Page 144 – The Pulse of Football

Dec

2023

MLS and the Messi Effect: Time for the league to step up

The impact of Lionel Messi on Major League Soccer can be quantified in multiple ways. Subscribers to MLS Season Pass doubled in the two months after the Argentine’s arrival at Inter Miami in July. Inter Miami had around 1 million Instagram followers when Messi joined – now they have over 15 million. The South Florida club have also sold out their season tickets for 2024 – and at nearly double the price.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Messi has changed the landscape in MLS, but the league must ensure his impact is a lasting one. MLS must use the presence of the greatest football player in history to change the sport in the United States forever. Inter Miami’s signing of Messi was big, but what happens next will be even more significant.

Many club owners want MLS’s roster rules and transfer restrictions to be loosened. Stung by the collapse of the NASL in the 1980s, MLS has exercised financial caution as it has grown since its inception in 1996. Now, though, that caution is holding the league back from fulfilling its true potential as one of the best leagues in the world.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas is reportedly pushing for an expansion of MLS’s salary cap which would allow clubs to spend more freely. At present, teams are permitted three Designated Players outside the salary cap, but some speculate the roster allowance could be raised to four or five DPs. Others want rid of the league’s roster rules entirely.

This, however, would eliminate the parity that makes MLS so unpredictable. FC Cincinnati went from the league’s worst team to Supporters’ Shield winners in just two seasons while Toronto FC finished rock-bottom despite having the biggest wage bill in MLS. There are no guarantees season-to-season.

MLS has a difficult balance to strike between allowing clubs to build winning teams and preventing the league from becoming a one or two-horse race, like so many of Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues. Nonetheless, there is a sense that Messi’s arrival has highlighted the need to loosen the purse strings.

Commissioner Don Garber recognises that signing Messi alone won’t turn MLS into one of the best leagues in the world. “We’ve had so many great players in the history of our league. It’s not just about that one player,” he said. “It’s about: How do you feel about your club, and can that player give you something that might make it a little more special?”

In terms of attendances and fan culture, there’s no denying the strides MLS has made over the last decade or so. It is now the eighth best attended league in the world, averaging 21,034 fans per match last season, with fanbases across the USA and Canada renowned for the atmosphere they create.

Garber is right to highlight this as the true driving force behind the growth of MLS. How many of the Messi fans who have snaffled tickets to see the man himself play for Inter Miami, either at DRV PNK Stadium or an away stadium, feel a genuine connection to what they watched on the pitch? How many of them will be back when Messi moves on or calls it a day?

New fans of the league will only stick around if they are shown MLS is about more than just Messi, highlighting just how important it is for the league to capitalise on this opportunity. This isn’t the time for MLS to rest on its laurels and Inter Miami have set the precedent by building out their squad as a whole.

Messi wasn’t the only game-changing signing made by Inter Miami over the summer. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joined their former Barcelona teammate in South Florida to add even more star power to Tata Martino’s team, but the addition of youngsters like Diego Gomez, Facundo Farias and Tomas Aviles were just as significant.

These signings said Inter Miami recognised the need to balance their squad. Messi, Busquets and Alba still have the talent that made them legends, but they’re well into the twilight of their respective careers. To play a dynamic, high-energy game Martino needed some youth who could give his team legs and Inter Miami found that.

Luis Suárez’s expected arrival in South Florida this off-season runs the risk of making Inter Miami too top-heavy, but Martino is one of the best coaches in MLS and already has a solid team structure to build around. Suárez’s signing could be the thing that makes Inter Miami a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup frontrunner in 2024.

16 years ago, David Beckham changed the game in MLS. The league created an entirely new rule to allow the LA Galaxy to sign him and used Beckham’s arrival to mark the start of a new era for football in the USA. Messi’s arrival could have a similar impact, but only if MLS allows it to. The hard work has only just started.

(Images from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

MLS End of Season Reports: LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy changed the course of Major League Soccer forever when they signed David Beckham. The Carson team had the ambition – and audacity – to sign arguably the most recognisable player of his generation and it helped establish them as the league’s marquee franchise for the best part of a decade.

Now, though, the Galaxy are a shadow of their former selves. They have been left behind. This season saw Gregg Vanney’s team finish second bottom of the Western Conference where they missed out on a playoff place for the third season in the last four. Once a dominant force in MLS, the LA Galaxy are no longer even a dominant force in their own city.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Los Angeles FC have set a new standard at the top of MLS. Not only have they won two Supporters’ Shields and a MLS Cup in just six seasons in the league, reaching a second MLS Cup final this year, LAFC represent their city in a way the LA Galaxy never did. For a club founded less than a decade ago, there is a remarkable authenticity about everything LAFC do.

Nothing the LA Galaxy did in 2023 felt authentic, nor was it successful. They started the season in conflict with their own fans who protested the continued employment of club president Chris Klein and technical director Jovan Kirovski, two figures widely blamed for the poor quality of the team on the pitch.

Klein was suspended by MLS for violating salary and budget rules during the 2019 season, but was inexplicably handed a new multi-year contract by the Galaxy. Supporters protested by boycotting the team’s first fixture of the new season to express their discontent. The club didn’t care.

Galaxy fans were right to be concerned. Their team started the 2023 campaign with a seven-game winless run and had just two wins under their belt by the start of June. An uptick in form over the summer hinted at better times to come, but a serious playoff challenge never materialised as the LA Galaxy finished the season with another six-game winless run.

Riqui Puig still managed to make an impact, scoring seven goals and assisting four more, but not even the former Barcelona midfielder could drag the Galaxy into the post-season. Javier Hernández started just seven games due to injury and while Billy Sharp offered some cutting edge after joining from Sheffield United, but what does it say about the LA Galaxy that a 37-year-old English Championship specialist became a key figure?

Not so long ago, Dignity Health Sports Park was the natural destination for superstars looking for a new MLS home. Now, though, Inter Miami, LAFC and Toronto FC are ahead of them in the line for the likes of Messi, Gareth Bale and Lorenzo Insigne. Puig was a statement signing, but the club has otherwise lacked ambition recently.

They have lacked direction too. You don’t need to spend big and sign big-name players to succeed in MLS. Indeed, FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew have shown what can be achieved with a clear vision and a coherent plan to go with it. If the LA Galaxy are no longer able to compete at the top end of the transfer market, this should be the direction they take.

2024 has to be different. The impending departure of Hernández and Douglas Costa as Designated Players will free up some salary budget for the LA Galaxy to rebuild their squad with six further players out of contract at the end of the year. Klein is also gone and so the hope is a new leadership group and front office will have better ideas.

Chucky Lozano has been linked with a move to Carson, but the Galaxy might be wise to focus on building a stronger defensive foundation before they target another attacker – the LA Galaxy conceded more regular season goals (67) than any other team. This is where the rebuild should start.

MLS is now a different league in to the one the LA Galaxy dominated with three MLS Cup wins in just three years between 2011 and 2014. Back then, star power was often enough to guarantee success, and the Galaxy had plenty of that with Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane on their team. Now, though, the landscape has shifted and the LA Galaxy must adapt.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 17

We have a varied Team of the Week for you following matchday 17. Some might call it a little controversial given there are no players in the XI from the league leaders despite Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton. But let us explain.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: André Onana

It will go under the radar but Onana made eight saves in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

The hosts struggled to carve out decent chances but did pepper the away side’s goal, racking up 34 shots. However, they worked the United shot-stopper much more than people may have realised and he finished the game with eight saves to his name, five of which were from inside the penalty area.

Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Another whose performance could’ve easily been slept on. Alexander-Arnold made a key challenge to stop Alejandro Garnacho when the United winger looked set to test Alisson Becker in a one-on-one situation. He was moved into midfield in the second half and ended the game having attempted the most dribbles (he also completed 100%) while also creating six chances for the Reds in what was a frustrating 0-0 draw for the title hopefuls. His 8.8 FotMob rating was the highest of the match.

Centre-Back: Rúben Dias

A surprise inclusion? Perhaps, given Manchester City allowed a 2-0 lead against Crystal Palace to slip. However, Dias performed well and shouldn’t really be punished for the team’s capitulation. The Portugal international attempted the most passes – a staggering 181 – and found a teammate 96% of the time. He also created a big chance for the champions while also having a 100% record in duels.

Centre-Back: Michael Keane

In what was only his third start of the season, Michael Keane impressed for Everton against former side Burnley. The centre-back found the back of the net with a calm finish to give the Toffees a 2-0 lead and effectively kill the game off after just 25 minutes. The 30-year-old made eight clearances and also won four of his six aerial duels on his way to an 8.4 rating at Turf Moor.

Left-Back: Dan Burn

Burn is playing for a place in the Newcastle team now following the impressive form of Tino Livramento. And based on this showing, he’s up for the fight. The 31-year-old finished the game against Fulham with a pass success rate of 88%. He also scored to give the Magpies that all-important third goal. Burn won 100% of his aerial duels and made four interceptions, playing his part in the clean sheet for Eddie Howe’s side.

Midfield: Cole Palmer

Palmer was the main man for Chelsea against Sheffield United as Mauricio Pochettino’s men returned to winning ways. The 21-year-old scored and assisted in the 2-0 win to take his tally for the campaign to six goals and three assists following the move from Manchester City. He certainly caught the eye at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, completing 92% of his passes while creating two big chances for teammates and having a total of five shots.

Midfield: Bruno Guimarães

Guimarães ran the show for the Magpies in the heart of midfield. The 26-year-old created the most chances (five) of any player and claimed an assist. He completed the most dribbles (four), completed the most passes (106) and was the most fouled player (five). The former Lyon man also created two big chances and more than deserved his 8.8 FotMob rating.

Midfield: Dejan Kulusevski

Kulusevski is loving life right now. The 23-year-old scored and assisted in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night. The former Juventus winger also created three chances, two of which were classed as big chances. He attempted four dribbles and involved himself in 11 duels in what was an all-round impressive showing.

Attack: Mohammed Kudus

Kudus had a lot of fun in West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Wolves. The 23-year-old netted twice, finished the game having completed the most dribbles (five) and won the most duels of any player (14). He was actually involved in an astonishing 27 duels, highlighting why he’s managed to force his way into David Moyes’ squad. The former Ajax man is just as useful without the ball as he is with it. Kudus is now on five goal for the Premier League campaign.

Attack: Anthony Gordon

Gordon is having a season, isn’t he? The former Everton youngster chipped in with yet another assist as Newcastle returned to winning ways. It was his tenth goal contribution of the Premier League campaign. He created four chances and one big chance against Marco Silva’s side. He also racked up four shots while attempting three dribbles at St James’ Park. Gordon was a constant menace for the Magpies.

Attack: Lucas Paquetá

Kudus may have scored twice but it was Paquetá who stole the show for the Hammers. The Brazilian maestro assisted all three goals for West Ham and created a total of six chances. The 26-year-old, who was a transfer target for Manchester City in the summer, also completed 80% of his attempted dribbles, recovered the ball 13 times, won two of his three tackles and came out on top in 12 of his 19 duels.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

Premier League Review: Matchday 17

Once again, we have new Premier League leaders. Matchday 17 wasn’t quite as filled with goals as we’ve become accustomed to but we still have a lot of moments to dissect from across a number of matches. So, here are the biggest talking points from across the weekend.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

The champions are on the ropes

When Rico Lewis calmly fired an effort past Dean Henderson just nine minutes into the second half to double Manchester City’s lead, the result appeared to be a formality.

Jack Grealish had put the hosts 1-0 up in the first half and City were in complete control, limiting Crystal Palace to an Expected Goals total of just 0.09 before the break.

In fact, Palace weren’t up to much after the break. Well, until the final stages of the match anyway. They had just three shots in the second half. The first arrived in the 76th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the back of the net. The second effort was in the 92nd minute and the final attempt came three minutes later, with Michael Olise firing home from the spot to stun the Etihad.

City have now won just one of their last six Premier League matches and find themselves five points off the pace.

Newcastle get back to winning ways

The Magpies welcomed an in-form Fulham side to St James’ Park on Saturday looking to end a three-match losing streak.

Marco Silva’s men had been in rampant form over recent weeks and would’ve fancied their chances against Newcastle. Their confidence would’ve taken a hit, however, when Raúl Jiménez was sent off after just 22 minutes.

Fulham held firm for close to an hour before Lewis Miley, who started the game on the bench, opened the scoring. Newcastle doubled their lead seven minutes later with Miguel Almirón bagging. The returning Dan Burn added a third to complete an important win for the under pressure Eddie Howe.

It was a deserved three points for the hosts. They dominated the game and had 71% possession while racking up an xG total of 3.51. It was all one-way traffic.

The win lifts Newcastle up to sixth in the Premier League, with results elsewhere going their way.

The Gunners return to the top

On paper, it should’ve been a difficult game for the Gunners. But it wasn’t.

Mikel Arteta’s side coasted past Brighton, registering a 2-0 win to climb back to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal peppered the Seagulls, finishing the game having taken 26 shots, creating five big chances while amassing an xG total of 2.26.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz got onto the scoresheet at the Emirates with the pair finding goalscoring form over recent weeks.

As far as statement victories go in the Premier League, this is up there right now. Brighton concede goals but very rarely are they dominated in such a manner and few teams are able to limit Roberto De Zerbi’s side to just 50% possession.

The Gunners have leapfrogged Liverpool back into top spot ahead of their clash at Anfield next weekend.

Watkins haunts former club

For a period of time, it appeared as though Aston Villa’s bubble was going to burst. Unai Emery’s side defeated Manchester City and Arsenal in the space of a week but found themselves 1-0 down to Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

Keane Lewis-Potter scored his first goal for the Bees, and it was his only shot of the game.

Brentford looked to control the space while allowing Villa the possession. To an extent, it worked. Well, until it didn’t.

Àlex Moreno equalised for Villa with 13 minutes remaining. The goal arrived just five minutes after Ben Mee was sent off following a VAR intervention after a foul.

Ollie Watkins then continued his impressive run of form by scoring the winner against his former side to give Villa all three points. It was his ninth of the season.

Aston Villa are now level with Liverpool and just a point off the top. If results go their way next weekend, they could be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.

Manchester United frustrate Liverpool

Manchester United arrived at Anfield in torrid form. The watching world expected another 7-0 win for an in-form Liverpool side.

Instead they got a 0-0 draw.

Liverpool dominated with 69% possession and 34 shots to six but carved out just one big chance.

The Reds appeared to lack ideas and tried to force things when a more patient approach would’ve been better. They then failed to make the most of moments. The hosts will be disappointed by their showing. The Red Devils should be too, but a point at Anfield will paper over the fact they failed to really to do anything in a game they had to do something in after a week of poor results.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

FIVE games to follow this weekend: Rivalries renewed and a busy Sunday

In this weekend preview we summarise the best five games to follow on your match feed. And make a couple of suggestions for matches that you may otherwise miss.

By Bill Biss

If you’re scrolling through your match feed this weekend and thinking Saturday looks a bit sparse in terms of top level action, swipe to Sunday, and have a look through Europe’s big five leagues. Or better still, just keep reading this article.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League: Liverpool vs. Manchester United

In the Premier League, Liverpool, and their biggest home crowd for more than 50 years, will be taking on arch-rivals Manchester United. With the expansion of their Anfield stadium now complete, the Reds welcome the other major powerhouse of English football based in the the North West. And it comes at a good time for the current Premier League leaders.

Yes, both teams lost in Europe during the week, but Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Union St. Gilloise, in Belgium, came when they fielded a massively rotated side, and with qualification for the next stage of the Europa League already secured. Manchester United’s home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, on Tuesday, saw them finish bottom of their group, and miss out on a potential transfer to the same competition that Liverpool find themselves in.

In the league, only five teams have scored less goals than United this season, and they’ve won just one of their last five games (all comps). That, and their patchy form across the campaign, has led to a lot of speculation around Erik Ten Hag’s position as coach of the club. And yet, United still sit sixth in the table, albeit 10 points down on Liverpool.

Its Liverpool’s 100% record at Anfield that has contributed most to their position in the standings, with 21 of their 37 points coming from the seven games played on their own patch.

Can Ten Hag get a response out of his side? Or will this go the way of the form book?

🇪🇸 LaLiga: Real Madrid vs. Villarreal

In Spain, Real Madrid have another opportunity to move above Girona at the top of the table when they play Villarreal at the Bernabéu on Sunday evening. Madrid and Girona have been playing cat and mouse for a few rounds now, with the gap from Madrid in second, to Atlético in third, currently sitting at five points. But with Girona not in action until Monday, there’s a chance for Madrid to make up the two point deficit they have on the Catalan club.

A win would extend Madrid’s unbeaten run in the league to 10 games. And taking in to account their Champions League campaign, they are currently 15 games without defeat. Tuesday’s last gasp win at German side Union Berlin saw the Spanish giants makes it six wins from six in this season’s group stage. Manchester City were the only other side to manage that feat this season.

Villarreal come in to the game having also won 3-2 during the week. They were victorious at Rennes, a result that saw them top their group in the Europa League, and progress to the Round of 16, as the club look to emulate their own success in that competition when they lifted the trophy back in 2021. In the league, the Yellow Submarine sit mid-table having been unable to string together a consistent run of results. For example, their last three games have seen them lose to Real Sociedad, draw with Sevilla, but beat Osasuna.

🇩🇪 Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

Having provided the shock of the season so far when they thrashed Bayern Munich by five goals to one last weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt now turn their attention to Leverkusen, the German league leaders.

Yes, second meets third when Bayern play Stuttgart, later on Sunday, but our main focus does remain with Xabi Alonso’s swashbuckling side. Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run to 23 competitive games during the week when they thrashed Norway’s Molde 5-1, completing a Europa League group stage where they won all six of their fixtures.

Taking the league on its own, Leverkusen can boast the best defensive record – they are conceding at a rate of 0.9 goals per game, the second best possession stat (60.1%), the third best xG (28.2), and the most accurate passes per match (588). All that has resulted in 11 wins from their 14 games, and a four point advantage over the chasers in the table.

If last weekend’s result was a highpoint for Frankfurt, they were brought back down to earth by a 2-0 defeat, at Aberdeen, in what was essentially a dead rubber in a Europa Conference League group from which they have already secured qualification. Back in the league, they start the weekend in seventh and could break in to the top six, should they spring another surprise result.

🇫🇷 Ligue 1: LOSC vs. PSG

It might not be talked about that much but everything is actually going reasonably well for Luis Enrique during his first season with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being at risk of a Champions League embarrassment, they drew with Dortmund, and progressed from the so called Group of Death. And back in the league, they keep picking up results while their early season title rivals begin to stutter.

The Parisians have lost just once in the league so far, and they come in to the weekend’s clash with Lille having won nine of their last 10 league games. That includes wins over second placed Nice, third placed Monaco, plus Reims, and rivals Marseille.

LOSC should provide another test though – they sit fourth, nine points down on the leaders, and haven’t lost since September. In the 14 games they’ve gone unbeaten since then, they’ve only conceded four times, and only twice in the league. In midweek, they sealed top spot in their Europa Conference League group having benefitted from three converted penalties in a win over Kaksvik, of the Faroe Islands.

Last time these sides met back in February, late goals from Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi saw PSG come back from 3-2 down to win 4-3 in the fifth minute of stoppage time. We’ll be hoping for similar entertainment on Sunday.

🇮🇹 Serie A: Lazio vs. Inter

In Italy, the traditional big name Sunday headliner sees leaders Inter head to the capital, where they face Lazio, at the Olimpico.

Last season’s runners-up have had a slower start to the new campaign, and they start the weekend down in tenth. Inter, by virtue of playing last, could have been overtaken by Juventus, who play on Friday night for the third week in a row.

But playing catch up appears to suit Simone Inzaghi’s side. Juve have gone above them in both of those previous matchdays only for Inter to convincingly win their games – 3-0 at reigning champions Napoli, and 4-0 against Udinese. The 1-1 draw with Juventus at the end of November was the only time Inter have dropped points in their last seven. They did however draw a blank in the week, though, but that was all they needed to progress from their Champions League group alongside opponents Real Sociedad.

In fact, both sides will be in Monday’s draw for the Round of 16 – Lazio lost at Atlético Madrid but still went through as group runners-up.

Both sides will obviously want to go in to that draw on a high following a positive result.

Plus two hidden gems from a little deeper in your match feed…

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 EFL Championship: Ipswich Town vs. Norwich City

In England’s second tier, there’s a reunion between regional rivals, Ipswich Town and Norwich City, on Saturday afternoon.

Ipswich are back in the Championship after four years trying to get out of the third tier and, quite frankly, the season couldn’t have gone much better. They sit second in the table with 51 points after 21 games and with the best goal scoring rate of anyone in the division (2.1 goals per game).

Norwich, who hail from Norfolk, the neighbouring county to Ipswich’s Suffolk, are enduring a rare second season at this level having previously bounced around between the Premier League and Championship. And after a thirteenth place finish last term, they are currently sat eleventh, but have lost just one of their last six league games. And they come into this game with a long unbeaten record against the Tractor Boys – Ipswich last beat them back in 2009.

🇳🇱 Eredivisie: AZ Alkmaar vs. PSV Eindhoven

We’ve included this fixture because of the unbelievable run that PSV find themselves on this season. The Eindhoven club have won all FIFTEEN of their league fixtures to date, and during the week, they qualified as group runners-up to Arsenal in the Champions League. They’ve therefore made the knockout stages in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2016.

Providing this weekend’s test to that 100% domestic record are AZ Alkmaar. They’ve enjoyed a less successful week in Europe, going out of the Europa Conference League on a losing note having gone down to a 2-0 defeat at Polish club Legia. Back in the league, Pascal Jensen’s side have won 10 of their 15 games and sit third in the table, two points down on second placed Feyenoord, but obviously, so way off their opponents on Sunday afternoon.

PSV won the KNVB Cup last season but have finished as runners-up in the league for the last four consecutive seasons completed in the Netherlands. So, now under the management of Peter Bosz, they’ve be gunning to go one better.

If you want to follow any of the games mentioned above, click on the relevant link and tap the bell icon to receive all the key match updates.

Or join our new WhatsApp Channel for updates on all the important football going on this weekend!

Cover Image from IMAGO

Dec

2023

Premier League Preview: Matchday 17

This is the last weekend of football normality for the year. But it has the potential to be quite the weekend with a host of matches you are going to want to catch. With that in mind, here is your weekend preview.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

A second wind for Spurs?

We kick things off at the City Ground with Nottingham Forest hosting Tottenham Hotspur on Friday evening. Pressure is mounting on manager Steve Cooper after a disappointing run of form. Forest picked up seven points from their opening five matches but have since won just one of their next 11, amassing seven points in the process.

The hosts find themselves in 16th position, five points outside of the drop zone but unless something changes quickly, their points advantage will soon disappear. They welcome a Spurs side who returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion last weekend. Before their game against Newcastle last weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s men had lost four and drawn one of their last five. Their early title challenge had come to an abrupt halt.

However, they found their groove again last Sunday, dismantling Newcastle in a 4-1 win. A win for Tottenham on Friday night lifts them to level on points with Manchester City in fourth and ensures they finish the weekend in fifth place. Momentum around this time of the season is key and Postecoglou will want that after the blip in November.

A humbling week for Newcastle

The Magpies are currently on a three-game losing streak. They have scored just two goals and conceded nine during this run of fixtures. Eddie Howe’s men have crashed out of Europe entirely after finishing bottom of their group and they currently find themselves in seventh position in the Premier League, just two points ahead of ninth-placed West Ham United.

There have been some reports that Howe could be replaced if Newcastle fail to beat Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Cottagers arrive at St James’ in remarkable goalscoring form. Marco Silva’s side have scored 16 goals in their last four outings. They have won their last two matches by an aggregate scoreline of 10-0 and things appear to have clicked for Fulham after a sluggish start to the campaign. For context, prior to this four-game run, they had 10 goals in 12 matches.

They are no doubt going to fancy their chances against a Newcastle side lacking confidence and goals right now. The Howe era could be coming to an end.

Dyche-ball

Sean Dyche returns to Burnley this weekend looking to pile more misery onto his former club. Vincent Kompany’s men are joint-bottom of the Premier League having collected eight points from their opening 16 matches. Only Sheffield United (41) have conceded more goals than the Clarets (34) and only two teams have scored fewer than Burnley’s 16.

Despite there being a lot of hope for this Burnley side following their promotion, they look set for an immediate return to the Championship unless there’s an incredible upturn in form, and soon.

They host an Everton team surging up the table and on a three-game winning streak. Dyche’s side have scored six and kept three clean sheets since the loss to Manchester United. Without their 10-point deduction, the Toffees would be in 10th position in the Premier League. The fact they’re already outside of the relegation zone highlights the remarkable job the former Burnley boss is doing at Goodison.

A win at Turf Moor on Saturday evening could take them as high as 15th. Everton, who are joint-fourth in the form table over the past five matches, could well leapfrog to the top of it this weekend.

Arteta versus De Zerbi

This has the potential to be one of the best tactical battles of the season as Brighton travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. The Seagulls are going a little under the radar this season, perhaps because of their exploits last year, but the defeat to Chelsea a few weeks back was their only loss since October.

Brighton, who topped their Europa League group, know a win on Sunday could well lift them into sixth position in the Premier League. Don’t sleep on De Zerbi’s side though. They have the same number of goals as Arsenal (33), average the most possession in the English top-flight (62.3%) and only Manchester City (6.6) are having more shots on target than them (6.5).

Arsenal are looking to reclaim top spot in the Premier League following their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. The Gunners had been on a six-game winning streak across all competitions before their visit to Villa Park and the defeat against their former manager saw Liverpool finish the weekend ahead of them.

Arteta, who avoided a suspension this week, will want to get back to winning ways ahead of the trip to Anfield next weekend and this game against a well-organised Brighton team could be the ideal warm-up clash for the Gunners.

Fortress Anfield awaits Manchester United

On paper, this should be a routine Liverpool win. The Reds are top of the Premier League table and have a perfect record at home this season. They face an inconsistent Manchester United team on Sunday evening.

Jürgen Klopp’s side have the joint-best defensive record in the league, have racked up the highest Expected Goals total (32.6) and have created the most big chances in the Premier League (43).

United arrive at Anfield having won just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Erik Ten Hag’s side finished bottom of their Champions League group and despite being sixth in the table right now, they have a goal difference of minus three. Only five teams have scored fewer goals than the Red Devils (18).

Everything points towards the home side claiming three points and yet with United having nothing to really lose, anything can happen and this is what makes them such dangerous opposition this weekend.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Dec

2023

Five Breakout Stars of the MLS Season

Lucho Acosta shone brighter than any other player – even Lionel Messi – in Major League Soccer in 2023.

However, the FC Cincinnati playmaker was already a known quantity in the league. There were other players who either came from nowhere or reached new heights who enjoyed a breakout year. Here are five of them.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Noel Buck (New England Revolution)

Noel Buck made a big impact for the New England Revolution even as the Foxborough outfit endured a challenging year on and off the pitch. The emergence of Buck as one of the brightest young players in the league was one highlight with the 18-year-old tipped to achieve big things in the sport.

Buck is a midfield all-rounder. He can contribute on all sides of the game and is capable of operating as a number six or eight and can even play in a wide position. The teenager is comfortable on the ball and has the work ethic expected of central midfielders in the modern game.

Born in the USA, Buck made his England U19 debut earlier this year and caused a stir by turning up to a Revolution match in a retro Three Lions shirt. The 18-year-old could still improve his attacking decision-making and has still to grow into his frame, but 2023 was the year Buck showcased his potential.

Drake Callender (Inter Miami)

Inter Miami will remember 2023 as the year Lionel Messi made the move to South Florida. However, it was also the year that Drake Callender completed his transformation into one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Not so long ago, the 26-year-old was third-choice for Inter Miami. He also spent 2021 playing in USL League One. Now, he’s Tata Martino’s first-choice.

The inaugural Leagues Cup was defined by Messi’s goalscoring performances, but Callender was just as much of a match-winner, saving two penalties and scoring one in the final shootout against Nashville. Callender was rewarded with his first USA call-up in August and could be in next summer’s Copa America squad if he starts next season well.

Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)

Gregg Berhalter has persuaded several dual-nationals to play for the USA with Argentina-eligible Benjamin Cremaschi called up for the first time in September. The 18-year-old caught the eye for Inter Miami this year, scoring two goals and assisting four more in 28 MLS appearances. Even more is expected of him in 2024.

Cremaschi is an extremely talented two-way midfielder who is most comfortable as a number eight. The teenager is naturally creative and is excellent at finding half-spaces between the lines where he can disrupt opposition defences. With Messi alongside him, Cremaschi has the perfect mentor to learn from.

Griffin Dorsey (Houston Dynamo)

Griffin Dorsey was already an established member of the Houston Dynamo first team entering 2023, but his performance levels reached a new level this season. While Dorsey started the campaign as a depth option, he quickly made himself a key figure for Ben Olsen’s team and become indispensable.

“He’s one of the stories in MLS, and he should be,” said Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark. “What he brings to our team with his pace, the amount of ground he covers, his strength – he’s just a real force to be reckoned with in the way he plays.”

Dorsey is a crucial part of the way Houston play out from the back with the 24-year-old finishing the season as the team’s defensive leader in goals (three), assists (two), key passes (15) and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.37). He also ranked highly in progressive carries per 90 minutes (3.33) and fifth in successful take-ons per 90 minutes (1.23).

Duncan McGuire (Orlando City)

Duncan McGuire earned himself a reputation as one of the best finishers in MLS this season, scoring 13 goals in 31 appearances (12 of them off the bench). Not so long ago, McGuire was playing college football, but he is now widely seen as one of the best young forwards the USA has right now.

McGuire was handed his first U23 call-up for the USA in October and many believe he will one day make the step up to the senior team at some point in the future. The 22-year-old has been compared to Daryl Dike who also made a name for himself in college before jumping up to MLS with Orlando City.

“They are similar players in terms of willingness and energy and big body in presence up top, both of them have willingness to work,” said Orlando manager Oscar Pareja when comparing McGuire and Dike. Another full season in MLS could help McGuire reach even higher heights next year.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Dec

2023

MLS End of Season Reports: Thiago Almada

Before Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, the sight of another Major League Soccer player lifting the World Cup trophy made a statement. Thiago Almada was part of the Argentina squad that went all the way in Qatar last year, becoming the first active MLS player to become a world champion. That said something about his potential, as did his performances for Atlanta United in 2023.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Atlanta United only mustered a sixth place finish in the Eastern Conference this year and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, but Almada deserved more. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 16 assists in 32 games (a twelfth goal came in that playoff), a tally that earned him the 2023 MLS Young Player of the Year award.

Almada might not play another MLS campaign. Several European clubs are circling the 22-year-old with Ajax, Napoli, and both Manchester clubs believed to be interested. This is the level Almada is destined for, and in a sense is already operating at for Argentina. He will be the next MLS youngster to make it big in European football.

Miguel Almirón established a precedent for South Americans to use MLS as a springboard. Signed by Atlanta United for a club-record fee, Almirón thrived for an expansion team that made a point of signing talented youngsters over ageing stars and ultimately earned a £21m transfer to Newcastle United that changed the league’s landscape.

Until then, MLS had been widely seen – at least by European eyes – as a retirement league. It wasn’t a viable destination for young talent, but Almirón proved it could be, attracting the attention of a Premier League club. If Almada follows a similar route, he will have his Paraguayan predecessor to thank in part.

Skilful and direct, Almada is a constant threat in the attacking third. He is a natural dribbler and has an eye for the spectacular – see his 35-yard freekick stunner against the Portland Timbers in March. Messi, one of Almada’s teammates at international level, is a fan. “He’s very fast and he has a lot of one-versus-one ability,” said Messi. “He’s very clever and he’s not afraid of anything. He goes at you.”

The comparison with Messi is a natural one. Like the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner, Almada is diminutive with a low centre of gravity. He likes to change direction quickly with the ball at his feet and does his best work in tight spaces. While Messi naturally starts out right before cutting inside, Almada starts on the left before doing the same centrally.

It’s easy to see why so many big European clubs are tracking a technically exceptional, tactically flexible, goal-dangerous youngster who is already a world champion, but has still to reach the top of the club game. Atlanta United are reportedly determined to keep Almada, but they recognise every player has a price.

“I can’t control what other teams offer us, but do I think he’s deserving of a record transfer? I do,” Atlanta United president Garth Lagerwey said about the interest in Almada earlier this year. “I think there’s objective numbers to support that.” The Five Stripes sold Almiron for a league-record fee nearly five years ago and they could get even more than £21m for Almada.

It’s in Atlanta United’s sporting and business model to buy and sell. They spend money to make money. Almada cost €15m from Velez Sarsfield with Luiz Araujo (€11.5m), Marcelino Moreno (€7m), Pity Martinez (€14.5m) and Esequiel Barco (€12m) also signed for a significant outlay. Some deals work out, others don’t. Almada could work out better than any Atlanta United player to date.

When the time comes to move on, Almada must join a club willing to build around him as Atlanta United have over the last two seasons. Ajax might have made sense a year ago, but the Dutch club is currently in a state of crisis while Napoli may also be on a downward trajectory after winning the Serie A title last season. At City and United, Almada would face a fight for game time. Manchester might not be the right place for him. The right place, and the right move, however, could propel Almada to the top.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

2023 MLS Team of the Season: Expert Picks

Major League Soccer’s MVP and Golden Boot winner are both represented in the FotMob best XI from the league in 2023, as are Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati and MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew.

By James Nalton, MLS expert

The best of the rest have not been forgotten. The XI includes players from all positions and takes into account performances throughout 2023. It could, in theory, operate as a functional team if it were to actually take to the field!

Goalkeeper: Roman Burki

Put simply, St. Louis City would not have finished top of the Western Conference were it not for goalkeeper, Burki. The former Dortmund stopper was one of the most important signings for the 2023 expansion team under coach Bradley Carnell whose setup helped the team overachieve in its debut season. To back this up, only Daniel of San Jose, who also deserves a mention, prevented more goals according to the data.

Right-Back: Julian Gressel

With more chances created per 90 minutes than the likes of Barreal and Kai Wagner, Gressel remained one of the most creative wing-backs in MLS. Along with forward Christian Ramirez, he helped change the game for Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference final against FC Cincinnati – a key moment in their run to becoming the 2023 MLS Cup champion.

Right Centre-Back: Yeimar Gómez

The Seattle defender was the main reason his team finished the season with the joint-fewest goals conceded in MLS. The Sounders also had the lowest xG against in the league, and the Colombian’s proactive defending stopped many attacks in mid-flow, finishing the season with a league-high 77 interceptions.

Left Center-Back: Robin Jansson

Despite finishing second in the overall table, Orlando City went under the radar somewhat, and the same could be said of its left-sided defender, Jansson. The Swede featured in every game for Orlando in 2023, providing an outlet to start attacks through passing and ball-carrying as well as being a solid defensive presence.

Left-Back: Álvaro Barreal

The Argentine was the most attacking full-back in a league that boasts a number of them, He offered a regular threat down the left, cutting inside as well as overlapping and helping define FC Cincinnati’s attack as much as lauded teammate and compatriot Acosta. Barreal scored seven goals and made eight assists across the regular season and playoffs.

Midfield: Obinna Nwobodo

The Nigerian midfielder’s importance to FC Cincinnati was especially highlighted during his absence against Philadelphia Union and at the start of the game against Columbus in the playoffs. Nwobodo was joint top among midfielders for interceptions and tackles combined in 2023, alongside the Crew’s Aidan Morris who fully deserves a mention here too.

Midfield: Héctor Herrera

The Mexican talisman came into his own in 2023, providing the class and leadership Houston Dynamo hoped he would bring to the franchise when they signed him in 2022. He set the tempo for the team that won the US Open Cup and made it to the Western Conference final.

Attacking Midfield: Luciano Acosta

The No.10 or second striker position is always a strength for MLS as a league so it can be difficult to pick just one player here. This season, the task was made slightly easier by the standout play of the league’s eventual MVP, Acosta. His performances propelled Cincinnati to the Supporters’ Shield, registering 17 goals and 10 assists in the regular season. Simply the league’s best player in 2023.

Right Wing: Cristian Espinoza

It was another productive season for San Jose’s creative right-winger, who finished the 2023 regular season having created more chances than any other player, with 101. Espinoza completed the season with a return of 13 goals and eight assists, and also the highest expected assists tally in MLS at 13.29.

Left Wing: Denis Bouanga

The Gabon international has been a goalscoring, counter-attacking machine from the left wing in 2023. His goals in the playoffs were key to LAFC’s run to the MLS Cup final after a disappointing regular season by the West Coast club’s standards. Bouanga’s 20 goals saw him claim the Golden Boot award.

Striker: Cucho Hernández

Even prior to his MLS Cup final MVP performance, Cucho was the standout striker in MLS throughout the 2023 regular season. He was ideal for the brand of attacking football the Crew played under Wilfried Nancy, contributing to build-up, pressing from the front, and most importantly for a player in his position, scoring goals.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the 2023 MLS season live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2023

MLS End of Season Reports: FC Cincinnati

Most expansion teams struggle in Major League Soccer, but FC Cincinnati struggled more than most. Three successive ‘wooden spoons’ – unofficially awarded to the team that finishes bottom of the league each season – were illustrative of a franchise that took a while to get on its feet. In 2023, though, Cincy broke into a sprint.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Pat Noonan’s team dominated the regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield by a comfortable margin of six points. Had it not been for a late collapse from 2-0 up against the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference final, FC Cincinnati would have reached the MLS Cup final too. They were in contention for a Shield and Cup double.

Some fans argue Cincy’s 2023 campaign was ultimately a disappointment. If MLS Cup is the league’s biggest prize, Noonan and his players were made to rue not clinching it when the opportunity was clearly there for them to do so. The pain was exacerbated by rivals Columbus winning MLS Cup instead.

Most, however, expect Cincy to be contenders again next season such is the strength of the foundations put in place by Noonan. In a league increasingly defined by distinctive ideologies – like the high-risk approach used by Wilfried Nancy at Columbus – FC Cincinnati’s greatest strength is their ability to adapt. That gives them a chance in most matches they play.

Noonan toggles between setting up his team to play with the ball and against it. This is clear in the possession numbers recorded by Cincy this season with their average share of the ball varying wildly from one match to the next. FC Cincinnati can be expansive and attack-minded, but also know how to stay compact and restrict opponents.

Many of Noonan’s ideas can be likened to those of Jim Curtin, who he served under as an assistant manager at the Philadelphia Union. General Manager Chris Albright also worked at Subaru Park, so it’s unsurprising that there is so much overlap between FC Cincinnati and the Union in terms of playing style and general ethos.

Lucho Acosta flourished as Cincy’s primary attacking difference-maker in 2023, winning the MLS MVP award with a record of 18 goals and 12 assists over the regular season and play-offs. His talent had been clear since his time at DC United, but Noonan built around him to get the best out of the Argentine. Acosta is Cincy’s attacking hub.

“Lucho is a pain in the ass,” said Noonan, describing Acosta’s importance to FC Cincinnati. “But he’s a good pain in the ass. He’s so talented, and he does have freedoms that some of his teammates don’t. But it’s because of what he’s capable of doing with those freedoms that helps us win games.”

Álvaro Barreal is another creative force with the left wing back statistically MLS’s most dangerous passing threat from dead-ball situations. Brandon Vazquez suffered a drop-off in his goalscoring numbers from 2022 (when he netted 19 times in the regular season) to 2023 (when he scored just eight), but the USA international is still a highly effective focal point up front.

Summer signing Aaron Boupendza offered another dimension in the final third after the loss of Brenner to Udinese. Then there’s the midfield pairing of Obinna Nwobodo and Junior Moreno, who give Cincy presence and physicality in the centre of the pitch, and defensive leaders Yerson Mosquera and Matt Miazga at the back.

Shrewd recruitment and good coaching has been at the core of Cincy’s dramatic improvement from their first three seasons in MLS to now. Even when results were poor, the club – and its fans – could see what Noonan was trying to achieve. The lack of relegation in MLS allowed FC Cincinnati to build something over a number of years.

Cincy’s fans also deserve credit for their role in the team’s turnaround. They made TQL Stadium the most difficult venue for away teams to visit in 2023 – FC Cincinnati suffered just two regular season defeats at home. The city has cultivated an authentic football culture and that passion energises all areas of the club.

Until there are orange and blue ribbons hanging from the MLS Cup trophy, however, FC Cincinnati will still feel they have something left to prove. One last thing to achieve. The way they have improved season-on-season, it would be foolish to doubt the capacity of Noonan and his players to get even better.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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