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Being a sporting director at a Premier League club is a demanding job and these days every move is scrutinised by the press and supporters. While no sporting director gets every transfer right, Leeds United’s Victor Orta has uncovered some real gems since his arrival at Elland Road.

Raphinha Was A Diamond In The Rough

Few on English shores would have heard of Brazilian winger Raphinha following his move from French outfit Rennes to Leeds back in 2020. A slight but pacey winger with a bag of tricks, the South American was clearly a player with potential. What was most noticeable at the time was the vocal dissent from the Rennes supporters to allow Raphinha to leave for Elland Road for a fee of around £17 million. That should have told Leeds fans all they needed to know and it was soon clear to the Elland Road faithful why Rennes’ supporters were somewhat disgruntled that their Brazilian star was to play for a side just promoted to the Premier League.

Orta and his scouts at Leeds clearly did their work behind the scenes and at the time there was not much talk of other interest in the Premier League. Leeds have not had much luck with Brazilian players in the past and few have ever really shone in the rigours of the Premier League. However, Raphinha took to the pace for the division like a duck to water and soon earned a first call-up to the Brazil senior side. Brazil is the current 9/2 favourite in the World Cup odds to win the World Cup in Qatar this year, and Raphinha looks set to play a big role. With the winger’s efforts catching the eye of some of the biggest clubs in England and abroad, it was always going to be difficult to keep hold of Raphinha for the long term. Barcelona snapped up the Leeds star over the summer with the Whites potentially earning £55 million from the deal. The sale of Raphinha to Barcelona and England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City helped fund Leeds’ summer dealings, which saw some much-needed reinforcements join the West Yorkshire outfit.

Sinisterra A Star In The Making

Orta looks like he might well have pulled off another “real deal” signing in the form of Colombian attacker Luis Sinisterra. The 23-year-old impressed with his efforts at Dutch outfit Feyenoord last season and Leeds splashed £21 million to bring the winger to Elland Road. Similar to Raphinha with pace, tricks and a determination to get on the ball and make things happen, Sinisterra has also hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Opening his goalscoring account in the EFL Cup against Barnsley with a fine strike at Elland Road, Sinisterra bagged his first Premier League goal a week later against Everton. A fine solo effort in an away defeat to Brentford also drew attention to Sinisterra’s talents before September’s international break where he went on to score three goals for Colombia. The fee for Sinisterra now looks to be another bargain for Leeds and again highlights the sterling work done by Orta and his team behind the scenes.

American Duo Looking Sharp

In a busy summer window, Orta also saw the arrival of two USA internationals Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams at Elland Road. Both players had worked under Leeds boss Jesse Marsch previously and they have slotted in well to the system under their fellow American coach. Aaronson really announced himself on the big stage to Leeds supporters with the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Chelsea, while Adams has already made himself a reputation for being a nuisance to opposition players in the middle of the park. Adams also has shown he has the technical ability and the vision to help fill the void left by Phillips after his move to City.

With Spanish midfielder Marc Roca also showing touches of class, it has overall been a positive summer of business for Orta and the Leeds hierarchy. More will be expected from Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen as he settles into the Premier League, while there is great excitement about what new arrival Wilfried Gnonto can do after the Italian international’s late arrival in the window.

Orta has been a key figure in the background in Leeds’ rise from the Championship in 2020 to trying to establish themselves back as a Premier League mainstay. From the early evidence of the new season, Orta’s work could well bear fruit for the Whites this term.

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West Bromwich Albion could be ready to replace Steve Bruce with someone who seems very keen on getting the job…

What’s the latest?

According to Chris Lepkowski, speaking on The Liquidator podcast, Millwall boss Gary Rowett is “very interested” in taking the Hawthorns hot seat.

A report in The Mirror on Monday noted his inclusion in a shortlist made up by the hierarchy at the club.

Lepkowski had the following to say: “You’ve got somebody like Gary Rowett, who I’m reliably informed is very interested in the job. By the quirks of football, we happen to be playing Millwall very soon.

“I’m not a betting man – I’m not saying that Rowett would definitely get the job – but he might be one to watch in all of this because I’m fairly sure that he will be a strong candidate.”

He could be worse than Bruce

There might be an outstanding reason why the Chinese ownership of the Midlands club could swoop for the Lions boss, as Rowett has a track record of working on a modest budget with his current club.

It might therefore come across as a slightly unambitious appointment, should they decide to go for the 48-year-old over some of the other more progressive names being touted, such as Russell Martin.

The Championship stalwart has certainly gained his experience, having also managed Birmingham City, Derby County and Stoke City in the league.

Although he had varied success, journalist Steve Nicholson had the following to say on his Rams side: “Derby’s style of play under Rowett has come in for criticism from some fans, who feel the approach is too negative.”

Whilst he may grind out better results, as with his Derby side that finished 6th in his debut season, it might birth further frustration from fans at the Hawthorns who will be wanting something a bit more exciting after Bruce’s dismal regime.

Whilst he might offer some stability and a run of good results, presenting him to a fanbase that has seen their side score just 17 in their 13 league games, after Millwall themselves have scored two less, would be like pressing the self-destruct button.

The fans might not react well to this one, and should it go wrong, it could actually turn out worse than the Bruce appointment with relegation on the line.

Southampton’s academy has produced untold amounts of talent, many of which were siphoned off to bigger clubs.

It is almost like a circle of life now with how they continue to churn out stars only to have them poached, where they almost always go on to achieve bigger and better things.

One such example is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did not go straight to Liverpool, but eventually made his way there as many from St Mary’s often do.

Sold for £15m to Arsenal in 2011, this marked a sensational fee for a 17-year-old.

However, the fact that he had ten goals and ten assists in 43 games for the Saints at that age suggested that he was truly destined for greatness.

Although many might argue he never properly fulfilled his star-bound potential, he achieved some pretty special feats across his career.

He scored 20 times in nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners, ending up with three FA Cups for his troubles.

It was not a sensational return but was certainly solid enough to denote the move as a success.

However, his transfer to Liverpool is what will really leave fans on the south coast somewhat regretting the decision all those years ago to sanction his departure.

The Reds forked out what seemed like an astronomical £35m fee for his services, and although injuries again halted his Anfield career, he has won nearly every trophy available to him now including a Premier League and Champions League.

Again a return of 17 goals and 15 assists is nothing special across 133 appearances, but his trophy cabinet is indicative of a fine player with the quality to contribute to all of these titles.

Journalist and avid Liverpool supporter Ben Webb predicted an “explosive” season for the 29-year-old back in 2019, just before they would go on to win their first league title since 1990.

He certainly was an explosive player, with his ability to pick the ball up and drive from midfield likely the reason he was so sought after.

Whilst he never seemed to recapture his form as a teenager at Southampton, his mere presence in these exceptional sides has meant that he will retire one day wholly satisfied with his extensive list of silverware.

He also featured 35 times for England, scoring seven times, including a famous goal at the Maracana against Brazil.

It is a shame he never did fulfil his touted potential, although for Saints fans it might have added insult to injury, as he has gone on to achieve insane amounts of triumph whilst his former club have been largely marooned in mid-table.

Tottenham Hotspur’s fine form in the Premier League continued as they defeated Everton on Saturday evening to record their best start to a season in over 58 years.

Harry Kane scored from the spot in his 400th appearance for the club before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg netted the winner in what was a dominating second-half spell from the home side.

It was the second consecutive game in which Matt Doherty started at right wing-back in the absence of the suspended Emerson Royal and the 30-year-old defender may have just fired his biggest statement yet in his bid to win starting honours.

In what was described as a “very astute” and “confident” performance by SportsJOE, the Irishman put in a display to remember on the right flank. He was frequently involved in the play, registering the fifth-most touches of the ball (76) and 51 accurate passes – a better rate than his wing-back counterpart Ivan Perisic and even Hojbjerg in midfield.

Also via SofaScore, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man – who cost around £15m in the summer of 2020 – registered two shots, one of which being on target and led to the penalty being won. Furthermore, Doherty put in two tackles and won six duels, both on the ground and in the air.

If we’re talking about what’s expected of a wing-back in Conte’s system, then this display pretty much epitomised it. He got forward to contribute in and around the penalty box but also did his defensive duties some justice, too.

Between him and Emerson, there is surely no debate to be had any more as the Irishman looks to have won that spot after catching the eye in back-to-back outings.

Doherty was lauded as “immense” by Gallows drummer and season-ticket holder Lee Barratt, whilst football.london’s Alasdair Gold waxed lyrical about his performance in his post-match column: ‘Much improved as the game wore on with plenty of runs forward, winning free-kicks and earning yellow cards for Everton players. Was involved in most things Spurs did well in the second half.’

After being withdrawn with mere injury time left on the clock, the energetic wing-back was greeted with a massive hug from his manager, who after the game was buzzing with what he saw. He told reporters (via Gold):

“I’m really happy for Matthew. He played a good game against Brighton but today he was better. He was good against Brighton but today I saw Matt Doherty of last season. I said to him ‘now finally you are the player I know!’.”

The £65k-per-week dynamo has certainly staked his claim to be the right wing-back starter for the foreseeable future.

He has one more crack at it against Manchester United in midweek before Emerson returns and if he performs as good as that again, then it’s hard to see the Brazilian breaking back into the side because Doherty has just made one hell of a statement to Conte.

AND in other news, Forget Hojbjerg: £42.5m “animal” who had 87 touches ran the show for Spurs vs Everton…

Benjamin Cremaschi helped to deliver a fourth straight win for Inter Miami during Lionel Messi’s absence, with the Herons now looking to “go again”.

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• All-time great away on Copa America duty
• Herons have fared admirably without him
• Big test against FC Cincinnati is next up

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is currently away on international duty with Argentina at the 2024 Copa America, leaving his team-mates in Florida to cope without him. They have been doing an impressive job, with maximum points collected from four 2-1 victories.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The latest of those came against Charlotte, as Tata Martino’s side headed out on the road. It appeared at one stage as though Inter Miami would have to settle for a share of the spoils, as Patrick Agyemang cancelled out Robert Taylor’s opener, but USMNT hopeful Cremaschi snatched a dramatic 86th-minute winner.

• WHAT CREMASCHI SAID

  Cremaschi, who is only 19 years of age, is among those being charged with the task of providing creativity and goal threat while Messi is otherwise engaged. He is revelling in that challenge and has posted on social media after making a match-altering contribution in North Carolina: “Another one on the road! Let’s go again on Saturday.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami’s next fixture promises to be their toughest yet – especially with Messi unavailable. They are due to face FC Cincinnati – their closest challenges in the MLS Eastern Conference – when heading to Ohio. Messi could be back for a home date with Toronto, but should definitely return to contention – fitness permitting – for a clash with the Chicago Fire at Chase Stadium on July 20.

David Moyes’ transfer business during his second spell at West Ham United has been impressive, with the Scot bringing the likes of Gianluca Scamacca, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen to the London Stadium.

The signing of Bowen has perhaps been most impressive. Joining from Hull in 2020, the winger has since scored 32 goals for the east London club and proved to be an excellent acquisition.

Indeed, Moyes might be onto another Bowen masterclass in terms of recruiting a Championship gem for a Premier League challenge.

West Ham are reportedly interested in bringing Isaiah Jones, the 23-year-old right wing-back and winger from Middlesbrough, to the London Stadium in the near future.

Last season, he scored once and registered nine assists in 42 Championship matches and has continued this fine form into the current campaign.

He already has five goal contributions in just 15 matches this term and is on course to smash the tally of ten that he achieved in 2021/22.

Jones ranks first in the Middlesbrough squad for successful dribbles (1.7 per match) and second for key passes (1.5 per match), proving that he is a constant attacking threat for his club.

The 23-year-old was dubbed “special” by George Elek last season, and it’s hard to disagree judging by his performances so far in the current campaign.

With Bowen proving to be an incredible success story at the London Stadium, Moyes might be able to repeat this masterclass by enticing Jones to join West Ham next year.

His next logical step is moving to the Premier League to continue his development, and it’s safe to say that the 59-year-old will be keeping a close watch on the Boro gem’s performances between now and the end of the season.

Leeds United have reportedly handed their manager a vote of confidence, despite poor results piling up at Elland Road…

What’s the latest?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Jesse Marsch still has the backing of Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and the remainder of the Whites’ hierarchy.

Writing in his CaughtOffside column, he claimed: “The Leeds United board are still backing Jesse Marsch as of today, so no news on a replacement, despite some speculation about his future and replacements.”

He continued: “Let’s see the next performance in Premier League as they are strongly supporting Marsch.”

It could be an Orta blunder

Although this show of faith is a rare positive sign for the modern manager, it could mark a huge blunder from the Spanish director of football who sounded the American out as his replacement for Marcelo Bielsa.

Especially considering how hasty they were to dismiss the legendary Argentine and replace him with a 48-year-old who has not really progressed the club.

It could be seen as further compounding the initial move to appoint him in the first place.

Since moving to Yorkshire, the American has picked up just 1.13 points per match on average across his 24 games in charge in LS11.

This season has been particularly tough, with just two wins and an even lower record of 0.82 per match.

He has led his side to the relegation zone with this form, having not won in eight matches.

Meanwhile, they sacked Bielsa whilst he sat two points above the relegation zone – coming off the back of some incredibly tough fixtures.

Whilst Marsch has lost the services of two of his main men from last season in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, the fact that he was allowed to completely reinvest so heavily and still has overseen no progress further outlines him as not good enough for the job.

The 48-year-old spent £93.91m this summer, with only ten clubs having splashed out more.

So, to find Leeds where they currently are in the league suggests a huge error has been made to back Marsch instead of having stuck with his predecessor.

The American will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to ensure his job remains secure, as Orta will eventually be forced into action should this current run of form continue.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell says that West Ham United could be gifted a ‘big boost’ after one insider’s injury news on winger Maxwel Cornet.

The Lowdown: Moyes looks for resurgence…

Irons head coach David Moyes is looking to revitalise his team after a lacklustre start to the Premier League campaign overall. West Ham currently lie 13th in the top-flight standings, having won just four of their opening 13 league matches whilst seriously struggling for goals.

Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves, the division’s bottom two teams , have scored less than the east Londoners, and Moyes will be attempting to find a tactical solution behind the scenes.

West Ham haven’t been helped by injury issues, with summer signing Cornet – Burnley’s top scorer last season – relegated to the sidelines since their 2-0 win over Wolves at the beginning of October.

The Latest: Campbell makes ‘big boost’ claim involving Cornet…

However, after some news from a club insider on the Ivorian’s condition,  Campbell says that West Ham could be handed a ‘big boost’.

Claret & Hugh stated that the 26-year-old’s inclusion on Sunday is a possibility, with the former Arsenal striker telling Football Insider that this will bolster Moyes’ options if true. Indeed, it is believed that Cornet could be in contention to return against Crystal Palace this weekend.

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Campbell explained: “It would be a big boost. West Ham are struggling to get in behind teams and score goals. Cornet is quick and direct. He could help them get behind.

“[Said] Benrahma is a dribbler whereas Cornet is a runner. He gets in behind and stretches teams. I think that is essential for West Ham at the moment.

“Cornet will not be starting this weekend but he is a handful off the bench. I’m sure David Moyes will be keen to get him involved as soon as possible.”

The Verdict: Hopefully…

Cornet attempted Burnley’s joint-highest rate of shots per 90 last season, also finishing 2021/22 with the Clarets’ highest goal tally, which shows just how important he could be to West Ham in the forward areas.

The Irons’ goalscoring statistics will come as a ringing alarm bell for Moyes, and the winger’s return to action could at least provide some form of a potential solution.

West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian winger Tete in the January transfer window and he could prove to be David Moyes’ own version of Manchester City star Phil Foden at the London Stadium.

According to The Sun, both West Ham and Leicester City are keen on signing the 22-year-old, who is currently starring on loan at Lyon after joining on a temporary basis from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer.

The report claims that a number of Premier League clubs explored a £25m transfer during the summer transfer window, and Tete is keen on a permanent move away from Shakhtar in January.

West Ham would have to buy out Lyon’s loan if they wanted to bring Tete to the London Stadium after the World Cup break but considering his form so far this term, it could be well worth the fee.

In 11 Ligue 1 games, the youngster has contributed an impressive five goals and two assists, averaging a strong 7.06 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

For context, West Ham’s top performer according to WhoScored this season has been Declan Rice, with the England international the only player in the squad to average above a 7/10, which emphasises just how impressive Tete has been.

The Brazilian, who has been labelled a “hurricane” in the past, has a very similar style of play to Foden, with FBRef suggesting that the England international is the most similar player to Tete when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

This season has seen the two players register extremely similar numbers in terms of expected goals (3.4 vs 3.3), progressive passes (26 vs 25) and goal-creating actions (seven vs eight), which emphasises that both players can be a real threat in the final third.

WhoScored also suggests that both Foden and Tete excel at passing, dribbling, finishing, playing key passes and holding onto the ball, so they are both clearly very technically gifted players who can resist the press.

Considering Foden’s impressive form with Manchester City in recent seasons, Moyes would surely be unwise to turn down a player similar to the English wonderkid, so he should definitely look to bring Tete in during the January transfer window.

Journalist Paul Brown believes that Tottenham Hotspur may look to sign a new defender during the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ previous transfer business

The north London club have not been shy in terms of diving into the transfer market and bringing new players in to help strengthen Antonio Conte’s squad.

However, things on the pitch have not been particularly pleasing for the Italian so far this season, especially at the back as the Lilywhites have conceded 21 goals across their 15 Premier League games, which is 10 more than the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Looking ahead to the upcoming January transfer window, it appears that the club have been backed to do something proactive to try and fix their defensive issues and bring a new figure in for that area of the squad.

The Latest: Brown’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown had this to say on the matter, saying it wouldn’t come as a shock if a new defender arrived in north London.

“It does seem like they might be willing to go and get another defender because Conte does love a defender, and his system requires covering all those positions, so that would not be a surprise at all.”

The Verdict: A wise move?

Bearing in mind how only four clubs have conceded more shots at goal than Conte’s side (216) in the league this season, this highlights how the Lilywhites could be in need of another defender. In addition to that, only two clubs have made more errors that have led to an opponent’s shot at goal than Spurs (8).

Also, with 10 sides having a higher percentage of aerial duels won than Tottenham (50.4%), this shows that a defender who can be dominant in the air is something that the north London outfit may be better off looking to bring in.

Taking all of this into account, it’s clear that Conte is in need of a new defender or someone that can help protect the defence and stop them from conceding so many chances.

Moving forward, it feels like securing the signature of a new defender in the upcoming January transfer window is a necessary move for the club to make.