Bodo/Glimt: The Arctic explorers in the final four of the Europa League

Bodo/Glimt: The Arctic explorers in the final four of the Europa League

Of the four clubs in the semi-finals of this season’s Europa League, one in particular stands out. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are Premier League giants. Athletic Club draw crowds of over 50,000 in LaLiga. Bodø/Glimt, however, play in the Arctic Circle and were in the Norwegian second division less than eight years ago.


By Graham Ruthven


In their current condition, Glimt are Norwegian champions. They are, in fact, the country’s dominant footballing force having won the Eliteserien title in four of the last five seasons. On top of this, Bodø/Glimt have made themselves a regular fixture in continental competition. José Mourinho still has nightmares about Roma’s 6-1 defeat to the Norwegians in 2021.

This season, though, Kjetil Knutsen’s team have reached new heights. Last week’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Lazio took Glimt into the final four of the Europa League where they will take on Spurs for a place in the final. The Norwegians are just two wins from completing a Leicester City-style run.

Glimt’s Europa League run has been years in the making. Promoted from the assistant manager position to the top job in 2018, Knutsen quickly set about turning the counter-attacking team he inherited into a high-pressing, possession-based outfit. His high-intensity training drills were likened to the methods used by Marcelo Bielsa. ‘Murderball’ sessions are common.

Under Knutsen, Bodø/Glimt got fitter. Fitter than any other Eliteserien team which allowed them to play the most intense, and entertaining, football in the Norwegian top division. Trophies and titles followed, as did interest in Glimt’s best players. When some of them left, though, the identity of the team – and the club – remained. It’s still sustaining Knutsen’s team to this day.

“Everything is possible now,” said the Bodø/Glimt manager after the dramatic Europa League win over Lazio. “There are four teams left, and we have to keep working hard to prepare for Tottenham. They are a strong team with many good players. It’s going to be tough, like [against Lazio], but this group can do it, and we obviously believe in ourselves.”

Glimt’s dramatic second leg at Lazio

It’s worth noting Bodø/Glimt are developing a different image in Norway. While the tiny Arctic club are viewed as loveable underdogs to European fans, they have made enemies of many within the domestic game. This is largely attributable to Glimt’s stance on VAR, something that put them at odds with the will of most Norwegian supporters.

This has positioned Bodø/Glimt as part of the establishment at a time when Norwegian football fans are doing their best to reshape the sport in the country. There’s no denying, however, that Knutsen and his players are doing something special in Europe. They are one of the best teams Norway has ever produced.

Knutsen’s success as Glimt boss has attracted interest from across Europe. The 56-year-old was linked with Celtic before Brendan Rodgers’ return to the Glasgow club two years ago. Brighton also reportedly took a look at the Norwegian after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi only to opt for Fabian Hürzeler instead. 

xG leaders in the Europa League, 2024/25

Other clubs will surely give Knutsen a call this summer, particularly if his team goes even further in the Europa League. There will be interest in some of Glimt’s best players too. Defensive midfielder Patrick Berg has shone against some of the strongest teams on the continent. Nobody has scored more Europa League goals this season than Kasper Høgh while goalkeeper Nikita Haikin has been solid, not least in the shootout against Lazio.

Jens Petter Hauge was plucked from Glimt by AC Milan back in 2020 after making himself a key man under Knutsen. After struggling in Serie A, and at Eintracht Frankfurt afterwards, the Norwegian international returned to the Aspmyra Stadion and is once again a consistent performer for the Arctic outfit.

Bodø/Glimt top goalscorers and assists, Europa League 2024/25

At some point, Bodø/Glimt may revert to the mean. Their annual wage budget of €6m pales in comparison to some of Europe’s bigger clubs. Glimt’s Europa League semi-final opponents Tottenham Hotspur, for example, have an annual wage budget of €120m. Spurs pay Son Heung-min more than Glimt pay their entire squad. 

Right now, though, the club whose fans bring toothbrushes to matches are sweeping away the competition in the Europa League. It’s not just Lazio who have suffered at the hands of the Norwegians this season – it’s Porto, Braga, Beşiktaş, Maccabi Tel Aviv, FC Twente and Olympiacos, all of whom have lost to Glimt.

It takes a lot for Bodø/Glimt to compete at such a high level season after season, but their sustained success over several years shows it can be done. They are setting an example for other small clubs outside Europe’s Big Five leagues just as Leicester City for the rest of English football nine years ago.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Europa League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: Man City take on Aston Villa in key battle for the top five

Preview: Man City take on Aston Villa in key battle for the top five

Manchester City host Aston Villa in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as both sides battle to finish in the Champions League places. Two of the most in-form sides in the league, City and Villa, will be hoping to continue the momentum gathered over the last few weeks.


By Matt Smith


Unai Emery’s side will be hoping to complete a double over City after picking up an impressive 2-1 victory earlier in the season, with Jhon Durán and Morgan Rogers helping defeat Pep Guardiola’s men.

Team news

Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji both returned for City at the weekend, with Guardiola naming the duo on the bench against Everton. Rodri and Nathan Aké remain out, while goalkeeper Ederson was also unavailable at Goodison Park. 

Emery has just one injury concern heading to the Etihad, with Pau Torres missing from the squad to face Newcastle on Saturday evening. Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley are both fit and available after their recent fitness troubles.

Man City almost back to their best

Man City are currently unbeaten in their previous six games, with five of those coming in the Premier League. It’s been a disastrous season by their own standards, but they are still in the battle to finish in the Champions League places.

Guardiola’s side have looked impressive going forward as usual, but defensively they’ve struggled this term. City have conceded 43.8 expected goals this campaign, more than the likes of Everton, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest.

Aston Villa the in-form side in the Premier League

Villa have shown signs of inconsistency this season, perhaps due to their participation in the Champions League, but they’ve been unstoppable in recent weeks domestically. In their last five games in the Premier League, Emery’s side have secured maximum points, scoring 13 times while conceding just two. Champions League qualification looked out of reach for Villa just a few weeks ago, but they are now firmly in the fight to finish in the top five. A win against Man City will see them climb above Guardiola’s men, and they could climb as high as third if results go their way.

Rogers could haunt his former club

Man City may be living to regret offloading some of their stars who have come through the academy, with Cole Palmer an obvious example. Another will be Morgan Rogers, with the English attacker undoubtedly one of the best-performing players in the Premier League this season. 

Rogers has provided 16 goals and assists combined in the league this term, an impressive contribution in just his second season of Premier League football. Creating 45 chances, Rogers has been a creative and goalscoring threat in attack for Villa and is a key cog in Emery’s system this campaign.

Prediction

City vs. Villa is a tricky game to call, with both sides in impressive form of late. It’s difficult to see either side failing to score, so we’re going for a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Aston Villa, Manchester City, Preview, SendAsPush, team_10252, team_8456, World News
Preview: Barcelona face midweek test against Mallorca

Preview: Barcelona face midweek test against Mallorca

Barcelona can take another step towards the Spanish title just days after the sheer chaos of a 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo.


By Graham Ruthven


Catalan chaos

If ever there was a match to encapsulate the inherent chaos of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, it came in the 4-3 win over Celta Vigo when the Catalans had to fight back from 3-1 down to claim three crucial points.

As many opponents have done this season, Celta exploited the space behind Barca’s extremely Hugh defensive line. This gives Mallorca hope that they could do the same, although Los Piratas have drawn a blank in two of their last four games.

However, Barca also demonstrated their unmatched attacking firepower by ultimately beating Celta Vigo 4-3 with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo impactful off the bench. They could start on Tuesday.

Barcelona can open up a seven-point advantage at the top of LaLiga before Real Madrid take on Getafe 24 hours later. This is another opportunity for the Catalans to pile the pressure on their fiercest rivals.

Key players

Flick has openly spoken about the fatigue being suffered by his Barcelona players who are facing their fifth match in just over two weeks. This could be a factor in his lineup decision for Tuesday’s match.

Lamine Yamal, however, will surely play some part against Mallorca. The teenager is Barca’s creator in-chief and has forged a strong understanding with Raphinha – no two players have combined for more goals (four) in LaLiga this season.

Ferran Torres is in line to lead the line for Barcelona after Robert Lewandowski suffered an injury at the weekend while Gavi may start alongside Pedri and Frenkie de Jong having come off the bench in the second leg on Saturday.

Cyle Larin has netted six league goals this season and will have the opportunity to add to this with Mallorca’s top scorer Vedat Muriqi out injured. Jagoba Arrasate will set up his team in a back three with Toni Lato and Mateu Morey providing the width.

The reality is that Dominik Greif will need to find top form to keep the Barcelona forward line at arm’s length. The Slovakian goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in his last outing against Leganés.

Team news

Lewandowski’s hamstring injury will keep him out for the next three weeks, meaning the Polish striker will miss Tuesday’s match against Mallorca as well as Saturday’s Copa del Rey final.

Marc-André Ter Stegen, Marc Casadó, Alex Balde and Marc Bernal remain sidelined for Barcelona. Balde’s absence means Gerard Martín will continue at left back after a difficult game against Celta Vigo. Mallorca could target the 23-year-old and the space around him.

Martín’s player traits – comparison against similar players in top five leagues

Muriqi is sidelined through injury and will be a big miss for Mallorca who are strongest when they have the Kosovan striker to play into and off. Manu Morlanes is also injured while Robert Navarro and Takuma Asano will late fitness tests before the match at Montjuïc.

Prediction

In keeping with Barca’s form since the turn of the year, we have to go with a home win. And by multiple goals: Barcelona 3-1 Mallorca.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Barcelona, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8634, World News
Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 33

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 33

The Matchday 33 FotMob Team of the Week is dominated by players from two teams. Aston Villa have three players in the XI following their 4-1 humbling of Newcastle United. Arsenal also have three players in the XI after their professional showing against Ipswich Town. But who makes the cut and why? 


By Sam McGuire


Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega 

With Ederson out injured, Ortega manned the goal for the reigning champions at Goodison Park. The 32-year-old claimed the FotMob Player of the Match with a rating of 8.4. He made two saves in total, one was a big, sprawling save to thwart Jarrad Branthwaite just after half-time when the score was 0-0. It turned out to be a pivotal moment, with City going on to claim a 2-0 win with two late goals. The former Arminia Bielefeld shot stopper, once again, showed his value to Pep Guardiola’s side. 

Right-Back: Pedro Porro 

Porro didn’t deserve to be on the losing side on Monday evening. The Spanish full-back starred for Spurs as Nottingham Forest claimed a 2-1 win over Ange Postecoglou’s men. The 25-year-old had well over 100 touches and created the most chances of the match with seven. He assisted the Tottenham goal with a wonderfully weighted cross from the right flank. It was one of 23 crosses he put into the Forest box. He also won 100% of his tackles and won six of his 13 duels.

Centre-Back: Ibrahima Konaté 

Despite uncertainty surrounding his future, Konaté put in a dominant showing against Leicester City as Liverpool moved to within one win of the Premier League title. The French centre-back is reportedly in talks over a new deal at Anfield amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but he was fully focused against the Foxes. He was the most accurate passer of the ball of any player to have played over 45 minutes, finding a teammate with 93% of his attempts. He won 100% of his tackles, made 10 recoveries and 100% of his duels on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.0.

Centre-Back: Dean Huijsen 

Huijsen was brilliant with and without the ball as Bournemouth claimed a 0-0 draw away at Selhurst Park. The Dutch-born Spain international, who is being courted by most of Europe’s elite clubs, completed 90% of his 99 attempted passes. He also carved out a chance for the Cherries too. The 20-year-old won 100% of his tackles, made eight clearances, three interceptions and 100% of his ground duels. He was also the victor in 50% of his aerial duels as Bournemouth claimed a clean sheet.

Left-Back: Ian Maatsen 

Maatsen caught the eye for Aston Villa in their dismantling of Newcastle United on Saturday evening. The left-back scored a goal and created a chance for Unai Emery’s side as they recorded a 4-1 win over the Magpies. He completed 82% of his passes, attempted three dribbles, won three of his six tackles and won seven of his 11 attempted duels. The 23-year-old was dominant down the left flank for the Villans. 

Midfielder: Martin Ødegaard 

Ødegaard was back to his brilliant best for Arsenal in their 4-0 win over Ipswich Town. The skipper created five chances for teammates and picked up an assist for the Gunners. He completed 89% of his 101 attempted passes, hit the woodwork with one of his three efforts, and attempted four dribbles at Portman Road. He was accurate with 100% of his long passes and won 50% of his duels, showing his duality as a player. He was a playmaker and a disruptor.

Midfielder: Declan Rice 

Rice was also fairly dominant for Arsenal in the middle third. The England international completed 95% of his attempted passes, won 100% of his tackles and 50% of his ground duels. He also won 67% of his aerial duels. He assisted a goal for Mikel Arteta’s side and created three chances in total. This sort of performance is becoming the norm for the versatile midfielder.

Midfielder: Youri Tielemans 

The Belgian maestro ran the show for Villa in their 4-1 win over Newcastle United. The 27-year-old completed the most passes (71), he won the most tackles (five) and won the most duels (11), on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.6. He carved out three chances for the hosts and was fouled on three occasions. He was a difference-maker, a tempo setter and a game-breaker for Emery’s side in one of the most dominant showings of the season in claret and blue.

Attack: Bryan Mbeumo 

What a season Mbeumo is having. The Brentford attacker now has 18 goals and six assists following the 4-2 win over Brighton. The 25-year-old scored twice and assisted one more on his way to a 9.6 rating. Mbeumo also completed the most dribbles (four), created the most chances (seven) and won the most duels (12). The Cameroon international was the most fouled player (four), and had nine touches in the penalty area. He as unstoppable for the Bees. 

Mbeumo’s shot map, Premier League 2024/25

Attack: Ollie Watkins 

Watkins was back in the Villa starting XI, displacing Marcus Rashford. He made the most of his opportunity too, scoring and assisting in the 4-1 win. He had a total of five shots and created two chances at Villa Park. Watkins also hit the woodwork twice, completed 100% of his dribbles and had an astonishing 10 touches in the penalty area on his way to earning a FotMob rating of 8.9.

Attack: Leandro Trossard

Trossard was picked to lead the line for the Gunners against Ipswich and he responded by scoring twice in the 4-0 win. The Belgium international had a total of four shots at Portman Road and created one chance, a performance that earned him a FotMob rating of 8.8. The double took his goal involvements tally to 12 for the campaign and he’s proving himself to be a huge asset for Arteta and his team. 


(Images from IMAGO)


You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
Premier League Preview, Matchday 33

Premier League Preview, Matchday 33


This could be a decisive weekend in the Premier League.


By Sam McGuire


The relegation race could be settled, depending on results, and Liverpool could be crowned as champions. For all that to happen, certain pieces of the puzzle need to fall in to place and we’ll detail exactly what in this article. There are a few other things to look out for this weekend, so here’s your weekend preview for Matchday 33.

Top four scrap at Villa Park

Aston Villa made hard work of it against Southampton last time out. Unai Emery’s side scored three goals in the final 20 minutes to claim maximum points against the Saints. It was also a game in which January arrival Marco Asensio missed two penalties as the away side huffed and puffed searching for the breakthrough. 

The win moved them to 54 points, level with Chelsea and just a point behind fifth placed Manchester City. On Saturday evening, they host the team in possession of one of the top four places, Newcastle United. The Magpies have been in fine form recently and have surged up the table and into the Champions League places.

If their form continues, they could displace an out of sorts Arsenal as runners-up to Liverpool. Coupled with Carabao Cup success, it would represent a historic season for the Magpies. 

Villa, meanwhile, are looking to claim a place in Europe’s elite club competition for a second successive year. Given the Premier League will receive a fifth spot in the Champions League next term, Emery’s side need to finish strongly. While a fourth place finish might be a bit of a stretch, if they keep winning, there’s no reason they can’t take up control of fifth, especially with Manchester City and Chelsea stuttering of late. 

It’s a big one on Saturday evening. It favours the Magpies too. They’ve won four of the last five meetings and this includes 4-0, 5-1, 3-0 and 3-1 victories. They seem to be Emery’s kryptonite.

Recent H2H results

Ice Cold Palmer

Before the turn of the year, people had Chelsea in a title race alongside Liverpool and Arsenal. Now, however, the Blues are in sixth position and it’ll be a struggle for a top four finish. 

Enzo Maresca’s men are out of sorts. Their talisman, Cole Palmer, is completely out of sorts.

Chelsea have picked up just two points in their last two games. They eked out a 0-0 draw with Brentford and needed a second half comeback against Ipswich Town to salvage a point at Stamford Bridge against the relegation battlers. 

Their fate is no longer in their hands. If they win every game for the rest of the season, it still might not be enough for a top four finish. 

And this drop off coincides with Palmer going off the boil. 

The Manchester City academy graduate is without a goal in the Premier League since January. During this run of games, he’s added just two assists to his tally for the campaign.

If Chelsea are going to snatch a top four finish, they’ll need their talisman to show up for the run-in, starting with the match against Fulham on Sunday. Marco Silva’s men have the quality and ability to claim an upset. This season, they’ve beaten runaway leaders Liverpool and Newcastle while claiming a point against Arsenal. 

Chelsea could have a problem at Craven Cottage. 

Impending doom for Ipswich Town 

Ipswich Town aren’t yet relegated.

A loss this weekend, however, practically confirms they will be playing Championship football next season. Right now, they’re 14 points behind Wolves and West Ham with six games left to play meaning there are 18 points in total up for grabs. 

Defeat now, against Arsenal, coupled with wins for both the sides above them would see Kieran McKenna’s side relegated. Draws for Wolves and West Ham are enough to bring Ipswich’s run in the English top flight to an end after one season too. Even if both lose, the Tractor Boys are effectively dead and buried if they don’t pick up a win against the title chasers. 

They’re going to be relegated. It is just a case of when rather than if. Can they prolong it for another week or so? If they manage to do the unthinkable and beat Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Portman Road, the title race could be over for the Gunners. 

There’s a lot at stake this weekend. This Sunday afternoon clash could be pivotal in how the table looks at the end of the season.

The champions elect 

The match at the King Power is also pretty big, too. 

If Ipswich manage to beat Arsenal, Liverpool can claim the Premier League title with a win over Leicester City in the late afternoon kick-off on Sunday. A win for the Reds could also confirm relegation for the Foxes. It would likely bring Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s time with the 2015/16 Premier League champions to a premature end too. 

The former Manchester United striker hasn’t had the best of times in charge of the Foxes after replacing Steve Cooper. Leicester did claim a 2-2 draw with Brighton last weekend to halt an eight-game losing streak. 

The last time they managed to pick up points in back-to-back matches was back in December, when Van Nistelrooy was first appointed. Since then, Leicester have lost 15 of their 17 Premier League matches. 

This should be a formality for the Reds. However, their performances as of late haven’t been great. They eked out a 2-1 win over West Ham United at Anfield last weekend to open up a 13 point gap at the top of the table. They’ll need a better showing against Leicester if they’re to keep that advantage over Arsenal. 


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
MLS After Messi: How the League Can Keep Growing Without Its Biggest Star 

MLS After Messi: How the League Can Keep Growing Without Its Biggest Star 

Last Sunday night in Chicago, over 62,000 fans filled Soldier Field to watch a 0-0 draw. That wouldn’t normally make headlines. But when Lionel Messi is on the pitch, normal rules don’t apply.


By David Skilling


Messi’s presence helped to break the Chicago Fire’s single-game attendance record and that has become a theme since his arrival in July 2023. From Atlanta to Kansas City, stadiums are bursting at the seams when Inter Miami come to town. His name is the headline, the spectacle, the reason fans fly across states just to catch a glimpse. 

Messi has not just elevated Inter Miami, he’s redefined the ceiling of what’s possible for the American game. Attendance records broken. Viewership has spiked. Merchandise sales have soared. Apple TV, which signed a $2.5 billion deal with MLS before Messi’s arrival, is now enjoying a much-needed boost in subscriptions to its MLS Season Pass.

Messi’s season summary since moving to Inter Miami

The 37-year-old Argentinian has scored goals, notched assists, and captured imaginations. But perhaps most importantly, he’s lent MLS something it has craved for decades: credibility, inside and outside the U.S. borders. 

Yet here’s the looming question no one in the league office can afford to ignore: What happens when Messi stops playing? 

MLS has always flirted with star power. From David Beckham’s groundbreaking arrival in 2007 to the brief stints of Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Kaká, the league has used ageing global icons to draw attention. 

But Messi is different. He’s not just a footballer, he’s a global cultural figure and in the argument for the greatest to ever do it. With half a billion followers on Instagram alone, his influence transcends sport. But, there’s a looming expiration date. 

So what then? 

The concern is not just hypothetical. History has already shown what happens when a league becomes too reliant on one icon. Interest in MLS stagnated in the years following Beckham’s departure, another huge cultural influence at the time. The fanfare was immense, but once the buzz wore off and Beckham moved on, international media and many casual viewers followed suit. 

Messi’s retirement won’t just be a football story, it will be a cultural moment. Attention will drop. Stadiums will stop selling out just because Inter Miami are in town. Brands may hesitate, and broadcasters will need new hooks. 

Our top rated players in MLS during the 2025 season to date

The league is understandably milking this era. But unless it uses the spotlight to prepare for what comes next, the afterglow could fade fast. I’m sure the league office has been thinking about this for some time, but there are some areas where I believe the league can evolve and develop its unique identity, without depending on a single superstar. 

First, the league must strengthen club brands, not just individual players. Too many MLS teams still operate without a clear identity on the global stage. In Europe, even chasing-pack clubs like Fiorentina or Real Betis carry rich narratives and emotional resonance. Of course, they have history on their side, but Inter Miami is setting the tone on how to approach things in newer markets, not just thanks to Messi, but because of a brand built around the culture and vibrancy of Miami itself, admittedly, it has the advantage of being in a globally attractive city to begin with. The league should push other clubs to find stronger hooks and encourage them to embrace storytelling, fashion, and music to build lasting cultural value, not just locally but globally. 

Second, MLS must double down on developing and exporting young talent. While Messi has brought attention, serious credibility comes from nurturing future stars. This model works when backed by consistent investment and smart infrastructure. Players like Alphonso Davies and Tyler Adams are examples of this. More recently, we’ve seen attention on Cavan Sullivan, too. These are good examples, but it’ll take a lot more. 

15-year-old Sullivan is in to his second senior season with Philadelphia

The league needs to deepen that pipeline and maybe even rethink how it introduces its rising stars to the world. There’s room for storytelling here, perhaps through behind-the-scenes docuseries that spotlight the journey of future talent and take some cues from Ryan Reynolds’ storytelling playbook. The Gen-Z generation is as enamoured by personalities as they are by football ability; there’s an opportunity to tap into that connection and think about entertainment as the hook that introduces the next generation of MLS talent. 

Lastly, the league needs to embrace cultural capital. We live in a world where influence drives attention. Inter Miami have capitalised on this brilliantly, celebrities aren’t just attending for the game, they’re attending to be seen. That visibility has translated into global awareness. It’s a model other clubs should study. Whether it’s collaborating with local musicians or aligning with regional tastemakers, there’s value in meaningful cultural crossover. In the NBA, we’re used to seeing who’s courtside as much as what happens on the court. For MLS, tapping into that familiar rhythm could open the door to more mainstream relevance in the U.S. market and beyond.

Inter Miami has mastered this. Celebrities flock to their matches to be seen next to Beckham and Messi. That visibility has given the club a cultural relevance most MLS teams could only dream of. The league should look across the MLS club network and think strategically: how can they utilise the collective of culturally relevant figures, already in their ecosystem, in an authentic way? 

Will Ferrell, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Oscar de la Hoya, and many other A-list U.S. sports and entertainment figures hold shares in MLS clubs. They should all come together, with the league, for the shared mission of growing the league and the franchises through a creative global marketing strategy, rather than working individually to build their own club brands.

Some of these ideas might not feel traditional to football purists, but MLS, building in this era, needs to look beyond tradition. If it wants a bigger share of attention, not just within football but across the entire U.S. sports landscape, it has to play a different game. Unlike most countries, it’s not just competing with other football leagues, it’s up against the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL on home soil. Imagine another sport trying to pull you away from football; that’s the uphill battle MLS faces every day. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is the perfect bridge between the Messi era and whatever comes next. By then, Messi will likely be in his final season or recently retired. The event will bring a once-in-a-generation spotlight. 

MLS must use it to reposition the league as a serious player on the global football and entertainment map. That means smart marketing that convinces World Cup viewers to stick around once the tournament is over. 

Messi won’t play forever. But what he’s done is give MLS unprecedented exposure; the World Cup provides another huge boost. The question now is what the league builds on top of those foundations. 


(Images from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from MLS on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
Liverpool could set themselves up for a decade with 4 signings this summer

Liverpool could set themselves up for a decade with 4 signings this summer

Liverpool are heading into a pivotal summer despite their status as champions-elect, and their decision-makers could set them up for long-term success with four key signings.


By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com


Arne Slot may now only be days away from becoming the first Liverpool manager since Kenny Dalglish to win a top-flight title in his first campaign in charge, only the third ever for the club and only the fourth in Premier League history.

It is a remarkable achievement, but there is an acknowledgment that this is only the start; new contracts for both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, themselves convinced of this new Slot-led project, are testament to that.

“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” Van Dijk explained prior to the announcement of his new two-year deal.

“I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job.”

As champions-elect, Liverpool already have designs on the summer transfer window, including high-profile departures and almost certainly big-money signings.

Nail it, and the club could set themselves up for the next decade – with four key transfers standing out.

Dean Huijsen

Liverpool have already tied down the future of their goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Georgia’s Player of the Year, Giorgi Mamardashvili, from Valencia, with a £29 million deal agreed in Slot’s first summer in charge.

That paves the way for Alisson‘s eventual exit and a hopefully smooth transition between the sticks – next up is the plan for Van Dijk’s successor.

Fortunately that will not be required until at least 2027, with the world’s best centre-back now committed for two more years, but Liverpool already have their sights set on their next in line.

Among a number of clubs interested in signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, available with a release clause of £50 million, the Reds’ pursuit of the Dutch-born Spain international certainly makes sense.

Huijsen player traits – comparison made against similar players in top 5 leagues

Having only turned 20 in April, Huijsen has stood out as one of the most accomplished centre-backs in the Premier League after swapping Juventus for Dean Court last summer.

His outstanding technical ability is matched with an intelligent reading of the game, and he is perfectly suited to the progressive style required in Slot’s back line – either as partner to Van Dijk, with doubts over Ibrahima Konaté‘s future, or a long-term replacement.

Milos Kerkez

Huijsen’s Bournemouth teammate Milos Kerkez is another known target for Liverpool heading into the summer, and it comes as no surprise for a number of reasons.

Firstly, left-back is arguably the only real problem position within Slot’s squad, with Andy Robertson showing signs of wear and Kostas Tsimikas, though an able deputy, not showing himself capable of taking over as first choice.

Kerkez is the priority as Liverpool seek likely competition for Robertson – with clubs from elsewhere in the Premier League reported to be interested in Tsimikas – having excelled under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.

His lung-busting approach at left-back is, again, ideal for Slot’s system while the Hungarian is also more than comfortable in his own defensive third.

Still only 21, Kerkez was brought to Bournemouth by now-Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and his proposed switch to Merseyside could lighten the load on Robertson while locking down the left-back spot for years to come.

Xavi Simons

“It’s nice to have versatile players,” admitted Slot in his recent praise for Curtis Jones, while revealing it is a factor he and Hughes “talk a lot about” in their plans for the future.

Step forward another reported target in RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons – a player who could fill any number of roles in the head coach’s setup.

Simons only joined Leipzig on a permanent basis at the end of January, but his initial £43 million switch to the Red Bull Arena was widely expected to be with a view to moving on again before long.

Liverpool are among the clubs touted with a move for the 21-year-old this summer and reports in Germany claim Leipzig would be looking for around £70 million for his services.

Simons career history

While steep, that is an indicator of both the Netherlands international’s current ability and his upscale – a player who, despite his age, has already played 131 times across spells with PSV Eindhoven, Paris Saint-Germain and Leipzig, and has made 74 goal contributions in the last three seasons at an average of a goal or assist every 130.9 minutes.

Capable of playing as a left or right winger, as an attacking midfielder, up front and even as a No. 8, Simons is the definition of versatile and could solve a number of problems with question marks over the likes of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota.

Hugo Ekitike

Finally, and perhaps typically, the most costly signing of the summer is likely to come in the centre-forward position, with Liverpool needing a replacement for Darwin Núñez.

While they were burned with their club-record £85 million outlay on Núñez – a player who, while providing 40 goals and 22 assists in 138 games so far, has never looked the right fit for either Slot or Jürgen Klopp – there is a sense that lessons will be learned this time around.

The Núñez deal was spearheaded by Klopp himself, but Liverpool have now seen a shift in emphasis back to data-led recruitment, which seems to have turned them on to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Though there are suggestions of a similarly lofty £85 million price tag around the young Frenchman, Ekitike still resembles a cheaper, almost like-for-like alternative to football’s most-desired but priced-out forward Alexander Isak, who Newcastle value at £150 million.

Ekitike shot map, Bundesliga 2024/25

Tall and well-built at 6’3″ but still nimble and mobile over distances, Ekitike could be an ideal ‘nine-and-a-half’ for Slot’s system, comfortable both in buildup play and finishing off attacks, drifting wherever he is needed rather than restricted to central areas.

Like Huijsen, 20, Kerkez, 21, and Simons, 21, Ekitike has his best years ahead of him as he only turns 23 in June – and signing all four alongside the arriving Mamardashvili, 24, even for a combined £250 million, could set Liverpool up for the next decade.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: Inter and Bayern face season-defining second leg at San Siro

Preview: Inter and Bayern face season-defining second leg at San Siro

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after last week’s away win over Bayern Munich.


By Graham Ruthven


Halfway there

In their biggest game of the season so far, Inter executed their game plan to perfection. Away to a Bayern Munich team many expected to make the Champions League semi-finals, the Italian champions counter-attacked their way to a 2-1 victory.

It was a classic Inter performance. Simone Inzaghi set up his side to be resolute in defence and razor sharp in attack. While Bayern struggled to find a way through, the visitors had no such issues in the other direction.

Shot map and xG from the first leg

Lautaro Martínez’s opener was one of the goals of the season as Inter went from one end of the pitch to the other in a matter of seconds. Davide Frattesi’s late winner was another instance of Inter’s quick transition threat.

No team has averaged more possession per 90 minutes in the Champions League this season than Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany will want his team to control the ball at San Siro, but can the Bavarians translate this into chance creation? They failed to do so in the first leg.

Both Inter and Bayern Munich are in a strong position to win their respective domestic titles, but their season could be defined by what unfolds on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Key players

Martínez and Marcus Thuram demonstrated their understanding in the attacking third by putting Bayern Munich to the sword in last week’s first leg at the Allianz Arena. They will be a threat once more in the second leg.

Nicolo Barella is key to the way Inter get forward in quick transition with the Italian international a valve in the centre of the pitch. Alessandro Bastoni is also an important figure for the Nerazzurri such is the quality of his distribution out from the back.

Only Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Serhou Guirassy have scored more goals in the Champions League this season than Harry Kane who has netted 10 goals in 12 games. The English striker is still one of the best goalscorers of his generation.

However, Kane lacked service in the first leg against Inter. This is where the likes of Michael Olise, Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané must step up. With Jamal Musiala out injured, Bayern Munich have become too predictable as an attacking outfit in recent weeks.

Team news

Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zieliński will miss Wednesday’s match against Bayern for Inter with Bastoni, Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan expected to come back into the lineup after being rested for the win over Cagliari.

Musiala is still sidelined for Bayern Munich. The German international has been desperately missed in recent matches with Kompany using Müller and Raphaël Guerreiro as a number 10 in his absence. This is a choice he will face again.

Defensively, Bayern Munich are also depleted. Jonas Urbig will continue to fill in for Manuel Neuer with Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano also missing for the Bundesliga table-toppers. 

Prediction

After the goal-driven drama of Tuesday’s second legs, perhaps we’re due a calmer evening? We’re expecting Inter to do enough to pull through on aggregate: Inter 1-1 Bayern Munich


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8636, team_9823, World News
Preview: Madrid looking for a second leg miracle as Arsenal visit the Bernabéu

Preview: Madrid looking for a second leg miracle as Arsenal visit the Bernabéu

Three goals down from the first leg, the reigning European champions have a whole lot of work to do if they are to continue their recent continental dominance – though their situation is not without precedence.


By Karl Matchett


Spanish sides know the feeling

Not that Real Madrid often want to take inspiration from the likes of their biggest rivals Barcelona, but they are one of the few teams to have been involved in this type of comeback before; from an even worse situation in fact, the famous remontada comeback, beating PSG 6-1 after losing 4-0 in the first leg. Real are only 3-0 down here by comparison, though Barcelona have experienced that scoreline too, in reverse: they lost 4-0 to Liverpool in 2019 are being three up from the first leg, and a year earlier gave up a 4-1 lead to go out on away goals at Roma. Plenty for Madrid to realise, then, that big leads can work both ways – and of course Los Blancos have their own history of comebacks to point to as evidence that the tie isn’t all over just yet.

Shot map and xG from the first leg

All or nothing for Arsenal

The Gunners could scarcely have dreamed of being in a better position after the first leg, but it also reinforces the fact all their eggs for this season are in a Champions League-shaped basket. While Real have a Copa del Rey final and a LaLiga title battle to contend with, it’s just this competition for Mikel Arteta’s men. Another weekend draw leaves them 13 points off the pace in the Premier League – it’s European glory or another empty-handed year therefore. The path ahead is still tough, with PSG likely semi-final opponents, but there’s no use being concerned about one tough challenge when, too often, they’ve shown themselves capable of collapsing when the pressure is really on. With this three-goal cushion, they have to start to show they can shed that tag at last.

Domestic season comparison

Recent form

Not stellar from either side in truth, but Arsenal are unbeaten in nine – five draws in that time – and haven’t lost a game by three or more all season long. That’s all they have to do, with the pressure very much on the hosts. Real won at the weekend despite a Kylian Mbappé red card, but that was their first win in four. At home this season they’ve won by three or more on eight occasions.

Team news

Eduardo Camavinga is suspended and the same names are out long term for Madrid – Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy. For Arsenal, centre-back Gabriel is out for the season and Kai Havertz is out until at least May. Jurrien Timber might have to start right-back as Thomas Partey went off injured at the weekend and midfielder Jorginho is a doubt too.

Key player

David Raya has been largely impressive for the Gunners this season, not just with shot-stopping but also his concentration and ability to sweep through balls. His 82% save rate is third-highest in the Champions League, but 3.9 goals prevented is top. Arsenal may need that form.

Not much to separate Raya and Courtois in the Champions League this season

Prediction

Real to win the night, but Arsenal to win the tie. That third goal may prove all-important: Madrid 3-1 Arsenal


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Arsenal, Preview, Real Madrid, SendAsPush, team_8633, team_9825, World News
Preview: Barcelona travel to Dortmund for second leg formality

Preview: Barcelona travel to Dortmund for second leg formality

Barcelona have one foot in the Champions League semi-final after comprehensively beating Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg. There is little to play for other than the opportunity to make it respectable for the Germans.


By Alex Roberts


The atmosphere at the Signal Iduna Park will be as electric as ever, the Yellow Wall has had little to celebrate domestically this season, it’s just a shame it’s going to take a genuine footballing miracle for them to go through.

Hansi Flick’s side are on the other end of the spectrum. Sitting at the summit of LaLiga as well as being favourites to win the Champions League, it’s a good time to be a Barca fan.

Shot map and xG from the first leg

Jamie Gittens has disappeared

Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho 2.0 has struggled of late, scoring just one goal in his last 19 games. That wouldn’t be so bad if he was creating but he’s also failed to register a single assist in that time.

It’s quite the drop off. Gittens registered 14 goal contributions in his previous 25 games, earning him links with some of the biggest clubs both back home and on the continent. Those links are still there, for now at least.

Niko Kovač’s side had little to no attacking threat in the first leg, Barca took control of the game from the first whistle. They’re going to need more than Gittens but when he’s in form he can certainly make a difference.

Aging like a fine wine

Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has been getting all the headlines, and rightly so, bagging 40 goals in 46 games across all competitions, but he isn’t the only elder statesman ripping it up for Barca this season.

Lewandowski’s best numbers since the 2021/22 season

Iñigo Martínez may well be Barcelona’s best centre-back at the moment. He’s exactly what Flick wants, calm under pressure, able to play out from the back, and most importantly, hard to get past.

He won 100% of his tackles in the reverse fixture. He also won 50% of his duels and was dribbled past zero times. With young Pau Cubarsí beside him, Barca are set for the present and the future.

Finally finding his feet

A lot was expected from Maximilian Beier when he joined from Hoffenheim last summer. It’s taken a little while, but he’s starting to look like the player Dortmund thought they were getting.

Eight goal contributions in his last ten games across all competitions, including the opener in Der Klassiker on Saturday, makes him their chief attacking threat over the past couple of months.

Beier still has a little way to go if he’s going to be the next big thing at Dortmund. Football is a confidence game, an impressive performance against Barca would likely do wonders for him.

Alejandro Balde will be a big miss

The Catalan club’s hectic schedule has claimed its first victim. Balde will likely be out of action for the next few weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in their edgy 1-0 win over Leganés on Saturday.

Balde is Hansi Flick’s undisputed favourite in the left-back position, making 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal, and providing eight assists. Fellow La Masia graduate Gerard Martín is currently their only other option in that position.

Barca will certainly be without a pretty potent attacking threat now that Balde is out but thankfully they have plenty of those at the moment.

Prediction

Barcelona should go through to the semi-finals without getting out of first gear thanks to their massive first-leg win. Having said that, we don’t predict them to take their eye off the ball. We’re going to go with a 2-0 win for Barca.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Posted by Curt Baker in Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8634, team_9789, World News