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.
Scouting by the numbers – Five underrated youngsters from 2.Bundesliga
The Zweite Bundesliga has always been a source of great talents for the Bundesliga and the rest of Europe – this summer shall be no different. One of the most … Continue Reading Scouting by the numbers – Five underrated youngsters from 2.Bundesliga
How a 2014 Nike advert predicted football under Covid-19
FTF explores the parallels between Nike’s 2014 dystopian world to present day football under the Covid-19 pandemic and why there is hope. ‘Football just changed,’ declares Nike’s archetypal super-villain in … Continue Reading How a 2014 Nike advert predicted football under Covid-19
Five underrated teenagers from the South American continent
The South American continent has always been a hot-bed for footballing talent. These five teenagers are worth keeping an eye on. Whether it is on the streets of Buenos Aires, … Continue Reading Five underrated teenagers from the South American continent
The inside story of Jens Petter Hauge: From England trial to AC Milan
From a trial at Reading to playing for 7 time European Champions AC Milan, Jens Petter Hauge has enjoyed a whirlwind of a journey. It was a regular weekday afternoon. … Continue Reading The inside story of Jens Petter Hauge: From England trial to AC Milan
An Abundance of Talent: How England would see success in a 4-2-3-1 formation
Much is made of the midfield options available to England for the forthcoming Euros, but how best to fit them all in? Tom Cross explores the merits of the 4-2-3-1 to do so.
Remembering Branislav Ivanović’s epic 2011/12 season
The Serbian’s contributions at Stamford Bridge were pivotal in European success in consecutive years. Branislav Ivanovic and Chelsea were fighting what was the battle of their lives. The venue was … Continue Reading Remembering Branislav Ivanović’s epic 2011/12 season
Scouting for Salah: finding the next generation of MENA footballers
The MENA region is a largely unmined land for talent. Mohamed Salah, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi have shown that great players lie within it, as David Cohen finds out.
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.
Rising Nations: The birth of North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s qualification for the European Championships represents a huge shift in their sporting but also political history, writes Jeremy Goldstein.
The inside story of Harvey Elliott: Made in the South, thriving in the North
Harvey Elliott is the new talk of the town. FTF spoke to his first coach at QPR and those who have followed his fledgling career closely. Slowly but surely Harvey … Continue Reading The inside story of Harvey Elliott: Made in the South, thriving in the North
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.
The inside story of Tino Kadewere; setbacks and successes
Lyon have assembled an unlikely, but highly effective strikeforce with Tino Kadewere at its heart. George Hartley spoke to Kadewere’s school coach to see where this star emerged from.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith talks Grenfell Athletic and Newcastle United trial
Tayshan Hayden-Smith speaks to FTF about his love of football, memories of Grenfell and fighting for justice at Grenfell Athletic. Tayshan Hayden-Smith had a grin on his face. At 17 … Continue Reading Tayshan Hayden-Smith talks Grenfell Athletic and Newcastle United trial
Remembering Zambia’s incredible 2012 AFCON victory with Isaac Chansa
In 2012, Zambia achieved one of the biggest underdog stories in football when they won the African Cup of Nations. Here’s how it happened. In the dying embers of the … Continue Reading Remembering Zambia’s incredible 2012 AFCON victory with Isaac Chansa
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.