In a market increasingly defined by anticipation, the smartest clubs try to buy tomorrow’s assurances today. They angle for the player who has not yet become a headline, who sits just before the inflection point when interest and prices suddenly jump. Lucas Bergvall belongs to that category: a 19-year-old Swedish...
There was a mixed response to Ange Postecoglou's sacking at Tottenham Hotspur this summer. However, regardless of which side of the fence you sat on, Thomas Frank was a welcome appointment when he became the new Spurs manager this summer. He was well regarded by most Spurs fans for his work...
Tottenham Hotspur have been spending heavily this summer to keep up with the rest of the traditional 'Big Six'. Thomas Frank needs reinforcements in this midfield as they switch tactically, and they may have found the perfect midfielder for him in João Palhinha. João Palhinha was the best defensive midfielder...
Set pieces are becoming increasingly important, attracting the attention of coaches, analysts and fans worldwide. This has led to the emergence of several concepts related to blocking or hindering the opponent: the “block” and the “screen”. Here, we define each term: 1) The block involves an attacking player positioning himself...
Set pieces are becoming increasingly important, attracting the attention of coaches, analysts and fans worldwide. This has led to the emergence of several concepts related to blocking or hindering the opponent: the “block” and the “screen”. Here, we define each term: 1) The block involves an attacking player positioning himself...
There's a new sense of excitement and anticipation for Portugal as they enter the Euros. After Roberto Martínez's squad enjoyed the best qualification stage in Portugal's history, winning all 10 matches, there's a growing sense that this Golden Generation is primed for a special run. What's most impressive about the...
In recent years, Fulham have found themselves yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, but last season they broke that trend in style, finishing 10th in the top flight in 22/23. One of the season’s surprise packages, along with the likes of Brighton and Brentford, Fulham may still face...
Sporting CP ended a 19-year Primeira Liga drought last season and finished second in 2021/22. At the heart of their improvement was João Palhinha, the physically imposing holding midfielder. A former academy product, Palhinha’s return from a two-year loan at Braga secured the Sporting midfield, giving them one of the...
