Analysis

The MLS playoffs are officially underway. New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City got things started on Wednesday by defeating Charlotte FC and San Jose Earthquakes in the Wild Card Round. Now that those matches are done and over with, the final MLS playoffs bracket are set. It's time to dive into our MLS playoffs predictions. We take a look at the Round One matchups, key players, and storylines you should be paying attention to all throughout the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. MLS playoffs format explained Before we get into our MLS playoffs predictions and previews, we need to go over the new MLS Cup Playoffs format. Prior to this season, the MLS Cup champion was determined by a single-elimination knockout tournament with the higher-seeded team having home field advantage in a one-off g...

Fullbacks are easy to overlook, but they are becoming increasingly vital in the modern game, especially to elite teams who have possession of the ball and need additional width. They need that width to both free space for the attackers in the middle and to offer additional venues for chance creation. Left backs tend to be scarcer than right backs for the simple fact that there are fewer left-footers. So having a game-breaking left back who can defend well while still creating a high volume of quality chances is the dream of every top team. And some clubs, like Juventus and Real Madrid, have found a proper solution to be difficult. So here are the best left backs in the world today, with this list subject to updates and changes as performances fluctuate and breakout stars emerge...

The right back position may be one of the most overlooked in world football, but just ask clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and, most recently, Napoli what having an elite right-sided defender can do for a team. An elite right back can rule an entire flank with composed defending, quality passing in the build-up, supportive runs for the attackers, and game-changing assists via their crossing. So in honor of the right back and many of the unsung heroes who ply their trade at this position, let's take a closer look at the best players in the world who man the right side of the formation. 10. Malo Gusto Malo Gusto joins Christopher Nkunku as another top young talent headed to Chelsea this summer. The 20-year-old will not be the starter in every match, as the Blues alre...

Liverpool made one of the bargain signings of the summer when they signed Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for just 35 million pounds due to a release clause, bringing in a much-needed player who was among the best in the league at any position last season. And now, the Reds have added another top-class midfielder who was one of the best players in his league last season, taking further advantage of a release clause. Though this time, Liverpool will have to pony up a bit more. They have decided to meet the 70 million euro release clause for RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, paying a steep price for a 22-year-old player who is already one of the best in the world at impacting the final score of a game. So here are some things Liverpool fans should know about this talented ...

Although the modern game has seemingly phased out the No. 10, there are still plenty of footballers finding ways to make an impact in the attacking midfield, either playing there in a scheme with two flexible attacking mids or moving up into that area of the pitch from a 4-3-3. And even still, there are a few 10's getting to play in that traditional CAM role regularly, such as Bruno Fernandes, or in certain systems based on opponent, such as Paulo Dybala. So in honor of this wonderful position and the creators who inspire us to try out some killer through passes on our local community pitch, let's rank the best attacking midfielders in world football right now. We'll leave out players who primarily play as an 8 or on the wing and stick to only players who have frequently earned mi...

Manchester United have secured their first major signing of the summer 2023 transfer window. After aggressively pursuing Chelsea star midfielder Mason Mount for weeks, they finally agreed to terms with the Blues, who were stretching out the negotiations for just a little bit more money. Ultimately, the Red Devils will spend 55 million pounds plus an additional 5 million pounds in add-ons to sign Mount, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. Mount is one of the bigger names in the Premier League and was crucial in Chelsea winning the 2020/21 Champions League. However, there are some valid concerns Manchester United fans should have about the cost of this deal and the way Mount fits the squad. Let's take a closer look at three of those concerns. These problems are not highlight...

Arsenal Women are one of the most storied teams in football. The 2018/19 FA WSL champions were once the most dominant team in English football, and while they only finished third in the league in 2022/23, they were on the doorstep of the Champions League Final. Had several key players not suffered severe injuries, who knows what they could have accomplished? The Gunners boast some of the world's most elite talents and have top players at every level of the team - from defense to attack. And like any great team, they have just the right mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talents. So let's take a look at the best Arsenal Women players currently in 2023. ST Vivianne Miedema Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema is a record-breaking goal-scorer and one of the best players of h...