NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Soccer clubs, the perfect home ground for brand sponsorship?
It’s not just the packed stadiums, t-shirt sales or television that rings the till for football clubs, brand sponsorship also brings in quite a significant portion.
Will this be Leicester’s strongest season in the Premier League since their 2016 Championship?
How tameable if at all, are Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes this 2019/20 Premier League season? Not so much is the short answer.
EPL: Who is to blame for Manchester United’s current state?
Six years after Fergie, four managerial appointments and hundreds millions of pounds spent but still no signs of the United ship steadying to former glories. What’s going on?
English Premier League: Who will challenge for European football?
The world’s favorite league is back with bang. Eager to look at who will likely finish above the rest this campaign? We got you, we have rounded most of the promising sides who could push for titles and European football in the new season.
How will the English Premier League's "Big 6" rank this season?
FT’s own Siphosethu has thrown his predictions into the hat regarding the final placement of the “Big 6” on the English Premier League table come May 2020 and Arsenal fans won’t be quite impressed. How do you think they will fare? Or will perhaps an underdog creep in and still any of the spot?
UCL Highlights: Marega unleashed, AS Roma deceased, & the Manchester Miracle
It’s confirmed, the Malian forward is a real beast. He was again involved in the goals as FC Porto reached the quarter-finals and etched himself in history joining a very exclusive list of footballers with 6 goals in 6 matches.
The curious case of Pogba's pendulum-like performances
Pogba has been absolutely on fire since Solskjaer took the reigns at Man U with 4 goals and 4 assists since? But it wasn’t too long ago where many were questioning if Pogba would regain his consistency. Check out our take on if the New Pogba is here to stay.
Is there a big club who does not want Napoli & Senegalese's Koulibaly?
Kalidou Koulibaly is now easily one of the best centre-backs in the world if not the best. His displays in the Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League and even at the 2018 FIFA World Cup have made him a highly experienced asset bound to become the world’s most expensive defender if he switches clubs. A potential move looks imminent as the top clubs circle the 27-year-old.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #2 Eric Bailly
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. Since its Thanksgiving, we are letting out number 1 & 2 at the same time!
What has happened to Ivory Coast’s Bailly at United?
Manchester United have had to take in a less than ideal start to the 2018/19 Premier League season. That has been the case of their centre back in Eric Bailly since moving to the Old Trafford. The 2015 AFCON winner achieved a few dreams such as playing in the UEFA Champions League but has hit a rough patch below his potential. Find out why in this feature.
Coin Toss: Will Manchester United sack Mourinho to get Zidane?
Manchester United have secured just two wins in the first four matches and the media reports have not been tight lipped on the supposed rift between manager Jose Mourinho and world cup winner Pogba. With the serial Champions League winner, Zidane currently jobless, will he eventually be called up for the United job if Mourinho is showed the door?
FT English Premier League Preview: Can Pogba Help Lead Man United To The Title?
World Cup winner Paul Pogba will look to continue his winning ways with Manchester United this season.
FT English Premier League Preview: How will Aubameyang fair during a full EPL season?
Pierre Aubameyang will look to continue his excellent form with Arsenal FC this season.
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 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
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.