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João Neves: Benfica’s Homegrown Superstar in Midfield
Club: Benfica Nationality: Portugal Position(s): CM, DM, AM Preferred Foot: Right Height: 5’9”/174cm Age: 19 Strengths: composure, dribbling, technical ability, tackling, duels, passing, vision Areas for Development: experience On September 22, 2006, Benfica launched the state-of-the-art Benfica Campus training ground, taking their academy to the next level and ushering in a new wave of…
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Tactical Analysis: Christian Streich’s Freiburg
There’s still two months left in the 2023/24 season, but we’ve already seen various teams announce changes at the managerial position. Both of the reigning champions in Spain and Germany are on the lookout for new managers, with Xavi and Thomas Tuchel stepping down from their posts at Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the end…
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İlkay Gündoğan: Barcelona’s Free Transfer Turned MVP
Joan Laporta has not been shy about bringing in free transfers to bolster Barcelona’s squad since his reelection as the Blaugrana’s president in 2021. Given the financial circumstances of the club he inherited, adding quality players without paying an exorbitant transfer fee is probably one of the most shrewd maneuvers one could make. During his…
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Patrick Dorgu: Lecce’s Next Big Sale?
Club: Lecce Nationality: Denmark Position(s): LB, LWB, LM Preferred Foot: Left Height: 6’2”/187cm Age: 19 Strengths: physicality, dribbling, press resistance, 1v1s, Areas for Development: decision making, weak foot usage & ability After narrowly staving off the drop in their return to Serie A, Lecce were heavily favored to go down following a summer that…
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Why Jack Butland Deserves to be in England’s Euro 2024 Squad
The March international break has just concluded with England losing to Brazil 1-0 and having to rely on Jude Bellingham scoring in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw against Belgium. Jordan Pickford did not cover himself in glory as his poor attempt of a pass led to the Belgians taking advantage and opening the…
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Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know – Football’s Most Controversial Owners
Football news in England is currently gripped with stories of Financial Fair Play. These measures were introduced by UEFA to limit spending by football clubs and make them more sustainable. While FFP dominates the headlines, it got me thinking. What about the owners whose actions extend beyond the realms of club finances? Which club…
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Antonio Nusa: The Norwegian Winger Destined for Greatness
Club: Club Brugge Nationality: Norway Position(s): LW, RW Preferred Foot: Right Height: 5’11”/180cm Age: 18 Strengths: 1v1s, speed, agility, weak-foot ability, creativity, shot volume, defensive work-rate Areas for Development: physical strength Norway have not made it to a major footballing tournament since the 2000 European Championships, but that may be about to change sooner…
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The Curious Case of Scott McTominay: Assessing His Future at Manchester United
On Sunday, March 17, Scott McTominay once again delivered two vital goal contributions for Manchester United in their potentially season-defining FA Cup quarter-final victory against Liverpool. His goal and assist capped an all-round brilliant display. McTominay won 10 duels – more than any other player on the pitch – and won 100% of his tackles…
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NEC Nijmegen on Course for Dream Season under Rogier Meijer
Three years after suffering relegation from the Eredivisie, NEC Nijmegen hired Rogier Meijer in June 2020. He led them to promotion in his first-ever managerial campaign before guiding them to 11th in their return to the top-flight and narrowly avoiding the drop, before finishing 12th, albeit a comfortable 11 points clear of the relegation playoff.…
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Lewis Miley: Newcastle’s Rising Star in Midfield
In their first full season under Eddie Howe, Newcastle United finished in 4th place and earned a UEFA Champions League spot after a two-decade drought from the competition. Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Joelinton amidst others dazzled throughout the season as Newcastle recorded their highest finish in the Premier League since…