelming performances on the pitch in three of his four years at Elland Road.

Therefore, Leeds had a howler with the signing of Deane from the fellow Yorkshire side back in 1993 as they spent a huge sum of money, relative to the time, to sign him and were not rewarded with much value on the pitch, or off it when they sold him four years later.

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O Palmeiras precisou esperar até o último minuto para poder concretizar o retorno de Dudu. Preparado para anunciar a volta, a equipe de marketing trabalhou com vídeos e postagens para formalizar o novo velho reforço, mas teve de aguardar até que o prazo que o Al-Duhail tinha para exercer sua cláusula de compra, expirada às 23h59 deste sábado (15).

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O clima de todo o clube foi de cautela durante o processo, mas com um final de muita alegria e animação entre os envolvidos. A felicidade foi geral, da direção executiva, passando pela comissão técnica e chegando até aos funcionários, satisfeitos em ter Dudu.

O Palmeiras não mudou de postura em relação àquilo que havia sido combinado no contrato de empréstimo. Sem aceitar qualquer tratativa para diminuir o valor da compra, de 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,42 milhões), o Verdão tinha claro que se o Al-Duhail não se manifestasse pela execução da cláusula, o jogador retornaria. Nunca cogitou qualquer outro tipo de transferência, valor ou modelo de operação. E isso se concretizou no primeiro minuto deste domingo.

Os relatos da direção do clube ao LANCE!/NOSSO PALESTRA contam que internamente o negócio, agora concretizado no retorno, é um dos maiores já feitos pelo clube, além de lucrativo, muito vitorioso. Sem Dudu por um ano, período no qual foi campeão Paulista, da Copa do Brasil e da Libertadores, o Verdão recebeu 7 milhões de euros (R$ 44 milhões, na cotação de quando o acordo foi selado) e ainda se viu livre dos altos salários do atacante.

Diante de tudo isso, a volta de Dudu é um resultado financeiro muito satisfatório e representa o reforço pedido por Abel, que vinha incomodado com a falta de chegadas ao seu elenco. Além de ser muito querido por todos os membros do clube, o camisa 7 é um visto com uma acréscimo de talento muito significativo. À reportagem, um dirigente citou Dudu como um “reforço que não se consegue comprar, teria um custo digno de futebol europeu”.

Com o final do contrato de empréstimo, vigente até junho, Dudu voltará a ser jogador do clube no primeiro dia de julho, mas deverá entrar em campo apenas em agosto, com a abertura da janela de transferências. Dudu passa férias em Miami, nos Estados Unidos, com sua noiva.

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Tottenham have held talks with the agents of a possible alternative to Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with the player also out of contract this summer.

Spurs linked with high-profile Gallagher move

Gallagher has been a name regularly linked with a high-profile and controversial move to Spurs since last year.

Tottenham clear they will bid for £150,000-per-week star who Redknapp loves

He’s a key player for his club.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 16, 2024

The Englishman, who is set to leave on a free in 2025 as things stand, has starred for Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino – but that hasn't stopped Spurs from plotting a "firm move" for Gallagher this summer (Matt Law, The Telegraph).

Other reports suggest Chelsea will lower Gallagher's £60 million asking price to around £50 million later in the year, if they can't reach an agreement over fresh terms by then.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is believed to be keen on Gallagher, despite the difficulty of a proposed deal given both the player's asking price and the rivalry between the Lilywhites and Chelsea.

Tottenham hold talks with Rabiot agents

Bearing that in mind, it could be wise for the club to consider alternatives to the former Crystal Palace star, and one name who's now been floated is Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Adrien Rabiot's best league games for Juventus this season	Match Rating (via WhoScored)
Monza 1-2 Juventus	9.08
Udinese 0-3 Juventus	8.62
Juventus 1-0 Lecce	8.21
Verona 2-2 Juventus	8.05
Fiorentina 1-0 Juventus	7.75

The Frenchman, who played a key role in his country's run to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, has scored four goals and registered a further three assists over 21 Serie A starts for Juve so far.

Rabiot is also out of contract at the end of this season, a fact not lost on Spurs. According to HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have held talks with the agents of Rabiot recently as the 28-year-old attracts interest from all over Europe.

As well as Postecoglou's side, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Newcastle want to sign Rabiot, while Bayern Munich are also thought to be interested in bringing him in on a Bosman deal.

The £148,000-per-week star has been praised by former Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as a "very elegant" player.

"There's an opportunity for him at this World Cup. It's arrived at the right time and he's ready," said Lloris in 2022.

'Technically he's a very elegant player and he really can help us go far."

Meanwhile, David Trezeguet has also branded Rabiot "extraordinary".

“We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different," said Trezeguet.

"He is world-class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”

Rabiot enjoyed a decorated career at PSG before swapping Ligue 1 for Italy, winning countless trophies at the Parc des Princes, so he would bring real trophy-winning experience to Postecoglou's side as well.

Last summer, Manchester United paid up to £72m to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, making him their sixth-most-expensive addition of all time after Paul Pogba, Antony, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Romelu Lukaku.

Hojlund seemed to struggle at first to shoulder the pressure of that price tag, failing to score a Premier League goal until the 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day. That strike, however, appears to have ignited the Dane, who is enjoying a run of five in six heading into Sunday's reverse fixture against the Villans.

With the Hojlund deal looking better by the week, United are now exploring the possibility of doing further business with Atalanta. This week, it emerged that Erik ten Hag's side have made initial contact over a deal for midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who's hoping to leave Bergamo this summer.

Juventus fear Man Utd in Koopmeiners race

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), United are the leading Premier League suitors for Koopmeiners. Juventus are also keen, but they recognise that the Red Devils, particularly after the fresh investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are able to overwhelm them financially. Atalanta are demanding around £51m to sell the Dutchman, and the "dangerous" United should be able to reach that figure.

Man Utd now want to beat Man City and Chelsea to "immense" young striker

He’s caught the eye of the European elite by making waves in his homeland.

ByDavid Comerford Feb 9, 2024

Encouragingly for United, Atalanta are already looking at possible replacements and have identified Marco Brescianini at Frosinone as a possible target. Juventus are also looking at Brescianini as they draw up contingency plans in the event that they miss out on Koopmeiners to United.

"Sensational" Koopmeiners can address creativity issue

Although Koopmeiners has played most often as an attacking midfielder this season, he's also operated as a number eight and a number six, while going further back in his career, he's amassed 46 appearances at centre-back and even popped up on the right wing a couple of times, too. That remarkable level of versatility has led Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley to laud him as "sensational".

Even though he's been moved around the team, the 25-year-old has maintained an excellent level of production for a midfielder, netting seven times and providing four assists in 26 games in all competitions. While he's scored more than he's set up, the underlying numbers suggest that creativity is his biggest strength – Koopmeiners ranks inside the top seven in Serie A for expected assisted goals (3.9), shot-creating actions (81) and key passes (43).

1

Albert Gudmundsson

Genoa

55

2

Matias Soule

Frosinone

51

3

Antonio Candreva

Salernitana

49

4

Teun Koopmeiners

Atalanta

43

5

Matteo Politano

Napoli

42

United would appear to be in desperate need of another playmaker, with Bruno Fernandes (seven) and Marcus Rashford (five) the only players in the squad to notch more than two assists in all competitions this season. It's no surprise, then, that they're targeting a player of Koopmeiners' profile.

England fast bowler to undergo rehabilitation on calf muscle that he first hurt during a County Championship game in early July

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2019

Getty Images

England pace spearhead James Anderson has been ruled out of the Lord’s Test against Australia which starts on August 14, after having suffered calf trouble in the first match at Edgbaston. Anderson left the field on day one after sending down four overs and he did not bowl again in the match although he did bat – with obvious discomfort – in both England’s innings.Anderson has since had an MRI scan, which confirmed an injury which needs addressing. He will now undergo rehabilitation, working with the medical teams of England and his county Lancashire.Also read: Joe Root defends James Anderson selection after injury undermines England attackAnderson’s problems were with the same muscle that he had torn while bowling for Lancashire in the County Championship in early July. He had passed a number of fitness tests in the lead-up to the Edgbaston game, but then found tightness in his calf during the match and went off. His absence was felt by England, who went down by 251 runs to Australia, despite having them at 122 for 8 in their first innings.After Lord’s, there are three more Tests to be played in the Ashes. England will hope he will be fit in time for the Leeds Test, which begins on August 22, although a more realistic return might be for the fourth Test, at Old Trafford in early September. He will be assessed on an ongoing basis for the same.Jofra Archer is the leading contender to replace Anderson, although he has had injury issues himself and will play a three-day 2nd XI game for Sussex this week to try and prove his fitness after carrying a side injury through the World Cup.Speaking after defeat at Edgbaston, Joe Root described Anderson’s injury as a “freak thing” and defended his inclusion in the XI. “It was a group decision in terms of the selection of him,” Root said. “He passed all the fitness tests. and it’s just one of those freak things that can happen in in cricket. It’s disappointing, but we’ve got to try and respond to that and make sure that we get things exactly how we want them at Lord’s.”

Newcastle United chiefs have been sending scouts to keep track of an exciting young midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, having been forced into a quiet January by Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Newcastle United transfer news

After fending off a number of surprising exit links, Eddie Howe was happy to see the January transfer window slam shut with the core of his Newcastle side intact. But while the North East outfit managed to keep hold of in demand stars Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, the lack of incomings has left the club needing to make a number of additions this summer.

Currently sitting ninth in the table, the top four finish last season and subsequent Champions League campaign feel like distant memories for Newcastle as they battle to keep themselves in the running for the European places. With just one win from their last six league games, the pressure is on Eddie Howe to build a team able to replicate last season's success.

Sandro Tonali's ongoing ban for gambling offences will mean he will be unavailable until next season, and fan favourite Joelinton's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, leaving the Premier League side in desperate need of midfield reinforcements. With reported losses to the tune of £155 million limiting their transfer spending this season, the top of Newcastle's to-do-list for the summer will be to address concerns in the middle of the park.

"Powerful" Onana wowing Newcastle scouts

The Magpies' well documented January window woes have left the club already making their plans for the summer window. Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle have compiled an extensive scouting dossier on Everton's Amadou Onana ahead of a potential deal for the Belgian international.

PIF's scouts are apparently very impressed by what they've seen too, as the club are now "very keen" on a deal and believe Onana is a "big upgrade" on some of their current options in the centre of the park.

Since arriving on Merseyside, the 22-year-old has earned significant plaudits, with current boss Sean Dyche glowing over his power, aerial ability, and timing to arrive in the box, as well as praising his "ugly side of the game with his hard work and positional sense".

With the futures of Newcastle's midfield duo hanging in the balance, any incoming players will have to match both the progressive output of Tonali and the defensive qualities of Joelinton. A strong tackler who can carry the ball and cause chaos in the opponent's box, there is no doubt that Onana could be the successor to the midfield at St James' Park, ranking in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won by midfielders in Europe's top five leagues (Onana stats – FBRef), as well as creating 39 shooting opportunities for he and his teammates this term.

Total

45

39

71.2%

31

A Swiss Army Knife of a footballer, Onana can adapt his game to compliment his teammates. Able to offer defensive support to the more attacking Bruno Guimarães or take on the progressive onus in the presence of the physical Joelinton, there is no wonder why Newcastle are making early moves to get this deal over the line.

After a fee of £33 million first brought Onana to England in August 2022, Everton will be eager to see a return on their investment in the former LOSC Lille midfielder. With further sanctions hanging over their heads and uncertainty over which league they will be playing their football next season, their hand could be forced to part ways with some of their prized assets this summer. With countless clubs circling the situation at Everton, Newcastle's early pursuit of one of the league's most promising players could see them complete the deal early into the next transfer window.

Juventus delighted that Newcastle want to sign their "excellent" player

The offer could come soon and they want to cash in.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 5, 2024

Chelsea have reportedly made a big offer to sign a new forward for Mauricio Pochettino and have already received a response.

Chelsea eyeing new striker

It seems as if a marque attacker is at the top of the wishlist for the Blues in 2024, with Todd Boehly potentially splashing the cash at Stamford Bridge once again.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Two attackers were brought in over the summer in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, however, the former has struggled with injury and the latter has come in for criticism at points. Jackson appeared to be jeered by Chelsea supporters in a defeat to Wolves last month, which resulted in Pochettino defending the Senegal striker, who is now currently away on AFCON duty.

“It is always about expectation, how you manage expectation and set the expectation. If we compare Jackson to different strikers that arrive at his age to a new league, he is scoring goals when you look at his performances.

“It is not about blaming him. I think you can accept the frustration from the fans: when we don’t score, it is about the offensive players. But my advice is to blame them all together because football is a team sport, a collective sport, we cannot blame only one. But in this case, he is young, in the Premier League, the expectation is massive and we are Chelsea. At Chelsea, there is pressure to play and deliver the best job possible.”

Victor Osimhen of Napoli has emerged as a leading candidate, however, a transfer may not materialise until the summer despite the player being open to a move. The Blues have been offered up to five strikers as short-term solutions, but it looks as if they have made their move for another star striker in Viktor Gyokeres.

Chelsea make offer to sign Viktor Gyokeres

According to reports from Portugal, relayed by The Daily Mail, Chelsea have made a bid to sign Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, offering around €85m (£73m). However, in a blow for Boehly and co, Sporting Lisbon have reportedly turned Chelsea’s proposal down and appear to be holding out for the player’s €100m (£86m) release clause. Also, Gyokeres wants to remain in Portugal until the end of the season after only joining from Coventry City last summer.

You can see why the Blues are seemingly interested in Gyokeres’ services, with the Sweden international taking his game to the next level after leaving the Sky Blues.

The 25-year-old contributed to 33 Championship goals last season as Coventry narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League and has gone from strength to strength with Sporting Lisbon.

Viktor Gyokeres stats 2023/24

Appearances

24

Minutes played

1,911

Goals

20

Assists

10

As can be seen, Gyokeres, hailed as “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, has starred during the current campaign and is currently averaging a goal contribution every 64 minutes.

The Blues appear to be just £13m short of triggering the striker’s release clause, so a return to England in 2024 with Chelsea could be one to keep an eye on.

أعلن نادي الزمالك، وصول اللاعب الفلسطيني عمر فرج، إلى القاهرة منذ قليل، تمهيدًا لانتظامه في تدريبات الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، استعدادًا للفترة القادمة.

وكان نادي الزمالك أعلن تعاقده مع عمر فرج مهاجم فريق أيك السويدي لمدة أربعة مواسم في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية، ضمن 3 صفقات أبرمها الأبيض.

ووصل اللاعب إلى مطار القاهرة منذ قليل، وكان في استقباله مسؤولي العلاقات العامة بالنادي، لاصطحابه إلى فندق الإقامة.

طالع أيضًا | يخشى الإيقاف.. مصدر في الزمالك يكشف لـ “بطولات” سبب عدم حضور بوبيندزا إلى مصر

يأتي ذلك عقب انتهاء مشاركة عمر فرج في معسكر منتخب بلده الأخير لخوض مباراتي كوريا الجنوبية والأردن في الجولتين الأولى والثانية من تصفيات كأس العالم.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة الشرطة الكيني، يوم 14 سبتمبر الجاري بالعاصمة الكينية نيروبي، في ذهاب دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، على أن يقام لقاء العودة باستاد القاهرة الدولي يوم 20 من الشهر ذاته.

In the early stages of every FIFA game, now EA FC, users have to slowly build up their Ultimate Team squads.

Collecting silver and bronze cards is where this tends to begin, and you get a feel for some alternative cards that are worth using.

Football FanCast runs you through a starting XI of silver cards that are fun to use and work well in-game on EA FC 24.

Jason Steele

Goalkeeper, Brighton

The Premier League is the location for our goalkeeper and in particular, the south coast.

Jason Steele was hugely impressive last season, displacing Robert Sanchez in between the Brighton & Hove Albion sticks.

This time around, the Englishman has interchanged with Bart Verbruggen in Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

In terms of EA FC, Steele is a 71-rated rare silver card.

75 kicking and 72 positioning are his standout stats on the front of his Ultimate Team item, which won’t necessarily blow you away, but his reflexes feel much higher than a 71 when playing with him.

Ruan

Right-back, D.C. United

Oue right-back choice takes us to MLS, with Ruan, who currently plays for D.C. United.

Ruan is pretty nifty on the flank with his 92 pace, though it has to be said that 55 defending for a defender isn’t particularly inspiring. However, he has the recovery speed to make up for it and works just as well as a RWB or even a RM.

Ruan enjoyed a few good years at Orlando City, winning the US Open Cup there before leaving to ply his trade in the capital.

Elisabeth Tse

Centre-back, Havre AC

The addition of female players into Ultimate Team has been one of the major changes moving into the EA FC era. Being able to play with players from leagues such as the WSL and NWSL is really refreshing and much-needed.

Elisabeth Tse is a Canadian centre-back and is just 20 years old who plays their football for Le Havre in the French top flight.

Speed at the back is always important whether you want to admit it or not, so 65 pace for a silver defender isn't too shabby. Other notable stats include 80 jumping and 78 strength, which contribute towards Tse’s 71 overall physicality.

Some players can feel clunky in-game but Tse is the opposite, as both on and off the ball, everything is smooth with her in the team at the heart of defence.

Mamadou Fall

Centre-back, FC Barcelona

Elisabeth Tse’s centre-back partner in this team is just slightly quicker with 68 pace, while Mamadou Fall's sprint speed being his superior stat ahead of acceleration.

Mamadou Fall of FC Barcelona is the man in question, and similarly, his jumping and strength stats tower over the rest with 82 and 78 respectively.

Fall made just 42 appearances in Major League Soccer with LAFC before earning a high-profile move to the La Liga giants.

The Senegalese defender, who is part of the Barca Atletic squad, can also play at right-back which is a huge plus, and at 6 foot 2, he is a force to be reckoned with in both boxes.

Bali Mumba

Left-back, Plymouth Argyle

Bali Mumba has been a revelation since he first arrived at Plymouth Argyle – with his successful spell on loan from Norwich City earning him a permanent move to Home Park.

84 pace and 71 dribbling are a solid pair of stats, but it is his 93 balance that comes to the fore when you set off on a mazy Mumba dribble.

He beats players with ease even in this higher division, following Argyle’s title win last term, and this is represented in the game.

Not only can Mumba play in a variety of positions on UT, but he also has 3-star skill moves and a 5-star weak foot. The latter is particularly evident as when you do drive up the field with the Argyle man, he can weave left and right.

High work rate in attack and defence put the icing on the cake.

Bali Mumba's Plymouth Argyle numbers
Appearances	68
Goals	8
Assists	12
Stats correct as of 10th December 2023

Hernani

Right-midfielder, Rio Ave

This isn’t the first or last mention of the fact that pace is integral to success on EA FC.

Some people may not want to admit that, with the ability to outperform and out-dribble players being more rewarding, but that is just the way it works.

A right-flank of Ruan and Rio Ave's Hernani with his 89 pace makes them a lethal duo and it is certainly his speed which stands out.

The Portuguese wide-man has slightly underwhelming shooting stats, but he can dribble well and has 5-star skill moves.

He is great fun to use and the end product can be put on the shoulders of those around him.

Jose Cifuentes

Centre-midfielder, Rangers

Jose Cifuentes made the move to Rangers from LAFC, where his final act in the US was to help win them the MLS Cup – with Gareth Bale’s last-gasp goal taking the game to penalties before the side proceeded to emerge victorious on spot-kicks.

Cifuentes is the first of our two mobile midfielders and there is a lot to like across the board when it comes to his statistical breakdown.

Stats go from amber to green on the traffic light system when they surpass 70, and he has shot power, balance, ball control, dribbling, defensive awareness, strength and stamina all in this ballpark.

On top of his wide range of green stats, Cifuentes has 70 agility and composure.

With 3-star skill moves and a 4-star weak foot, there is a lot to like about this Ultimate Team card on EA FC, even if one drawback is that he can’t be used in any position other than CM.

Warren Zaire-Emery

Centre-midfielder, Paris SG

Unlike Cifuentes, Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery has the ability to be deployed as a CDM in addition to his default position of CM.

There has been a large cultural shift in the French capital in the past year or so, with Neymar and Lionel Messi departing and being replaced by less high-profile players in comparison to the usual PSG acquisitions of recent times.

Zaire-Emery is benefiting from this shift and despite his tender years, the midfielder has been trusted greatly by Luis Enrique in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

There is no doubt that the 17-year-old will go on to great things, but for the time being, he is a 74-rated rare silver card with a lot to like about it.

No stats of Zaire-Emery’s jump off the page exactly, but he is a very well-rounded player both on EA FC and in real life.

76 sprint speed, 75 vision, 77 short passing, 76 ball control and 75 composure are amongst his higher numbers.

Warren Zaire-Emery's PSG numbers
Appearances	47
Goals	4
Assists	5

Gio Queiroz

Left-midfielder, Arsenal

Returning to England now, but the destination this time is the Women’s Super League.

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal have a lot of talented players in the wide areas, whether it be Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe or Beth Mead.

Gio Queiroz was just a teenager when she arrived in north London and spent last season on loan at Everton.

This time around, the Brazilian has remained a Gunner for the campaign and may yet leave on loan again in the new year, though she remains a very bright prospect indeed.

In terms of EA FC, Queiroz can play at LM, LW, RW or even ST.

Also, the Arsenal star has a solid amount of pace with 79 acceleration and 79 sprint speed, not to mention that she also boasts 82 balance and 78 ball control, which play into her dribbling abilities.

When using Queiroz’s card, there is a feeling of gliding across the turf which makes for a much more enjoyable experience in-game.

Artem Dovbyk

Striker, Girona

The first of our two forwards to lead the line is Ukrainian Artem Dovbyk.

Dovbyk earned a TOTW card very recently, so who knows how far his stock could rise?

His Girona side won 4-2 away at Osasuna in November and he played a part in the first three goals, assisting two and scoring one.

He also opened the scoring as they won at the home of Barcelona to remain at the La Liga summit.

Dovbyk’s player-of-the-match display against Osasuna was recognised by EA FC, but that card is 83-rated, so doesn’t fit the bill for this list.

However, his base card is 70-rated and a combination of 74 pace and the fact that he is 6 foot 1 is certainly enticing.

This makes him a dual threat in the opposition’s box, and when you add 3-star skill moves, a 4-star weak foot, 73 shot power and 85 jumping into the equation, success can easily be had there.