Can Josh Sargent Get Back on the US Men’s National Team While at Norwich?
Three goals in his first three games is a heck of a statement from Josh Sargent, but he’s been consistent and successful at Norwich City for the past three years yet he was still overlooked for #USMNT duty this summer by new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
So is there any measure of success Sargent can have at Norwich City that will allow him to work his way back on the US Men’s National Team roster? Or does he need to prove himself at a higher level in order to impress his new coach?
What Do Arsenal Need from Viktor Gyökeres?
Viktor Gyökeres is heading to Arsenal to finally solve their long problems at striker. But a massive price tag puts a lot of pressure on the move.
So how good does Viktor Gyökeres have to be in order to justify the signing?
Just better than Kai Havertz.
Three at the Back: Does Xabi Alonso Adjust, or Does Real Madrid?
Xabi Alonso is widely seen as the heir to the Real Madrid throne, but there’s a major tactical dilemma brewing. His success at Bayer Leverkusen has been built on a three-at-the-back system—one that doesn’t naturally fit with Real Madrid’s historic preference for a back four and winger-driven play.
Yes, Alonso is tactically flexible. He’s worked under Guardiola, Mourinho, Ancelotti, and others who thrived using back-four systems. He understands Real Madrid’s culture inside and out. But just because he can coach a traditional shape doesn’t mean he should. Why hire a manager and ask him to abandon the very style that made him elite?
Real Madrid has the power to hire anyone. But if they want Alonso, they should want all of him—his ideas, his tactics, his system. Otherwise, there are other coaches who already align with their traditions.
The toughest adjustment won’t be tactical. It’ll be cultural. The biggest challenge won’t be for Alonso—it’ll be for Real Madrid fans, who may need to evolve their expectations if they want the next era to be as dominant as the last.
How PSG Got Better Without Kylian Mbappé
In just about any other context, losing a player like Kylian Mbappé would signal the start of a rebuild, not a resurgence. When the best player in the world—and arguably the most dangerous forward on the planet—leaves your club, expectations usually drop accordingly.
But that’s not what happened at Paris Saint-Germain. Instead, Luis Enrique’s PSG has gotten better.
Let’s dig into how that happened, and more importantly, why.
Why Can’t Stars Keep Their Legacies in Tact Like Luka Modrić
In modern football, it’s become almost a rarity for aging stars to stick around with their longtime clubs and take on a reduced role. Most opt to chase the last remnants of their prime elsewhere, often in leagues where the spotlight is dimmer, and the competition a little softer. But here’s the kicker—it rarely goes […]
Will Hansi Flick Survive His Contract at Barcelona?
Barcelona, in a move both sudden and shocking, has once again shown the door to club legend Xavi Hernandez. Now, they’ve placed their hopes on Hansi Flick, signing him to a two-year contract. This decision has left fans and pundits asking: Can Flick survive his entire contract at Barcelona? The Flick Fit Hansi Flick is […]
Does Arne Slot’s Hiring Mean the End of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool?
Liverpool is set for significant changes next season, and one major question looms large: what will become of Trent Alexander-Arnold? With Jurgen Klopp’s departure and the appointment of Arne Slot as the new manager, the fate of Liverpool’s star right-back hangs in the balance. Could this managerial change signal the end of Alexander-Arnold’s time at […]
The Bayern Munich Fiasco: Tuchel, Hoeneß, and the Turmoil Within
Uli Hoeneß was wrong to criticize Thomas Tuchel when he did, and for the reasons he did. But the Bayern Munich coach isn’t without his flaws.
Why Can’t We Enjoy Wrexham?
The Euphoria of Promotion and the Sting of Envy The footballing success of Wrexham AFC, with their consecutive promotions, has stirred a mix of celebration and resentment among football fans and clubs alike. Recently acquired by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham’s sudden surge has been a talking point for many. Is it […]
Arne Slot: The Rise of a Tactical Maestro
Arne Slot, the enigmatic Dutch manager, has been making waves in the footballing world with his tactical acumen and transformative approach to the beautiful game. From his humble beginnings as an assistant manager to his meteoric rise to prominence as the head coach of Feyenoord, Slot’s journey is one of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering commitment […]