FIFA to turn Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium into a soccer laboratory

Introduction

To think that football would be associated with science would have been a mirage a decade ago! In today’s world, anything is possible as we are gifted with an opportunity to get a glimpse into the initiative being managed by FIFA of turning Barcelona Football Club's stadium into a soccer laboratory for generations to come.

A full-scale renovation is due to begin in 2020 and be completed in 2024, bringing the iconic venue up to modern standards. The club is also eager for the stadium to be the largest sports experimentation and innovation laboratory in the world.

Photo Credit: FCBarcelona.com

FIFA & FC Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is an association governed by Swiss law founded in 1904 and based in Zurich. Its goal, enshrined in its statutes, is the constant improvement of football through organizing international tournaments and sees its role as protecting and developing the game of football for everyone around the world. In sheer effort to raise the bar for international football, FIFA intends to use FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium as a testing laboratory in the field of sports technology.

FC Barcelona is a powerhouse in the La Liga Football league based in Spain and has won numerous trophies since it was established, and is home to some of the best football players in the world namely Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The club’s Camp Nou stadium is one of the most famous soccer arenas in the world. It has an official capacity just shy of 100,000 and has played host to some of the most dramatic moments in the sport’s history with most notably the 1999 UEFA Champions League final.

The Camp Nou stadium’s maximum height is 48 meters, and it covers a whole surface area of 55,000 square meters with 250 meters in length and 220 meters in width. In accordance with UEFA stipulations, the playing area has been downsized to 105 meters x 68 meters. With a capacity of 99,354, it is now the biggest stadium in Europe. However, the total capacity has varied over the years owing to different modifications. When it was first opened in 1957, it held 93,053 spectators, which would be increased to 120,000 in 1982 on occasion of the FIFA World Cup. However, the introduction of new regulations outlawing standing areas reduced the stadium’s capacity in the late 1990s to just fewer than 99,000.

Innovation hub origins and soccer laboratory concept

In the 1998-99 season, UEFA recognized the services and facilities at Camp Nou by awarding it a five-star status. In 2010, in line with the new UEFA regulations, this rating was replaced by the new 'Category 4' title which was bestowed to stadiums which fulfill the most demanding requirements with regards to facilities, services, and capacity such as FC Barcelona's stadium.

Photo Credit: FCBarcelona.com

This new era was chosen for the Camp Nou, to make a precision study of monitoring systems used by companies that collect variables during football matches. These tests, carried out in several sessions during the month of October 2019, have focused on indicators of positioning, speed of the players and have been supervised by a team of experts from the University of Victoria in Australia, an entity that collaborates with FIFA on this project.

The measurements were thoroughly done with the help of thirty students from the Barcelona Campus of the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC). To make them, a 30 x 30-meter quadrilateral was formed on the pitch, with ten cameras on each side, within which the students, with sensors attached to their bodies, made a physical circuit walking, jogging and sprinting, in different directions and with acceleration changes.

The monitoring systems of 13 leading international companies in the tracking sector have been subjected to these tests, including Track160, Catapult, Statsports, and Fitogether. The practical application of this study would be oriented to the analysis of the game for the coaches and the medical teams of the clubs, as well as to extend the quality of the sports broadcasts by providing more information.

The collaboration is being led by the La Liga giants’ Barcelona Innovation Hub, which was formed in 2017 to help incubate innovations that will influence soccer from both a sporting and commercial perspective in the future. It's an initiative that brings together academia, students, start-ups and investors. The aim is to advance FC Barcelona as a technology organization and to share innovations in the field of sports, health and the environment.

Photo Credit: FCBarcelona.com

Barcelona FC said the trials form part of their plans to transform the Nou Camp into a ‘sports experimentation and innovation laboratory,’ with the stadium set to undergo a strong revamp as part of the club’s Espai Barça renovation project. It was also reported in March 2019 that Barcelona FC was looking to raise €100 million to start their own investment fund with a specific focus on trialing new technologies.

FIFA already held similar sessions a few months ago at the Miniestadi. which was home of FC Barcelona’s reserve and female teams until last season. The world governing body FIFA turned the stadium into a testbed for monitoring systems that can collect data during games. Specifically, the trials focused on the positioning and speed of players.

Performing them now at the Camp Nou has allowed researchers to step forward and validate the tracking systems from much larger stands, similar to those in the most important stadiums in the world, and with more variety of spaces to test the radio frequency devices.

“The collaboration is being led by the La Liga giants’ Barcelona Innovation Hub, which was formed in 2017 to help incubate innovations that will influence soccer from both a sporting and commercial perspective in the future. It’s an initiative that brings together academia, students, start-ups and investors. The aim is to advance FC Barcelona as a technology organization and to share innovations in the field of sports, health and the environment.”

— Farai Maringa, FirstTouch Africa

In 2017, it launched the “Barcelona innovation Hub,” and the hub forms part of the “More than a club” mantra at Barcelona, which is viewed as a symbol of Catalonian identity combined with a global brand. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu at the launch of the hub in 2017 explicitly stated that the club intends to add more value to the brand FC Barcelona which is owned by 150 000 members. “We are and we want to keep being more than a club. We had to generate a positive impact on society that goes beyond sport.”

With this new experience, the Barça Innovation Hub keeps the door open to the football and sports technology industry and consolidates the club's facilities as a testing space, with the aim of turning FC Barcelona into the largest sports experimentation and innovation laboratory in the world.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou on December 21, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Dec. 20, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

FIFA altered its regulations in 2015 to allow for wearable technology during matches and provided all 32 nations at the last World Cup with access to a tablet-based Electronic Performance and Tracking System (EPTS). FIFA and Barcelona announced in November 2018 that they were teaming up to help clubs around the world better monitor their player data. Together they launched the Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS), which allows clubs to exchange and compare information in a unified and standardized fashion.

EPTS delivered teams with match footage, alongside stats such as player positioning data, passing, pressing, speed and tackles, and was compatible with both camera and wearable-based systems. In the trials at the Camp Nou, the tracking systems of 12 different vendors were tested to determine their suitability.

It is hoped that more effective data tracking will help coaches with match preparation, allow for more effective player treatment, and to provide more insight to broadcasters. The initiative is noble and it will give football a better picture.

Parting word

Barcelona isn’t the only soccer club putting technology at the heart of its strategy as rumors say that Manchester City has partnered with SAP to transform its on and off-pitch operations. In the future, it is inevitable that other big clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-German and Bayern Munich are likely to join this auspicious initiative to give the game of football a major upswing in performance, preparations and the actual play for players.

Soccer clubs, the perfect home ground for brand sponsorship?

Nani of Manchester United in action at the launch of the new adidas Predator Lethal Zones football boot. The boot, designed with five deadly zones for the ultimate ball control and to maximise power and accuracy, was unveiled on May 1, 2012 in Manchester, England. Visit www.adidas.com/football

(April 30, 2012 - Source: Getty Images/Getty Images Europe)

Which soccer fan wouldn't want to wear a Jordan brand to the field to support PSG in the UEFA Champions’ League? Which fashion enthusiast wouldn't want to spend one freaky Friday in Neymar's sneaker collection?

It is no secret that investing in soccer clubs has become the hottest global trend. Multiple organizations, betting companies included, that never used to sponsor soccer are flooding into the field. With the famous basketball based brand, Jordan’s transition from the court to the field, it has become apparent that soccer clubs are the new home ground for brand sponsorship. Every club's success is being pinned on the type of brand they wear, with individual players claiming a greater part of the influence.

History of brand sponsorship in soccer clubs

Various brand sponsorships have either made or broken teams over the years. The most notable sponsorships have undoubtedly been for Manchester United, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid's pockets. Forbes list of the richest soccer clubs ranked Real Madrid at number 1, Barcelona at number 2 and the Red Devils took the third place in 2019.

It has been said that "When the right club jersey meets the right sponsor, it can result in aesthetic perfection in a football shirt." The perfect football shirt is key to a large fan base and motivation on the field. Now we will explore the relationship between brand sponsorships and some of the biggest clubs in world football.

Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates scoring to make it 2-1 with team mate Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(April 12, 2019 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Manchester United

English football fans have the word SHARP embedded in their memory. The partnership between the appliances company and Manchester United ended in 2000 after 18 happy years together, but the jersey left a huge mark!

At the moment, Manchester United rests at the top of the Premier League when it comes to shirt sponsorship agreements. In a massive deal with General Motors, United are paid a remarkable £47m per season to wear the Chevrolet logo on their kit. The deal is the largest of its kind and runs until the 2021 season.

The Red Devils' revenue also speaks volumes about the weight of their sponsorship. They have managed to stay in the top three Forbes list of richest clubs since 2007. The Red Devils who were holding the lead for the past two years enveloped the top three this year. In 2017-2018, the club lost 8% of their value compared to the previous season. Now Manchester United is valued at $3.81 billion and surpasses its competitors by the amount of operating income in value of $238 million.

FC Barcelona– $779.4 Million

Revenue in 2019: €690.4 Million (£611.6 Million or $779.4 Million)

Previous Revenue: €648.3 Million

Total Valuation: €3.6 Billion

With revenue of €690.4 Million this year, Lionel Messi’s club Barcelona earned the second spot on the Richest Football Clubs 2018/19 list. Sponsorship deals with kit supplier Nike and the shirt sponsor Qatar Airways guaranteed them that position, although they lost to rivals - Real Madrid. In the 2019/20 season, €223 Million was raised through their broadcast rights. An increase in ticket sales also led to the matchday income reaching €144.8 Million. While the £200-million sale of Neymar did not have any impact on the club’s 2019 revenue, it increased a significant amount of the club’s total valuation to €2.98 Billion.

Gareth Bale and Luka Modric of Real Madrid chat during a promotional event by the German carmaker Audi at Carlos Sainz Center on November 4, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. Audi, who are the official Sponsors of Real Madrid, has given each player a new Audi car to promote their brand as part of the sponsorship deal.

(Nov. 3, 2016 - Source: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe)

Real Madrid – $847.7 Million

Revenue in 2019: €750.9 Million (£665.2 Million or $847.7 Million)

Previous Revenue: €674.6 Million

Total Valuation: €3.8 Billion

After spending almost six seasons at position 2, Real Madrid leveled up. With total revenue of €750.9 Million this year, Real Madrid currently holds the top spot in the list of Richest Football Clubs in the world.

They earned a total of €315.5 Million through the commercial deals with their jersey sponsor Emirates and kit supplier Adidas. Broadcast rights generated €251.3 Million and ticket sales generated €143.4 Million. The departure of super-costly footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to not have diminished the club's glory!

Another notable club sponsorship is that of Arsenal and Adidas. In 2018, Arsenal's 5-year contract with Puma came to a close with Adidas coming in to take over their kit supply. This is an annual £60m deal that guarantees Arsenal the third place in the most lucrative kit deals in football, behind Barcelona’s contract with Nike and Manchester United’s contract with Adidas which are worth £140m-a-year and £75m-a-year respectively.

Arsenal last wore an Adidas strip between 1986 and 1994 during which they lifted two league titles. Nike then sponsored the club for two decades until 2014-15, before losing out to Puma. Arsenal are now in their first year with Adidas as their new kit manufacturer. The relationship has gotten off to a good start with fans already going crazy over the new shirts on social media.

Role of social media in brand sponsorship frequency

"The rise of social media in the professional sports domain can be described as revolutionary" (Larkin, fink and Tail, 2015)

Social media has been used as a flexible way to access fans and customers for soccer clubs and brands respectively. Various social media platforms have offered immediate access to information for soccer fans. Tracking and interacting with your favorite soccer club has become much easier. For companies sponsoring soccer clubs, assessing the fan base and therefore the potential market for their products also became easier. Thus business organizations have had no choice than to be responsive to the huge impact social media has on their brand awareness.

Performance tolerance of fans can be easily accessed through social media, it refers to the level of engagement fans seek with their favorite team in highs and lows. This concept has become a huge influencer of sponsors' decision to invest in a club. In essence, social media allows sponsors to track a club's success on the field, in terms of revenue and influence on their fan base. This allows sponsors to pin their brands on a club they know will raise their brand awareness and offer a guaranteed lucrative partnership. Soccer clubs with a large and resilient fan base like Manchester United, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid have found themselves in the pool of big sponsorship deals!

Neymar of PSG in action during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on September 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Is brand sponsorship dependent on success on the field??

"Success means winning trophies. That target and standard has never changed for Manchester United. The progress we have made on the business side underpins the continued investment in the football side" -Ed Woodward, Manchester United Executive

As much as the Red Devils believe in success lying in winning the game not sponsorships, a different view cannot be evaded. We definitely cannot run away from the notion that success on the field and brand sponsorship are two dependent variables.

With Manchester United's recent poor results came a huge depression in their monetary value. The team's failure to qualify for this year's Champions League (Europe's most prestigious club competition) was a major blow. Manchester United then projected its revenues at £560 million to £580million this season. This is their first income reduction in over a decade.

Manchester United also find themselves in the 12th position in the premier league having not won in 11 games and scoring just 7 goals in their last 10 outings. Manchester United have begun to search for a new shirt sponsor due to rising speculations that Chevrolet, the US car brand that is paying $559 million in a seven-year deal for its logo to be emblazoned on the team’s shirts, is highly unlikely to renew the contract when it elapses in 2022.

Can it get worse for Manchester United? Well, it never rains folks, it pours!

United’s knitwear deal with Adidas, worth £750 million over 10 years, contains a penalty clause which states that failure to reach Europe’s top competition for two consecutive seasons will see Manchester United being paid £21 million less for each year outside the tournament.

Fellow fans might just want to look at this as a simple dry spell for Manchester United and not an indicator of their dependency on sponsorship on success in the field. However, Liverpool's story throws our consolation into the dip.

Liverpool’s revenues are set to rise further from the £455 million earned in 2018 after the team won the Champions League last season. Various companies are even taking extraordinary measures for the right to be associated with Liverpool. In September, US sportswear group New Balance began legal action against the European champions in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the club from signing a new shirt manufacturing deal with Nike worth £70 million a year.

"I have seen for many years, in particular, sponsors who are a big part of United’s business; they go after the hot teams. All my clients want to talk about Liverpool because they are top of the league and won the Champions League.” -Tim Crow, an independent sports marketing advisor

So I guess, on-field success does drive off-field success after all. However, Manchester United will likely remain the wealthiest club in England for the foreseeable future. The Red Devils have managed to stay in Forbes' top 3 richest clubs for more than 5 consecutive years already.

“Performance tolerance of fans can be easily accessed through social media, it refers to the level of engagement fans seek with their favorite team in highs and lows. This concept has become a huge influencer of sponsors’ decision to invest in a club. In essence, social media allows sponsors to track a club’s success on the field, in terms of revenue and influence on their fan base. ”

— Lovejoy Tabeth Munamati, FirstTouch Africa

Are individual players the major source of big sponsors??

Okay, so this is the most crucial question: "who draws big sponsors in, the best team player, the fan base or the club as a whole??

 Teamwork is indeed the dream work and for clubs like Manchester United and PSG to be part of "the list" they had to have the best team not just the best team players. A fan base with a high-performance tolerance is closely related to a high brand following. This highly influences a sponsor's decision to invest in a club. However, we cannot deny that "one man can change the world". Manchester United is a great team but Ferguson brought in more sponsors than the team's teamwork can manage now.

"United has come at a time of decline on the pitch, with the club struggling to get to grips with the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era." -Tyrone Marshall

One football finance expert mentioned that United could have been looking at the first £100m-a-season shirt sponsorship deal if they were still enjoying the success of the Ferguson years.

Looking at PSG's new partnership with Jordan, it seems apparent that Neymar was the drive. In 2016; Neymar collaborated with Jordan for a football boot, sneaker, and apparel. His collaboration with Jordan earned him great recognition in street fashion for his sneaker collection. He also earned a huge consumer chain for Jordan from his huge fan base. So when Neymar moved from FC Barcelona to PSG in 2017 the PSG-Jordan collaboration became inevitable.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 21, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Future prospects

It looks like soccer clubs are going to stay in the major lucrative sector for sponsors for a long time. More sponsors that were never part of the field gamble are taking their chances with soccer as well.  The most notable brand is Jordan, which recently started sponsoring PSG. Although Jordan is new to the whole soccer sponsorship field, its entrance has been certified by the most decorated player in the history of the sport, Dani Alves. With the Jordan collection cementing PSG's reputation as street wear’s hottest football club, it is no doubt that they will produce the best on-field gear as well!

The Premier League clubs stand to earn a record £349.1m from shirt sponsorship deals in the coming season, a rise of more than 10% compared to £315.6m in 2018-19 from gambling company sponsorship. As a result, half of the Premier League’s shirts will be emblazoned with a gambling company’s logo during the 2019-20 season.

"Betting’s dominance is even more pronounced in the Championship, where 17 out of 24 club shirts will show a betting logo, meaning 27 of England’s top 44 clubs have agreed to do so." -Rob Davies

"Soccer clubs around the world are welcoming to the myriad of sponsorships.  In the digital world, soccer organizations are looking to sign deals with globally recognized brands, despite the product or purpose of the sponsor. Interested companies looking to sponsor soccer teams are paying large sums of money in hopes that fans will associate their favorite team with a sponsor’s business and thus raise profits". -Scott Phillips

Which of Barcelona’s youth prospects have the best chance to succeed?

Giovani Dos Santos (R) of Barcelona kisses his teammate Ronaldinho as he celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Barcelona and Stuttgart at the Camp Nou stadium on December 12, 2007 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Dec. 12, 2007 - Source: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Sport)

A brief history of Barcelona’s impressive youth academy

FC Barcelona is a club that can only be described with three strong words; undisputed, unmatched, and remarkable. For the team to continue to flow and develop there is a need to develop young players and suit them well into the first team as some current players in the main squad will be reaching retirement age soon.

La Masia is a footballing residency that opened its doors to young players for talent development and it is renowned for producing world-class players, cons, and individuals that leave a mark on the football pitch that cannot be erased.  A former Barcelona player Pep Guardiola, who is now popularly regarded as a coach who builds up phenomenal teams in famous leagues like EPL and La Liga once said: "The player who has passed through La Masia has something different to the rest, it's a plus that only comes from having competed in a Barcelona shirt from the time you were a child."

For many years La Masia has emerged as fruitful grounds by producing exceptional players that find their way to the first team of Barcelona at a young age, and two notable examples are Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez who need no further details of explanation as they are well known worldwide even outside football circles.

For the past 10 years, after the transition of La Masia from its old location to a 20,000 square foot building, they have been able to attend to numerous young players for personal development and training. However, the culture, style of play and ethos has always remained the same at the club and very little effort is shown to make any changes. What’s commendable is how over the past years La Masia has been developing young players for life off the pitch through self-worth training, public speaking, interview handling, networking, personal brand management, savings and investment to mention but a few.

One of the key administrators of La Masia Academy said: “Personal growth is just as important as professional growth for our young players.” La Masia is greatly supported and imbued by a rich pool of quality coaches at the youth level, and this is similar to clubs such as Ajax and Paris-Saint-Germain. From the period of 2008 up to 2017, most players in the Barcelona main team came through the La Masia academy and in 2011, the first eleven was inundated with La Masia products including Gerald Pique, Andres Iniesta, and Cesc Fabregas. Everything was looking square shaped for the academy.

Changes began to happen when La Masia Academy faced a decrease in the number of graduates each year, as a result having an impact on the number of players to making it into the first team as some were not top-level players as required to grace a Barcelona first team jersey. In 2018, Valverde came under intense pressure when he put a full first eleven without any graduate from the La Masia academy. It was absolutely unorthodox and this was happening for the first time in 16 long years! It was vivid that there was a challenge with the system. It seems that only 1 out of 10 academy players make it to the first team or at least contribute to that level of competence.

So near yet so far recruits in recent memory

There are quite a number of recruits in the young team that could have had a huge influence in the main Barcelona team, namely the Dos Santos brothers.

Jonathan and Giovani Dos Santos were recruited from France and that is where Barcelona took interest and invited them for a trial which they both passed in 2008. Jonathan Dos Santos was included in the Barcelona B team by Louis Enrique and went on to be favored by Pep Guardiola during his early years as a coach at the club.

In October 2009, Jonathan Dos Santos made his debut when he appeared as a substitute against Cultural Leonesa. The same year he appeared as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan. Jonathan could not find a way in the first team permanently as he did not reach the highly expected performances from a typical Barcelona midfielder. He moved to Villarreal for three seasons and then finally joined an American club called LA Galaxy. As for his brother Giovani, it was difficult to succeed with the attacking quality Barcelona had, henceforth, he joined Tottenham in the summer of 2008. He failed dismally at the EPL side as he only managed 33 appearances in 4 years, with a record of 3 goals and only 3 assists. He moved to Villarreal where his game matured abruptly and after a few seasons of improving his resume, he quickly left to join his brother at LA Galaxy in 2015.

“In 2018, Valverde came under intense pressure when he put a full first eleven without any graduate from the La Masia academy. It was absolutely unorthodox and this was happening for the first time in 16 long years!”

— Farai Maringa, FirstTouch Africa

Sergi Samper of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Barcelona and APOEL FC at the Camp Nou Stadium on September 17, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Sept. 16, 2014 - Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)

Borjan Kirkic was one of the most prominent players during Giovani’s time at Barcelona and needless to say, he rose quickly compared to the Dos Santos brother and they were both competing for the same position. At 17 years old he made his debut in a Champions League match for Barcelona and some called him “the New Messi”. He had great agility, technique, and strength. He played alongside Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Samuel Eto’o. However, everything changed when he started suffering from depression. According to the Guardian, he clearly expressed that anxiety completely overwhelmed him and that’s when everything exploded and this affected his mental health. He hopped from club to club until he finally found his feet at Montreal Impact in the United States of America.

Another La Masia player who could not match the expectations and quality to be part of top-level Barcelona’s first team was Adama Traore, a man who sprints like a cheetah that never runs out of breath. He made his debut at age 17 after coming on as a substitute for Neymar. Traore is said to be the fastest player thus far with his pace reaching an impressive score of 96 on EA Sports’ FIFA. In 2014, he won the UEFA Youth League with Barcelona and this catapulted him for trial in the first team. However, after not being able to make it in the Barcelona team, he moved to Aston Villa and now Traore is playing for Wolves where he made great history in 2018 by accomplishing 248 successful dribbles that year, 58 more compared to Lionel Messi.

Dennis Suarez and Sergei Samper are also ex Barcelona young stars that left Las Masia and could not fit perfectly in the Barcelona first team. Apparently, Dennis Suarez is now playing for Celta De Vigo and Sergei Samper is making an impact at Vissel Kobe.

Barcelona’s hopes to continue the success of the first team is still under work and much hype is given to five key players namely, Riqui Puig, llaix Moriba, Oriol Busquets, Ansu Fati and Juan Miranda.

1. Riqu Puig

He is a massive midfielder with great articulation on dribbling, passing and possesses great skill mastery. He commenced his real career at Barcelona at a tender age playing under the under 16 team. He made his amazing debut with the Barcelona B team against the ever-revolving Gimnastic Tarragona in the 2017/2018 season. The debut performance attracted a lot of attention and it exuded a promising future to become one of the best footballers in the future. For the 2018/19 season, he will be playing for Barcelona B and hopefully, he will join the first team.

Riqui Puig of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

The notion that he will stay, however, is a mirage, and fans who would want him to stay may be disheartened as his future at Barcelona is not certain. According to rumors, Valverde mentioned that there is a lot of competition for his position at Barcelona, therefore he is not the first priority. Puig would be a great player coming from Las Masia and make waves in the first team, however, what the Barcelona coach said, implies that is not yet good enough.

Patrick Kluivert, the director of Barcelona youth football, insists that Puig should go for a loan in January despite the young man desiring to stay with the Catalan club. Henceforth, he is likely to move to a new side in the January 2020 transfers and who knows, he may attract the interest of other teams if he performs well.

2. IIaix Moriba

This is a player that is constantly likened to Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, not only because of his style of play, but also his looks and body stature.      

Born on 19 January 2003, the young man has been raised at La Masia academy and has great potential to make it to the first eleven of Barcelona. Looking at his age, when he reaches 20 years, most players like Lionel Messi will be aging and he will obviously have an upper hand to replacing some Barca giants who are reaching retirement age.

It is being said that he is the most paid player in the Barcelona B team, and he recently signed a three-year contract with the Catalan giants that will expire in 2022. Talking of the future? IIaix is certainly rising to the occasion with his massive dribbling skills, clever passes, and remarkable agility. Without a shadow of a doubt, he is the future of Barcelona’s midfield for the upcoming years if he maintains and even excels the current work ethic he possesses.

3. Oriol Busquets

The Dutchman, who is aged 20 years old, arrived at the age of 8 for development at the La Masia academy. He and IIaix Moriba can actually have a strong midfield cover if they are to be put in one team. Barcelona is showing that this young man is one of the hopes for Barcelona’s future midfield as he is being loaned to FC Twente with no option to buy.

He signed a contract with Barcelona until 2021 and if he performs exceptionally well, his future to be in the first eleven can be guaranteed. He has been a fixture in the first-team training and last season he was called up to participate in the Copa del Rey quarter-final game in the Camp Nou and the team won 2- 0. One notable achievement is that he scored a goal against Valencia Mestalla at the Miniestadi stadium.

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona looks on during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Camp Nou on October 06, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Oct. 5, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

4. Ansu Fati

“Why re-sign Neymar?” someone may ask. La Masia academy has a star-like Ansu Fari, who can score goals and play well just like Neymar. Apart from that, he is a young man with exceptional passion, and skills that can catapult the Barcelona team to greater heights. Lionel Messi commended Ansu Fati especially after his debut against Real Betis. He went on to score his first goal against Club Osasuna, and the future looks bright for him.

The 16-year-old was commended by one of the best players in the world, if not the best, Lionel Messi and on that basis, he is certainly Barcelona’s hope for the first team in the few years to come if he maintains his composure and articulation.

5. Juan Miranda

Juan Miranda is a 19-year-old left-back that grew immensely well in the La Masia academy and apparently he is on a loan from Barcelona to FC Schalke 04. The team he is currently playing for is a strong team that has always done well on a global stage particularly on the UEFA Champions’ League platform.

With the likes of Gerald Pique reaching retirement age in the few years to come, Juan Miranda is bound to fill in the defensive gaps if he finishes strong at his current place of abode in football.  Juan has the capacity to play center back and left-back as he has shown strong agility, strength, and precision in his craft.

His notable achievements include winning the UEFA Youth League at U19s level, and the UEFA Euro under 17s. He is one of the best hopes for Barcelona’s defence team once Gerald Pique and Jordi Alba reach close to their retirement ages. It is imperative to note that he signed a three-year contract extension with Barcelona in 2018, and inserted a $200 million buy-out clause into the deal, which somehow secures his long term future with the Catalans.

Parting Note

Barcelona team is flooded with world-class talented individuals within the La Masia academy who can be developed to become exceptional players that will leave a mark that cannot be erased. Given that the proper attention and time is given to the upcoming young players and not put intense pressure on them, they will grow to become stable players not only for Barcelona but for other clubs they will go to on loans or transfers.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group F

Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Group F

Slavia Praha vs Borussia Dortmund- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

Slavia Praha just might be the surprise package of this season. Might be. They reached the Europa League quarter-final last year, narrowly losing to eventual champions Chelsea. On their opening champions league night at Inter, they showed promise with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against one of the most in-form teams in Europe. On Wednesday, they welcome a side without a lack of attacking talent, Borussia Dortmund. Lucien Favre’s men must be feeling hard done by with a consecutive set of league draws, that have left them 8th on the Bundesliga table, 3 points off champions Bayern Munich. Without Hummels in the side, their defense which lacks experienced leadership has been guilty of letting in some more goals than needed. The Black and Yellow will be hoping to pick up on their impressive performance in an unlucky 0-0 draw against Barcelona on matchday 1 when they travel to a tricky Slavia Praha.

It’s still very much an open group with all four teams on a single point.

Barcelona vs Inter Milan- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

This must be the fixture of the round. The Spanish champions are looking anything but stable even after getting all 3 points against Getafe over the weekend. They needed an assist from star goalkeeper, Marc Andre Ter Stegen and fed off a defensive error by the Getafe shot-stopper to get the win. A growing injury list that has since sidelined teenage sensation Fati, Dembele and skipper Messi has them possibly biting their nails when they welcome Antonio Conte’s men who have won all their 6 Serie A league matches this season, effectively giving Juve a run for their money in the title race. Furthermore, Manchester United flop, Alexis Sanchez looks re-energized after he scored twice on his debut over the weekend in a 4-1 win over Sampdoria, even though he got sent off later on for a second yellow.

Who knows what might happen when a shaky Barca faces possibly the best Inter side since the heroes of 2009/10 who won a treble under Jose Mourinho.

UEFA Champions League Preview(Matchday 1): Group F

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Nou Camp on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(April 30, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Dortmund vs Barcelona - Tuesday 18 September 2019

Barcelona will head to Germany for their first group clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening. Barca face the Black & Yellow without injured captain Lionel Messi who has been ruled out by Ernesto Valverde due to a calf injury. The Spanish giants are appearing in their sixteenth consecutive UEFA Group Stages and boast a better record against Dortmund in previous ties. Ousmane Dembele will also most likely not start this clash after being ruled out for five weeks due to a hamstring injury while Frenkie de Jong and Antione Griezmann will make their UEFA debuts for Blaugrana. Dortmund have no significant injuries to lament of and a win against Messi-less Barca could catapult them towards a probable top of the group finish. Dortmund’s star player Paco Alcácer who has scored 5 in 4 league games this season should relish possibly heaping misery on his former employers.

Inter vs Slavia Prague- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Czech side Slavia Prague drew a difficult group with Barcelona and Dortmund. They start their campaign against Inter Milan. This will be the Czech side’s second European campaign while Inter Milan is fairly seasoned. It’s a tight group, but Slavia has shown that they deserve the spot by winning the domestic league and the double in Czech Republic as well as remaining unbeaten in their last 22 matches. The match will be played at home for Inter where they’ve been historically more successful against Czech teams. Inter qualified after finishing fourth in Serie A last season ahead of AC Milan and currently at the top of Serie A with Juventus trailing. Antonio Conte’s Inter were the last Italian team to win the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2010 under then boss, Jose Mourinho.

How can La Liga grow their audience as a league?

Players and officials line up prior to the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(May 5, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

This is La Liga Santander

La Liga is one of the most recognizable leagues in football and over the decades, it has maintained a strong presence on the global stage. Home to the world’s biggest clubs, Spain’s top-flight division attracts the most sought after players with ambitions of title hopes and the recent record signing of Eden Hazard from Chelsea is a perfect example. La Liga clubs have consistently shown their dominance in Europe with the most sought after trophies and titles finding a permanent home in Spain. Spanish clubs have raked up the highest number of European titles; 18 UEFA Champions and 11 Europa League titles, while also having the highest number of Balon d’Or winners, 22 in total. This Europe’s acclaimed league also attracts huge numbers in viewership as fans tune in to watch football played at one of the highest levels. Even in the midst of all the successes of teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, the league has trailed behind the Premier League in viewership rankings. Hence the governing body’s seeming mission to grow it’s the audience and attract millions of more spectators to follow Spanish football globally.   

“La Liga has ventured into this area, piloting a free Facebook service for Asia in 2018 that has made La Liga easily accessible for millions of Facebook users. ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Borrowing lessons from the EPL

Barcelona and Real Madrid instantly come to mind as the most successful teams in La Liga and Europe. The clubs have a dominating presence in the league and retain the bulk of football supporters domestically and internationally. The reputation and status of Barcelona and Madrid pull some of the world’s best players to the La Liga and most players dream of playing at Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu during the course of their careers. These two teams, along with Manchester United dominate global replica shirt sales every year. The competition between the two clubs has also contributed to the league’s appeal; El Clasico is the most popular game in any given La Liga season and in club football worldwide. While this dominance has gained La Liga a decent following, the monopoly held by Barcelona and Real Madrid has also posed some disadvantages in the growth of the league. The highly competitive nature of EPL attracts a broader audience whereas in Spain, Barcelona or Real Madrid usually interchange the number one spot. This intense competition is just one of the things that the English League has gotten right.

 a) Language barrier/opportunity

Two Barcelona fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, .

(May 5, 2018 - Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)

There are other aspects of the EPL that La Liga could replicate to get the essential viewership numbers up. For example, the Premier League’s presence in the English speaking world remains a key reason behind why it enjoys the title of the most-watched league around the globe. As a widely-used language of communication in many parts of the world, English offers a massive advantage for the EPL. Commentary and analysis are predominately in English which has allowed for the easier penetration of the English Premier League into the football cultures of various regions.  Spanish however, has a much smaller speaking population than English outside Spain and South America. As a result, La Liga has traditionally focused on attracting the European and South American market.

 Building a similar culture and connection with the audiences globally is one of the core challenges for the Spanish League. They have attempted to remedy this with some success. Recent efforts from the league have targeted less penetrated regions where they have spearheaded the idea of delivering La Liga content that fits into the context of each area. As a result, La Liga has invested in gathering data on how the audience reacts and using that to design content and marketing that fits into the cultural context.

 b) Bringing La Liga to their doorsteps

Furthermore, La Liga has also begun to hit the ground with tours outside Europe. Pre-season tours where Premier League clubs hold matches and tournaments outside England have become a part of the league’s traditions — considering the lack of visibility outside Spain for La Liga, this tactic is crucial for clubs that are less at the forefront; clubs like Valencia and Espanyol have not gained a significant following outside of Spain. Playing more league games outside of Spain and allowing players to meet fans in their home regions would increase La Liga’s visibility and ultimately its global audience.

Real Madrid supporters celebrate as their side scores the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 2, 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona won the match 6-2.

(May 2, 2009 - Source: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Europe)

 Pioneering new ways of streaming live matches

Gaining more visibility outside Spain is a step in the right direction to get more people tuning into the live matches, which is a more significant win for the league. Streaming services which are spiking due to the increase of video streaming platforms such as Facebook, become one of the obvious next step for football leagues. La Liga has ventured into this area, piloting a free Facebook service for Asia in 2018 that has made La Liga easily accessible for millions of Facebook users. Asia is undoubtedly an important market for the Spanish League to gain a large following they need to increase the global viewership. Switching to internet-based streaming is a smart move by the league since internet usage in the region is amongst the highest with over half a billion users and data costs among the lowest.  Facebook currently holds exclusive rights to stream all 380 matches in the La Liga India and South-east Asia. It’s easy to see this model thriving in North America and Africa as well.

There’s no denying that La Liga is the home of champions and championships, exquisite football and the biggest names in the game. The potential for La Liga to become the most-watched league is undoubtedly there and amplifying La Liga’s presence in regions that have not historically been a priority is the right strategy for Spain’s top league. While La Liga attempts to dominate global viewership rankings, for now, Spanish clubs should continue to dominate where it matters most, on the pitch.

How will Atletico Madrid fare in their new era?

No Griezmann, no problem for Atletico

Antoine Griezmann of Club Atletico de Madrid holds his daughter Mia during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC at Wanda Metropolitano on May 12, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(May 11, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Atletico Madrid is firmly into a new era after long-time Los Rojiblancos talisman, Antoine Griezmann vacated the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Camp Nou in a wholesome €120 million deal. Atletico would have preferred to hold on to Griezmann, who has been the club’s top scorer for 5 years. The club's strong disapproval of the secret negotiations that the Frenchman had with Barcelona before sharing his imminent departure with his employers vividly communicated their stance. However, the move was an inevitable one and long time coming as the world cup winner had already expressed his intentions to move in 2018. Besides Griezzy, Atleti have also unpacked crucial players during the transfer window that include Rodri, Lucas Hernandez and veteran defenders, Diego Godin, Juanfran and left-back player Filipe Luis. It all marks the end to an entirely different era, one that was Atleti's most successful spell led by Diego Simeone. The voids left by the departures will not be an easy task to fill but who better to take a stab at it other than the Diego Simeone.

As so often happens when a key player leaves a club, it becomes a challenge to find a player who can fill in the monumental role that they played, case in point, arch-rivals Real Madrid and Ronaldo. Atletico Madrid would then presumably struggle to replace the Frenchman and other players who have been instrumental in Atletico's success in recent seasons. However, Los Rojiblancos need to prove that the contrary is true, that the future post-Griezmann Atletico would be promising and that new players can rise to the occasion to continue the standards that Simeone has wonderfully set for himself. A tough ask, perhaps, but new signings are looking the real deal having already bolstered Atletico's confidence who could actually be ready for their first La Liga title since the remarkable 2013/14 triumph. Despite the odds, Atleti's newfound confidence looks to drive the campaign this season. Their performance in the first three games of the season shows that Atletico is hungry for a La Liga title. Exciting times lie ahead for Atletico Madrid as they launch their post-Griezmann title chase.

Joao Felix of Portugal in action during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 05, 2019 in Porto, Portugal.

(June 4, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Joao Felix, the embodiment of Atleti’s new era

When you lose your crucial striker and highest goal scorer for the last five seasons, the struggle to find an equally good player that would seamlessly fit into the position in the present market, would be real. For a fee of €126 million, Joao Felix has proved to be a brilliant substitute for Griezmann in the attack. The young attacking midfielder is a creative and powerful forward, and there are few players in Europe today who have the potential to change the fortunes of an entire team more than Atletico's record signing João Félix. The Portuguese teenage sensation is of a calibre of his own with tremendous talent and ambition, who has been touted by former Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, that he could help Atletico lift the title this season, while some think he's a future Balon d'Or winner. It's not far fetched to think that he holds the key for Atletico. In his breakout season at his former club, Benfica; he was vital in securing the Portuguese title, scoring 15 goals and served up 11 assists in 21 games. On the hunt for an attacking forward this summer, Atletico put up a cool €126 million; the biggest spend in Atletico history for the teenage sensation. It is a sign that Atletico is looking to invest in the future, rebuilding for a new era with a young player, one with more silverware. He is the perfect fit for the new look Atletico that Diego Simeone is building and central to this would be to develop the talented teenager's abilities that will carry Atletico forward. 

Diego Simeone believes that the greatest quality that Joao Felix has is the quick adaptation and versatility added to that, a strong desire to become better. Watching him play, deciphers why Los Rojiblancos would choose to break the piggy bank for this phenomenal talent. At just 19 years old, he has enough talent that shows potential to become the best in Europe. The move has also benefitted the young player as he tries to make a name for himself. In pre-season he scored three goals in 5 matches and had 4 assists, a more than impressive start.

 Are Atletico ready to be crowned champions?

Diego Simeone's squad is showing early signs of title form, posting three wins in three. It is more significant that while Los Rojiblancos have a solid footing this season, rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have struggled to swoop their first three matches. Real Madrid are still battling with the departure of Ronaldo and despite purchasing an amazing arsenal of players coming into the season including Chelsea top man, Eden Hazard, they have not gotten into a recognizable dominant form. Atletico have also finished above their Madrid neighbors in the last two seasons coming into this new campaign. Public scuffles between Real boss Gareth Bale and injuries that have sidelined Hazard, Eder Militao, Rodrygo signal troubling time for people's champion, Zinadine Zidane. In the first three matches, Atletico have looked sharper and more organized than the squad at Bernabeau.

 Similar sluggish start for Barcelona has strengthened a title contention for last season’s runner ups. If not, there are still many opportunities for Atletico to grow, managing to push past Barcelona. Atletico looks like a more organized and confident side going into this season. The last time Atletico posted a perfect start as they have this season, was in their near-perfect title chase in 2013/14.

Assessing Los Rojiblanco's current squad

As a unit, Atletico is a solid squad that is youthful with some experienced players in the line-up such as Diego Costa. The Spaniard will lead in front alongside Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix. Costa’s performances, instinct and aggression are a set of skills that can make him highly influential for Atleti if the 30-year old were to perform at his highest this season. Alvaro who is on loan from Chelsea until 2020, where the plan is for him to sign on to the Los Rojiblancos permanently also completes a trio that has the potential to cause havoc in Spain and Europe once the UCL starts.

Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid chats with Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid after Godin's last home match for the club at the end of the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC at Wanda Metropolitano on May 12, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(May 11, 2019 - Source:/Getty Images Europe)

Simeone’s men also have a lot of talent to work with in the midfield, with the signing of Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid and Hector Herrera who will bring creativity. Ghanaian international, Thomas Partey who scored a crucial goal against Eibar in their third league match will become increasingly important after the departure of Rodri, proving more and more that he is a critical figure in the centre of the park.

Alteti are looking very different at the back this season, owing to the departures of Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis. Simeone brought in Spanish defender Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for a €25 million fee to join the duo of Stefan Savić and Jose Giménez in central defence. Hermoso will play a vital role in the strengthening Atletico's defence while, former Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier hopes to revive his title-winning ambitions on the continent.

 Conclusion

Atletico might be entering into a new era in their club history, but there they come into it blazing and ready to rise to the occasion. The player to watch is undoubtedly Joao Felix, the name that is buzzing in Madrid at this moment, the biggest reason for this newfound excitement and interest in what Atletico has to offer. The talented teen is set to reach peak form at the club where Simeone will develop and finesse his skills. The future for Atletico looks young, focused, ambitious and ready to dominate Spain.

 What do you think could be the biggest roadblock for Atleti this season?

“Diego Simeone believes that the greatest quality that Joao Felix has is the quick adaptation and versatility added to that, a strong desire to become better. Watching him play, deciphers why Los Rojiblancos would choose to break the piggy bank for this phenomenal talent.”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

UCL Review: Why Liverpool got blanked in Spain and Barcelona battered in England

WHY LIVERPOOL GOT BLANKED IN SPAIN

Lionel Messi of Barcelona scores his sides third goal from a free kick during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Nou Camp on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(April 30, 2019 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Dejavu

Thirty-yards out, Alisson stood sure between the sticks as if daring the Blaugrana talisman to do the unthinkable. The Red wall in grey clothing, shoulders high, hearts unsure – with some palms, cup shaped and firmly fixed to protect the valuables; presentable a seemingly impenetrable force to the king. As per usual, Leo Messi was unmoved, fixing his eyes to a target that covered a twentieth of the entire goal mouth and with a stern face as that of Game of Thrones’ Night King, preparing to dissolve the wall and its commander. Two steps backwards and then forward, he whipped the ball, traversing in a direction that was inconceivable according to the understood laws of physics, it deserted everything and everyone else until it found its way into that top 5% of Liverpool’s goal mouth. A goal for the king and a third for Barcelona on the night, wrapping up a 3-0 score line in the first leg of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. We weren’t fooled, that rare moment wasn’t new at all. Quite characteristic of perhaps the greatest footballer that has walked the surface of the earth. Dejavu is the word, that is all it was!

At end of the ninety, Barcelona were already one foot into the final and the reality of Liverpool turning that score line in the second leg was nothing but a fleeting fantasy. Jurgen Klopp’s Red Army had played considerably well on the night but were left licking their wounds, mostly because of one reason, one word, one man and five letters. Messi! Things really got Messi!

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after he scores his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Nou Camp on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(April 30, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Before things got Messi

Liverpool had been sailing in unfamiliar waters prior to this match in Spain. With a Premier League record that had them losing only once in over 30 matches, and unbeaten in 20, in all competitions to be precise, they had become the closest thing to perfection since sliced bread. En route to Catalonia, they had made light work of the Bavarians, dismissing them by 3-1 in Munich and dispatched Malian Mousa Marega’s impressive Porto by an aggregate score-line of 6-1, a side that had lost only once from the UCL group stages to the quarter-finals. Mount Virgil Van Dijk still seemed unsurmountable and prior to the Barca clash, the Dutch captain had been awarded the PFA Player of the Season, succeeding Mohamed Salah, in a thorough EPL campaign that propelled them to go toe to toe with Man City for the title. Senegalese Sadio Mane and the Egyptian king in Salah, were still firing across all cylinders and the African duo, simply flexing African talent on show by going head to head for the Premier League Golden Boot, scoring over 20 goals each. Only the Gabonese forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sergio Aguero were in the same scoring bracket. A total of 20 Premier League clean sheets, 87 goals scored, a point within table topping City and only a single game lost, the Merseysiders were soaring, it only would have taken something of a magician to put a stop in their tracks. And it did.

When things got Messi

Of course it was the Big Luis Suarez 9 who showed enduring class to put the La Liga champions ahead in the first forty-five, after intercepting Jordi Alba’s perfectly timed cross with a first time finish, under the noses of Virgil Van Dijk and Cameroonian Joel Matip. Yes, you heard right, Mount Van Djik was left for dead. That was actually the Uruguayan’s first champions league goal of the season, biting the hand that once fed him but not typically. At least this time it was all legal and metaphorical. Since then, it was all Liverpool, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah causing all sorts of problems for the Barca defence, doing it all, except scoring. The close to 100 000 stadium capacity filled the faithful, they were forced to watch their heroes humbled off the ball in their own temple, but it was that humble approach that paid dividends.

“As per usual, Leo Messi was unpertubed, fixing his eyes to a target that covered a twentieth of the entire goal mouth and with a stern face as that of Game of Thrones’ Night King, preparing to dissolve the wall and its commander.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with his team mates after he scores his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Nou Camp on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(April 30, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Warrior Arturo Vidal was back to his best, thwarting almost every sensible threat and flying up and down in the middle of the park. Except for a few moments of lapse in concentration, Pique and Lenglet marshalled the Barcelona backline with class and experience, whereas Marc Andre Ter Stegen was available to superman anything that had deluded the rest of the team. It was almost as though, the Blaugrana was happy to soak in the pressure and hit Liverpool on the counter. Which is exactly what they did on the second goal. Possession was won in the middle of the park and Messi was available to oversee proceedings, sending Suarez through on the left wing, before the ball reakeshared off Sergi Roberto to the Uruguayan. Suarez instinctively hit the ball with his knee, only finding the upright before the ball returned into the box, where Leo Messi reacted quickest to chest and slot it home, again under the nose of the mountainous and tipped Balon d’Or candidate, Virgil Van Dijk. We all know what happened on the third goal. Liverpool were blanked by Barca’s humble approach camouflaged in Leo Messi’s superhero suit. The latter took his goal tally to 26 against English opposition, over 20% of his 112 champions league goals. His favorite customer is actually Chelsea, with 10 to his name. Even the second most expensive goalkeeper in the world, Alisson Becker, infuriated, hit the goal post as if to suggest it was the one dancing to the tune of the Argentine magician, made in Spain.

Liverpool had given their all, above and beyond. In addition to Barca’s humble approach, firing blanks in front of goal after 15 shots with 4 of them on target compared to Barca’s 12 whereas 5 were on target, was another important reason as to why they got blanked.

However, the story doesn’t end there. What happened in the second leg, couldn’t have been in any script whatsoever.

WHY BARCELONA GOT BATTERED IN ENGLAND

Fans of Liverpool enjoy the pre match atmosphere with flares prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 07, 2019 in Liverpool, England.

(May 6, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

The setting

The 3-0 first leg win by Barcelona ensured Liverpool needed to score at least four goals to advance to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final in Madrid. That is four goals without conceding to a Barcelona side which is hardly shy of goals given the presence of those who need no introduction. To make matters worse, after missing Mane and Salah’s hinge, Roberto Firmino in the first leg, the Egyptian king was also going to join the Brazilian to the sidelines after suffering a concussion in a Premier League encounter against Newcastle. So was the Guinean dynamic midfielder, Naby Keita, who limped off in the early stages of the two legged tie in Camp Nou. In fact, he is reported to be at risk of even missing out on the June 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt. To say the least, they who never walk alone were facing an uphill task, only convicted to give their best shot in front of the faithful Anfield choir. Only memories of the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, which they won after coming back from a 3-0 down at the end of the first half against AC Milan, offered glimpses of hope.

But even their gaffer, Jurgen Klopp remained pragmatic of the task at hand:

“Two of the world’s best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score four goals against Barcelona to go through after 90 minutes. It doesn’t make life easier but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch then we will try and everybody knows that.”

Jordan Henderson of Liverpool celebrates as Divock Origi (R) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 07, 2019 in Liverpool, England.

(May 6, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Rapid red fire

It was all about the start by Liverpool. They were on the clear of the task at hand and wasted no time in going at Barcelona to push for the impossible. The Swiss attacker, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi who were in for the absent Salah and Firmino were no strangers to the cause. Their usual press was more amplified, deliberate, energetic and did not look like them who would get tired. The soldiers in the Red Army quickly forced Barcelona into committing mistakes, most of all their former frontman, Philippe Coutinho. They got their first goal of the night as early as the seventh minute through Origi after some quick interplay between Senegalese Mane and Henderson off a Jordi Alba mistake. It was a much need breakthrough, that even lifted the roof and atmosphere to even more electrifying levels, making Anfield a total nightmare for the visitors.

It was not only the Liverpool front line doing the job by forcing mistakes and testing Ter Stegen. Prospective Balon d’Or candidate in Virgil Van Dijk was in charge at the back. Him and Matip were uninterested in any Barcelona threats, shoving aside all that came to Alisson’s goal. They however had to wait for the second forty-five to complete the comeback.

Schoolboy defending

A blessing in disguise came through Liverpool’s way as Gini Wijnaldum made way for injured Andy Robertson. A midfielder for a defender, definitely the right attitude by the manager and his team who now had nothing to lose. Within a few minutes of coming on, the Dutch attacker bagged two goals in succession to put the tie level. Initially, he pulled off a Suarez to latch onto Trent Alexander Arnold cross, goalwards under the supervision of the ever fighting Vidal, Pique and Clement Lenglet. The second really shouldn’t have gone in, Gini was the only who rose to head an incoming cross from the left wing into the net as all of the Barca defence watched on. As if that was not enough, the fourth goal capped Barca’s horror showing.

Liverpool’s young full-back, Alexander Arnold once again had his fingerprints on the crime scene. TAA pulled off some quick thinking as he took a Liverpool corner, capitalising on the napping Pique who was playing Divock Origi onside as he tied his shoes close to the goalkeeper. The full back quickly sliced the ball onto the unmarked Origi’s path who had the simple task of powerfully putting the ball past Ter Stegen as everyone else watched on. The Red part of Anfield was elevated to ecstasy as the traveling Barca fans were forced into despair. The unthinkable happened, twice in the same tie. Firstly, the Messi free-kick and now Liverpool’s comeback. Mohamed Salah’s hoodie shared the message that had perhaps inspired the rest of the squad, “Never Give Up,” it read, as the Egyptian marched onto the pitch to join his teammates in celebrating the miracle.

Liverpool were rampant, rapid and clinical on the night but Barca were also just simply horrible. Suarez coined it perfectly, “we defended like children.” After an impressive and more disciplined approach in the first leg, they surprisingly looked off and uninterested from the start. Perhaps they got to comfortable and paid for it.

“Even Lionel Messi’s magic never really popped, Gini’s “gini” reigned supreme instead. Fabinho, Henderson and company took every chance to swarm and annihilate the Argentine’s efforts in the middle of the park.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Haunted by the 2018 AS Roma Ghost

What is also true is that once the goals started coming in, the ghosts of the 2018 quarter-final in Rome perhaps started resurrecting in the La Liga champions’ minds. They had led 4-1 in the first leg at Camp Nou only to lose 3-0 and got knocked out the 2017/18 UCL competition on away goals rule under some miraculous circumstances. In the Liverpool tie, Blaugrana employed the same tactics and substitutions as in the first leg but looked a different opposition entirely. Even Lionel Messi’s magic never really popped, Gini’s “gini” reigned supreme instead. Fabinho, Henderson and company took every chance to swarm and annihilate the Argentine’s efforts in the middle of the park.

At the end of the day, it was Liverpool marching on to the 2019 Madrid final, their second successive UEFA Champions League final after as many years. It leaves many questions unresolved for Barca’s boss, Ernesto Valvedre, and his approach towards the UCL competition, after being knocked out twice under unfamiliar circumstances.

Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and team mates celebrate after the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 07, 2019 in Liverpool, England.

(May 6, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

 After all is said and done

Defending champions Real Madrid’s four UCL titles in the past five years ensured the fading of the reign of two El Clasico rivals (with Barcelona) who dominated Europe in the last decade. Outside the two, only Chelsea, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich had managed to win the Champions League in the same period. After being on the side lines for a long time, with their last major trophy coming in 2006, Liverpool have gradually returned to the big stage and staking a claim amongst Europe’s best. Two consecutive UCL finals is no children’s bread. After losing the 2018 final to Real Madrid, Liverpool however need to win the forthcoming June final against English rivals, Tottenham if they are to formally reign as one of Europe’s highly revered teams. If not, they risk writing another Juventus story. Completely dominant in the Italian Serie, coming close on two occasions by reaching the final in 2015 and 2017 but with no success on the biggest stage.

With regards to Liverpool’s remarkable turnaround that also inspired Spurs to follow suit against Ajax, one reason stands out to explain the event, they believed they could and they did.

With two all English finals in the UEFA Champions and Europa League, the first time four teams from the same country have achieved such a feat, 2019 is an English year as far as football is concerned.

Champions League Final (1st June 2019) Europa League Final (29 May 2019)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool Chelsea vs Arsenal

Vitesse, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord opening academies in Zimbabwe?

“Ajax already has it with Ajax Cape Town and I am thinking about a partnership with either Vitesse, PSV or Feyenoord. I want to go to PSV and ask head coach Mark van Bommel and his advisor Bert van Marwijk to work with us.”

— Clemens Westerhof, former Nigeria and Zimbabwe Head Coach

It’s of no doubt that football in Africa has been lagging behind on many aspects. The number of quality players that make it to the professional scene versus that of those that fail to find opportunities and are forced to change professions before their mid-twenties is astonishing. Many have talked about these things and some have even suggested solutions which are yet to yield impactful results. Clemens Westerhof, the former Nigeria and Zimbabwe national football coach has something brewing for Africa.

Background

Thulani Serero of Ajax in action during the pre-season friendly match between Norwich City and Ajax at Carrow Road on July 31, 2012 in Norwich, England.

(July 30, 2012 - Source: Mark Thompson/Getty Images Europe)

Apart from the fact that the Dutchman has coached the national teams of Nigeria and Zimbabwe, the 78-year old football veteran has had some experience in coaching at club level in Zimbabwe. He coached one of the biggest clubs in the country, Dynamos, who have a rich history admired by many.

His plan

The Netherlands born coach, Clemens Westerhof is contemplating the possibility of coaching at a telecom club in Gweru, Zimbabwe and taking up a challenge of building an academy ground-up. The latter is the more interesting part which has been touched by some football greats like Johan Cruyff who influenced the structure and style of play at Ajax, a successful club and academy that has a rich scouting network. Westerhof admires how Ajax have setup a network in South Africa i.e. Ajax Cape Town which has developed players like Thulani Serero. This partnership has brought some developments to the country through the spread of high-quality training techniques applied in other parts of the world.

Clemens Westerhof assumed an advisory role at the Peter Mubi Academy. The football academy wants him to improve their academy and hopefully achieve what he achieved in Nigeria in the past and improve the level of football in Zimbabwe. He is looking to collaborate with Dutch football clubs. The experienced coach wants to take advantage of his network and approached PSV Eindhoven, coached by a football great in Mark Van Bommel who played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. He is quoted as having said the above.

Could this be it? The breakthrough that Africa needs. Are partnerships with bigger clubs in the world the solution to Africa’s football ills?

Kevin Prince Boateng’s shocking move to Barcelona explained

You know you are a liar if you say you saw this one coming! Yes, Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian legend Kevin Prince Boateng from Sassuolo in the 2019 Winter Transfer Window. The versatile forward will be joining the club on an initial €2m loan for the remainder of the season with an option to buy mooted to be in region of €8 million. But why are we really surprised by this move?

His playing positions

Kevin-Prince Boateng of US Sassuolo pulls the ball into the goal during the serie A match between US Sassuolo and Genoa CFC at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on September 2, 2018 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy.

(Sept. 1, 2018 - Source: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images Europe)

Kevin Prince Boateng is one of the most versatile players that we have seen in recent years. In the early stages of his career, he played in all of the midfield positions that you can think of. He anchored the stew in England with Portsmouth and Tottenham before being given the creative responsibilities in Italy and Germany with teams like AC Milan and Schalke FC. Just recently, he was deployed as an out and out striker at the Spanish club Las Palmas.

I do not see him adding anything to the already packed midfield of the Blaugrana who have Arthur and Coutinho taking turns to prove themselves in late cameos off the bench. Even in front, Ernesto Valverde has the experienced Luis Suarez and arguably the world’s greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, who also plays as a forward. This would only mean that the African player will have to settle for a second fiddle role to the latter. He could be a competent substitute forward.

His age

The former Ghanaian international shined at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa with his nation. His performances left fond memories in our minds which make it surreal to even think that that was 9 years ago. On the 6th of March this year, Kevin Prince Boateng will be turning 32 years of age. The tall and aggressive all-rounder might not be past his prime yet but is close to the retirement package days which raises questions as to why he would join Barcelona now. He has lost some of his pace and will not be the ferocious threat he was at Milan under Allegri, but will have to complement it with his experience. He has been kicking the ball up and down the soccer pitch for close to 15 years now and can surely manage to do the basics in the remainder of this season.  

“Kevin Prince Boateng is one of the most versatile players that we have seen in recent years. In the early stages of his career, he played in all of the midfield positions that you can think of. He anchored the stew in England with Portsmouth and Tottenham before being given the creative responsibilities in Italy and Germany with teams like AC Milan and Schalke FC.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

The Club

Kevin Prince Boateng is a well-known Real Madrid fan who once shared in an interview in 2017 that he would prefer to play for Real Madrid than Barcelona. He even went on to express his frustration that he had not gotten to the club of his dreams because he had not been hard on himself enough to improve his game to reach a level required at the Spanish club. Knowing all this, surely, the Barcelona fans would not be happy about having a Madridista on their books considering the rivalry between the two clubs. In his defense, Boateng said, “Don’t ask me about Real Madrid... is just the past! I only want to focus on Barcelona and I hope to score at Bernabéu for the next Clasico.”

We can say a lot about this transfer but there’s one fact to be acknowledged by all. Boateng has played for many clubs in Europe, now 11 to be exact, and has always delivered. It says a lot about him and the many African players who have done it before him. Make sure to follow him during his time at Barcelona.

Despite off the pitch concerns, Dembele is hitting top gear on the pitch

At Dortmund, French international Ousmane Dembele became one of the most impressive and highly talented young forwards. Arriving from Rennes as a teenager, he only needed a year to solidify his position among the world’s most exciting youths. With a left like right foot that even leaves him confused as to what his favorite footballing foot is, Dembele combined with a distant African brother, Aubameyang, teeing up the latter more times than one and setting him up for the Bundesliga top goal scorer award in the 2016/17 season. The son of African parents, inevitably earned a precious move to Barcelona worth over 100 million euros to replace the departing Neymar. He looked the sensible option and logic argued why he could fill the big shoes.

“A game decider with the legs of youth and the composure of a patriarch nearing retirement. Suddenly, a silver lining is evidently present in the midst of Dembele’s seemingly dark clouds.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Barcelona and PSV at Camp Nou on September 18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

Actually, logic initially got it wrong. He wasn’t an immediate success. Injuries and the bigger club with more demanding fans seemingly got the better of him. The 2017/18 La Liga season was almost a complete fiaso for the young forward. He spent most of it on the sidelines or on Ernesto Valvedre’s bench, eventually falling out of favour in the French squad, making minimal appearances in Les Blues’ world cup winning squad. He really wasn’t living up to the Neymar standards and the arrival of Phillippe Coutinho in January from Liverpool, meant a “new Neymar” had arrived and the spotlight temporarily removed from the boy of Malian roots. It was so bad that talks of a possible move away from the Camp Nou in the summer were fueled by Arsenal supposed interest in the forward and the arrival of former Bordeaux and Brazilian young forward, Malcolm. Of course the move didn’t happen but there was more to come.

Quite recently, with the keen eye of the media on the 21-year-old still coming to terms with becoming an adult and being a global celebrity, news surfaced day in and out. Late night gaming, poor eating habits and arriving late at the training ground all became a part of the young adult’s life. He also seemed like he couldn’t care less and the once upon a time comparison between him and his age mates such as Mbappe, slowly became a distant memory.

Most recently and even more interesting, news of his off the pitch showings is yet to completely cease, but Dembele has started to show why he remains one of the most talented young forwards in the game. A last minute well taken Ousmane goal against Atletico Madrid coming from bench earned the Catalan club a precious draw at Wanda Metro Politano and the devastating run from the other half of the pitch against Tottenham in the champions league leading to the match’s opening goal resemble what the French international is becoming. A game decider with the legs of youth and the composure of a patriarch nearing retirement. Suddenly, a silver lining is evidently present in the midst of Dembele’s seemingly dark clouds.

More is surely yet come and Barcelona would be unwise to let this gem go anytime soon.

Is Dembele ready to share Messi's Barcelona "burden"?

False start

Many believed Ousmane Dembele’s first season at the Catalans would be excellent considering the hefty prize tag that came with the player’s move from former club Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He was bought by the club for a price of €147 million as a replacement for Brazilian dynamite, Neymar but life at the Camp Nou did not quite kickoff well for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. A combination of long term injuries as well as lack of game time were some of the reasons for the Frenchman's disappointing  first season at the club. In the summer of 2018, barely a year into his Barca career, there were already rumours linking him with a loan move away from the club, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool vying for his signature. However all of that did not materialize and the Frenchman declared at the start of the season that he was staying put with the club.

The Usain Bolt kind of start

Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Barcelona and PSV at Camp Nou on September 18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

Fast forward to the current 2018/19 season, all that seems to be changing. The new  La Liga campaign has started off on a high note for Dembele as he has been in the thick of things in many of his team’s first few games. In his first three games for the club this season, Dembele has scored two goals, showing the quality that he can be key in easing the pressure off Lionel Messi and Suarez in terms of scoring as well as creating goals. Although he did not get a lot of game-time in France’s ridiculously talented squad during the recent world cup, Dembele has not let that affect him as he has began the new season on a high.

Most fans believe that Dembele’s growth at the club will be enhanced by having Lionel Messi supporting him. Barca’s main man is the central point of Barca’s every move thus Dembele should aim to learn more from the little Argentine magician in terms of both his decision-making and movement around the pitch. That way he will be able to exert himself properly and increase the confidence coach Ernesto Valverde has in him. What is more more, being surrounded by a great deal of other quality players such as Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez will certainly be beneficial for “Mosquito’s” development, More so ease the pressure that came with his price tag. On his best day, Dembele can embarrass the best of wing backs with his blistering pace and endless dribbling ability, which are some of the qualities that made the club gain interest in the player.

“Fast forward to the current 2018/19 season, all that seems to be changing. The new  La Liga campaign has started off on a high note for Dembele as he has been in the thick of things in many of his team’s first few games.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

I personally consider Dembele to be in the top ten world’s best young players because of his raw talent. He is that type of player who has the potential to be the best player provided he gets the right mentoring and enough game time. Ernesto Valverde has been slowly throwing the Frenchman into the thick of things this season and I am sure most Barca supporters are enjoying that and would hope that they will see more of Dembele this season. After all, he is the fourth most expensive player on the planet and I am persuaded many would agree with me that Ousmane is certainly too good to rot on the bench. The 2018/2019 season seems to be the one for Dembele to finally stamp his authority and secure his place in the talented Barcelona squad.

Now more than ever

Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Presnel Kimpembe of France celebrate victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(July 14, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Barca seems to be in kind of a renaissance with loads of talent brought in the summer such as  the 21-year-old Malcolm, Arturo Vidal, Lenglet and another Brazilian in Arthur. The old guns who carried Barcelona through many years of glory, that is the Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Pique and Messi have all moved on or are soon to depart and make way for the new. They seem to be figuring out a new style of play and Messi remains the stabilizing factor in the far from smooth transition period. Dropping seven points in the past three La Liga games against Girona, Leganes and Athletic Club, is so much unlike Barcelona. There is no better for Dembele to take some pressure over Messi and make an undisputed claim for a key role in the club that is reinventing itself.

Will he continue rising to the occasion? Should the new Barcelona be built around him? Have your say in the comment box below.

Post-Ronaldo Real Madrid: Can they compete?

Julen Lopetegui, manager of Real Madrid instructs his team during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 19, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 18, 2018 - Source: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe) 

The 2018/19 season commenced less than a month ago and the departure of Real Madrid’s greatest ever goalscorer made the headlines. Not many expected the player to leave the club that he claims to love, but who could blame him if he was not feeling wanted anymore. The Portuguese star averaged at least 40 goals per season since 2009 when he moved to the club from Manchester United and has been the focal point of the club’s successes in the past decade. He picked up 5 Ballon D’Or (World’s Best Soccer Player) Awards in his career to date which is the same as fellow GOAT, Lionel Messi of Barcelona. Tinotenda Magiya writes how Real Madrid plans to cope with the loss of their greatest asset.

Gareth Bale seems to be the answer to many questions. The Welsh forward was brought to Madrid in a world record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2013. It is only when he arrived that the club managed to win the UEFA Champions League after 9 failed attempts. Bale was brought with the expectation to rival Ronaldo for the best player within the camp and ensure that healthy competition translated to trophies. It is fair to say that the Galactico signing has not quite lived up to those expectations as he suffered many injuries throughout his time in Spain. Instead of scoring those huge number of goals, Bale was turned into a provider for the Portuguese No.7 because the team was built around him. His goal scoring contribution was a bit limited which saw his pedigree fall from being one of the best players in the world to being an impact substitute under Zinedine Zidane’s tenure. Ronaldo’s departure means that the player is granted the freedom he always desired, and he has since scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in just 3 appearances so far this term. If the Spanish giants put their faith in the Welsh wizard, they will surely get the best out of the player who has that fear factor that can only be found in the best attackers in world football.  

Benzema is another player whose style of play suffered for the good of Ronaldo. The striker also focused more on assisting Ronaldo than doing his primary job which is to put the ball into the net. Opta Stats reported in April that he assisted Ronaldo’s 23 goals in La Liga, more than any other player. No wonder Ronaldo did not object to Higuain’s departure because Benzema was unselfish and was always ready to feed him the ball in dangerous positions and allow him to shine. Now that Ronaldo is gone, the French striker is also looking like a more effective player ready to compete for the Golden Boot (highest goal scorer) award. He looks potent in front of goal and does not think twice when the ball falls at his feet. He has scored 4 goals already in La Liga and another in the UEFA Super Cup to make it 5 goals in 4 appearances. Real Madrid will need these goals if they are to compete against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the domestic titles as well as to defend their European crown. There is more to come from the 30-year-old, and his style of play has been restored to default settings.

“They managed to achieve this over many generations even when they lost players like Di Stefano, the Brazilian Ronaldo, Raul, Casillas, and now Cristiano Ronaldo. They seem to always find a way to exist and dominate. They have, and always will. Be sure to hold your heart in your hands when your team is matched against Real Madrid”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

Karim Benzema #9 of Real Madrid celebrates with Gareth Bale #11 after scoring a goal during the first half of the International Champions Cup match against Manchester United at Hard Rock Stadium on July 31, 2018 in Miami, Florida.

(July 31, 2018 - Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Real Madrid head coach, Lopetegui, is certain that his youthful talent will play an integral part in their quest for success during his tenure. He has since deposed the young Vinicius Jnr on the left of an attacking three for the La Liga opener before playing Marco Asensio and Isco Alarcon in the other two matches. The club has maintained a perfect record since the start of the competition and does not look like they miss Ronaldo. It is not the first time that the young players have delivered for Real Madrid. Even during Zidane’s time, Asensio shined against Barcelona in 2017 when they beat the Catalonians by 2 goals to nothing in the Spanish Super Cup. Gerard Pique of Barcelona was quoted as having said, “I feel inferior to Real Madrid for the first time,” and Ronaldo was not on the pitch on this night. There were signs that the club could live without the aging striker and the new coach has gone with that strategy. Dani Ceballos has also been used in midfield in place of the UEFA Best Player of the Year, Luka Modric who is turning 33 years in a few days. On other parts of the pitch, the club also acquired Mariano Diaz to provide competition for Benzema up front and Odriozola to compete with Dani Carvajal at right back. The club’s latest recruitment strategy could prove to be a masterstroke if they go on to win the La Liga trophy this season.

Besides, Courtois signature fits into the plan of making a competitive team post the Ronaldo era at Real Madrid. The club finished third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona conceding 44 goals in the process. This was twice as many goals that Atletico conceded and the club sought the expertise of the Belgian goalkeeper to prevent conceding so many goals. If the above-mentioned players maintain their current form and Courtois shields the goal-line like he knows how to, Real Madrid will definitely be a force to reckon this season and beyond.

In essence, Real Madrid does not look doomed now that they have lost a player who is arguably the greatest of all time. The status of the club does not allow it. Real Madrid has existed since 1902 and is the most decorated club in European soccer with 13 UEFA Champions League trophies. They managed to achieve this over many generations even when they lost players like Di Stefano, the Brazilian Ronaldo, Raul, Casillas, and now Cristiano Ronaldo. They seem to always find a way to exist and dominate. They have, and always will. Be sure to hold your heart in your hands when your team is matched against Real Madrid because they will have enough to deal with anyone they face.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates with Marco Asensio after scoring his teams second goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 19, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 18, 2018 - Source: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe) 

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

LW - Percy Tau

The only player to make it on our list of the next transcendent players while playing in the continent of Africa is Percy Tau. The 23-year old has been the star of the show in the South African Premier Soccer League in recent years. The South African player has been likened to Premier League stars such as Sadio Mane with former football legends like El Hadji Diouf claiming that he is better than the Senegalese forward who plays for Liverpool. If you want to know more about this player, you can read an article we shared about his heroic performances for Mamelodi Sundowns who recently played against Barcelona on Wednesday, 15 May 2018.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

CF - Emmanuel Boateng

21-year old Ghanaian striker made the headlines a few weeks ago after inspiring Levante into defeating Barcelona to end their undefeated run. The player scored a hat-trick in the match and many fans have been curious to know what he is about. The young African player joined Levante in the summer of 2017 from Portuguese side Moreirense and has a mixed start to life in Spain. He only started 11 matches for Levante and has scored 7 goals. Three of them coming on that historic night against Barcelona. He made a claim to the rest of the world that he is capable of performing against the very best just like Samuel Eto’o did after he was released by Real Madrid. He went on to make the move to Barcelona and became a legend for the club. Are we witnessing another story of an African player who proves his worth at a small Spanish side before moving to the biggest clubs in Europe? What we know for sure he has started to attract the attention that had been reserved for Kelechi Iheanacho who has stagnated ever since 2016.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

RW - Keita Balde

The right-winger was born in Spain and chose to represent Senegal, his father’s country of origin. The 23-year old currently plays for Monaco having joined the club from Lazio in a £27.8m deal after the club lost their star forward Kylian Mbappe to PSG. They trusted that the African player has the right attributes to fill the boots of the most expensive teenager in world football. The player has been somewhat of a success. He scored 8 goals and created 7 in a season where he started 19 matches. If these statistics are not good enough, it shows that we already compare him to the best performers in Europe who have been consistent in providing assists more like Kevin De Bruyne. The Senegalese forward will be on the opposite side of another dangerous forward in Sadio Mane at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. Senegal will be a force to recon and this is thanks to how these African players have developed on the European scene.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

CM - Naby Keita

Naby Keita made it in the German Bundesliga team of the Year in 2017 after guiding RB Leipzig to a second-place finish in the league. The following summer, Liverpool agreed on a deal in principle to take the Guinea international in the following year to the Anfield Stadium. The 23-year old has been the engine for one of the Red Bull franchise teams which have progressed in the past two years. The biggest headache that he will give to his new coach, Jurgen Klopp is his versatility. The player can play anywhere in midfield and can still be offensive. This season alone, he has scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in all competitions according to WhoScored. He has been linked with clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Liverpool before to show the caliber of player he is. He sure is destined to be a top, top player and it would be a mistake if Liverpool decides not to finalize the deal.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Wilfred Ndidi [Leicester City]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

CDM - Wilfred Ndidi

Nigerian midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has already started to make a name for himself in the most competitive leagues in Europe. The 21-year old moved to Leicester in January 2017 for £15m from Genk. He has since proved his worth against some of the best tacklers in the game such as N’golo Kante and Idrissa Gana Gueye who are all of the African descent. Ndidi is leading the Premier League charts as the best tackler with 138 in his 33 league appearances. The player also proved that he is an all-round midfielder and can offer more in terms of goal creation as he has scored a goal and provided 3 assists for Leicester in the league and FA Cup. It is exciting to hear that the young Nigerian is being linked with clubs like Arsenal who have had many problems in midfield ever since Patrick Vieira left the club. Ndidi has the potential to be a Premier League great if he makes a wise decision which involves him moving to a bigger club that can take his game to the next level like the likes of Michael Essien did at Chelsea under Mourinho. The season has ended and his focus is on the FIFA World Cup where he will be representing his nation who will play their first match against Croatia. 

The 21-year old midfield enforcer is as good as anyone you can get in his position and will be looking to strike a formidable midfield partnership with former Nigerian teammate and Golden Boy Winner John Obi Mikel who used to play for Chelsea before he left for China. We expect Ndidi to be doing the ‘dirty work’ for the team before distributing the ball to the playmaker who will transition the play to attack and hurt teams like Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D. Wilfred has a long career ahead of him and should be looking to prove his worth especially against Messi’s team if he hopes of moving from being considered a good player to a great player. Arsenal has been reported to be sniffing around the possibility of capturing the talented African midfield enforcer and making him their new Vieira who will shut opponents if they try to break them on the counter. Will Ndidi be ready by the time the tournament kicks off in 21 days?