This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leicester City’s defence has been formidable this campaign, conceding the joint-lowest number of goals, alongside Sheffield United, with eight.
This indicates that Arsenal could have a tough time penetrating their defence, though there is potentially one way that can be achieved, looking at the Foxes’ performance in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
On the chalkboard
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has been vital for Arsenal this season with his goals, as he has netted 8 in 11 Premier League appearances this season, as per WhoScored.
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However, it could be the £56m man’s running in wide areas that causes problems for the Foxes, with Ricardo Pereira the main target for this.
There was a moment in Leicester’s game against Crystal Palace where Youri Tielemans gave the ball away, and having sprinted up the pitch, the Portuguese full-back left a hole in behind him that Wilfried Zaha exploited.
In the end, the Leicester man brought down the Ivory Coast international, giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Though nothing came from it, the sequence of play served to illustrate a potential avenue of success for the Gunners this weekend, with Pereira’s desire to impact the game in the final third a trait that could leave spaces in behind the Foxes’ backline.
The fact the former FC Porto man has scored two goals already this season illuminates his attacking desire.
By no means is Pereira weak defensively, as indicated by the fact he has made 4.5 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game this season.
However, there is definitely room for exploitation, as he commits 1.4 fouls and is dribbled past 1.9 times per game on average, stats which are likely correlated with how often he looks to get forward.
Aubameyang is a definite counter-attacking threat for the Gunners, and his potent blend of speed, flair and goal scoring expertise could be maximised down the left wing against the Foxes.
Tottenham Hotspur have been approached by representatives over signing a free agent attacker who featured for his country at Euro 2024, and who also finished the 2020/2021 campaign as the Europa League's top goalscorer.
Spurs preparing for all-important Arsenal clash after international break
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou got his first defeat of the new Premier League season out of the way early, having fell to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James' Park last Sunday.
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Alexander Isak's winner in the 78th minute was all that split the two teams, with Dan Burn's own goal cancelling out Harvey Barnes' opener beforehand and giving the Lilywhites brief hope they could take a result away from where has been an unhappy stomping ground for Spurs in recent years.
However, Isak ensured it wasn't to be, and Postecoglou now turns his attention to one of Tottenham's biggest matches of the season. The north Londoners take on Arsenal at home in their first match after the international break, and it is a clash which they will be desperate to win.
Arsenal (home)
September 15
Brentford (home)
September 21
Man United (away)
September 29
Brighton (away)
October 6
West Ham (home)
October 19
Speaking to the press after Spurs' defeat in the North East, Postecoglou still praised Tottenham's performance against Newcastle, insisting their opening three performances of the new season have been encouraging.
"Yeah, obviously, very similar I guess to our first away game when we controlled it for the most part, nullified most of the threats that Newcastle have," said Postecoglou.
"It's obviously a difficult opponent here at home. The crowd create a pretty strong atmosphere for the home side, little things go their way but I thought for the most part we handled that really well. Then we gained the ascendancy in the game and we just needed to kill it off and we didn't and a disappointing second goal. I thought we switched off a little bit but the game should have been well over by then. So, another sore one unfortunately where we haven't got the rewards for our play, but ultimately it's three strong performances from the first three games. The results don't reflect it in that way."
It's set to be a long and interesting campaign at N17, especially considering their involvement in the new Europa League format, and tough tests like Arsenal soon await.
Tottenham reportedly wanted to strengthen in midfield before the summer transfer window closed, and to reinforce Postecoglou's squad further ahead of a congested fixture calendar.
With the UK window shut, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange can only dip into the free agent market if they wish to make further additions, but they'll have to do so before September 14, which is the Premier League's full squad submission deadline.
Tottenham offered chance to sign free agent Yusuf Yazici
According to HITC, the club have now been contacted over the availability of former Lille star and 45-cap Turkey international Yusuf Yazici.
The 27-year-old, who finished the 2020/2021 season as the Europa League's top goalscorer, was also called up to represent Turkey at the Euros this summer. However, that wasn't enough to convince Lille to offer him a new deal, and the attacking midfielder left the Ligue 1 side after six years in June.
Their loss could be Postecoglou's gain, though, as it is believed Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Yazici on a free transfer, as have other English top flight clubs.
The Turk also helped to spearhead Lille to an unlikely Ligue 1 title in 2021, boasting a career total of 64 goals and 39 assists in all competitions across spells at Lille, Trabzonspor and CSKA Moscow.
Over the last couple of weeks, countless names have been thrown into the mix as Nottingham Forest aim to secure a new striker before Friday’s transfer deadline.
On the face of it, it may seem harsh that the club are looking for new options after Chris Wood registered 14 Premier League goals last campaign, but it’s a signal of ambition from owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Eddie Nketiah appeared the most likely at one stage, but after failing to agree personal terms with the Arsenal ace, a deal fell through, with the Englishman now set for a move to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah
Vitor Roque is another name that has previously been mentioned, but after his loan move to Spanish side Real Betis, the Reds have to continue their hunt with just a couple of days left in the window.
As a result, they may turn to one target who has previously been the subject of interest from Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest's search for a striker
According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have now set their sights on Ajax striker Brian Brobbey before Friday’s deadline.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in Eredivisie during 2023/24, registering 18 goals and eight assists, before receiving a call-up to the Netherlands national side for Euro 2024.
The report states that Forest are desperate to land a new centre-forward before the deadline, with the Ajax man the latest player on the club’s radar after their failure to sign Nketiah last week.
However, Brobbey would be an expensive addition for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, with previous reports claiming that the Dutch side value the youngster at around the £30m mark.
His goalscoring record would make him a phenomenal addition, but also his all-round play is suited to the Reds’ current system, making him a perfect alternative to another current target.
Why Brobbey would be the perfect Gimenez alternative
The saga over a potential move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has been ongoing for numerous days, with various reports claiming different things over a potential move to the City Ground.
Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez
Forest have had three separate bids rejected for the Mexican international, but journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed yesterday that the club are still trying to secure a deal for the 23-year-old.
It would be a deal in the region of €33m (£28m) for Gimenez, a respectable fee given his tally of 29 combined goals and assists in the Eredivisie last season.
However, the club still remain in the race for Brobbey, with the Ajax talent potentially being a better option for the Reds than Gimenez.
The “exceptional” Dutchman, as described by scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer goal contributions last season, but did manage to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate than the Mexican, making him more efficient with his chances in the final third.
Games played
30
30
Goals + assists
26
29
Progressive carries
2
1.8
Shot-on-target accuracy
48%
47%
Pass accuracy
78%
68%
Shot-creating actions
3.5
2.7
Take-on success
49%
33%
Aerials won
63%
47%
He also contributed with more shot-creating actions per 90 whilst winning more aerial duels, providing that target man and aerial threat that Nuno likes in his centre-forwards.
Brobbey also achieved a higher pass accuracy rate, whilst completing more of the take-ons he attempted, demonstrating his quality at the ball at his feet – a crucial attribute to fit into the club’s transition into a more possession-based side.
Manchester United transfer target Brian Brobbey in Europa League action for Ajax.
Whilst Gimenez undoubtedly remains the club’s top target, with just a couple of days left in the window, they are running out of time to secure a deal for a player who will take the Reds to the next level.
Brobbey has demonstrated in the Netherlands that he has all the tools to thrive in the Premier League, with his bulldozing nature a problem for any defender who tries to stand his way.
£30m could be a good price for the youngster, who’s proven his goalscoring ability, whilst also having the potential to improve further in the East Midlands.
Celtic have less than a week to go to complete the remainder of their business before the summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday night.
The Hoops have made four new signings to bolster their squad so far since the end of the 2023/24 campaign, as Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, Paulo Bernardo, and Adam Idah have all arrived on permanent deals.
Idah and Bernardo spent time on loan in Glasgow last term and this means that the Scottish giants are yet to sign any outfield players who were not already at the club last season.
However, the Scottish Premiership champions are set to change that as they are closing in on a deal to sign Alex Valle on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano claims that the Hoops are poised to bring the Spanish youngster in on a temporary basis, with a verbal agreement already in place between all parties, whilst the left-back has signed a new contract with the LaLiga giants.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that Celtic will pay a loan fee of £1.3m to cover the defender's wages for the 2024/25 campaign.
Alongside their swoop for Valle, the Glasgow-based outfit are also reportedly looking to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options in the wide areas this week.
Celtic pursuing deal for Serie A forward
According to Corriere dello Sport (26/08/2024), as relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi, the Hoops are interested in a deal to sign Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Scottish giants are already in talks with the Serie A side to discuss a possible move for the forward ahead of Friday's deadline.
It states that the Hoops are preparing to make an offer to sign the 23-year-old star on a season-long loan with an obligation to make it permanent next summer.
However, the outlet does not reveal how much the Bhoys are prepared to pay to make it permanent at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, or how much Lazio would want for his services.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned Anthony Joseph adds that Celtic have made an enquiry over the availability of Isaksen and states that Lazio are not looking to sell him this week.
It remains to be seen, though, whether or not they are open to allowing the Danish wizard to leave on loan amid this seemingly strong interest from the Hoops.
If Rodgers and his recruitment team do manage to get a deal over the line for the Serie A whiz before the deadline then they could land a big upgrade on Daizen Maeda out wide.
Why Celtic may want an upgrade on Daizen Maeda
The Japan international is a hard-working winger who puts a shift in for the team, with the manager once claiming that he has the work rate of "two players".
He presses hard for the side and never gives defenders a moment of peace with his relentless running in and out of possession for the Scottish giants.
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.
However, Maeda's work in the final third when in possession of the ball lets him down at times and Celtic could improve their output as an attacking force by landing an upgrade on him this week.
The 26-year-old has produced one assist in two games in the Premiership so far this season, teeing up Reo Hatate with a knock-down header at the back post, but he has also missed two 'big chances' and failed to find the back of the net.
His finishing in front of goal was also an issue for him during the 2023/24 campaign in the Scottish top-flight, as Maeda only managed six goals in 28 outings.
Appearances
28
Goals
6
Big chances missed
12
Key passes per game
0.5
Assists
3
As you can see in the table above, the winger missed a whopping 12 'big chances' and failed to hit double figures for goals and assists combined.
The Japanese forward also failed to create at least one chance per match for his teammates, with 0.5 key passes per game, and these statistics show that he was unable to provide consistent quality as a scorer or a creator of goals for Celtic in the Premiership.
Why Celtic should sign Gustav Isaksen
The Hoops should now push to secure a deal to sign Isaksen from Lazio in the coming days because the Danish star has the potential to come in as an upgrade for the club.
He only produced three goals and one assist in 12 starts in the Serie A in his first season in Italy but his underlying numbers showed signs of promise. His three goals came from 1.59 xG and the forward created 2.03 xA worth of chances for his teammates, which suggests he was a ruthless finisher and unfortunate not to record more assists.
His form in limited minutes in Italy indicates that Isaksen could thrive in a Celtic team that provides him with more chances to find the back of the net, as shown by Maeda missing 12 'big chances' and still scoring six goals.
The 23-year-old wizard joined the Italian side from FC Midtjylland last summer and his form for the Danish side during the 2022/23 campaign backs up the theory that he could excel as a goalscorer in a dominant team.
Appearances
32
Goals
18
Big chances missed
4
Key passes per game
1.7
Assists
5
As you can see in the table above, Isaksen, whose form was hailed as "extraordinary" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, enjoyed a sublime goalscoring record as a winger with 18 strikes in 32 outings in the Superliga.
He only missed four 'big chances' in total, in comparison to Maeda's 12 'big chances' missed to score six last term, and this suggests that the Denmark international would come in as a huge upgrade for Celtic as a finisher on the flank.
Isaksen, who can operate on either wing, also created 1.7 chances per game for Midtjylland – more than three times as many per game as Maeda managed in the Premiership last season – and this indicates that he would also provide the Hoops with more creativity.
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Therefore, Rodgers could improve his team, certainly in possession in the final third, by swooping to sign the Serie A ace before Friday's deadline.
Liverpool have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba as Jurgen Klopp looks to recraft his side, according to reports.
What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Liverpool?
According to 90min, Liverpool's interest in the Burkina Faso international is acting as a deterrent to Tottenham Hotspur, who are "wary" of several Premier League rivals as they look to bolster their defence.
The Reds are focussing their attention on their midfield with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving next week at the end of their contracts, and Alexis Mac Allister has already arrived for £35m.
But the defence also needs reinforcement and Tapsoba could be the perfect addition to return Anfield to its former vigour, with Die Werkself demanding around £61m for their star defender.
Who could Edmond Tapsoba replace at Liverpool?
Given Liverpool's defensive woes last season and inability to retain their Champions League status after finishing fifth in the Premier League, it's understandable that Klopp is hoping to secure a signature to bolster his backline.
While it is unlikely that Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will be displaced from their starting berths at the centre of the Reds' defence, the pool of depth in the position needs expanding after Joe Gomez and Joel Matip failed to inspire confidence.
The latter, 31-year-old Matip, is approaching the final year of his contract with Liverpool and looks set to remain at the club, departing on a free next summer.
While he is still a valuable backup to have, Tapsoba would be an upgrade and could be viewed as the eventual heir to the Cameroonian, who has made 187 appearances since signing from German outfit Schalke on a free transfer in 2016.
He has won a wealth of major honours during his stay, but after starting just 12 times in the Premier League this term he has received criticism for his "awful" displays by CBS reporter Nico Cantor.
Liverpool defender Joel Matip.
In the 24-year-old Tapsoba, Liverpool would sign a "monster" of a centre-half – as praised by journalist Antonio Mango – who could bring a progressive approach to match Matip's and an iron-clad determination, having averaged 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game last term and won 62% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.
And given the £37k-per-week ace ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, he could indeed emulate Matip's role at the club.
Liverpool's 6 foot 5 colossus ranks among the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, with such parallels strengthening the claim that Tapsoba is a tailor-made replacement.
Liverpool must make their move and reconstruct the club's framework after a lacklustre year, and while Matip is undoubtedly a stalwart, his ship has sailed on Merseyside and Klopp must make his move to sign a burgeoning upgrade in Tapsoba.
Leeds United suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League this season and have identified Brendan Rodgers as a potential managerial candidate for next year.
What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Leeds?
A report from the Daily Star at the start of the month claimed that the club are 'huge admirers' of the former Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City boss, who was dismissed by the latter several months ago after their own plummet from the top-flight this term.
Since then, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, confirmed that the Whites are compiling a list of managerial targets after Sam Allardyce's departure and Rodgers is indeed at the forefront.
He said: "There are obviously a few candidates that Leeds are looking at at the moment. We're hearing growing talk of names like Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter.
"I think both of those would see themselves as Premier League managers, but Leeds are a big club and in a year might be in the Premier League again, which is why Leeds may feel that they have that opportunity."
Should Leeds appoint Brendan Rodgers?
There are few prospective gaffers that would represent a greater coup than Rodgers for the 49ers this summer, with the distinguished 50-year-old winning a wealth of silverware with the Hoops and the FA Cup and Community Shield with the Foxes.
Leeds supporters will be dismayed by the failure to cement a comfortable position in the Premier League after so many years of strife, languishing in the second and third tier, and this historic English outfit must now take the requisite steps to ensure they are not mired in obscurity for another interminable period.
And Rodgers would be a first-rate appointment; a proven winner, the Northern Irish boss's 'free-flowing, possession-based' approach fits the kind of exciting style that Whites fans became so accustomed to under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa, and given his inclination to field a 4-2-3-1 set-up, the likes of the lacklustre Brenden Aaronson could finally forge a career worth cheering in Yorkshire.
Signing from RB Salzburg for around £25m last summer, the attacking midfielder was expected to act as a conduit between the centre and the frontline and rekindle the offensive verve that dissipated somewhat as Leeds narrowly staved off relegation in the 21/22 season.
However, after scoring just one goal and supplying three assists from 36 top-flight appearances, his endeavours were anything but auspicious and he was even branded a "lightweight" by pundit Jon Newsome.
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
The 29-cap USMNT player could be transformed by Rodgers who has had notable success with James Maddison.
With his tendency to star as a No. 10 in the Northern Irishman's system, the Foxes phenom found great success this term despite his club's relegation.
Maddison plundered ten goals and nine assists from just 28 league starts and has been heralded as a "magician" by Statman Dave, and under his former gaffer, he posted 49 goals and 33 assists from 166 displays.
Once described as a "stand-out" asset with "huge energy" for Leeds by Noel Whelan, Aaronson fell by the wayside but could rekindle his flame under new management in the Maddison role, albeit in a new division.
Indeed, with a clean slate to finally demonstrate his playmaking capabilities to the demanding Whites fanbase, he could finally become a star a year after signing.
Leeds United have launched an eleventh-hour attempt to hijack Celtic’s move for Brendan Rodgers, according to The Daily Record.
What’s the latest Celtic news involving Rodgers?
The Hoops are on the search for a new manager after Ange Postecoglou departed the club for Tottenham Hotspur. A number of names have been linked with the Celtic Park vacancy, including Rodgers, who famously left Parkhead for Leicester City back in 2019.
The Northern Irishman is currently now out of work after leaving the Foxes last season, and it was believed that a sensational return to Glasgow was close, with more talks planned.
However, it seems as if there could be a twist to the tale, with Championship side Leeds also interested in Rodgers’ services following their relegation from the Premier League.
According to The Daily Record’s Keith Jackson, the Whites, now under American ownership in the 49ers Enterprises, have made an attempt to hijack Celtic’s move for Rodgers.
The reliable reporter states that Leeds are set to throw the kitchen sink in an offer to land Rodgers, who is the club’s top target, with the manager himself asking for time to mull over ‘the biggest decision of his life’.
brendan-rodgers-championship-leeds-united
Will Brendan Rodgers re-join Celtic?
Rodgers enjoyed plenty of success with Celtic before leaving for the Premier League, averaging an impressive 2.24 points per game in his 169 games in charge. The 50-year-old won seven trophies with the Hoops, so you can see why Dermot Desmond and co are interested in bringing him back to the club, looking to continue the good work by Postecoglou.
However, with Celtic now facing a battle with Leeds for the Northern Irishman’s services, a return to Scotland may not be nailed on just yet. Celtic do have the lure of Champions League football next season, though, something that you’d expect could be a big factor in Rodgers’ decision.
It will be interesting to see what Rodgers decides to do, but with the likes of Enzo Maresca and Daniel Farke also linked with moves to Parkhead and possibly waiting in the wings, Celtic may not be willing to wait forever for an answer from their former boss, making this one to watch over the coming days.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep hold of Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.
Has Koulibaly impressed for Chelsea?
The Senegalese made the move to the Blues last year, arriving from Napoli with a big reputation and signing a deal that sees him earn a whopping £295,000 per week currently.
While Koulibaly was expected by many to be a dominant addition to Chelsea's back-line, his first season in west London was a struggle, as he failed to replicate his performances on show in Naples. He only started 20 of his side's 38 Premier League games, too, with injury problems not helping matters.
The 31-year-old's current Blues deal runs until the summer of 2026, but there have been some suggestions that he could move on when Pochettino officially take charge next month, with the Argentine potentially not seeing him as a part of his future plans.
That prediction looks unlikely to come to fruition, however, following a new update regarding the situation.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Koulibaly is someone who Pochettino want to retain at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer:
"I think Pochettino would prefer him to stay, and I think that the club's stance is that they looked at this guy for a long time, they invested in it and they were confident they'd made a really good transfer and the first year hasn't gone brilliantly."
Koulibaly clearly struggled at Chelsea last season, but it should be remembered that he was playing in a hugely below-par team that got through three managers, and was still trying to adapt to the pace of the Premier League at the same time. Graham Potter still hailed his "leadership", showing that he did contribute positively at times.
But, he was slammed on a number of occasions, with one instance seeing him called "bang average" by Jamie O'Hara after his displays earlier on in the current campaign.
Granted, more was certainly expected of the centre-back, considering he arrived as arguably one of the best players in Europe in his position, but next season should be a fairer gauge to judge him. At 31, he admittedly doesn't represent the future at Stamford Bridge, but there is still enough life in him at the top level to suggest that he could thrive under Pochettino.
That's assuming Koulibaly wants to stay put, of course, and if he decides he wants a new challenge and a swift exit from Chelsea, the key will be to receive as much money as possible for him this summer, before signing a younger replacement at the heart of the defence.
Chelsea are gearing up for yet another busy transfer window under the stewardship of Todd Boehly, with the American businessman set to spend another pretty fortune.
It looks as though the midfield is one of the key priorities, with Moises Caicedo and Manuel Ugarte linked in recent weeks.
What's the latest of Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?
The Uruguayan has been the subject of keen interest from the Blues, particularly in the last week.
Possessing a release clause of €60m (£52m), Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has already admitted it will be difficult to keep the midfielder in Portugal.
Lo and behold, his worst fears appear to be on the verge of being realised.
That's because the latest reports from Record, via Sport Witness, state that the 22-year-old has in fact now chosen to join Chelsea.
It's thought the deal is now 'closed' with the Premier League club set to beat PSG to his signature.
Who have Chelsea signed from Liga Portugal?
The Blues have often dipped their toes into the Portuguese market, most recently to bring Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge in a record transfer for a British club of £106.8m.
That said, he isn't the only elite individual to swap Iberia for the United Kingdom.
Throughout the years, Chelsea have welcomed many a pretty talent from Portugal, with the enigmatic David Luiz initially swapping Benfica for London.
Ramires was another to arrive from Portugal, while the likes of Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira both traded Porto for a stint in the Premier League.
Perhaps the most successful transfer was that of Ricardo Carvalho, a player who Ugarte will no doubt be aiming to follow in the footsteps of.
Carvalho took to English football like a duck to water with the central defender a key component of the sides that won the Premier League in 2004/05 and 2005/06.
sporting-cp-manuel-ugarte-man-united-transfers
The centre-back eventually left Chelsea in 2010 after six excellent years where he won eight trophies, made 210 appearances and scored 11 goals.
Now 45, he is known as one of the finest to grace Stamford Bridge in the last 20 years and fortunately for Ugarte, he possesses the same steely nature that could make him an equally big success.
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The midfield "machine", as he has been dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig, was a titan in the centre of the pitch for Sporting this term, notably making the most tackles per game (3.9) of any player in the Portuguese top flight.
That has ensured he's made 121 tackles in the league alone this season, the most of any player.
Not just content with dominating Portugal, the Uruguay international has dominated the continental stage too, making a whopping 4.8 tackles per game in the Champions League, more than any individual.
That means that despite playing far fewer games (6) than those to reach the latter stages of the competition, he is set to end the tournament with more successful tackles than anybody (29).
To be successful in the Premier League, one requisite is to be physical, a player who is willing to put their body on the line to batter opponents. Clearly, Ugarte has that in abundance. He is all ready to be just as successful as Carvalho should this move get confirmed.
Crystal Palace have submitted a bid for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, but there are a number of Premier League clubs vying for his signature, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?
Despite not having a new manager in place ahead of next season, Palace have already been linked with a number of players, including former loanee Conor Gallagher, who Chelsea could let leave for £40m, according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, while the Eagles are closing in on a move for Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, as reported by Romano.
The Eagles are also expected to bid for Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey, who is valued at €15m (£13m) by the Turkish club, however, there will be a number of teams battling for his signature, with Arsenal and Wolfsburg expected to make offers.
There may also be a number of key departures at Selhurst Park this summer, as Jean-Philippe Mateta wants to leave, while Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move elsewhere, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
As such, Palace may be tasked with replacing the winger, and Romano now reports they have already submitted a bid for Sunderland's Clarke, but there is set to be fierce competition for his signature.
Burnley and Brentford have also submitted bids for the 22-year-old, and there is a chance that he remains at Sunderland, given that a new deal is currently being negotiated, as the Black Cats consider him a "vital" player.
Should Crystal Palace sign Jack Clarke?
Hailed as "unreal" by journalist Josh Bunting, the winger played a vital role in Sunderland's promotion push in the Championship last season, weighing in with 11 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, the most attacking contributions of any player.
The £17k-per-week ace averaged two dribbles per game in the second tier, the same amount as Zaha averaged in the Premier League, while a figure of 1.7 key passes ranks him way out in front as the Black Cats' most creative player.
Sunderland forward Jack Clarke.
Although no Crystal Palace fan will want to see Zaha leave the club, there are signs that Clarke could be a very good replacement, ranking in the 86th percentile for successful dribbles per 90, when compared to players at a similar level.
The Sunderland gem is yet to gain any experience above the Championship, however, he is showing all the signs that he is ready to make the step up, and it looks as if this will be one to keep an eye on.