Beyond Brenner: Five exciting MLS transfers to watch in 2021
The arrival of Brenner has created a seismic shift in Major League Soccer. FTF explores five new MLS stars to watch. America is no longer just for Europe’s ageing stars … Continue Reading Beyond Brenner: Five exciting MLS transfers to watch in 2021
Succeeding Hasenhüttl: Finding the next Southampton manager
The highs and lows of Ralph Hasenhüttl and Southampton’s marriage have made it anything but dull. Were he to leave St Mary’s in the coming years, who should replace his work and character?
How the 1978 Argentina World Cup was ‘sportswashed’
The 1978 World Cup is a murky topic, beset with allegations of fixing and government inteference. Alan McKenzie looks back at this infamous event, and the politics affecting in.
Donyell Malen: The next decisive, deadly Dutchman
Donyell Malen has already played at clubs of special striker pedigree. Yet rather than buckle under the legacies of van Basten, Henry and Ronaldo, he is making his own name in the game.
The story of MŠK Žilina: A club back from the COVID-19 brink
Can a club made up of entirely academy players and U23 stars compete at senior level? This is the story of MŠK Žilina and how a pandemic began an experiment. … Continue Reading The story of MŠK Žilina: A club back from the COVID-19 brink
Scouting the cut-price Ligue 1 Talent Menu
The disastrous MediaPro deal fiasco has left Ligue 1 clubs starving for capital, and a talent migration is likely. Jack Walton scouts five young talents likely to move.
Scouting by the numbers – Finding the next Insigne, Bonucci and Immobile from Serie B
The Italian second division has never been in short supply of talent. In fact, the players coming through are growing year in, year out. There have been some legendary teams … Continue Reading Scouting by the numbers – Finding the next Insigne, Bonucci and Immobile from Serie B
The inside story of Ollie Watkins: Super-Mare to superstar
From loanee in the non-league to England debut goalscorer, the story of Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins is nothing short of miraculous. Six years after a career-changing loan … Continue Reading The inside story of Ollie Watkins: Super-Mare to superstar
What is the UEFA Europa Conference League and who could play in it?
The UEFA Europa Conference League launches in 2021-22, FTF takes a look at the potential line-up for the competition and how it will function. There have been many murmurs about … Continue Reading What is the UEFA Europa Conference League and who could play in it?
Scouting in Scotland: The best talent in the SPL
Scotland’s top flight is currently awash with young talent that could make for smart buys across Europe. Patrick Caskie scouts five such players going under the radar.
Succeeding Simeone: Profiling the next Atletico manager
Diego Simeone is Atletico, and Atletico is he. However who would be the best candidates to succeed his reign when he eventually leaves?
Liberato Cacace Interview: “I thought my dream was crushed”
Liberato Cacace is one of few young New Zealanders flying the flag in Europe. The Sint-Truiden left-back speaks exclusively to FTF about overcoming rejection, playing next to Winston Reid and … Continue Reading Liberato Cacace Interview: “I thought my dream was crushed”
Rising Nations: Poland and the new generation after Robert Lewandowski
FTF explores the current state of the Poland national team, analysing the country’s rising stars and pondering on life after Robert Lewandowski. There were high hopes for Poland when the … Continue Reading Rising Nations: Poland and the new generation after Robert Lewandowski
Scouting by the numbers – Finding the next Ndombele, Mahrez and Kanté from Ligue 2
Many of the current and past stars in the French national team setup can proudly claim to have made their first steps in France’s second division. It has been nothing … Continue Reading Scouting by the numbers – Finding the next Ndombele, Mahrez and Kanté from Ligue 2
The inside story of Christopher Nkunku: The French creative wildcard
Many might have worried when Christopher Nkunku left hometown club PSG in 2019. Since then however he has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents. FTF spoke to his former trainer Franck Plaine, who was there at the start of the journey.
Succeeding Gasperini: profiling the next Atalanta coach
Gian Piero Gasperini has changed the landscape for Atalanta in his five years at the club. But who would make the appropriate candidate to take over when he leaves. These three young coaches could make the perfect successors.