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Tottenham Hotspur recently came through their second transfer window on the spin without signing a single player, and whilst the fans aren’t best pleased, the amount of players they’re being linked to (as per the Mirror) is promising. One of those players is David Brooks, and in this battle, we’ll be comparing the talented Bournemouth man to Dele Alli.

Reports emerged just after the end of the January window in The Daily Mail that Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy could be prepared to part with £50 million to prise Brooks from Bournemouth after the 21-year-old hit the ground running in the Premier League. That fee is a touch more than the £5 million they parted with to bring in Dele Alli, but given his potential, it would be worth it.

DELE ALLI

Tottenham’s young attacking midfielder has proven everybody wrong since he made the move from MK Dons to Spurs in January 2015. The midfielder officially joined up with Spurs the following summer, and he was an instant sensation. Since his move he’s gone on to rack up 171 appearances for the North London club, scoring 53 goals and registering 45 assists in the process.

It’ll be a tough ask finding anyone who can match those numbers at the age of just 22-years-old and the fact that Alli saves his goals for big games is something that the Lilywhites love. His record against London rivals Chelsea is sublime, and his two goals against Real Madrid last season also showcase his ability to pull off magic moments in big games as he continues to rise as one of the hottest young players in the world.

TT GRADE: A+

DAVID BROOKS

It will be hard for any young player to manage to thrive when compared to a sensation like Dele Alli, yet David Brooks is doing a great job. Whilst Alli is predominantly an attacking midfielder, best used making late runs to support Harry Kane, Brooks has the diversity to be used as a winger as well as a central figure and he’d be a superb addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

After impressing for Sheffield United in the Championship last season, racking up 30 appearances with three goals and five assists at the age of just 20, Bournemouth took a punt on the youngster and parted with a reported £10 million for him. Already that’s looking like a wise investment, and if the reports are true of a £50 million bid for him this summer then both Tottenham and Bournemouth will be winning.

TT GRADE: B

TT VERDICT:

No one is saying that Brooks isn’t good enough or that he should be doing more as he’s been given a lower grade than Alli. The Bournemouth man has performed well above what was expected of him and has shone this season, but Dele Alli has been at it for longer and is the more polished article. There’s no doubting that Brooks and Alli would make superb partners in an exciting Spurs side, but for now, Alli edges this battle.

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Tottenham Hotspur host Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League clash. 

Both sides are heading into this crunch encounter in fine form, and Spurs will fancy their chances of securing a positive result at home. 

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

However, Mauricio Pochettino cannot afford to underestimate the threat that Dortmund pose. In the likes of Marco Reus, Jadon Sancho and Christian Pulisic, the German club have an abundance of attacking quality in the wide areas.

What’s more, Spurs’ contingent of full-backs – featuring Kieran Trippier, Serge Aurier, Ben Davies and Danny Rose (with the latter duo potentially both absent anyway) – leaves much to be desired defensively.

In order offset this weakness and counter Dortmund’s strengths, Spurs ought to make the switch to a 3-at-the-back formation after using a diamond setup in the 3-1 win over Leicester on Sunday. This will ensure that their full-backs are covered by the additional centre-back, and will make it so that Dortmund can’t exploit Spurs’ defensive frailties in the wide areas so easily.

Which formation do you think Pochettino should use on Wednesday night? Let us know by commenting below..

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Sadio Mane struggled for form as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The Reds had the chance to take advantage of home comforts in the first leg but drew a blank, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino also in frustrating form.

But it was Mane who seemed to be at the centre of every major chance that fell Liverpool’s way.

Indeed, he showed signs that it might not be his night in the 15th minute, as he faced up Joshua Kimmich, turned him inside out and worked an angle for a shot. It was a wild effort and flew wide.

In the 32nd minute, he twisted to shoot first-time after a Naby Keita shot was deflected into his path, but he scuffed the effort and it did not trouble Manuel Neuer. An overhead kick in the second half was not even close.

Late on, a fine diving header drew an excellent save from the Germany goalkeeper but it was his only shot on target in the game.

While a member of a trio, when Mane fails to fire, Liverpool often struggle to create genuine moments of danger.

This was true on Tuesday, too, as, per WhoScored, Mane touched the ball just 37 times, the fewest of any Reds outfield player.

He completed just one dribble throughout the game, too, and was dispossessed five times, the most of any player on the pitch.

In total, Mane also committed three fouls, the joint-most of anyone except for Robert Lewandowski.

The Senegal international attempted a mere 17 passes, the least of any Liverpool player that started the game, and 13 lower than Alisson, who had the second-lowest tally for the home side.

Mane’s misfires ultimately stunted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm and robbed them of the dynamism that usually defines their forays forward.

Because of his poor form, the Reds could not sustain their pressure and now find themselves in need of a classic performance in Germany if they are to progress to the next round.

Robert Snodgrass isn’t really the player one expects big things from at West Ham United.

He doesn’t have the clinical ability of Marko Arnautovic, majestic touches like Manuel Lanzini or the kind of oozing charisma which makes Michael Antonio famous. But what works to his advantage is his old-school style.

Snodgrass has impressed Manuel Pellegrini with his work-rate and crossing ability to become a mainstay at West Ham. He’s been used as centre-midfielder, but operates ahead of Mark Noble and Declan Rice in the midfield three, a role he’s quickly becoming fond of.

The Scottish midfielder proved his ability with a fantastic performance against Fulham in the London Derby. Coming into the game winless in five, the Hammers needed a big win against their rivals. Snodgrass was clearly motivated by the derby atmosphere on a Friday night and was rewarded for his hard work and persistence.

He gave an astonishing performance for the Hammers, causing a lot of trouble with his amazing left-foot. After the Hammers went behind early in the game, he rallied them back with his set-pieces, which caused utter chaos in the box. Indeed, it was his corner which wiggled its way past everyone for the equalizer before he assisted Issa Diop’s header with perfect delivery.

Snodgrass was efficient after moving into the left-wing later on, almost assisting Arnautovic with a brilliant cross. Having created nine chances, recorded an 83% passing accuracy (stats via Fotmob) and willing West Ham forward throughout, Snodgrass proved that despite the stark competition, he isn’t moving out of the starting lineup.

With Manchester City up tonight, the former Leeds United ace – who was once criticised in being labelled ‘not exactly a triumph’ by Karren Brady in the Sun –  looks as if he’s finding his feet in claret and blue. In fact, he’s making Brady look really rather stupid indeed.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer on a permanent deal? New signings to strengthen an already rejuvenated squad? What a time to be a Manchester United fan. Living in the moment, it sure is good again.

Still, on the run to the end of the Premier League and football leagues around the world, fans are beginning to look forward to the summer transfer window. That’s just the insatiable nature of the proverbial silly season.

Indeed, one name that has been thrown around for United is the young English superstar Jadon Sancho and it’s not hard to see why. The Dortmund star looks a real prospect and would be a statement signing for the Red Devils, helping form a wonderfully devastating attacking line with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

However, it could be that (as per the Sun) the 18-year-old could look to play his football elsewhere. So, with this in mind, we look at TWO other potential players United could spend their money on.

Gareth Bale 

Since leaving the Premier League for La Liga, Gareth Bale has struggled to hit the height of expectations at the Bernabeu. Despite winning a number of Champions League and La Liga trophies, the Welshman has become the subject of negative abuse from the Real Madrid fans, and is even failing to break into the first-team under manager Santiago Solari.

Perhaps the best British footballer of all time, he needs saving in the Spanish capital.

Having an impressive record in Spain, scoring 77 goals and providing 42 assists in 147 La Liga appearances, as well as being Premier League proven, this one makes sense. Yes, he’d be expensive, but can you imagine the sight of Bale running at full pelt in front of the Stretford End?

He’s often been linked with a move to Old Trafford, after all. They almost seem too perfect for each other.

Memphis Depay 

After already having an under par spell at Manchester United, Memphis Depay should look to return to the Premier League with some unfinished business. Indeed, since leaving the Theatre of Dreams, the Dutch winger has enjoyed a much happier spell in France with Lyon.

Things were never going to work under Jose Mourinho but the idea of the current Norwegian genius in charge of the Red Devils working with such a supreme talent is truly exciting.

Having scored 30 Ligue 1 goals and grabbing 29 assists, Depay is showing that his spell at Manchester United – who are understood to have a buy-back clause – was a blip in what is an otherwise impressive career so far.

It can be argued that his spell at United didn’t work due to the lack of creative football produced, however with this current side, the fans will feel that the 25-year-old will fit right in and can finally show he has what it takes to be a Premier League player.

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Barnsley have confirmed that Ben Williams has signed a new deal with the club, extending his terms until 2022.

The Tykes have made a wise move in tying the 19-year-old down at Oakwell, as he is a player of huge promise with a high potential future value. The left-back has been in and around the Barnsley first team this season, and has made twelve appearances in all competitions, including eight in League One.

The young Welshman is not yet ready to start week in, week out, but he has taken big strides forward in his development this year. 

It’s a major positive for the Yorkshire club to have secured the services of such a talented youngster. Manager Daniel Stendel also deserves plenty of credit for the sensible and measured way he is bringing Williams through into the first team picture.

Following the announcement of the young defender’s new contract, plenty of Barnsley fans took to Twitter to congratulate Williams and express their excitement over the deal…

The groans could be heard all across the country and social media. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had been left out of the England squad, and the outrage was felt everywhere.

The superstar defender, who has been a breakout success for Palace has this season has statistically and stylistically, was heavily tipped to be in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for upcoming EURO 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro. However, the 21-year-old fullback was omitted from the squad.

Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold were selected as England’s right-backs for the March international break causing cries of outrage from Palace fans as well as supporters from other teams due to the absence of Wan-Bissaka.

This season Wan-Bissaka has been one of the most defensively efficient players in not just the Premier League but in all of Europe. Recent statistics show that the Croydon-born Palace man has had the most successful tackles (71) out of anyone in the top five leagues on the continent this campaign, five more than Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi who resides in the second spot on the list.

The England U-21 international has also been linked with a big money move to Manchester United this season, with the Red Devils eager to strengthen their defence and replace club veteran Antonio Valencia.

Wan-Bissaka has been a star in the Prem this season, but is he really ready for international football?

If there’s anything we’ve learnt about Southgate and his England squads is that he is loyal to certain players and that he favours those who have been through the England international setup.

Although Wan-Bissaka has been great this season and will likely flourish into one of the best right-backs in the league, it is understandable why Southgate didn’t select him for this international break.

The defender has only represented England on four occasions at youth level, and this was after he played for the DR Congo’s U-20’s when he was only 16-years-old, a nation he is legible to play for through family, and there are rumours that the African nation might swoop in and take Wan-Bissaka right from Southgate’s nose.

Whether or not Wan-Bissaka chooses England or DR Congo is a debate for another time, but the fact still stands that the Palace defender just isn’t ready for international football.

Look at Alexander-Arnold as a case study on how to get in the England squad. The Liverpool right-back might be a year younger than Wan-Bissaka, but the Merseyside-born defender has been part of the Three Lions international set-up since he was 15-years-old, representing every level of England from the U-16’s all the way to the U-21’s and now a part of the senior squad.

It’s this kind of experience Southgate wants from his players, meaning it will take a while for the Palace man to earn a spot in the England squad. But this waiting isn’t a bad thing.

Wan-Bissaka is still young at 21 and has played a lot of games this season, and this international break not only allow the defender to get some well-earned rest, but it’s also two games missed where the Palace star could pick up an injury, which would derail Roy Hodgson’s plans for his side this season massively.

There’s no question Wan-Bissaka is one of the brightest English defensive prospects to emerge in years, and although his omission from the latest England squad might be seen as harsh, Southgate has so far approached team selections in the right manner, and it will pay off in the future.

Crystal Palace fans, when do you think Wan-Bassaka will break into the England squad?

It just had to be Napoli, didn’t it?

After scraping through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League following a 4-2 aggregate win against Stade Rennais, Arsenal faces arguably their most difficult test this season after being drawn with Italian side Napoli.

It’s starting to feel like last season all over again. With Champions League qualification via a top-four finish still in the balance, Europa League glory might be the most viable option for passage back to Europe’s elite competition, and then Arsenal get drawn with the hardest team in the tournament.

That’s not to say Napoli are on par with Atletico Madrid, far from it. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in all of Europe, and this has been the case for some years.

Napoli is the club where ‘Sarriball’ was birthed and is the method of play that last season almost resulted in the south Italian team winning their first Scudetto in 1990. But just like most things in Italy, Juventus turned up and ruined the party.

League heartbreak aside, Napoli remain one of the best teams in the country and one of the most exciting club sides in all of Europe. But should Arsenal be worried?

On paper, the Gunners should be cautious. This is Napoli we’re talking about, a thrilling team to watch that play the beautiful game at 100MPH, but at the same time, they are a team that can buckle under pressure, and especially in Europe.

Since returning to Europe this decade Gli Azzurri have been one of the most underwhelming sides in the continental competitions. Napoli finished third in their Champions League group with PSG and Liverpool finishing above them and last season they again finished third in their group, this time losing out to Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Napoli have never been one to get a result against English teams, and this will be a big factor for Arsenal when going into this tie. The Gunners have already played against the Italian side this decade in the Champions League group stage, winning 2-0 at home and then losing the away fixture by the same scoreline.

With Unai Emery’s side playing at home in the first leg, it is vital the Gunners get a big result and avoid letting in an away goal. Arsenal’s defending in the big games as of late has been impressive, with clean sheets against Stade Rennais and Manchester United at home as well as a valiant performance away to Spurs.

It will be the away leg that Arsenal fans must worry about.

We all know about the form away from home and the shaky defence Arsenal currently have, and going away to a stadium as intimidating as the Stadio Sao Paulo could have a major effect on how this series ends up.

But if the Gunners defence turn up like they have done in recent weeks, Arsenal could be looking forward to a Europa League semi-final against either Emery’s old side in Valencia or be welcoming home a club hero in Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal fans, do you think Arsenal can progress against Napoli?

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Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has revealed that he is an Arsenal fan and has opened the door to a move to the club, per Bild via Goal.

The left-back has been with Bayern since 2010 and has made over 330 appearances for the club’s first-team.

What’s the word?

Alaba has emerged as perhaps the best left-back on the planet during his time with Bayern.

The Austria international is still only 26 but he has won the Bundesliga seven times, the Champions League once and the German Cup four times.

A key component of Bayern’s backline, he has now revealed that he would be open to the prospect of a move away in the future.

And, when pressed on where he would like to move to, he name-checked England, before revealing his childhood love of the Gunners.

“I can imagine trying something else but I really feel very comfortable at Bayern,” he said.

“Every year there a new challenges and new objectives and the pressure will always be there. I’m happy in Munich but of course, I can imagine seeing something else.”

When asked where he would like to play, he added: “Spain, England. In Spain it would be the two big clubs, I guess? Real or Barcelona. Also the big clubs [in England].”

Asked about Arsenal, and whether he supported them as a child, he said: “Yes I was [an Arsenal fan as a child]. When you’ve been Arsenal fan as a kid you will be one your whole life in some way.”

Dream signing

Alaba would be the ultimate summer signing for the Gunners.

Their reserves at left-back are depleted, with Nacho Monreal’s contract expiring at the end of the season and Sead Kolasinac failing to truly convince in the role.

A move for Alaba would solve that problem at a stroke and bring in a genuinely world-class player to strengthen Unai Emery’s team.

There are very few opportunities like this afforded to teams but the Gunners should attempt to grab it with both hands.

Emery may well have to convince the board to part with a hefty chunk of change to lure the Austrian to London but it simply must be worth a try.

Marcelo Bielsa has established himself as a hero at Elland Road this season having taken Leeds from a mid-table side to automatic promotion challengers. Of course, there’s still a long way to go from here on in until the end of the season, but the Whites are certainly on the right track.

Leeds managed to climb above Sheffield United earlier on today by securing a convincing victory over Millwall in front of home support, with Norwich now firmly in their sights.

Although, it looks as if Bielsa has turned his attention towards a possible summer transfer move, as according to Football Insider, Leeds are plotting a swoop to sign Fulham’s Stefan Johansen, who is set to be available on a free.

The Norway international has struggled to adjust to life at the Hawthorns after joining on loan back in the January transfer window. But, that shouldn’t scare the Whites away as he was simply sensational in the Championship with his parent club Fulham as he produced eight goals and eight assists.

Johansen is very different to a normal central midfielder as he operates in more of a playmaker role by making use of his creativity and finishing ability. So, the attack-minded midfielder could be the man to replace Samu Saiz in the summer, as according to a report from El Gol, Valencia are interested in the Spaniard.

Of course, Tyler Roberts has impressed in the No.10 role in recent times at Elland Road, but Johansen would be a great alternative. He also has plenty of experience from his time in England having made over 100 appearances for the Cottagers, so he could be a real asset for Leeds, regardless of whether they secure promotion.

Leeds United fans, do you think that Johansen could replace Samu Saiz in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting down below!