Real Madrid blend together what's real and what's legend. Hell, they use it to their advantage. Read more »
Soccer Analysis
Real Madrid's Psychic Immensity
Iniesta, Torres & The Remnants Of Spain's Golden Generation
It wasn't just about winning trophies, but how they were won. Andres Iniesta brought the control, Fernando Torres the goal. Read more »
Where In The World Is Thomas Tuchel?
Even beyond another nine-figure winger changing sides, Thomas Tuchel's signing will have the biggest impact for a big club looking to gain an extra edge in passing and attacking adrenaline, however short his reign may be. Read more »
Ernesto Valverde Sacrifices Champions League For Unbeaten Glory
The unpredictable nature of Europe belies a steady hand. So, La Liga or the Champions League? Ernesto Valverde's nature may only be suited for one. Read more »
Quique Setien: Footballing Counterculture And Winning On A Budget
We know his sides can entertain. We know they can score and will get scored on. Now, we're seeing that the 59-year-old manager can get results on a grander stage as well. Read more »
The Belgium Problem: Is It Too Late For Roberto Martinez?
Kevin de Bruyne criticized how Roberto Martinez because Belgium rely too much on individual talent. And lacking a focus on tactics, they will always have difficulties against organized, technical sides like Mexico. Read more »
You Can't Go Home Again: Monchi Finds Ambition At Roma
Anyone as successful and driven as Monchi will want to make decisions on his own terms. His track record presents a reversal on the traditional problem of a club obsessed with continental success at the expense of domestic play. Read more »
Domenico Tedesco Leads Second Wave Of Bundesliga Managers
Domenico Tedesco is this season's revelation, with Schalke currently sitting second place in the Bundesliga table. His story is one of competence and surprise. Read more »
Jose Mourinho's Critics Have A Point, Now More Than Ever
It's an open question whether Jose Mourinho knows that he's blowing his Manchester United tenure or not. If beneath the princely hostility, he feels a sharp, shameful tingling, he wouldn't ever let us know. Read more »
Netflix & Europe: Chiellini, The Defining Touch & Building UCL History
The first three episodes highlight the dominant theme of the show: Juventus' obsession with winning the Champions League that runs from the board to the players, to their supporters. Read more »
A New Controller In Midfield: The Mousa Dembele Blueprint
Mousa Dembele's unique combination of physicality, technique, and dribbling is the current adulation of supporters and commentators alike, although the adjectives to describe the whole of his play are difficult to pin down. Read more »
The Surprising, Sudden Exit Of Yannick Carrasco From Atleti To China
On why Atleti decided to sell Yannick Carrasco after the January transfer window and to a Chinese team with financial ties to the club. Read more »
Ezequiel Barco, A Bridge To Europe, And The Future Of The MLS
Spending $15 million on an 18-year-old would raise attention anywhere, much less in the MLS. But whether Atlanta are alone in their eight-figure ambitions, or if these types of gambles become the norm, is a philosophical battle that will shape the league for years to come. Read more »
Blocked Shots & Long Balls: Dyche-Ball Battles For Place In Europe
In analyzing how a side with the third lowest wage bill in the Premier League so thoroughly outperforms their expectations, the "how" is just as interesting as the "what." Read more »
James Rodriguez Finds His Form In Germany
There will surely be another group of young playmakers who break out in Russia, but we'll need to temper our expectations with the reminder of James' past that there is no straight line to a soccer career. Read more »
The Best Teams Money Can Buy: English Clubs Distance Themselves Again
The on-field impact of trading Sanchez and Giroud for and Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan may be a wash, but Arsenal's moves added to the perception of a league where big money moves happen. Read more »
Third Party Ownership And Backroom Power Struggles
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's story represents the murkiness of third party ownership. Jose Mourinho never really wanted him but now he gets a new shot with Arsenal. Read more »
La Liga's Saudi Arabia Scheme Echos Ongoing Issues
La Liga suits are simply too lazy and unimaginative to effectively market and improve a league that's often fantastic to watch but frustrating to consume. Read more »
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain And The Future Of The Liverpool Midfield
Liverpool's roster is shaping up to be Jurgen Klopp's vision in its purest form with 10 ball winners chasing, recovering and dribbling as one. Read more »
Paco Jemez & Vincenzo Montella Add Passing & Personality To La Liga
Whether fighting relegation at Las Palmas to battling for a Europa League position with Sevilla, these are the stakes from year to year in La Liga. Read more »