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Tottenham Hotspur have been warned that Leeds United pose a serious threat to their quest to remain in the Premier League and will absolutely not lie down when they travel to the capital for a pivotal clash for Roberto De Zerbi’s side on Monday evening.

Daniel Farke’s side confirmed their place in the Premier League on Sunday without even kicking a ball after West Ham’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Arsenal – and you can read 16 conclusions on the game here – left the Hammers marooned in the bottom three.

Tottenham can now rub serious salt into those wounds on Monday night when they host Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a victory allowing Spurs to move four points clear of the drop zone with two games left to play.

However, Alan Pardew has told talkSPORT that he thinks Leeds will prove a dangerous animal and playing without pressure could actually aid the West Yorkshire side.

“The psychological factor here has helped Leeds,” Pardew said.

“It has helped Spurs, but it has helped Leeds more because they can literally now say we are Premier League players, all our finances are in place for next year, and let’s go and have a game.

“They could play with real freedom, unhinged by the pressure that comes from maybe getting relegated.

“So that does put a little bit of jeopardy on that game.”

If Pardew reckons Leeds are unhinged, then Jeff Stelling has warned Spurs why Farke’s side will not simply roll over and let their bellies be tickled by Spurs.

“I don’t know why, but I look at the Leeds squad, and they don’t strike me as a squad that will down tools just because they are safe.”

Fellow pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor, also thinks Leeds will be motivated by the prospect of moving up the table, with games against Spurs, Brighton and West Ham still to come.

“There’s no reason why they can’t catch Newcastle in 13th place, only three points in it with two games to go. Two winnable games as well for Leeds.”

DON’T MISS ~ Tottenham v Leeds: Prediction, team news, lineups and odds

Nuno makes relegation claim as Shearer says who will face relegation

With Monday’s game also having a sizeable bearing on West Ham’s prospects of staying up, their manager Nuno Espirito Santo is refusing to hit the panic button after they were denied a late equaliser and a precious point against Arsenal in the battle to beat the drop.

Insisting it’s not yet over for the Hammers and banking on more twists to come, Nuno admitted to Sky Sports that his players and staff will be keeping a close watch on developments across the capital: “We watch every game – let’s see what happens.

“Time to rest and prepare well for Newcastle.

“Anything can happen.”

Alan Shearer, however, fears the writing is on the wall for West Ham United and thinks it will be they who will join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season, having explained the ‘brilliant’ decision which changed it all for Spurs.

Speaking to Chris Cowlin, Shearer said: “Leeds are going to play a huge part in who gets relegated, because they play both Spurs and West Ham.

“It’s fascinating, but I think with what I saw from Spurs last week, they may just have enough now to stay up.

“And I guess with the energy that they showed the other day, I think they’ll have enough to beat Leeds at home. Spurs to win.”

Shearer also thinks Spurs are a different side now to the one that was hurtling towards disaster under Igor Tudor.

“Roberto De Zerbi has got a shift out of those players, and you didn’t see any of that six or seven weeks ago,” Shearer added.

“It looks like a brilliant move now to bring De Zerbi in when they did, that’s the reason why they did it then, it was to get something different out of the players that they had not been showing, and it looks as if he’s getting that difference now, which they’ve not had for large parts of this season, or for any of the season.”

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Brighton CEO reveals why De Zerbi, Tottenham affinity goes back years – ‘he was very aware’

Brighton CEO and deputy chairman, Paul Barber, has revealed the conversations he had with Roberto De Zerbi about Tottenham Hotspur years ago and how it was inevitable that he eventually ended up managing the north London club.

The Italian, who spent just over 18 months as Seagulls boss between 2022 and 2024, is currently battling to avoid relegation with Spurs with just three games of the season remaining.

After losing his first game in charge at Sunderland, De Zerbi has guided Tottenham to a three-match unbeaten run, including winning their last two, to climb out of the relegation zone.

If they can beat Leeds United on Monday evening, it will open up a four-point buffer to 18th-placed West Ham, although it would be only their third win at home in the Premier League all season long.

READ: Tottenham vs Leeds United preview

However, the signs have been good for Tottenham under the 46-year-old, of late, despite De Zerbi dealing with a lengthy injury list that has robbed him of the club’s best creative attacking talent.

While numerous Tottenham players have also lavished praise on De Zerbi for restoring confidence and belief in the squad, Barber has revealed how the Italian has always had an affinity with the club.

Barber, who was the man who took the Italian to Brighton back in 2022 and previously worked as a general manager at Tottenham, predicted that the former Marseille chief has personality and character to be a success in north London.

De Zerbi destined to be Tottenham boss

When asked if De Zerbi spoke to him about the culture at Spurs, the Seagulls CEO told SportsAgentsPod: “Roberto and I talked about Tottenham when we worked together at Brighton, because it was one of the clubs he looked to when he was growing up. For the flair, ‘the game is about the glory’, the Bill Nicholson way.

“He was very aware, going into Tottenham, not only the size of the club and the expectations, not just on staying up this season, but the way they play, and what the fans expect there.

“I think he’s a good fit there, he is a fantastic coach, a really good person, an intense character.

“I think the fans will really respond to his way of coaching the team from the technical area.”

That was certainly the case in the only game De Zerbi has managed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium so far, ironically against the Seagulls, with the home fans getting behind the team and the Italian.

READ NEXT: Jeff Stelling predicts Tottenham will pull off feat not seen for over 17 months

Having led 2-1 in one of the better performances of a dismal domestic campaign, Georginio Rutter scored a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser for the visitors to deny Spurs a crucial three points.

Tottenham will now be looking to break their home duck in the league in 2026 against a Leeds side who are now safe after West Ham’s dramatic defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

From absolute despair to bullish belief in survival. That’s the sudden flip in the outlook of many Spurs fans after they gave their hopes of avoiding the drop a massive boost with back-to-back wins over Wolves and Aston Villa.

Sometimes it’s good to be a lucky general and Roberto De Zerbi certainly benefitted from taking on a Wolves team already relegated and an Aston Villa side completely distracted by their Europa League semi-final, second leg.

But Spurs have clearly raised their standards too and confidence is a huge thing in sport. Leeds know that and have been playing more like an assured mid-table team for many months now. They’ll probably still be kicking themselves, mind, that they couldn’t cash in against a reeling Chelsea side in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Tottenham v Leeds kick-off time

Tottenham v Leeds kicks off at 20.00 BST on Monday, May 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham v Leeds how to watch

The game will be shown live in the UK via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting from 7pm.

TalkSPORT will provide full match commentary.

Tottenham team news

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses his fifth straight match following surgery to repair a hernia. Antonin Kinsky steps in again.

Dominic Solanke is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury.

Xavi Simons, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies all remain out.

Leeds team news

Leeds will be without two regulars for the trip south.

Gabriel Gudmundsson still has a hamstring issue while Noah Okafor is set to miss the next two games due to a calf strain.

Pascal Struijk will be assessed after suffering a knock in training.

Tottenham v Leeds odds

Tottenham are a shade of odds-on at 17/20 to secure a third straight Premier League win.

Leeds are 11/4 to secure just their third away win of the season, while The Draw is 14/5.

Tottenham v Leeds prediction

This looks a great chance for Spurs to continue their great escape.

They’ve won the last five Premier League matches against Leeds and, going a bit further back, eight of the previous nine.

Spurs are pressing higher and more often since De Zerbi took over and his positive methods have had an immediate impact.

Richarlison helped keep Everton up in 2022 with six goals and two assists in his final 10 outings and the Brazilian bagged what proved the winner against Aston Villa last week.

He also got a last-gasp equaliser at Anfield so back Richarlison to score in a Spurs win at 9/4.

Jeff Stelling has predicted a Tottenham result against Leeds will see them complete a feat they haven’t managed to secure in over 17 months.

Spurs have been in dire form this season, causing them to drop into the Premier League relegation places a few weeks ago. The hire of Roberto De Zerbi has quickly changed things for them, though.

In four games, he’s scooped two wins and a draw, and the latest of those victories – which came one game after another – saw Tottenham climb out of the relegation zone, one place above West Ham.

The north London club next face Leeds on Monday night, and talkSPORT presenter Stelling has predicted a third straight victory.

He said: “Leeds may well be safe by the time they kick off at Tottenham. They could be on the beach or they could be playing with complete freedom.

“I have watched Leeds with real admiration in the Premier League this season, but I sense Spurs have reinvigorated under De Zerbi. And I think they can take a huge step towards Premier League safety by beating Leeds.

“I am going Tottenham 2, Leeds 1.”

READ: Man Utd: Spurs transfer ‘growing increasingly likely’ as Red Devils eye Liverpool target

Victory against the Whites could indeed go a long way to Spurs clinching Premier League survival. With West Ham facing Arsenal, who are closing in on the Premier League title, it’ll be very tough for them to get anything out of the game.

So if Tottenham win and the Hammers lose, the gap will increase to four points with only two games remaining.

A win against Leeds would be a big feat for Tottenham as well, as it will be the first time they’ve won three games on the spin in over 17 months. Indeed, the last time three consecutive games were won was actually in a five-match winning streak against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United and Ferencvaros, in a number of competitions.

READ: Tottenham boss De Zerbi ‘will do everything’ to raid Italian giants for star pair

The last time Tottenham won three games in a row purely in the league was in February 2025, when they beat Brentford, Manchester United and Ipswich.

As such, it’ll be a big tick for De Zerbi at his new club, and would also go a long way to potentially securing Spurs’ status as a Premier League side next term.

Spurs will already know the equation for the weekend when it comes to Monday night’s game, with West Ham having played the day prior.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has reportedly chosen his preferred destination amid claims that both Man Utd and Liverpool are interested in his signature.

Both Man Utd and Liverpool are on the lookout for a new centre-back this summer, especially if the right opportunity arises.

Van de Ven could end up being available this summer, if Tottenham are relegated or not, although he could come with a lower asking price if Spurs drop down a division.

It now looks slightly less likely that Tottenham fans will face the drop after they beat Aston Villa at the weekend to go a point clear of West Ham, who occupy the final drop zone place, in the Premier League.

And many clubs are already eyeing up their players if they do face relegation with ex-Man Utd midfielder Nicky Butt claiming that the Red Devils should target Van de Ven.

Butt told Paddy Power: “Micky van de Ven, he’s an excellent player.

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“Having a left-footed centre-back is great for the balance of the team. They have Martinez, and it’s debatable how good he is, but he brings balance to the team.

“Martinez has got a left foot, he can pass the ball. Van de Ven is a bit like that but quicker, bigger, more powerful. I’d be looking at him straight away.

“When they go down there will be teams picking them off their players for cheap as chips.

“They’ll have to get rid of them because the wages are too high and I can guarantee you most of them won’t have relegation clauses in their contract.”

Van de Ven wants a transfer to Liverpool over Man Utd

But our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed that Van de Ven’s preferred destination would not be Man Utd, although that doesn’t mean a move is off the table.

It is understood that Man Utd and Liverpool are ‘weighing up big-money approaches’ for the Netherlands international with Van de Ven standing out for his qualities despite a poor season for the club.

READ: Where would Arsenal rank in the greatest seasons by a Premier League club? Man Utd in danger

Liverpool are said to be ‘extremely keen on bringing Van de Ven to Anfield this summer’ but this injury record is the only doubt the Reds have over proceeding with a deal.

Explaining Van de Ven’s preference, TEAMtalk add: ‘Despite these concerns, a move to Liverpool would hold immense appeal for the player. A self-confessed Reds supporter with family connections to the club, Van de Ven would prioritise Anfield above most other destinations. Sources suggest he would choose Liverpool over rivals, including Manchester United, without hesitation if both clubs table formal offers.’

Speaking before Tottenham beat Aston Villa, Van de Ven insisted it would be difficult to adjust to Roberto de Zerbi’s demands while under relegation pressure.

The Dutchman explained to Sky Sports: “Every manager has their own opinion of the game and Roberto wants us to play out more from the back. That’s what he asked. He wants us to play with confidence and that is what we need to build but we don’t have a long time left. We need to do it now.

“You don’t want to look at the other results and just need to win. You can’t say you don’t look at the other team. Six games left to get as many points as possible. There is pressure now as we are in the relegation zone but we need to make sure we get out of this situation.”

Tottenham Hotspur boss Robert De Zerbi has been accused of being a ‘real a***hole’ over his very public treatment of a midfielder during his time in charge of Marseille.

The Italian, who spent just over 18 months in charge at the French club before a mutual parting of the ways, is well known for his demanding and uncompromising methods that can often lead to confrontation.

And current Canada national team coach Jesse Marsch, who coached in the Premier League with Leeds United, is clearly not much of a fan.

Indeed, the American has launched a public attack on De Zerbi over his treatment of Sassuolo midfielder and current Canada international, Ismael Kone, during their time together at Marseille.

READ: De Zerbi delivers big Tottenham injury updates on Van de Ven, Bentancur after Villa win

Speaking on the Call It What You Want podcast on CBS Sports Golazo America, Marsch was asked which player had improved the most under his stewardship with Canada ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

His immediate answer was Kone, with the 23-year-old having flourished this season at Sassuolo, after joining initially on loan from Marseille and then on a permanent deal in the winter window.

However, that praise quickly pivoted towards criticism of De Zerbi, who publicly humiliated the midfielder during a training session at Marseille.

The current Tottenham boss loudly told Kone to leave the field and contact his agent to find another club after he failed to follow instructions correctly.

Marsch clearly not a De Zerbi fan

And Marsch did not hold back in his assessment of how that hole episode affected the player’s confidence, admitting: “It wasn’t easy with De Zerbi and Marseille.

“De Zerbi was a real, real unpleasant person with him, and he stayed strong. He never doubted himself. He found a new situation, and now look at him flourishing.

“Let me reiterate. De Zerbi was a real a**hole with him.”

Marsch continued in his praise for Kone, who has has shown strong discipline and mentality to have a resurgence in his career, adding: “Going to Italy and playing for a team that was newly promoted, and having to fight through a situation like that in a very organised league, he’s played an incredibly important role.

“Not just from what I’ve done with him and what the national team has done with him, but also what he’s been able to achieve in his career, and the steps he’s been able to make through difficulty.”

READ NEXT: Tottenham boss De Zerbi ‘will do everything’ to raid Italian giants for star pair

As for De Zerbi, he’s been showered with nothing but praise by his players so far, just four games into his Tottenham tenure, winning the last two to steer the club out of the relegation zone.

They now face a huge home clash with Leeds United on Monday evening, where a win could take them a huge step closer to maintaining their place in the English top flight.

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Jamie O’Hara has hit out at Atletico Madrid following their “embarrassing” performance against Arsenal.

Atletico Madrid exited the Champions League on Tuesday night, having lost 2-1 on aggregate to Premier League giants Arsenal.

The two sides were level at 1-1 heading into Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates, and Bukayo Saka scored the only goal in the second leg as the Gunners edged past the Spanish giants.

Atletico had a bit of a go after Arsenal took the lead, but they struggled to threaten their opponents and were deservedly beaten.

Speaking post-match, Atletico boss Diego Simeone admitted he is “calm” about their Champions League exit.

“Well if we got knocked out it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” Simeone said post-match.

READ:Four games in 25 days stand between Champions League finalists Arsenal and unfathomable glory

“They took their big chance in the first-half and they deserved to get through. I feel calm, I feel peaceful.”

“They’re toilet, mate…”

It is not out of character for O’Hara to be salty at Arsenal’s success and he’s now refused to give Tottenham’s rivals credit for reaching the Champions League final. Instead, he has hit out at “embarrassing” Atletico.

“They’re toilet, mate. They [Arsenal] literally got a bye,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT.

“Arsenal got a bye into the final tonight. That was turgid. Guff. Garbage. How were they [Atletico Madrid] in the semi-final?

“They’re absolutely… Alexander Sorloth up front? Sorloth!? He couldn’t hit a barn door.

“Honestly, it was embarrassing what I was watching. Embarrassing.

“Simeone’s on about £26million-a-year. And that’s the team that got through to the semi-final.

“They’re toilet, mate. I have to sit here and go on like Arsenal are the best team in the world.

“Come on, mate. We watch a proper game tomorrow with two proper teams.”

READ NEXT: Simeone makes incredible Arsenal claim after Atletico Madrid are beaten

Naturally, Arteta was feeling a lot more upbeat about Arsenal after their “incredible night”.

“An incredible night,” Arteta said on Arsenal beating Atletico Madrid.

“We made history again together and I cannot be more proud for everyone. The way that we were welcomed outside the stadium was special and unique.

“The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us, they made it special and unique, I never felt that in the stadium.

“We knew how much it meant to everybody. The boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.”

Liverpool have now entered the race “strongly” to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.

The Reds missed out on signing Marc Guehi late on last summer with Crystal Palace pulling the plug on a deal to sign the defender when he was having his medical.

Liverpool did end up signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma but the Italy international picked up a season-ending injury in September to leave the Reds short at the back.

Joe Gomez has provided the majority of cover to starting centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk this season, while Liverpool have already lined up the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the summer.

But Liverpool are keen to bring in at least another centre-back this summer and reliable Italian journalist Matteo Moretto has claimed they are now in for Bournemouth’s Senesi on a free transfer.

Speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Moretto said: “We’re talking again about Marcos Senesi, the Bournemouth centre-back whose contract expires in June. We’ve discussed him many times. He won’t renew and will leave on a free transfer – Bournemouth already know this.

READ: Liverpool top scorers against Big Six: Gakpo level with Gerrard and Suarez

“I had already mentioned quite clearly here that Senesi would stay in the Premier League. There has been and still is some interest from Italy, but he will remain in England. I’m told—and it’s confirmed 100%—that the Argentine defender intends to stay in the Premier League.

“He’s been performing very well at Bournemouth. His career was slowed by some significant injuries, but once he regained fitness and form, he’s shown all his quality in the Premier League.

“Senesi will stay in the Premier League, and beyond the two clubs I already mentioned—Chelsea and Tottenham, especially Tottenham, Liverpool have also entered the race quite strongly in recent days. So keep an eye on Liverpool, because they’re expected to make new contacts for Marcos Senesi.

“As for Italy, it’s not really a concrete option right now.”

Former Scotland international Ally McCoist reckons Liverpool need to tear up their whole spine and bring in a new centre-back, midfielder and centre-forward this summer.

READ: ‘It’s blown up in their face’ – Carragher uses Arsenal star to make ‘worried’ Liverpool point

“They just haven’t handled losing the players they have, and the players they’ve brought in, whether it’s been injury or lack of form,” McCoist said on talkSPORT.

“[Florian] Wirtz, [Milos] Kerkez has taken a while to get going, [Jeremie] Frimpong’s taking a little bit of time to get going as well.

“They’ve obviously had injuries, a couple of young centre-backs as well.

“They need strengthening in my opinion, certainly need right up the spine I think – centre-forward, centre-midfielder and a centre-back.”

Man Utd are “looking at” at deal to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham as a move grows increasingly likely, according to reports.

The Red Devils are set to invest as much as £150m of their summer transfer budget on as many as three new midfielders this summer, while they are also understood to be weighing up moves for left-backs and left-wingers.

Gary Neville and other Man Utd fans are convinced the Premier League club still need a new centre-back next season and there are rumours the position could still form part of their plan for the summer, especially if a good opportunity came along.

And Football Insider claim that Van de Ven is ‘growing increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer’ as Man Utd join the race for his signature.

Tottenham beat Aston Villa over the weekend to move above West Ham and climb out of the relegation zone but it is understood that ‘survival may not be enough to keep their best players’.

And former Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown – who is still well-connected at Old Trafford – has been told that the Red Devils are “looking at” Van de Ven.

READ: Carrick pragmatism a safer bet for Man Utd than another philosophy manager

Brown told Football Insider: “Persuading players to join Man United has never been a problem.

“But being in the Champions League next season will be a big boost to the club financially and in terms of going and getting players to improve the squad.

“There are a few priority positions in the team, and one of them is at centre-back.

“They’ve got Harry Maguire for another year, but who’s going to play alongside him? They’ve got the young lads, Heaven and Yoro, who have been very impressive.

“But the senior players, Martinez and De Ligt, they’re not sure about because of the injury issues they’ve had and they’ve struggled with consistency.

“Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.

“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that.

READ: Manchester United top scorers against Big Six: Mbeumo already second in current squad

“He would be an ambitious target but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”

Former Man Utd midfielder Nicky Butt recently suggested Van de Ven as a potential summer target for the Red Devils, especially if Tottenham get relegated.

Butt told Paddy Power: “Micky van de Ven, he’s an excellent player.

“Having a left-footed centre-back is great for the balance of the team. They have Martinez, and it’s debatable how good he is, but he brings balance to the team.

“Martinez has got a left foot, he can pass the ball. Van de Ven is a bit like that but quicker, bigger, more powerful. I’d be looking at him straight away.

“When they go down there will be teams picking them off their players for cheap as chips.

“They’ll have to get rid of them because the wages are too high and I can guarantee you most of them won’t have relegation clauses in their contract.”

According to reports, Liverpool are still plotting a late move to sign Bournemouth star ahead of Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Senesi will secure an upwards transfer during this summer transfer window after impressing for Bournemouth this season.

The 28-year-old has been one of the most dependable centre-backs in the Premier League this season and has helped Bournemouth challenge for Champions League qualification.

However, he is in the final couple of months of his current contract and will inevitably leave Bournemouth ahead of next season.

Barcelona and several Big Six sides have been heavily linked with Senesi in recent months, but Spurs have emerged as his most likely destination.

The north London side have reached an ‘agreement’ over signing Senesi on a free transfer, but it has also been suggested that he could still end up at Liverpool.

READ: Who will be the next manager of Liverpool after Arne Slot exit?

Liverpool could sign another new centre-back this summer and Senesi is a potential low-cost option to provide extra competition.

A report from talkSPORT claims Liverpool ‘could hijack’ Spurs and sign Senesi this summer, with the Premier League giants ‘contemplating making a rival offer’.

This is said to be dependent on Spurs suffering relegation and Ibrahima Konate not signing a new contract beyond this summer.

The report claims: ‘Liverpool are keeping tabs on Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

‘The Argentina international has already verbally agreed to join Tottenham, assuming they avoid relegation to the Championship. Much could depend on the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is still to sign a new deal at Anfield.’

Liverpool told to block Alisson Becker’s move to Juventus

TalkSPORT’s Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling, meanwhile, have advised Liverpool against sanctioning Alisson Becker’s proposed move to Juventus after it was reported that this has already been ‘verbally agreed’.

“No, no is the answer to that. I don’t think so,” McCoist said on talkSPORT when asked whether Liverpool should let Alisson leave.

“Particularly in that area, he might just be their key player in the whole squad.”

Presenter Jeff Stelling added: “I think it’s really important to hold on to him.

“Look, they’ve lost significant big name players last season and will do again during the course of the summer.

“Surely they want to hold on to the man who is still, deservedly, their No.1 keeper.”

Alisson has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and certainly should still be playing ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili.