David Segar

João Palhinha Adds Much-Needed Steel to Spurs’ Midfield, But Is His Passing Too Limited? | Opta Analyst With João Palhinha close to signing for Tottenham on loan, we look to see why Thomas Frank wants him back in the Premier League.

João Palhinha to Tottenham took many by surprise, but dig into the numbers and you can see why he'd suit a Thomas Frank team, at least defensively.

What about going to other way, though? @davidsegar.bsky.social looks at Palhinha's data to see what to expect.

#THFC

theanalyst.com/articles/joa...

Luis Díaz, He’s From Barrancas, and He Plays for Bayern Munich | Opta Analyst With Luis Díaz completing his move to Bayern Munich, we look back on his time at Liverpool and see what the Bundesliga champions are getting.

After three and a half years, 41 goals and 16 assists in 148 games for Liverpool, Luis Díaz has left to join Bayern Munich.

@davidsegar.bsky.social looks at the Colombian's time in England, and what he could offer the Bundesliga giants.

#LFC #FCB

theanalyst.com/articles/lui...

Calm on the Ball, Versatile and a Leader at 17: Why Chelsea Are Signing Jorrel Hato | Opta Analyst Jorrel Hato could become Chelsea's eighth signing of the summer. We look at why the Ajax star has caught the eye of the Premier League side.

𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐚

Jorrel Hato is 19 but has already played 111 games for Ajax, and even captained the Eredivisie giants in a Europa League fixture at just 17.

We look at whether the Dutch defender is an addition that would make sense for Chelsea. ⬇️

#CFC

theanalyst.com/articles/jor...

YouTube video by talkSPORT “The BEST striker in the World?!” Isak wants Liverpool move & Sesko vs Watkins breakdown

Went on @talksport.com's 'The Window' earlier to discuss Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.

Don't watch it, though; I'm too self conscious.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhMj...

The Dutch Cole Palmer? Looking at Chelsea Target Xavi Simons | Opta Analyst With Xavi Simons linked to Chelsea, we analyse the Dutch international’s output to see what he could bring to the Premier League.

Chelsea are reportedly targeting RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons.

He often plays as a number 10, so would Simons be able to play in the same team as Cole Palmer?
@davidsegar.bsky.social thinks so, and has looked closely at the Dutchman's data. 👇

#CFC

theanalyst.com/articles/xav...

Premier League Survival Guide: How Can the Promoted Teams Stay Up? | Opta Analyst We look at Premier League relegation data to see what it will take for promoted trio Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland to avoid the drop in 2025-26.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

It has been difficult for newly promoted clubs to stay in the Premier League in recent years, but what is needed to avoid the drop?

@davidsegar.bsky.social has looked through all the league's historical data to find out.

theanalyst.com/articles/pre...

PSG Are the Best Team in the World: Parisians Top Opta Power Rankings After Thrashing Real Madrid | Opta Analyst Following a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool off the top of the Opta Power Rankings.

List of PSG's recent achievements:

- Won the Champions League/a treble
- Reached the FIFA Club World Cup final
- Topped the Opta Power Rankings (tu ne chanteras jamais ça!)

@davidsegar.bsky.social looks at the new best team in the world, according to our rankings. 📈

theanalyst.com/articles/psg...

Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal: Using the Opta Power Rankings to Contextualise His Incredible Primeira Liga Goal Tally | Opta Analyst We look at Arsenal target Viktor Gyökeres' record in Portugal and dust off the Opta Power Rankings to provide context to his achievements.

Viktor Gyökeres has scored a lot of goals in the Primeira Liga, but there are questions as to whether he could succeed in the Premier League.

@davidsegar.bsky.social has used the Opta Power Rankings to try and contextualise Gyökeres' impressive 2024-25 season.

#AFC

theanalyst.com/articles/vik...

Adam Lallana Retires: The Creative Ball Winner Loved by Jürgen Klopp | Opta Analyst As Adam Lallana brings his playing career to an end, we take a look at some highlights from his time with Southampton, Liverpool and Brighton.

Adam Lallana has retired from playing after a career that saw him win the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

@davidsegar.bsky.social looks back at a player beloved by his managers, especially Jürgen Klopp.

theanalyst.com/articles/ada...

Who is Kota Takai? The Tottenham Target Comparable with Dean Huijsen | Opta Analyst Who is Tottenham target Kota Takai? We take a look at the data behind the young Japan international centre-back.

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢?

Tottenham are reportedly close to signing Japan international defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

@davidsegar.bsky.social takes a look at the 20-year-old centre-back and what he might bring to Thomas Frank's squad.

#THFC

theanalyst.com/articles/kot...

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid Debut: How Did Former Liverpool Man Do vs Al-Hilal? | Opta Analyst All eyes were on Trent Alexander-Arnold at Hard Rock Stadium as he made his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup. How did he do?

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid debut caused quite a stir on social media.

Opinion was divided (what else is new?) so @davidsegar.bsky.social has looked at Trent's data from the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup to see how he really got on.

theanalyst.com/articles/tre...

Milos Kerkez Can Be Liverpool's Ideal Successor to Andy Robertson | Opta Analyst With Liverpool moving for Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, we look into why the Hungary international might be a perfect fit at Anfield.

Andy Robertson’s output may be slowing down… but Liverpool seemingly already have a plan.

Enter: Milos Kerkez.

✍️ @davidsegar.bsky.social analyses why he could be their left-back for the future: theanalyst.com/articles/mil...

Why Liverpool Target Florian Wirtz Would Be Worth Record Fee | Opta Analyst With Liverpool reportedly looking to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, we dive into the talented German’s best data.

I didn't mention anything about his towering headers, like the one he's just scored in the Nations League, but I've written some bits about Florian Wirtz, who may become the most expensive signing in British football history if he joins Liverpool.

#LFC

theanalyst.com/articles/flo...

Fewer Long Passes, More Progressive Carries: What Liverpool Will Be Getting With Jeremie Frimpong | Opta Analyst With reports linking Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong with a move to Liverpool, we looked at the data to see if he would be a good fit.

𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥 🔴

Jeremie Frimpong's move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool has been confirmed, as the Premier League champions move on from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

@davidsegar.bsky.social analyses Frimpong's qualities and suitability.

#LFC

theanalyst.com/articles/jer...

Fewer Long Passes, More Progressive Carries: What Liverpool Would Be Getting With Jeremie Frimpong | Opta Analyst With reports linking Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong with a move to Liverpool, we looked at the data to see if he would be a good fit.

𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥?

With Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Anfield, Liverpool may need another right-back.

Reports suggest that could be Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, so @davidsegar.bsky.social has looked into the pacy Dutchman's data.

#LFC

theanalyst.com/2025/05/jere...

Denzel Dumfries Stars in Barcelona-Inter Champions League Classic | Opta Analyst Denzel Dumfries was a man on fire as he starred in Inter's 3-3 draw with Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.

𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 🔥

Denzel Dumfries starred in Inter's 3-3 draw with Barcelona, involved in all three of the Nerazzurri's goals.

@davidsegar.bsky.social looks at the Dutch wing-back's impact in Wednesday's Champions League instant classic.

theanalyst.com/2025/05/denz...

Liverpool Win the Premier League: Arne Slot’s Reds Deserve All the Plaudits After Imperious Campaign | Opta Analyst Liverpool are the 2024-25 Premier League champions. We take a detailed look at how they did it, and why they deserve it.

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🏆 🔴

Some have tried to argue that they were merely the best of a bad bunch.

We've got the data that shows why that is complete nonsense.

✍️ @davidsegar.bsky.social theanalyst.com/2025/04/live...

Hugo Ekitiké: The Chance Machine Flourishing in Frankfurt | Opta Analyst Ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg against Tottenham, we look at the rise of star striker Hugo Ekitiké.

Third and final article plug of the day. Hugo Ekitiké has another chance to impress against Spurs tonight, and I've taken a look at why there is so much hype around the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/hugo...

From ‘Remontada’ to Nada? Real Madrid’s Season in Danger of Fizzling Out After Champions League Humbling | Opta Analyst After Real Madrid's humbling by Arsenal in the Champions League, we look at a season that promised much but might deliver little for Los Blancos.

I couldn't believe how poor Real Madrid were last night. Arsenal were fantastic, but probably didn't need to be. I've written about a team that practically guaranteed a 'remontada', but delivered absolutely 'nada'.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/real...

Liverpool Can Remain 'Calm as You Like' After Virgil van Dijk Signs Contract Extension | Opta Analyst With Virgil van Dijk signing a two-year contract extension with Liverpool, we look at the data behind the Dutchman's impact at Anfield.

Virgil van Dijk is staying at Liverpool, and after returning from running around the street hugging confused strangers, I've written about the influence he's had and should continue to have on Arne Slot's Reds.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/virg...

Hugo Ekitiké: The Chance Machine Flourishing in Frankfurt | Opta Analyst Ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg against Tottenham, we look at the rise of star striker Hugo Ekitiké.

Hugo Ekitiké has been very impressive for Eintracht Frankfurt this season, firmly putting his disappointing spell at PSG behind him.

@davidsegar.bsky.social looks into why there is so much hype around the young striker... again.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/hugo...

Haha, pleasure to meet you brother from a slightly differently spelled surname 😂

Two Mo' Years: Mohamed Salah Bids to Strengthen Incredible Premier League Legacy After Signing New Deal | Opta Analyst With Mohamed Salah signing a two-year contract extension at Liverpool, we look at the Egyptian's incredible numbers in his time at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah will be sticking around at Liverpool beyond this season, and Premier League defenders have had their Friday ruined.

Me for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com on the Egyptian King and his magnificent output.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/moha...

Two Mo' Years: Mohamed Salah Bids to Strengthen Incredible Premier League Legacy After Signing New Deal | Opta Analyst With Mohamed Salah signing a two-year contract extension at Liverpool, we look at the Egyptian's incredible numbers in his time at Anfield.

𝐌𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Premier League defenders, it's the news you were all dreading. 😬

Mohamed Salah has extended his stay at Liverpool by another two years, so we've taken a look at the Egyptian King's phenomenal numbers. 👑

✍️ @davidsegar.bsky.social

#LFC

theanalyst.com/2025/04/moha...

Désiré Doué's goal involvements map for PSG looks like a grumpy face.

He should be very happy with his first season in Paris, though. I've written about the talented teenager ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Aston Villa.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/desi...

Désiré Doué's goal involvements map for PSG looks like a grumpy face.

He should be very happy with his first season in Paris, though. I've written about the talented teenager ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Aston Villa.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/desi...

Gifted by Name, Gifted by Nature: Why Désiré Doué Is More Than Just the ‘Next Neymar’ | Opta Analyst Désiré Doué has had an impressive first season with Paris Saint-Germain. We look at the data behind the exciting 19-year-old.

Doué is the French word for 'gifted', so Désiré Doué being so talented is perhaps just simple nominative determinism.

Ahead of PSG's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa, @davidsegar.bsky.social takes a look at Doué's impressive rise.

#PSG

theanalyst.com/2025/04/desi...

Goals, Carries and Creativity: Why Big Clubs Are Circling for Sporting Star Viktor Gyökeres | Opta Analyst Viktor Gyökeres has scored 86 goals in two seasons for Sporting CP, but there's more to the Swedish striker than just finding the net.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝐈𝐭

Viktor Gyökeres is being linked with a move to the Premier League, having scored 43 times in each of the last two seasons for Sporting CP. Is there more to him than just goals, though?

@davidsegar.bsky.social analyses the Swedish striker.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/vikt...

𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

With Kevin De Bruyne confirming that this will be his last season at Manchester City, we take a look at the 33-year-old's remarkable numbers during his time at the club.

🔵⚽️🔥

theanalyst.com/2025/04/kevi...

Centre-Backs Taking Corners: How Rare Are Nico Schlotterbeck’s Heroics? | Opta Analyst After Nico Schlotterbeck's corner heroics for Borussia Dortmund against Mainz, we've looked at other centre-backs who have taken corners.

Nico Schlotterbeck hadn't taken a corner in the Bundesliga prior to Sunday, but the Borussia Dortmund centre-back took five in the 3-1 win over Mainz, two of which assisted goals.

I've looked at the wacky world of centre-backs taking corners.

theanalyst.com/2025/04/nico...