Analysis

Analysis

Why FIFA, UEFA should consider making these 3 simple changes

A lot has been talked about rule changes to make football more exciting and adapt the game to modern times. However, FIFA’s latest suggestions would do nothing to increase the spectacle and make the games more exciting. Recently, it’s been talked about adding sin bins to punish players, (which was quickly discarded), making adjustments to the dimensions of the field, and even changing the kick-off format. Although some advocate for radical changes to the game, there are some alternative approaches that could address the issues surrounding the game without altering football’s fundamental structure. What are these changes that can go a long in making football more interesting? Here are 3 simple changes that football’s rule-makers should seriously consider. Stopping the clock during ...
Joselu Mato: From Struggles to Champions League Glory
Analysis

Joselu Mato: From Struggles to Champions League Glory

In the annals of football history, stories of redemption and resurrection are not uncommon. But few tales rival the remarkable transformation of Joselu Mato, a journeyman striker who has gone from the depths of despair to reaching the summit of success. A feat that seemed improbable only a few seasons ago as he struggled to showcase his goal-scoring skills.  It’s remarkable how quickly a player’s perception in football can change. In 2022, Joselu Mato was just another Real Madrid fan cheering in the stands of the Stade de France as the team won its record-extending 14th Champions League title. Now he’ll be taking part in one after leading Real Madrid to the Champions League final with two goals in three minutes. While his career has taken him to various places, his journey began in R...
Ranking the 10 best dribblers in world football right now in 2024
Analysis

Ranking the 10 best dribblers in world football right now in 2024

Few player profiles captivating the world football audience's attention more than fleet-footed dribblers. Whether they are explosive progressors who eat up space before putting defenders on skates or playmakers who subtly weave their magic to carve up an entire defense, those superstars who can create something out of nothing but their own genius and athletic ability are more coveted an anyone. That holds true for managers, too. Pep Guardiola has become infatuated with elite dribblers, and a couple of these recent additions will show up on this list of the best dribblers in world football today. Other managers feel the same, as Carlo Ancelotti, for example, has always had a soft spot for flair dribblers like current superstars Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior. (Spoiler: They will sho...
Brighton ready to make a play for another cheap, former Barcelona talent
Analysis

Brighton ready to make a play for another cheap, former Barcelona talent

Brighton are one of the smartest teams in the world when it comes to the transfer market. This was on full display when they signed Marc Cucurella for just £15 million from Getafe in 2022. It now looks like the Seagulls are ready to buy another former Barcelona fullback on a bargain deal. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Brighton are on track to sign left back Juan Miranda. The 24-year-old’s contract with Real Betis in Spain expires at the end of this season, meaning the Seagulls could sign him for nothing this summer.  Miranda, a Barcelona academy graduate, has emerged as one of La Liga’s brightest young full-backs since joining Betis on loan back in 2020. He scored one goal and has two assists in 25 matches for Los Verdiblancos this season. Numerous top European clubs reportedly have ...
Brighton have a new name in mind to replace Roberto De Zerbi
Analysis

Brighton have a new name in mind to replace Roberto De Zerbi

Brighton suffered a devastating defeat to Roma in the Europa League this season. Reports from Italy now claim the Seagulls could sign the manager who knocked them out of Europe’s second tier competition.  Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported this week that Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is on Brighton’s managerial shortlist should they have to replace Roberto De Zerbi in the summer.  De Rossi has lost just one Serie A match since taking over Roma on January 16 after Jose Mourinho was sacked midway through the season. I Giallorossi are fifth in Serie A, just three points back of the top four and Champions League football next season.  Looking beyond the results, De Rossi’s has transformed Roma from the turgid defensive side of Mourinho into an attacking side willing to try...
6 players who could leave Real Madrid after this season
Analysis

6 players who could leave Real Madrid after this season

While the competitions are still ongoing, it’s reached that point of the season where rumors about potential player transfers begin to escalate. Particularly at Real Madrid where transfer drama almost always takes up a good portion of the storylines. A lot has been made about transfers, but very little has been talked about players who could be leaving the club after this season. It’s still unclear who could be those players, but some news outlets have reported that there could be more than one “surprising” and even “painful” departure. With all the speculation, which players could be leaving Real Madrid after this season? Luka Modric Describing Modric’s future departure as “painful” would be an understatement. He’s not only been one of the best and most successful players of his genera...
Is Roberto De Zerbi hinting at a larger disagreement with Brighton?
Analysis

Is Roberto De Zerbi hinting at a larger disagreement with Brighton?

Roberto De Zerbi’s press conference on Saturday morning was supposed to be a normal pre-match presser ahead of Brighton’s upcoming match against Liverpool. Instead, it became all about his future at the club.  At this press conference, De Zerbi revealed that he has no plans “at the moment” to sign a new Brighton contract. “Signing a new deal at Brighton? At the moment, no,” the the 44-year-old manager said. “We have a contract, but [the contract] is not a problem. The problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision of what to do in the future. For me, I have not decided yet what is my future.” “I want to speak to Tony Bloom about the plan for the club in order to decide my future, I want to know what is the project. I want to keep my ambition. If I’m not motivat...
Brighton could make their biggest signing yet
Analysis

Brighton could make their biggest signing yet

Brighton are one of the lowest spending teams in the Premier League. Most reports say the club has one of the league’s three lowest wage bills, and their record signing cost just £30 million. After another strong season, the Seagulls now seem ready to spend big this summer.  According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Brighton are preparing a bid for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has long admired Locatelli. The 44-year-old manager coached the 26-year-old midfielder when he was in charge of Sassuolo between 2018 and 2021.  Locatelli joined Juventus in 2021 on a deal with  €25 million (£21 million) plus add-ons. He’s so far racked up 122 appearances and 4 goals for I Bianconeri. At Sassuolo under De Zerbi, the Italian midfielder played 99 matches and...
Crucial Manchester City starters could be back for Arsenal clash
Analysis

Crucial Manchester City starters could be back for Arsenal clash

Manchester City vs. Arsenal this weekend could be a potential Premier League-deciding match. The Gunners are top of the table on 64 points, but City are right behind them with 63 points.  Injuries to Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Ederson before and during the international break threatened to dampen the spectacle on Sunday. Thankfully, it now looks like several of these key Man City starters could be back for the Arsenal match.  Kevin De Bruyne Kevin De Bruyne didn’t play for Belgium during the international break. The legendary playmaker was suffering from a lingering groin injury and needed a period of rest to recover fully.  Even with that time to rest, he is a doubt for Man City vs. Arsenal. However, De Bruyne was spotted in training on Thursday,...
Real Madrid reignite interest in an old dream transfer target
Analysis

Real Madrid reignite interest in an old dream transfer target

Real Madrid have been on a bit of a streak recently, showing interest and working in silence for so many good deals in the market, slowly addressing every single need on their already incredible roster. We obviously have Kylian Mbappe's imminent transfer to Real Madrid, which addresses the goalscorer's need. They've been working on Alphonso Davies, which is also an important position that needs reinforcement. They have established concrete interest in Leny Yoro, one of the best young centre-backs in the game. Now, they are set to reignite interest in a player they used to be very interested in. First reported by Matteo Moretto of Relevo, then by Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have an interest in signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. No talks have been held yet, but they're said to be j...