The lower reaches of league tables are not the most obvious place to begin a search for footballers of sublime gift, but even the darkest corners can produce a wealth of unexpected treasures. Almería – though currently basking in the glory of holding the mighty Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw – is a club rooted to the foot of La Liga, but in the form of Pablo Piatti it harbours a hidden jewel. Read the rest of this entry »
Spain's future?
Since 2008, Spain, first under Luis Aragonés and then Vicente Del Bosque, have thrilled the world with their wonderfully aesthetic ‘Tiki Taka’ style of football. Reaping the benefits of a remarkably gifted generation, the likes of Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol and David Villa have driven La Furia Roja to both the European and World titles. Read the rest of this entry »
During pre-season we identified five young players that we thought could make a big impression on European football in 2010/11. Every month we will bring you an update on the quintet’s progress – this is the third instalment. Read the rest of this entry »
Since taking the reins of the Brazilian national team from Dunga in July, Mano Menezes has shown himself to be willing to give young players a chance with A Seleção, more than happy to encourage the development of emerging Brazil-based players at the very highest level. This policy is reflected in the latest Brazil squad, with the likes of Neto, Réver and Jucilei all called up to face Argentina in Doha on 17th November. Read the rest of this entry »
Thiago Alcantara
This evening Barcelona travel to Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city on the African continent, where they will face the region’s third-tier club in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey. Although Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly treat Ceuta with all due respect, the game does represent a chance for the Barça coach to give recent graduates of the cantera (youth academy, literally “quarry”) a taste of first team action. Read the rest of this entry »
The Equaliser 