Articles
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A Closer Look at the Premier League’s Promoted Teams
Whenever teams are promoted to the Premier League it is almost certain those sides are seen as favourites for relegation back to the Championship. However, Leeds United, West Brom and Fulham provide interesting subplots that could replicate the exploits of Sheffield United last season. Leeds United Promotion to the Premier League ended 16…
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Why Ciro Immobile Should Be Lazio’s Next Captain
To be appointed as the captain of a football team speaks highly about an individual. When deciding who to give the captain’s armband to, the team must select someone who is a leader on and off the field, with experience and strong leadership qualities. Someone who is able to show a good work ethic, always…
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Scouting Report: Dayot Upamecano
In the 2015 U-17 Euros, France marched past the opposition en route to their second U-17 Euros triumph, in a tournament that saw them score 15 goals and concede just two. But from that squad that achieved glory in Bulgaria, few names are starting regularly for Europe’s top sides. Of the select few, Faitout…
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Tactical Analysis: Inter vs. Shakhtar
Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan trounced Luís Castro’s Shakhtar 5-0 in the Europa League semi-finals courtesy of two braces from Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez as well as a goal from Danilo D’Ambrosio. The Nerazzurri pressed Shakhtar high up the pitch, forcing them to play either risky short passes or wayward long balls. Inter closed…
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Rennes: Cubism, Camavinga and Champions League
The university city of Rennes marries the disparate ideas of academia and youthful inhibitions in a way that transcends the hauntingly elegant gothic confines of its university campus. Stade Rennais, commonly referred to as Rennes, owe their recent success to three generations of this modest French city’s learned culture. From the group of former…
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A Tribute to Dani Parejo: A Valencia Legend and a Club Martyr
Dani Parejo stood in the middle of Mestalla, on a podium, eyes closed for a few seconds then a hand up to his face to wipe away the little tears that threatened to come out. He struggled with emotions as chants of “lolololololo Dani Parejo” enveloped the stadium. It was everybody singing; the fans, his…
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André Onana: The Indomitable Lion
Over the years, several African nations have become specialists at producing players of a certain position or role. Nigeria has become famed for its lethal, potent forwards such as Rashidi Yekhini and Victor Osimhen, Mali for its long-legged, restless midfield workhorses like Seydou Keïta and Diadie Samassékou, whilst Cameroon has developed a penchant for its…
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Tactical Analysis: Leandro Paredes vs. RB Leipzig
Going into Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League semi-final in 25 years, Thomas Tuchel made four alterations to the side that beat Atalanta 2-1 in the quarterfinals. However, only one of those changes can be considered tactical, with Kylian Mbappé and Ángel Di María taking their regular place in the front three beside Neymar, after returning…
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Tactical Analysis: Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona
Two of Europe’s biggest titans took on each other for a spot in the Champions League semi-finals on Friday. Both teams had sacked their managers and appointed a new manager midway through the season, but their fortunes couldn’t be more different. Since joining as manager in November, Hans-Dieter Flick had revived Bayern’s ailing season, with…
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Tuchel and Nagelsmann: A Tale of Two Friends
What usually is talked about before a big Champions League game is either the history of the clubs involved or the clash between star players. But when PSG and RB Leipzig face off in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night, the main focus will be on the two German tacticians who created their own…
