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?
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.
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?
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.
Behind the scenes of the Arsenal Academy ‘Class of 2015-2018’
The names to emerge from the Arsenal youth ranks rival those of any academy. But why have these names found success away from the club?
Paredes and Verratti: Pochettino’s brilliant midfield pair at PSG
PSG announced themselves under new coach Mauricio Pochettino with a breath-taking 4-1 win away at Barcelona last month. Key to this were the roles of two midfield talents.
Jules Koundé: The next Rolls Royce off the rank
Already a Europa League winner with Sevilla, twenty two year old Jules Koundé is another terrific French talent. It will likely be no time before he is the talk of your club’s rumour mill.
Tactics behind the scoreline: Manchester United 3-2 AC Milan
This titanic clash in 2007 is remembered as a dramatic goal filled occasion. Yet behind the goals, there were a number of tactical battles that set the foundations to a classic encounter.
Alhassan Yusuf interview; Tiki Taka football from Nigeria
Alhassan Yusuf has enjoyed a swift and impressive rise in European football. He spoke exclusively to First Time Finish about his academy days, moving to Sweden, and the essence of his play.
The curious case of Graham Potter’s Brighton
For all their exciting attacking intent and impressive individual talent, Brighton still find themselves seventeenth in the Premier League. This is an analysis of their season so far, and where things can pick up.
The inside story of Teun Koopmeiners: Fearless midfielder, fearless leader
Teun Koopmeiners is a midfielder for both the tactical enthusiast, and for those that revel in the aesthetic. For all his technical ability, his character sets him apart as a potential superstar. This is his Inside Story.
Transfer window special: Five unheralded young midfielders
The transfer rumour mill will be churning out the usual suspects’ names once more. Yet these young midfielders represent cheaper, uncovered gems for your club to take a look at this January, or in the Summer.
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.