Analysis

If you've had even a passing interest in the German Bundesliga over the last 10 years, then chances are that you are quite familiar with Bayer Leverkusen center back Jonathan Tah. Honestly, if anything, it's a surprise that Tah hasn't joined Bayern Munich by now, because he is one of the most recognizable central defenders in the country - and one of the best ball-playing defenders, which is an attribute Bayern tend to seek in center backs. The thing is, Bayern were smart for holding off on signing Tah, because his growth stagnated from the time he first emerged on the scene as one of the top young German center backs to watch. Tah has never been an above-average starter for the German national team, and at Leverkusen, he was quickly outshined by Edmond Tapsoba in defense, then fu...

LaLiga is renowned for its rich history, iconic clubs, and world-class talent. However, beneath the surface, the league grapples with several significant challenges that threaten its integrity and global reputation.  The quality of play is subpar, stadiums are partially empty due to high ticket prices, and many teams are in financial turmoil. Worst of all, the league has been in the spotlight for almost all the wrong reasons possible (the abuse in various stadiums, controversial refereeing decisions, etc). If all this wasn’t bad enough, LaLiga continues to get weaker every season as its best players and managers leave to sign for other leagues, such as the Premier League, Serie A, and even the Saudi Arabian league.   It’s a concerning period for the league, but why has LaLiga declined...

5. Alex Stepney Alex Stepney was Manchester United's starting goalkeeper from 1966 to 1978 after a brief spell at Chelsea, and he ended up playing over 400 games in the English top flight for the Red Devils. Although Stepney's name doesn't come up as often when discussing the great Manchester United goalkeepers, he won the league, FA Cup, and European Cup with the club, producing an acclaimed save in that European Cup Final at Wembley against Benfica. The save game from short-range to stop a scorcher from Benfica striker Eusebio, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in world football history. In fact, Stepney's save was so remarkable that Eusebio himself applauded the Manchester United goalkeeper. Stepney recalled, "I saw it on telly afterwards and what had happened ...

With Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool icon Sadio Mane spearheading the attack and role players like Alex Telles and Marcelo Brozovic surrounding them, Al-Nassr have ambitions of dominating the Saudi Pro League but still sit behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in the table. Here are five players Al-Nassr could try to sign in the coming January transfer window to pre-arranged future deals - or to immediate winter transfers - in order to become an even bigger power in Saudi Arabia. Manchester City AM Kevin De Bruyne Kevin De Bruyne has been increasingly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League over the past couple of years, and even though he remains the premier playmaker in the Premier League, 2025 could be the year the Manchester City midfielder makes his move elsewhere....

From Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard to James Maddison and Cole Palmer, the Premier League is filled with top-class playmakers who provide highlight-reel assists and slick dribbles. Here is a ranking of the best playmakers in the English top flight in 2024. 10. Andreas Pereira, Fulham A lot of people wrote Andreas Pereira off after he put up mediocre numbers for Manchester United for years before going to Brazil, returning, and turning his career around with another historic Premier League side in Fulham. Now, Pereira is playing the best football in his career at the age of 28 and has become one of the best passers in the final third in the entire Premier League. He is a playmaker in his prime and one of the premier set-piece specialists in the English top flight. Pereira had a...

Liverpool have one of the best center back partnerships in world football between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but it's time to add more talent to the pool, especially with VVD getting closer to 35. Here are five center back targets the Reds should consider signing in the winter 2025 transfer window. Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton Manchester United were in hot pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite for much of 2024, but they ultimately balked on the Everton star because of a 70 million pound asking price. Instead, Manchester United sign Leny Yoro for 60 million euros from Lille, paying a premium price to make sure Yoro chose them over PSG and Liverpool. By not waiting for Real Madrid in 2025, Yoro had already chosen against his dream club and the favorites to sign him. With Branthwaite...

Premier League Matchday 7 features a full slate of matches, including Aston Villa vs. Manchester United, Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest, and Brighton vs. Tottenham. To help you get ready for all the action, here are our EPL predictions for these big matches. Aston Villa vs. Manchester United  After beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, Aston Villa are flying. Unai Emery has brought the club to a level many Villa fans probably thought they would never see again.  Things couldn’t be more different at Manchester United. The Red Devils were embarrassed by Tottenham last week. They are in 13th place and have won just one of their last five Premier League matches.  Despite this poor run, Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports that there’s nothing to worry about at Man Utd. I c...