Articles
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Resurrection: Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest
Late September loomed for Chris Hughton’s Nottingham Forest and after steering the former European Cup holders clear of relegation the season prior to that – the goalposts had moved and expectations shifted. Targeted for the following season was to build towards an achievement that the Essex-born boss had completed twice beforehand with Brighton and…
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Aurelien Tchouameni: The “Octopus” Flourishing on the Mediterranean Coast
A glance at any Monaco game suffices to understand the derivation of midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni’s nickname, “the Octopus”. He is a ubiquitous presence on the field, whose influence has only grown since Philippe Clement’s arrival in the Principality. That is not to insinuate to any degree that the French international’s growth had stalled under…
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Top 3 Winter Transfers that Paid Off Well
The winter transfer window has always been a great opportunity for clubs in urgent need of a stronger squad. But it is important not to miscalculate and sign a contract with a newcomer who will pay off as quickly as possible. Here are three transfers that were worth it. Dani Alves, Barcelona During…
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Top Unsung Football Heroes of All Time
We are all aware that no other player in any sport becomes as famous as in football. Football is probably the most popular sport in the world. It is so much more than just a game. It is even more than a popular culture sensation. People worship their football heroes. It gives them new hopes…
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Football Veterans Who Are Still Thriving at the Top
In modern football, many players are in no hurry to end their careers. Of course, after 35 years they are not so fast and enduring. However, older athletes compensate for it by being able to calculate the moves of opponents, understand the game situation, as well as by their tremendous experience. Here are some players…
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Tactical Analysis: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid First Leg
In a repeat of last year’s fascinating Champions League semi-final, Chelsea and Real Madrid met again this time with the welcome return of fans in the stadium. Off-the-field issues have dogged Chelsea in the last few weeks though the Blues still have so much to play for this season under the steady tutelage of…
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A Look at the Fluctuating Fortunes of Europe’s Biggest Football Clubs
Football fans across the world love to debate the best players and teams. The question about the biggest and best team is always a difficult one to answer. Do you look at the history of a club or focus on its recent success? Some clubs have had sustained success, with others being newcomers on the…
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Harry Kane Back in Business for Antonio Conte’s Renascent Tottenham
After failing to secure a summer move to Manchester City, Harry Kane suffered a dismal start to the 2021/22 season, with his first goal coming on October 17 in a 3-0 win against then relegation battlers Newcastle. Having finished as the top scorer and assister last season with 23 goals and 14 assists in the…
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Tactical Preview: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
In beginning my research for this game, I looked back at the electric clash between Manchester City and Liverpool in the fall of 2021. And what was it that made that game so special? Mohamed Salah’s wondergoal certainly didn’t hurt the game’s notoriety, but it was each team’s willingness to take chances and create…
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Joachim Andersen: Crystal Palace’s Danish Defensive Behemoth
The steepness of Joachim Andersen’s developmental trajectory has always been premised on his ball-playing ability. Although the Dane has other tools at his disposal, his talent for breaking the lines from the defensive third underscores his value tactically and individually. Andersen, now of Crystal Palace, first caught the attention of scouts from Europe’s top…
