When it comes to finding the sweet spot between substantial and strenuous integration of academy graduates, Arsenal have a more intriguing recent history than most.   Arsene Wenger helped establish a great reputation in doing this only for it to be diminished somewhat in the years following his departure. However, one of Mikel Arteta’s greatest…

An integral component of AC Milan’s Scudetto triumph was their strength and versatility in midfield. Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessie formed a formidable double pivot in Stefano Pioli’s 4-2-3-1 while Ismael Bennacer and Tiemoue Bakayoko provided them with a range of abilities and depth to sustain their title charge.   With Kessie set to depart…

The Primeira Liga has emerged as one of the most popular shopping markets for Premier League clubs in recent years. Whether it’s Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, Luís Diaz at Liverpool or Rúben Dias at Manchester City, these players have proven that they can quickly transition from Portuguese football to the English game and make…

The staple of every Antonio Conte side are his two wing-backs. At Juventus, Stephan Lichtsteiner would get himself on the end of Andrea Pirlo’s arrow-like through balls.    The transformation of Victor Moses remains the finest example of his coaching to date, and at Inter Milan he blossomed Achraf Hakimi into one of the world’s…

Ismaël Bennacer has become one of AC Milan’s most important players since he arrived from Empoli in 2019. The 24-year-old is best known for operating as a regista or deep-lying playmaker and he has been integral in the Rossoneri’s return to prominence in Italian football under Coach Stefano Pioli.   Prior to joining the Italian…

Dubbed a problem child by Arsenal, criticised for his on-field antics against Brighton and cast aside shortly after, Matteo Guendouzi was something of an enigma during the first few years of his senior footballing career. However, the young Frenchman has potentially found a forever home with Marseille.   Born in Poissy, France, he was part…

As the transfer rumours continue to swirl, one that appears to have legs is that of Moroccan centre back Nayef Aguerd being constantly linked to a move to the Premier League. David Moyes’ West Ham team are considered to be the team most likely to land Aguerd’s signature. This article will look at the sought-after…

What Ligue 1 Loses and Germany’s Bundesliga Gains…For Free   France is French and Germany is German, but borders can be fluid things. Back in 800 A.D., Charlemagne’s empire knew no Franco-German border, and the succeeding Holy Roman Empire included substantial French, Italian and Slavic territory. In today’s world, the football transfer system respects no border…

Chelsea FC have finally sorted their ownership troubles with the Todd Boehly-led consortium confirmed as the new owners. The sanctions imposed on Roman Abrahimovich meant Chelsea was unable to run like a proper sports franchise.   Having resolved the dilemma, the club can now plan for the future, which will see a major squad rebuild.…