Kaká and the lost Real Madrid years
Kaká is rightly regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of the modern game. Yet why did it not work out for him in Madrid?
The inside story of Michael Olise: Reading Royalty
Michael Olise is hot property, and the name on everyone’s lips. Yet his story is more than just an explosive 2020, and shows he is a player made of remarkable minerals.
It is time to unshackle Rodrigo de Paul
Rodrigo de Paul has carried his Udinese side to the point that he is now a league leading midfielder. One that Europe should take good notice of.
Tanguy Ndombele: Tottenham’s midfield cavalier
Powerful, creative, and ridiculously talented. Tanguy Ndombele is a remarkable talent. Yet for all his ability, his career has been anything but plain sailing. First Time Finish spoke to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare about Mourinho’s mercurial midfielder.
VfB Stuttgart: Young, talented and sustainable
VfB Stuttgart’s 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund turned heads across Europe. However their recent success goes beyond this one result, and has come after years of short sightedness.
Bringing Emiliano Buendia back to the Premier League
In 2019/20, Emiliano Buendia was among the Premier League’s best creators. After being relegated with Norwich, once again the league’s clubs are turning his way.
Kang-in Lee: How to recapture stardust
Upon winning the 2019 U-20 World Cup’s Golden Ball, Kang-in Lee was marked as one of world football’s brightest talents. Now is the time for him to prove his worth, in a struggling and damaged Valencia team.
PSV Eindhoven: Palpable Potential
Dutch football is once again riding a wave of nauseating young talent. PSV Eindhoven possess a huge chunk of this talent, and under the gaze of Roger Schmidt, could become a special force again.
Exclusive: From Brazil to Berlin – The Inside Story of Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha is ripping through Germany and soon will be the attention of Europe’s biggest powers. His former coach Maurizio Jacobacci spoke to First Time Finish about this brilliant forward.
Interview: The European adventures of the Vieira Twins
Twins are a rarity in football. When they possess the ability and personality of the Vieira twins, there are none that come close.
The Ledley King Legacy
Ledley King’s career should not be discussed as an obituary, as potential torn down by injury. At Tottenham his legacy stands tall, as speaking to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare showed us
The Modern Sweeper-Keeper
Once, the role of the goalkeeper was to stop shots going in. Now they are required to be an asset in possession. These are some of the key moments in the birth of the modern sweeper-keeper.
Exclusive: The Inside Story of Bruno Fernandes at Novara Calcio
Before becoming one of Europe’s best playmakers, Bruno Fernandes had to learn his trade in Italy. It was at Novara Calcio that he made his professional debut, and where many remember him fondly.
Forgotten Ballon d’Or Winners: Denis Law: The Tip of the United Trinity
Between 1964 and 1968, three Manchester United players won the Ballon D’Or. Denis Law was the first, yet receives little of the acclaim of Best and Charlton. this is the story of ‘The King’.
Dundalk and their Date with Destiny
Dundalk begin their Europa League adventure at home to Molde next week. FTF spoke to Dundalk writer James Rogers about this most remarkable of seasons.
Unlocking Hertha Berlin’s Potential
Hertha Berlin have assembled a young and exciting side. This tactical breakdown looks at the trends of this fascinating team.