Analysis News and Analysis

15Jul

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Analysis

Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament

Spain capped off the Euro 2024 tournament with a 2-1 win over England on Sunday. La Roja became the first team to ever win four Euros, while England became the first team to lose back-to-back European Championships. Now that it’s all over, let’s look at the best players from Euro 2024. Here is our Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. Defense GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia) As much as Georgia dazzled fans with their swashbuckling attacking play, their defense is why they made it to the Round of 16. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had an unbelievable 30 saves in just four matches. This was almost twice as many as the next-best player, Jordan Pickford. Mamardashvili also allowed more goals than any keeper at the tournament, but it could have been much, much worse for Georgia withou...

Ranking the 10 best center midfielders of the 2010s

10Jul

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 10 best center midfielders of the 2010s

Throughout the 2010s, Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi was the most heated debate on the lips of world football fans, but as time has passed and the discussions have become more retrospective, much of the discussion has moved towards the midfield. It isn't just Real Madrid and Barcelona fans getting into it about their elite midfields that dominated the 2010s, as Premier League supporters, Serie A fans, and, of course, the Bayern Munich faithful are wondering where their midfield stars stack up. When looking back at the best center midfielders of the 2010s, it is no surprise to see that the teams that dominated the Champions League that decade - Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich - also dominate this list. It's fair to say that this observation is yet another endorsement ...

Ranking the 10 best Bayern Munich transfers since 2010

9Jul

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 10 best Bayern Munich transfers since 2010

Bayern Munich have turned winning into a tradition, to the point where their success is taken for granted more than at any other club in world football. One of the best-run organizations in professional sports, Bayern's excellence has recently been called into question after a host of rash managerial decisions, poor signings, and dysfunctional executives. But Bayern's track record of success in the 2010s decade speaks for itself, and looking at their list of transfers over the last 15 years provides a clear example of why they achieved consistent Champions League success and perennial Bundesliga dominance. Here are the 10 best transfers in Bayern Munich's recent history since 2010, ranked in order. 10. Leon Goretzka, CM Leon Goretzka helped lead Schalke to an unlikely second-pla...

Manchester United Women sign one of the world’s most proven center backs

6Jul

By khushibhindeNo Comments

Analysis

Manchester United Women sign one of the world’s most proven center backs

Manchester United Women have pulled off a major coup with the signing of Dutch international Dominique Janssen. The experienced defender brings a wealth of winning pedigree and leadership to the Red Devils' backline. Janssen, known for her rock-solid defending and calm presence on the pitch, has enjoyed a trophy-laden career. After a successful stint with Arsenal in the FA Women's Super League, where she lifted the league title alongside the FA Cup and League Cup, she moved to German giants VfL Wolfsburg. In Germany, she continued her trophy haul, adding two Frauen Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokal wins to her impressive collection. On the international stage, Janssen has been a mainstay for the Netherlands, playing a key role in their 2017 European Championship triumph. ...

Chelsea Women land one of the world’s best forwards

6Jul

By khushibhindeNo Comments

Analysis

Chelsea Women land one of the world’s best forwards

Chelsea fans, rejoice! The wait is over. French forward Sandy Baltimore has officially signed for the Blues, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in women's football. Baltimore, a 24-year-old speedy winger, has spent her entire professional career at Paris Saint-Germain. Rising through the ranks at a young age, she quickly established herself as a key player for the club. Her impressive trophy haul includes a Division 1 Féminine title, ending Lyon's dominance in 2020-21, and a Champions League final appearance in 2017. Known for her electrifying acceleration, dribbling skills, and a knack for scoring crucial goals, Baltimore has earned 28 caps for the French national team. This move to Chelsea is a clear sign of Baltimore's ambition. After a trophy-laden career at PSG, sh...

Ranking the 10 best midfielders at Euro 2024

17Jun

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 10 best midfielders at Euro 2024

As Jorginho showed the world in the last European Championships, in addition to Luka Modric and Enzo Fernandez at previous World Cups, great midfielders can make a world of difference at the international stage. Here are the 10 best midfielders you need to know at Euro 2024, ranked in order. 10. Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary Dominik Szoboszlai's match-winning performance against Montenegro will forever live in the lore of Hungarian football. The Liverpool star is the modern day hope of the country in football, carrying a legacy that includes some of the greatest players in history, most namely Ferenc Puskas A playmaker who has become a more robust midfielder by working on his physical strength, Szoboszlai can play virtually any position for Hungary but is currently being utilized as ...

Ranking the 5 best France national team players at Euro 2024

16Jun

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 5 best France national team players at Euro 2024

England may be the favorites according to the Euro 2024 betting odds, but we all know France are the real main contenders. Les Bleus are two deep at almost every position. That kind of depth plus genuine world class talent up front and a winning pedigree make France a team no one wants to play. Here are the five best France national team players you should be watching at Euro 2024. 5. William Saliba Arsenal’s William Saliba was probably the best defender in Europe this season. The 23-year-old played every single minute for the Gunners in the Premier League this season. He finished fifth in the league for touches and in the top ten for dribbler tackle percentage and pass completion percentage. Only three center backs in the Premier League completed more passes into the opposit...

Ranking the 5 best England players at Euro 2024

16Jun

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 5 best England players at Euro 2024

England come into the 2024 UEFA European Championship as huge favorites to win it all. When you look at the talent available for the Three Lions, it’s no question why this is the case. Here are the five best England national team players who will make the difference for England at Euro 2024. If England do finally get the job done and win a major international tournament, it will be because of these players. 5. Bukayo Saka Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’ has gone from strength to strength since missing a key penalty in England’s loss in the Euro 2020 Final to Italy on penalties. Saka has been instrumental to Arsenal’s improvement under Mikel Arteta. Without the tricky winger, the Gunners would not have finished second in the Premier League in the last two seasons. The 22-year-old scored...

Ranking the 5 best Spain players at Euro 2024

14Jun

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 5 best Spain players at Euro 2024

Spain are one of the biggest favorites heading into Euro 2024. Under manager Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have maintained the dominant possession style they used so well when Luis Enrique was still in charge. However, this Spain team can play direct, attacking football when they need to. This makes them a much more versatile and dangerous side than the Spain we saw get knocked out by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. None of this matters if the players don’t perform well. Here are the best Spain players we’ll be watching at Euro 2024. 5. Álvaro Morata (FW, Atlético Madrid) Álvaro Morata has not had the best of seasons for Atlético Madrid this year. He scored 21 goals, but never truly looked like he deserved being the Colchoneros’ number one option up front. As a result he played jus...

Ranking the 5 best Portugal players at Euro 2024

14Jun

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Analysis

Ranking the 5 best Portugal players at Euro 2024

Very few teams at Euro 2024 have more individual talent than Portugal. A Seleção famously lifted the 2016 European Championship trophy. Since then, they have made it to the Round of 16 or better of every tournament they’ve played in. Here are the star players Portugal will be relying on this time around. 5. Cristiano Ronaldo (FW, Al Nassr) Love him or hate him, Ronaldo is still one of Portugal’s best players. Whether he’s the best fit for Roberto Martínez’s system is another question. Ronaldo started just one of Portugal’s three pre-tournament friendlies. He scored two goals in his lone start against Ireland, playing as a part of a front two with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. The legendary striker also won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, scoring 35 goals in 31 matches. He mi...