NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Is Manchester City’s success just a reflection of their bank account?
The 19/20 Premier League season resulted in a domestic treble in for Pep and Manchester, including a second successive top-flight league title. Is it all just because they have the only squad valued at over $1 billion in the entire world, or because of the Pep-effect?
Is VAR a superhero or a villain in the future of global football?
Even after having a major run out in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR looked all new during the women’s world cup and particularly the Copa America, dishing out some fresh controversies. Even Messi came out a supposed victim of the technology more than once. But what is it really to global football, a friend or a foe?
The USA are back to back champs. Even though European nations are making progress, substance must always trump style.
A second consecutive and record 4th FIFA World Cup title is certainly something to shout about. The word is dominance, it spells dominance. However, hidden in the narrative are the stern challenges of Spain, France, England and the Netherlands, that the USWNT faced enroute to their 2019 title. Substance did trump style and we get to explore the meaning of the win, both for America and women’s football in general.
2019 WWC Review: Five Breakout Stars of the Tournament (Stars of the future)
A 23-year-old all-time top goal scorer for her nation, two young midfield maestros who seemingly drink ice for breakfast, an audacious forward who is in the top 0.01% when it comes to dribbles and tricks, and finally an explosive African queen, the face of the continent’s football both now and in the near future. They are all here. Our fast five of all the breakout stars at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The US may be the favorites, but who could prevent them from winning back to back?
The major competition for the US comes from England, France, Germany and Japan who have all recorded standout performances in the leading up to the 2019 FIFA World Cup, putting them among the favorites to win the title and dethrone the US women from their long-held position as the best team in the world.
UCL Review: Why Liverpool got blanked in Spain and Barcelona battered in England
A tale of two tales. Here is a review of how Messi pick-pocketed Liverpool and the Reds in turn completing a miraculous comeback against the Blaugrana on their way to the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League final in Madrid.
Time for Gueye to depart consistently average Everton?
Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye has been the Premier League’s overall best defensive midfielder and tackler in the past four seasons and yet remains without the pride of every footballer, some silverware. No other player could benefit more from a transfer than the 29-year-old.
Africans on the move and what they bring to their respective clubs
The 2019 January transfer window is now history. African players were once again on the move, from the Premier League, Turkish Super League, La Liga only to mention a few. In this piece you will find three of them as well as what their impact could be at their new clubs.
FT French Ligue 1 Preview: PSG must win the UEFA Champions League to keep Neymar
Neymar has committed his near future to PSG, but can the Parisians expect the Brazilian to stay if they don’t secure a Champions League title soon?
FT World Cup 2018: Tunisia suffer heartbreaking loss against England
Tunisia fell victim to a Harry Kane 92nd-minute winning goal in their first game in Group A against England.
FT World Cup News: Racism Concerns Come to the Fore
Prince William has spoken out against any potential racial abuse England’s players may receive. What happens if your country does not have such an outspoken leader?
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane
A snub so big it deserves an honorary mention on our list; Leroy Sane will not be playing for Germany this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: #2 - Alexander Lacazette
Alexander Lacazette of Arsenal FC will not be representing France this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top World Cup Snubs: #1 - Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi has our vote for the 2018 World Cup’s most surprising snub. The Inter Milan forward will not be representing Argentina this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #3 - Mario Götze
Mario Goetze of Germany controls the ball during the International friendly match between Germany and France at RheinEnergieStadion on November 14, 2017 in Cologne, Germany.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #4 - Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches of FC Bayern Munich, and recently on loan at Swansea City FC, will not be representing Portugal this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #5 - Shkodran Mustafi
Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal FC will not represent Germany this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #6 - Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore of Paris Saint-Germain will not be representing Argentina this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.