Hazard, Griezmann, De Jong, Vinicius: What's in store for the next era of El Clásico?

Zinedine Zidane manager / head coach of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Bayern Muenchen at the Bernabeu on May 1, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(April 30, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

La Liga will soon kick-off for the 2019/2020 season. The Spanish League games are sure not to disappoint in delivering edge-of-the-seat kind of football none so more than El Clasico. The highly anticipated El Clasico is a tale of two rival cities, a rivalry that every player that walks into the Camp Nou and Estadio Bernabeu inherits. El Clasico is a local rivalry that has grabbed the attention of millions becoming a staple for football fans across the globe.

The end of an El Clasico era?

The greatest who've ever played the game, played in El Clasico. The list includes the great Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, and current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane himself. Throughout the years that El Clasico has excited fans all over the globe, Barcelona and Real Madrid have over the years re-ignited this regional rivalry. Head to head, each side has inflicted some punitive scorelines on the other. While occasionally the arch-rivals have settled for an unsatisfactory draw.  In 242 El Clasico games, Los Blancos have won 95 games while Barcelona have won 96. These stats represent how close the competition is between the clubs.

“The Belgian often likened to Messi, is expected to play at that level, provide much needed goals and instill some fear in opponents. The 28-year old given a chance could pose some rivalry to Lionel in the upcoming season. Hazard, not one to shy away from a challenge on the pitch, if in peak fitness we can expect some reliably solid performances from the magician.  ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona delivers a speech prior to the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

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

In 2018, the era of the Christiano/Messi El Classico rivalry sadly ended while the world was still at odds deciding who between the two football greats was the best. Last season, Barcelona was undoubtedly the stronger side, winning more El Clasico match-ups while embattled Real Madrid failed to deliver football at the standard of one of the biggest teams on the globe. With a thoroughly underwhelming season for Real Madrid behind them, having registered their worst finish in the last 20 years, nineteen points behind Barcelona, the opportunity to write new history cannot come quick enough.

 Barcelona has been thriving, on the other hand. Lionel Messi continues to be the lynchpin for Barcelona. The greatest of all time has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. In the last decade, Barcelona's success has been the work of the greatest player ever to play an El Clasico, Messi. Messi is the most successful player in the match-up with 26 goals and two hat tricks. The 32-year old ran riot in the 2018/19 El Clasicos after Christiano packed for Juventus, leaving a hugely noticeable gap.

 As Gareth Bale and company failed to keep performing consistently coupled with multiple managerial changes, the challenges at the Santiago Bernabeu mounted. Zidane has even made it clear that he will not be working with Bale this season, sealing Bale’s fate at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports indicate the pair have not spoken since May. The Welshman who has been struggling with injuries over the years was not able to deliver goals for Los Blancos despite being touted to carry the team after the Christiano era.  Karim Benzema ended the season as the top goal scorer whose personal performances managed to save face for Real Madrid over the previous season. Bale who became a regular feature in El Clasico in recent memory could soon leave Madrid. Isco, another veteran of the game is rumoured to be attracting interesting from the English Premiership and Pep Guardiola's Man City.

THE FACES OF THE NEW ERA

False start Bale

The summer signings from both clubs have been impressive, with Real Madrid recruiting the quick feet and explosive attacking intent of Eden Hazard for a sweet €100 million. The Belgian’s signing became the most expensive for the club, only behind Gareth Bale transfer from Spurs. Hazard is effectively next in line to try and fill the astronomical gap left by Christiano Ronaldo who moved his talents to Juventus before the start of the 2018/2019 season. The former Chelsea talisman is hoping to have as significant an impact on the Madrid attack as Christiano Ronaldo during his nine years at the club—34 La Liga hat tricks and 18 El Classico goals for the Portuguese maestro. The Belgian often likened to Messi, is expected to play at that level, provide much needed goals and instill some fear in opponents. The 28-year old given a chance could pose some rivalry to Lionel in the upcoming season. Hazard, not one to shy away from a challenge on the pitch, if in peak fitness we can expect some reliably solid performances from the Belgian magician. 

Luka Jovic, Benzema’s heir apparent?

Luka Jovic is the unicorn of the summer signings for Los Blancos. The 21-year-old has been at Eintracht Frankfurt where he was labelled an all-rounded powerhouse striker. He's been at the helm of Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 27 goals last season. The youngster is the player enlisted to Los Blancos for around €60 million on a six-year contract. The move for Jovic attests Zidane's strategy to rebuild a strong attack, and the signing is one of the most impressive of the summer. Jovic is the young player to watch this season along with French defender Mendy who joined Real Madrid from Lyon.

Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is presented with the man of the match award after the Joan Gamper Trophy pre-season friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

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

Griezzy the world champion

Barcelona made their major signing of the summer in Antoine Griezmann. The 2018 world cup winner made his move to Barcelona for a massive €120 million. The Frenchman who plays a similar center forward position as Messi is adamant that his role is not to replace La Pulga. The former Atletico talisman, who rose to become one of the club's top scorers of all time will likely play a supporting role for Messi. With Neymar signing uncertain and unlikely for that matter, Griezmann will form part of the attacking cavalry that Barcelona has needed to strengthen their squad for the season. The pressure on Griezmann as the biggest transfer payout for Barcelona this summer pales in comparison to the expectation that Hazard's move will restore glory to Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman’s powerful strike is simply a notable addition to the team at Camp Nou.

Frenkie & Junior, the future

The signing of Frenkie de Jong, another young player who made rounds in Europe for his performances at Ajax adds another face to new El Clasico era. The same Ajax who shocked the world when they made it to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League season. The 22-year Dutch midfielder is a versatile player able to thrive at both the attacking and defensive midfield positions. Another much talked about Barca signing is defender Junior Firpo from Real Betis for €18 million. The defender is an ideal candidate to bolster the left-back position by proving adequate cover for Jordi Alba and utlimately strengthen the entire Barcelona defence.

CAN ZIDANE RESCUE THE STRUGGLING LOS BLANCOS, JUST IN TIME?

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy between Real Madrid CF and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

Having played El Clasico for Real, Zizzou has also coached Madrid to three El Clasico wins in this first tenure as Los Blancos manager and now he is back for a second stint. The pressure on the Balon d’Or winner is mounting as Real look to re-emerge as Spain's top club over their arch-rivals. Since his return, Zidane is actually yet to make an impact on the team's performances. After these summer signings, it's clear that the French manager is orchestrating and building a strong attack. The two-time Champions League winner has to inject massive life into the ailing Real Madrid side before the start of the new season. After being given more control over the players that will be coming to Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane has been hands-on. On the radar for the manager is Paul Pogba, who could bring star power to the El Clasico and another face to the new era if the move materialises.

SPANISH TITLE RACE

The Spanish title race has many times been decided on the El Clasico matchup. Barcelona were consistent last season and look the healthiest going into the 2019/2020 La Liga season. Real Madrid needs to round up and do some housekeeping after the controversies between Zidane and Bale. After fundamentally weakening Atletico Madrid with the departure of Griezmann, Barcelona look like the favorites coming into the new season. The question will be if Zidane can pull the morale of the team together and reclaim their position of Spanish Champions over their El Clasico foes. Ernesto Valverde is in a more comfortable position as his squad has only grown from strength to strength even after comfortably clinching a second successive La Liga title. The Spanish manager however needs to gain some more domestic cups titles including the Copa del Rey and most especially the UCL, which may divide their attention more than is needed.

CONCLUSION

The El Clasico has a history stretching back to the beginning of the 20th century and each decade brings a new era and star players who carry the spirit of rivalry and ignite the passion all over again. The game is about the pride of a region and to settle which city is truly the home of football in Spain. A period of transition for both sides and while Real Madrid's transformation has been bumpy the prospects for an improved outfit are real. Do you think that Madrid can top Barcelona this coming season? Who will be victorious when the two meet?

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.

We argue Real Madrid could be fixed in two Senegalese signatures

“This is where Koulibaly would come in handy. Plug him next to the experienced Ramos and the 2018 World Cup winner, Raphael Varane and no one would dare to attack them in open play.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

We all know it! It’s not working. The biggest club in world football is struggling. They lost two leaders at the end of last season. Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane departed the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for personal reasons which are closely linked. With them, they left a club with an ageing defence and toothless attack. Both of them were bringing out the best in the Madrid squad to play on the biggest stage, but the Spanish club has since lost that. So now what? How do they solve this? Two players. Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mane.

Add another body in defence

Kalidou Koulibaly is arguably the best centre back in the world right now. The Senegalese has been consistent in his performances for a while now and his efforts are starting to be recognized by many. But what about Ramos you may ask. Check his stats. Whoscored gathered that he’s averaging 0.7 blocks per game in the Spanish La Liga. His defensive work rate is now off the pace although his attacking prowess is undeniable. Ramos has scored 7 goals and provided 1 assist already across all competitions this season which shows that he has a lot to offer. With him leading the attack from the back, he could benefit from having the presence of the African defender who is more than capable of bossing around some of the toughest strikers in Europe having already pocketed the likes Edinson Cavani when Napoli faced Paris Saint-Germain in November 2018. Koulibaly could ease the pressure off the Real Madrid captain who is turning 33 in less than two months.

Trying a different formation

Sadio Mane of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia.

(June 27, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

It’s all fun and games when a team plays one way and are getting results. We have seen it over the years with Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City that was conservative against its opposition and pounced on the break with some frightening counter-attacking play. Real Madrid have had that aura in them and dispatched teams the Madrid way. But gone are the days when the never changing 4-3-3 formation of the Los Blancos was feared. They have been figured out. Changing formation to a 3-4-3 could prove to be a masterclass. Antonio Conte used it at Chelsea and he has an English Premier League title to show for it. But Madrid cannot use it as they lack the quality at the back. This is where Koulibaly would come in handy. Plug him next to the experienced Ramos and the 2018 World Cup winner, Raphael Varane and no one would dare to attack them in open play. Such is the significance of the Senegalese defender who brings a new dimension not only to the defense but to the style of play for the whole team. I am rooting for his signature.

Add quality in attack

Real Madrid are lacking the quality on the top end of the pitch. That’s evident. Galacticos have always been a solution in times of need for the club and they always will be. Why not make Sadio Mane the next Galactico. I know, I know, not a name on everyone’s minds but hear me out. He’s a player more than capable of carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders. We saw it not long ago. At the biggest stage, Sadio Mane stood up for Liverpool in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid. He came through with a goal and caused havoc for the reigning European champions. In him, Real Madrid have got a player who beats players, creates and a player who is hungry for success having not won any trophy since moving to Liverpool from Southampton in 2016. Sadio Mane could bring back that fear factor that is lacking from the Spanish giants.

Inspire the new generation

Florentino Perez has made efforts to improve his attack. He has put his faith in the youngsters making noise in the junior age groups and managed to attract them to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. We have seen it Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz, Marco Asensio, Diaz Mariano and with Rodrigo Rodrigues who is still yet to make his way to the club from Gremio. There has been a lot of hype around these youngsters and we have seen some glimpses of hope in some. However, they have come short whenever they have been called up to task this season. I am sure they probably watched Ronaldo when he was playing and learnt a few lessons. What then do they need? They need another player with influence whom they can pick a few things from. Sadio Mane could come in and do that job. Show them another side of an attacking player capable of putting in the work and press high up the pitch when the team suffers. Bring some new inspiration into the dressing room and maybe, just maybe, Real Madrid could turn their misfortune around.

Get these two and Real Madrid could be revived in no time and forget the loopholes left by Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s departures.

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) 

Do the FIFA POTY Nominees hint at a new era?

The national team captains, coaches, fans and selected journalists casted their votes and they have been tallied. After a decade of dominance by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with each claiming five individual honors for the world’s best football player, we are witnessing some new trends across most of the categories. Indeed, I cannot deny the Messi and Ronaldo are among the unique breed of footballers that this world will ever know but it was becoming a little too boring. Here are top three new features of the “new age” I am most excited about.

Timely reminder that football ingenuity can’t be reduced to a simple goal statistic

Mohamed Salah of Egypt celebrates with teammate Marwan Mohsen after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Saudia Arabia and Egypt at Volgograd Arena on June 25, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.

(June 24, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

One of the reasons why Ronaldo and Messi had not left the podium since 2008 is that they are goal scoring machines and they are surrounded by other great players in the biggest of clubs which almost always win trophies. For almost all the years these two won the FIFA Ballon d’Or Award now known as FIFA Best Award, it was given to the one whose club had claimed the UEFA Champions League trophy or scored the most goals.The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, Antoine Griezmann, Xavi, Manuel Neuer and Franck Ribery were well in their right victims of the Ronaldo-Messi era. Great football talents who happen to have been born at the wrong time as many people would say.

The good news for the first time, we see a player like Luka Modric making the top three list, a complete midfielder who is hardly on the scoresheet but almost inspired his country Croatia, to their first ever FIFA World Cup triumph, losing to France in the 2018 final in Russia. The 32-year-old  did win the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in May, bagged the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2018 World Cup finals but quite remarkably and unusually pipped Ronaldo to the 2018 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award. A sign that the Ronaldo and Messi era could very soon be behind us.

Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah deservedly made it to this year’s top three with Ronaldo completing that list and Messi missing out. Salah broke the scoring records in England, banging in 32 goals in a 38 match season and helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final. He also won all the individual awards in England but making the list without winning any major team trophy emphasises this change I am trying so hard to describe.

Unfamiliar but familiar faces in goal

Kasper Schmeichel of Denmark reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between 1st Group D and 2nd Group C at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

(June 30, 2018 - Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe)

If I were to ask for the names of the three top goalkeepers in the world, most certainly, the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer and David De Gea would frequent on most people’s list. They are really goalkeepers of some of the elite and acclaimed football clubs in the world. Quite honestly, they are great and probably deserve the naming. But this year, the voters decided on some talented individuals between the sticks who have not received the deserved praise over the years. Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City in the Premier League and Denmark, Hugo Lloris who captained France to the 2018 World Cup title and Thibaut Courtois, the best goalkeeper in Russia 2018 make up the three men shortlist. Does this signal an element of enhanced objectivity in choosing players for these awards, without necessarily looking at the crest of their clubs or their national colors?

We just love that Senegalese fans are nominated for one of the awards

You cannot really blame us for singling out exceptional contributors to the game from the beloved continent of Africa. That’s what FirstTouch Africa aims to bring the global stage anyway, telling the untold stories of invaluable significance, steering communities forward.

Senegal fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Senegal at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 24, 2018 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

(June 23, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

The Lions of Teranga football fans are part of the nominees for the FIFA Fan Award after their resounding efforts to keep Russia clean at the world cup finals. These guys literally picked up all litter after each and every game they cheered their heroes on, even after the bitterest of games that saw Senegal exit the tournament in the group stages because they had more yellow cards than the second placed Japan in Group H. Even the Japanese fans also headlined Russia for the tidy civility acts and are nominated together with Senegal as a unit.

Below, is a full list for all the nominees.The winners will be announced on 24 September at Royal Festival Hall in London.

 

 

 

 

Men's player

Cristiano Ronaldo - Juventus & Portugal

Luka Modric - Real Madrid & Croatia

Mohamed Salah - Liverpool & Egypt

Women's player

Ada Hegerberg - Lyon & Norway

Dzsenifer Marozsan - Lyon & Germany

Marta - Orlando Pride & Brazil

Men's coach

Zlatko Dalic - Croatia

Didier Deschamps - France

Zinedine Zidane - former Real Madrid

Women's coach

Reynald Pedros - Lyon

Asako Takakura - Japan

Sarina Wiegman - Netherlands

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois - Real Madrid & Belgium

Hugo Lloris - Tottenham & France

Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester & Denmark

Puskas Award

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) v Liverpool

Denis Cheryshev (Russia) v Croatia

Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (AEK) v Olympiacos

Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro) -v America MG

Riley McGree (Newcastle Jets) v Melbourne City

Lionel Messi (Argentina) v Nigeria

Benjamin Pavard (France) v Argentina

Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal) v Iran

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid ) v Juventus

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) v Everton

Fan Award

Sebastian Carrera (Deportes Puerto Montt, Chile)

Peru fans

Japan and Senegal fans

FT Spanish La Liga Preview: Title Favorites? Do Not Forget About Atletico Madrid

Over the last few years, we have seen the Diego Simeone assembled, Atletico Madrid transform from being just a club to a real-world phenomenon. They have notoriously appeared in two UEFA Champions League finals, won the Spanish League title, won three Europa league titles and two UEFA Super Cups in a space of just 9 years. In that process, we have also seen them switch stadiums in search of more breathing space for their success, moving from Vicente Calderon to the acclaimed Wanda Metropolitano. This is the kind of progression we saw under the Arsene Wenger era, at least during the days he was worshipped by the Arsenal fans. For a time such as this, where football clubs seem to be “buying their way to success”, more often the legendary clubs who were adored way before Atletico - what’s their place? I would argue that they will actually be going for the kill. They have what it takes to win anything this season.

Zero pressure for Los Rojiblancos

When people talk about the Spanish Premier League, more often than not, two clubs come to mind. Barcelona and Real Madrid - the hosts of the infamous El Clasico derby, one of the most popular matches in all sports entertainment. These two teams are literally always competing against each other, on and off the pitch. In the 2018/19 season, Real Madrid will be looking to prove that they are still a force to reckon with when it comes to domestic football. After winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, the La Liga crown might just be the priority. Rest assured, Barcelona will not let their hold on the top spot go without a fight, especially after the near perfect 2017/18 campaign in which they lost only a single game. Furthermore, Lopetegui’s Real Madrid will also be keen on proving that there is life after the 40+ goal machine, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mr. Champions League, Zinedine Zidane. Barca will have to make a case for their huge spending on the field of play. All these and many other factors leave Atletico with the least pressure to win titles under the microscopic lens of journalists, fans, and pundits - the kind of freedom that actually permits teams to grow and win. Remember they claimed 2nd place last season in the La Liga table, my money is on them now winning it this season.

They have all the right ingredients to win

There aren’t a lot of football managers who are as animated and demanding as Diego Simeone. He has been at the helm of the club during these remarkable nine years and is not slowing down. Manager, check! Let’s talk about the squad. Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now lines up in goal for Atletico - Jan Oblak. The 25-year-old Slovenian conceded the least number of goals in Spain last season. Atleti’s defense is Uruguayan made, with perhaps the best center-back pair in the world, Diego Godin and Jose Jimenez central to that wall of Jericho. Most of us might have seen how the defensive brilliance of these two carried Uruguay to the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In fact, Uruguay finished the group stages without conceding a single goal. Let us not forget to mention the 2018 World Cup winners in that setup, Lucas Hernandez, and Antoine Griezmann, who showed up big time for France in Russia. Did someone say, Diego Costa? Saul Niguez, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Koke etc - they will be eager to again represent Atleti’s colors.

Most interestingly, they have become quite a boring side, in the opinion of some, despite all their successes by reason of their conservative style of play. But who knows, perhaps this coming season will see some form of dynamism from Simeone’s men, after acquiring two dynamic and pacey young wingers in the form of Thomas Lemar and Gelson Martins.

The Partey Factor

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona fouls Thomas Partey of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on March 4, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(March 3, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

Here at FirstTouch, we try to highlight and emphasize more focus towards African players, and Thomas Partey is a real force in that midfield and deserves special mention. Not much can be said about his statistics because the game has almost been reduced to measure performance by the number of goals scored, irrespective of the position one plays. The 25-year-old Ghanaian is pretty much in that bracket of Barca’s Sergio Busquets and Real Madrid’s Casemiro when it comes to breaking up play, winning tackles and starting the attack. He appeared 28 times for Atletico Madrid last season and will most certainly be a crucial part of the midfield backbone.

Be afraid, be very afraid!

If you are a Juventus, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich fan or anyone else who fancies themselves winning the UEFA Champions League trophy, Atletico might just stop you in your tracks on their day. More than just frustrating your favorite team, they have real sharpshooters who can also score for fun with the slightest of chances. And yes, the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final will be held at their home, Wanda Metropolitano. I am sure they will be extra motivated to be playing in a Champions League final hosted in their cauldron of a stadium.

UCL Road To Kiev Final: Senegal’s Mane fires warning shots at Real Madrid

It is only two days before the winner of Europe’s elite club competition is decided in Ukraine. Record winners, Real Madrid will be looking to secure their third consecutive title when they face the challenge of the free-scoring Liverpool. A lot of talking points have been explored about this match, with the most popular one being that of the battle for supremacy as far as 2017/18 football matters are concerned, between the incumbent Cristiano Ronaldo and the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah. The winner of the match is tipped to seal the fate of the 2018 Balon D’Or trophy for world’s best player.

Away from the noise of Salah and Ronaldo is the Senegalese who is just as dangerous. Mane scored 19 times in this campaign for Liverpool, behind Salah at 44 and the final third of the fab 3, Roberto Firmino weighing in at 27. Liverpool’s front three have become one of the fiercest attack flanked on both sides by the African connection and supported by the Brazilian. They seem not to be moved by the acclaimed BBC of Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo and might perhaps turn the Champions League to a victim of an African rout. Mane has promised one thing come Saturday, goals galore! Liverpool has already smashed the record of goals scored in a single Champions League campaign having found the back of the net, 46 times already this season.

Here is what Sadio Mane had to say:

"I think more goals are coming. Of course, I am happy, but as a striker, you'd love to score every single game to help your team. Now we have one more important game, so why not try to do our best, score for the team and win the trophy?"

"The power of Liverpool Football Club is the collective. We always do everything together -- this is our power. Of course, it will not be easy because we know they have experience and also they have qualities in the team. We respect them a lot but we also have players and staff to beat any team in the world."

Atletico Madrid narrowly beat Nigerian national team

The Europa League Champions were able to secure a win over the world cup bound, Super Eagles side by scoring a winner five minutes from time. The much anticipated GOTV Max Cup clash at Godswill Akpabio international stadium was off to a great start for the locals who grabbed the lead in the 31st minute. Arsenal young midfielder who is on loan at MVV Maastricht, Kelechi Nwakali (19) rounded off a defender before curling a majestic shot into the back of the net, beyond the reach Jan Oblak, one of the world’s best shot-stoppers.

Two minutes later, the inexperience of the Super Eagles B side was exposed as Ghanaian Thomas Partey stole the ball from the showboating Emem Eduok and slotted in a neat pass for Angel Correa who finished beautifully with his outside foot. After the break, veteran Fernando Torres stole the lead for Rojiblancos by firing in a fine header from a corner. A much more determined and performance boosted by the introduction of Tosin Omoyele of the Nigerian Professional Football League side, Plateau United paid dividends in the 80th minute. Usman Mohammed combined with Omoyele and left an Atletico man lying on the floor after some serious dribbling and confidently slotted the ball into the net. The 18-year-old Atletico player, Borja Garces broke Nigerian hearts with a fine shot, five minutes from time.

Should Gernot Rohr have included some standout performers of Tuesday’s friendly like Nwakali in his thirty-man provisional squad? I mean, It was not really a bad performance by the B side.

Football Business: La Liga club Sevilla reach three-year kit sponsorship deal with Nike

Congrats to La Liga’s own Sevilla, as the have just announced a new three-year kit sponsorship with Nike.

Nike will take pole position as the Seville club’s technical sponsor until the end of the 2020/21 season, creating the squad’s match and training kit as well as a range of new merchandise for the clubs fanbase.

Rival and domestic brand New Balance has seen its five-year deal with Sevilla expire at the end of this 2017-18 season, with Sevilla providing confirmation over their impending partnership with Nike following several months of negotiation between both parties.

The financial terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but reports in Spain describe the deal as “more than favourable” for Sevilla.

Sevilla finished this past 2017/18 La Liga season in seventh place, ensuring qualification for the UEFA Europa League in the 2018/19 season. Even though they have won this competition three times in the last four years, we wonder if Nike will be pushing the club to have consistent top 4 aspirations in La Liga.

Do you think Sevilla will have the consistent performance needed in domestic and foreign competition to eventually keep their Nike partnership after 2021?

Nigeria: Super Eagles to welcome Atletico Madrid for a friendly

We are witnessing matches of unprecedented scale happening on the continent. Firstly it is the Sundowns - Barcelona showdown, the Kenyans followed suit with Gor Mahia booking a date with Hull City Tigers and now, Los Rojiblancos will be coming to Uyo to face the Super Eagles. The match is part of the maiden edition of the GOtv Max and is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of May at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo. Excitement is building up in all stakeholders as the La Liga giants boasting of ten league titles, ten Copa Del Rey trophies, two UEFA Europa League and super cup trophies since their inception in 1903, make a historic visit to Nigeria. They are considered to be one of the most organized and defensive teams in Europe under Diego Simeone and will thus give Nigeria’s attack some challenges and possibly further highlight areas of improvement ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

"We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from La Liga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. As you all know Atlético Madrid is one of the top clubs in La Liga. GOtv customers and indeed, football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil " - Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Sales, and Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria.

"This is a historic announcement and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atletico Madrid, one of Liga's greatest clubs, will come to Nigeria and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. Africa and Nigeria, in particular, are very important for us and have a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of". - Javier Tebas, La Liga President

Sundowns and Barcelona clash officially confirmed

One of the most anticipated matches to close off the 2017/18 footballing, Sundowns-Barcelona scheduled to take place on the 16th of May, had been subjected to speculation of it not happening at all. The speculation was fuelled by Barcelona not officially announcing the fixture after the Brazilians had done so and also concerns that the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) would not approve the match since it falls within the domestic season. Forget all of that, it’s going down in Johannesburg on May 16 at 4 pm GMT.  Both Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Barcelona have released communications confirming the showdown.

"Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe Foundation are partnering with the Inter-Ministerial committee of the South African government that is responsible for the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, SAFA and La Liga. Mamelodi Sundowns is grateful to the PSL for having approved the match and to CAF for having moved the Mamelodi Sundowns match against Horoya AC in Guinea Conakry." - Mamelodi Sundowns

"FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, who after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country and played a huge role in unifying the racially divided society. It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified." - FC Barcelona’s Official Website

La Liga president, Javier Tebas, was also quick to give the match a thumbs up:

"We are delighted that FC Barcelona, the champions of the best competition in the world, will be playing in South Africa. This is a historic event and we are very proud that local fans will get to enjoy the stars and the quality of La Liga close up."

The South African Stadium Management boss, Jacques Grobbelaar announced on Twitter that ticket sales would commence on Thursday morning with prices ranging from (USD) $3.25 to $45 which is R40 to R550.

Spotlight: Who is Yaya Toure?

As we approach the end of the English Premier League season, FirstTouch takes time to look back and appreciate one of the most influential players in the league. Yaya Toure, an all-round midfielder from Cote d’Ivoire, played for Barcelona and Manchester City in the best years of his career. The 33-year old is approaching the end of his time at the Etihad with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2017/18 season. Let’s look at what Yaya Toure has been through during his stay at the above-mentioned clubs in Europe.   

First off, let’s focus on his time at Barcelona. Yaya Toure joined Barcelona from Monaco in 2007 for £6.7m after being an influential midfielder for the French side where he rescued them from relegation. However, Toure had problems with the previous manager of the club, Laszlo Boloni, who was not playing him in his midfield most preferred position. When he joined Barcelona, he enjoyed the first season under Rijkaard where he made a total of 40 appearances which managed two goals. Yaya Toure was still in the shadow of big brother Kolo who was making a name for himself at Arsenal as a rock solid defender in the EPL. Guardiola took over the reins just a year later, and he preferred Busquets to Yaya Toure as the defensive midfielder for Barcelona in 2008. The promise of first-team football in his preferred position at Barcelona was not going to be possible. Guardiola used the player as a center-back in the UEFA Champions League final in 2009 when the team suffered from injuries. He was later allowed to move to the club of his dream in 2010.

Manchester City approached Toure and he, initially thought that he would be joining Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. It was his agent who clarified that he was joining the team who wears blue and he was excited by the challenge of joining a club that was in the shadow of their local rivals. Manchester City paid £24.6 million for the services of a player who was pretty much a reserve player and Toure was going to be receiving £139,000 a week. The journey of the African player to become a legend at the Etihad Stadium was set on course.

2012 was a year of history for the cash-rich Manchester club. It is the year that the club beat Manchester United to the title on goal difference. Sergio Aguero scored the winner for Manchester City in stoppage time of the last game in the 2011/12 season. Yaya Toure was an integral part of the club’s midfield. This earned him much respect in the English Premier League and comparisons with some of the greatest midfielders in the league like Keane, Vieira, etc. was just a moment away. Toure came out and thanked his teammates for the title and paid tribute to his manager for trusting in him and playing him in a position that he found difficult to maintain in the previous clubs he represented.

In addition to that, Toure evolved to become a ruthless attacker who scored goals that are still admired today. In the 2013/14 season, Yaya Toure assumed a more attacking role in Manchester City and even though he was primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder. This season, Yaya Toure managed to score 20 goals in the English Premier League which was unspoken off considering that he came from deep to set himself up and his contribution won his club the English Premier League title again as well as the FA Cup. At this moment, Yaya Toure had become the more popular player in his family and had stepped out of the shadow of the former Arsenal player.

His career might sound smooth when reading this piece, but Toure has had his fair share of controversy during his time at City. The player once threatened to leave the club because they had forgotten to show him love on his 31st birthday. His agent, Dimitry Seluk, is the one that confirmed the story that the player felt disrespected and the club was put under pressure. Some saw this incident as a stunt by the pair to pressurize the club to improve the terms of the contract, and the club fell for it. His contract saw him being the highest paid player in English football at $334,000 a week. All this was soon going to fade away with the player approaching the ‘old age’ years.

The manager who pushed him out of the club at Barcelona and laughed at Toure for joining a ‘s**t’ team eventually found his way to Toure’s home. Pep Guardiola has announced the new boss at Manchester City in 2016, and the Ivorian player probably knew that he was doomed. It is no secret that the pair had a rocky relationship because of the way the manager treated Toure at Barcelona and eventually forced him to move to the Citizens. This time, Guardiola took over a club where Toure was already a legend and was the focal point of the team before Aguero. The Spaniard soon changed that and eventually left Yaya out of the first team after his manager after Toure’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, called out Guardiola on his hypocrisy in coming to England after making fun of the club in 2010. This did not sit down well with Guardiola, and he punished the player because of his agent’s words. The fans were heartbroken by this situation but the relationship was mended, and Yaya was restored to the first team early last year. He played enough to earn another year in an extension.

This season seems like it will be his last at Manchester City and he has been ousted again for the third time in his career by the same manager. Guardiola brought replacements for the player because he does not believe in his abilities and it is about time that the player takes the next step in his career. Toure played in the 4-1 win against West Ham today, and he could only manage a second-half appearance even when the team has been confirmed champions of the Premier League this season. It is evident that Guardiola never like him and the African player will probably leave in the summer. It has been quite a journey for the Ivorian midfielder who won the La Liga (twice), Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup (twice), and the English Premier League on three occasions. He has undoubtedly subscribed his name in the Hall of Fame of not just English football, but on the European scene and he will be missed if he decides to call his time at the end of the season.

Bale scores in a 2-1 win for Madrid against Leganes

In the wake of the 2-1 win against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Zinedine Zidane made the decision that he would rest his star players in the coming weekend to make sure that they are at their best when they play the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid faced Leganes on Saturday and the boss lined up a much-changed squad that saw players like Llorente, Ceballos, Borja Mayoral, Achraf, Vallejo and Theo Hernandez all getting starts alongside Gareth Bale, who has been rumored to be out of favor at the club. The Welshman scored the opener on the 8th minute after Karim Benzema’s shot was blocked by a defender before falling in the path of Bale who volleyed the ball past Cuellar who could not help but watch the ball pass between his legs and into the net.

Much like the Los Blancos, we have seen all season in La Liga, a lapse in concentration was bound to happen. The first came through Miguel Angel Guerrero and he failed to convert a cross-come-shot into the net as he tried a fancy flick. Nordin Amrabat also found space and hit a shot that beat Casilla in goal but could only hit the crossbar before it whiskered away into the stands. Borja Mayoral Moya then scored the second for Real Madrid in the 45th minute from a cross by Mateo Kovacic on the left.

Leganes found a consolation Darko Brasanac in the 66th minute who was assisted by Amrabat after he comfortably beat Theo Hernandez before sliding into the unmarked player. 10 changes but still Real Madrid manage to win. This means that they are 1 point behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 12 behind Barcelona in first place.  

In the midst of the Pogba treatment, Kaka shares his opinion on Mourinho

The Manchester United is not popular for building lasting relationships with most of the players that he has managed in different clubs so far. The latest to be believed to not be on good books with Jose Mourinho is Manchester United’s most expensive player in Paul Labile Pogba. The midfielder has had an inconsistent season, and rumours are quoting that the player feels he is not playing in his best position. Many players have come out to talk about the Portuguese and Pogba probably cannot follow suit as he is still under the boss. Maybe we could hear a lot about his situation sometime later in the future when the boss moves on to another club. The Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos shared no sentiment with Jose and claimed that he was just another coach for Real Madrid who cannot be compared to Ancelotti because of his man-management skills. The latest to have a say about the Portuguese is the former Balon d’Or winner, Ricardo Kaka from Brazil. The player joined Madrid the same year that Cristiano Ronaldo made his move to the Bernabeu, but he did not enjoy the best of times with the Los Blancos when Mourinho was in charge.

He said, “Jose Mourinho was a difficult coach for me, and we had a respectful but complicated relationship. I trained, I fought, and I prayed a lot, but having not received the confidence of the coach, I realised that I could not work with him.”

Mourinho is very famous for ousting players in his team as he got rid of Casillas at Madrid, Lampard in his second stint at Chelsea, Schweinsteiger at United among others. Kaka was so unfortunate to be a part of that list as he eventually left Madrid for greener pastures. The Brazilian has since retired in 2017 and hopes that the coach can learn a couple of things that can make him better at producing results on the pitch. Do you think that Mourinho will eventually learn his lesson and treat his players with much more respect and care?  

Torres to leave Atletico at the end of the current campaign

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of this season. The striker rejoined Atletico Madrid in 2015 after playing for Liverpool and Chelsea in the English Premier League. The player was an instant hit at the Merseyside club before moving to Chelsea as he scored 65 goals in 102 league appearances. By the time he joined Chelsea, the player was already suffering from an injury which kept him out for some time before returning to the first team fold. Eventually, he made his way back to feature for his club but he was never the same player again. Torres struggled to replicate his form from his old club and it was evident that he was a 50m flop added to the list of big money strikers that moved to Chelsea and failed to make it. Fernando Torres finally got his wishes of returning to his boyhood club Atletico in 2015 and he could not miss it. He was called back by the coach, Diego Simeone, whom he had played with during his first stint at the club. This move saw the resurgence of a player who became important for the club especially in crucial games like the Madrid derby and against Barcelona as well where he scored a number of goals that terrorized the opponents. ‘El Nino’ as he is nicknamed, has amassed 92 goals so far for Atletico Madrid in both stints. He has seen limited opportunities at his club of his dreams especially after the club brought back another prodigal son in Diego Costa who had left for Chelsea. Torres vowed that he will still be playing football next season but it will not be in Atletico colors. The player still feels good and wants to contribute more than what he is doing in Atletico. Whom do you think needs a striker like him in the summer?

Madrid derby ends in a draw

Not much was expected in this Madrid derby as both teams have almost conceded the La Liga title to Barcelona who lead the table with 79 points and Real Madrid with 64 points after the derby match. There was little fight in the teams to make the derby interesting as both teams have their eyes set on their second leg clashes in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Nonetheless, Zidane called on Ronaldo to start the match in a much rested squad that saw players like Mateo Kovacic, Bale and Vazquez make the first 11. Both teams looked off and the match did not really feel like the derby as the levels of intensity was a little bit lower than expected. The first half reflected the poor energy levels of both teams and it is no surprise that it was goalless. Cristiano Ronaldo then scored for Real Madrid on the 53rd minute. The Portuguese forward scored a volley from a Gareth Bale cross that found him at the far post. This goal means that Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in his last 15 matches. What a turnaround in form for a player who was starting to be regarded as finished. His celebrations were shortened as Antoine Griezmann scored for Atletico just 4 minutes later. Ronaldo was taken off by Zidane who did not want to his star man to get injured in a match that was not as important as it should be. Both teams found opportunities to win it as Varane’s effort and Ramos’ freekick was clawed out by Oblak while Costa also saw his shots saved by Navas. This result means that Barcelona have edged closer to winning the La Liga title with a 11 point advantage with just 7 games remaining. It’s all in your hands Barca.