Tactically, this Champions League Final represents a reunion of a mid-2010s philosophy, which is even more poignant now considering how far we are from that style. Read more »
Soccer Analysis
Pep Guardiola Vs. Thomas Tuchel: A UCL Final Years In The Making
La Liga Ain't What It Used To Be
As ever, Real Madrid and Barcelona will decide which direction this whole enterprise goes. And Atleti will have their days, knowing that they don't run the show but do occasionally get to star in it. Read more »
With Or Without Lionel Messi, Barcelona Embark On A New Era
All beginnings need to start somewhere. A new era of Barcelona was overdue whether it was structured by Laporta, forced by debt, and with or without Messi. Read more »
Roma Aim For Realism Under Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho's personality, the mind games and doublespeak, are now features. His understanding of the pushes, pulls, and politics may end up setting Roma free. Read more »
Inter & Antonio Conte's Modern, Rehearsed Football Unlock Serie A
There are openings for challengers to become the incumbent, however scarce. All you need is Antonio Conte to transform a vulnerable moment into its own dominant era. Read more »
Graham Potter, The Limitations Of Expected Goals, The Brighton Paradox
Brighton's gap between xG and goals isn't an outcome of luck, but rather of design. And with such a difference between underlying analytics and table place, who is Graham Potter performing for exactly? Read more »
Future Fans, Legacy Supporters, An Eventual Return To The Status Quo
In an age of hyperbole, we immediately recognized the significance of the potential Super League. But the day of truth was still surreal even considering the years of rumors that prepared our reactions for when theory turned reality. Read more »
The Super League Died But They're Not Through Tearing Things Down
The richest clubs in Europe were ready to detonate the sport as we know it: bleaching identities, cheapening domestic leagues, starving a great many clubs that are rich in history if not in funds. Read more »
Building A Modern Club From Scratch, Part 3: Austin FC
In MLS terms, Austin is firmly in the "move the needle" group based on being the first major sports team in a city that has been part of the national story for decades, whose relevance will only increase throughout the technological age. Read more »
West Ham's Pressing Antidote: Moyes Builds A Brutal, Efficient Squad
West Ham have built an efficient roster in their own way. The emphasis isn't running or pressures, but in winning aerial battles, intercepting passes, and controlling the uncontrollable elements that define the Premier League. Read more »
Spain & Luis Enrique Turn To New Pipelines During La Liga's Struggles
In examining the relationship between a domestic league and its national team, you could even argue an inverse strength with exported players able to bring back different experiences to international play. Read more »
A Modern Badge Is A Corporation's Face
What's happening at Inter is happening all over the sport. Some new badges and kits and color schemes are better than others and some old badges and kits and color schemes were pretty lousy in the first place, but everything smells strongly of disinfectant and money. Read more »
Chris Wilder, Sheffield United & The Paradox Of Second Season Success
It's not the results that ruin seasons from the inside out, but the attempt to keep up within the trappings of billion-dollar television deals and European places. Chris Wilder and United lost their way in the transfer market, then lost each other altogether. Read more »
Theory Meets Reality: Andrea Pirlo Takes On The Ronaldo Challenge
It is very much too early to deliver a final verdict on Andrea Pirlo's career, but Juventus as any manager's first job is almost set up to fail by expectations and scale alone. Read more »
Gerrard, Henry & The Burden Of Superstars Becoming Managers
While Thierry Henry has had a pair of short managerial stints, his fellow Premier League legend, Steven Gerrard, has helped complete a turnaround for Rangers. Read more »
Pele Transcended And Foreshadowed The Modern Soccer World
Pele appeared at the right time in technology and history, winning the right trophies with the right skills for the right country. His trophies cemented the ability to tell his own story through his lens. Read more »
Burnley Finding Value And Stability As The Underdog
Does messaging equal trophies at the end of a season? That answer is an obvious no. But does a compelling story create an opportunity for current and future supporters to invest in, thereby raising a club's value? That seems attainable, and more at one's control. Read more »
Pep Guardiola Finds His Rhythm In A Pressing, Modern World
Even through the on-field impact of the pandemic, going in direct contrast to contemporary styles, Pep Guardiola has always played at his own tempo. This season of contradictions presents Guardiola at his most and least expressive. Read more »
Halfway To 100 Points: Luis Suarez Pushes Diego Simeone Forward
We all got what we wanted. Analysts were proven right that Diego Simeone needed to update his style, while Simeone could argue that he's never been able to work with a striker like Luis Suarez. With Atleti topping the table, we'll agree to split the difference. Read more »
It's Getting Pretty Late For Sergio Ramos
The relationship, as productive and mutually gratifying as it's been, might be at an end. For now, Sergio Ramos will get himself healthy while not knowing exactly what he's getting healthy for. Read more »