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Real Madrid are going to unlock Kylian Mbappe’s last major weakness

1Apr

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Real Madrid are going to unlock Kylian Mbappe’s last major weakness

Real Madrid superstar forward Kylian Mbappe is in the prime of his career at 26 and already writing himself into the history books at the Santiago Bernabeu by tying Cristiano Ronaldo's opening tally of 33 goals in all competitions. Although Real Madrid are second to Barcelona in LaLiga and haven't been as impressive overall this season, Mbappe has been the biggest bright spot in a quietly disappointing attack, leading the team with 22 goals while ranking second in the side behind Luka Modric in big chances created. After a rough start to the season, Mbappe has rebounded strongly since a low point against Athletic Club, showing the kind of resiliency that Cristiano, Karim Benzema, and all the other faces of Real Madrid in the past have displayed. But as incredible as Mbappe is as ...

Carlo Ancelotti is realizing what Real Madrid need to finally start their new era

1Apr

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Carlo Ancelotti is realizing what Real Madrid need to finally start their new era

The word "Revolution" started getting thrown around with regards to Real Madrid in 2019. In the aftermath of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure and an embarrassing 2018/19 season in both LaLiga and the Champions League, Real had an active summer transfer window that set the next five years in motion. Although Eden Hazard was the centerpiece investment of the window as a nine-figure signing from Chelsea and one of the world's best players, it was literally every other addition that made the difference for Los Merengues. Hazard ended up being an unmitigated disaster, but Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao were all young signings who were regular starters on two Champions League winning teams. Since then, Real Madrid have added a number of other outstanding you...

This Luka Modric stat highlights how Vinicius Junior needs to step up more

30Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

This Luka Modric stat highlights how Vinicius Junior needs to step up more

Real Madrid are in a tough LaLiga title race, and while they helped their own cause after Kylian Mbappe's brace rescued a potential upset loss to Leganes this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu, it honestly looks like Barcelona are the favorites to take home the title this season. Mbappe's addition to the team has proven beneficial, because, without him as their top scorer, Real Madrid may be facing a more difficult campaign amidst defensive injuries, a midfield lacking control without Toni Kroos, and a down year from Vinicius Junior. Although Vini Jr.'s 10 goals and 5 assists show that he's having a good season overall, he has been left wanting in some ways, and this key stat sheds some light on how. Per stat site Squawka, Luka Modric, at the age of 39 and with just 11 starts this ...

The narrative is already being twisted with Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid

29Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

The narrative is already being twisted with Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid

After months of speculation, Real Madrid are seemingly set to secure the signing of free agent right back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, and recent reports indicate that the 26-year-old England international will sign a five-year deal with the Royal Whites. Alexander-Arnold's transfer would be the next in a line of high-profile free agent signings made by Real Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez has made it a goal to either sign superstars or free agents - and nothing in between. Like Kylian Mbappe last summer, Alexander-Arnold would fall into both categories as a superstar free agent who has been on the Real Madrid transfer radar for several seasons now. And his arrival would come at an opportune time, as current starting right back Dani Carvajal - the only senior ri...

Rafael van der Vaart buries Aston Villa for use of Dutch stars

28Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Rafael van der Vaart buries Aston Villa for use of Dutch stars

Aston Villa spent over 100 million euros on new players in the summer 2024 transfer window and then added a handful of more big names in the winter after thos summer signings failed to improve Villa's status from a Champions League side to a potential title contender in the Premier League. In fact, Aston Villa have fallen outside the top four entirely and have been worse off in 2024/25 despite the aggressive reinforcements. And many of those new additions have failed to get a solid foothold in the time. Among the most prominent is left back Ian Maatsen, who was signed permanently for nearly 45 million euros from Chelsea after enjoying an excellent 2023/24 breakout season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, in which he was one of the standouts in BVB's return to the Champions League Final. ...

5 Champions League clubs that could have new managers in 2026

26Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

5 Champions League clubs that could have new managers in 2026

As the 2024/25 Champions League season winds down to a close and the quarterfinals draw nearer, the coaching carousel is only just beginning, with Juventus already making a high-profile move. Here are five clubs that were in the Champions League this season that could have a new manager by the time the year 2026 begins. Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti has won three Champions League titles as Real Madrid manager and two LaLiga trophies to boot, but it feels like his time as the club's manager is finally winding down to a close. We've sang this refrain before, only for Ancelotti to win the double and keep his job, but with the consistent lack of ideas and defensive instability, there's a prevailing belief among Real Madrid fans that now is the time to pull the trigger on a coaching chang...

Transfermarkt snubbed Liverpool stars from most valuable Premier League XI

20Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Transfermarkt snubbed Liverpool stars from most valuable Premier League XI

Transfermarkt has been releasing a lot of lists and best of formations due to its updated transfer valuations, and Liverpool fans will have a bone to pick with the latest most valuable XI for the Premier League. Not a single Liverpool player makes the squad despite the fact that the Reds are first in the Premier League by XI points. Arsenal and Manchester City led the way with four players in the team, each. David Raya got the nod in goal; William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes combined with Josko Gvardiol to form the back line; Rodri and Declan Rice are the double-pivot in midfield; Cole Palmer is the playmaker; Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are the winger duo; and Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak obviously make the grade as the two strikers. Ryan Gravenberch deserves more praise Gran...

Where does Antony rank among LaLiga’s best players right now?

20Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Where does Antony rank among LaLiga’s best players right now?

Manchester United loanee Antony looks like a completely different man since moving from Old Trafford to the Benito Villamarin, and ever since he's joined Real Betis, Los Verdiblancos have been the second highest performing team in LaLiga after league title favorite Barcelona. Isco has been splendid, too, and was instrumental in the 2-1 win over former employers Real Madrid, but Antony has unmistakably been the star of the show. But where, exactly, does Antony rank? Both in terms of form and overall quality. It's a difficult question to ask since Antony has just joined LaLiga and previously had a poor reputation as a nearly 100 million euro transfer flop for Manchester United. Form and class are two distinct entities, and, because of that, it becomes additionally difficult to asses...

The 5 best possible Ange Postecoglu replacements at Tottenham

18Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

The 5 best possible Ange Postecoglu replacements at Tottenham

Tottenham have been one of the most dismally disappointing teams in all of European football this season, and as we head into the March international break, Spurs sit just 14th in the Premier League table. Manchester United's impressive 3-0 win over Leicester City have brought the Red Devils over Tottenham, making Spurs the biggest flops of the 2024/25 Premier League season, just one year after manager Ange Postecoglu gave them Champions League hopes in their first season at the helm. But now, Spurs are back where they started - and actually further behind, despite making some expensive additions to the squad like James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. Following a 2-0 loss to Fulham and now without a Premier League win since Feb. 22, Postecoglu is facing more calls for his firing, in...

The best possible Barcelona starting XI with Marc Casado, Inigo Martinez injured

17Mar

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

The best possible Barcelona starting XI with Marc Casado, Inigo Martinez injured

Although Barcelona were flying high after an incredible 4-2 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in which they were down 2-0 at the Wanda, they have received some tough news in the aftermath of the title-boosting victory. Barcelona confirmed that defensive midfielder Marc Casado suffered a ligament injury to his right knee and will likely be out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, starting center back Inigo Martinez, who assisted Robert Lewandowski's brilliant Barca opener, will be out for the remainder of the month with a muscular injury, as confirmed by the club. Although Martinez will be back soon enough after a few weeks of rest during the international break, Casado's injury looms large. Here is a look at the best Barcelona lineup with both key players injure...