Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of OGC Nice signals a more competitive Ligue 1 but they are no PSG

Jim Ratcliffe CEO of INEOS meets staff at the Grangemouth plant as the first ship carrying shale gas from the US arrives in the Firth of Forth on September 27, 2016 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The tanker is the first of eight shipping ethane from US shale fields, in a two billion dollar investment by chemical company INEOS.

(Sept. 26, 2016 - Source: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Europe)

Building for the future

Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, has taken over ownership of Ligue 1 club Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice. Ratcliffe opted to buy Nice after previously being linked to Chelsea and Newcastle and being in talks with the English clubs. The billionaire is also the owner of the Swiss second division side, FC Lausanne-Sport. The purchase of OGC Nice seems like a natural progression from second-tier ownership to a first division team of one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

 OGC Nice will gain the much needed financial injection due to Ratcliffe’s investment. He has fully backed current manager Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal player who took the reins of the club in 2018.  Ratcliffe seems to want to work with Vieira to get Nice, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, to play European football in the next five years.  With the bigger budget, the Aiglons have brought talented young players onboard during the transfer window, namely Kasper Dolberg from (Ajax), Adam Ounas (Napoli), Alexis Claude-Maurice (Lorient) and Stanley Nsoki (PSG) to name a few. 

Ligue 1 attracting money from abroad

Ligue 1 has its fair share of billionaires buying into the franchise and it’s fast becoming a trend for European, American and Middle-East investors to inject their money into the first tier league.  A number of Ligue 1 teams have been taken over by investors from the US or the Gulf in recent years. Although it may be for-profit, more times than not, investing in a football club is a risky investment. Sports teams have a special appeal for billionaires while being able to make them money and also as a fun hobby driven by love for the game. On the business side of sports, the commercialization of media rights is highly lucrative and may drive billionaires to invest more and more into football teams.

 Ligue 1’s appeal as an investment destination is undeniable; the league has been gaining prominence globally with Neymar’s move to PSG in 2016 and the young talent it’s producing like Ivorian midfielder and former Lille player, Nicholas Pepe and Kylian Mbappe. Ratcliffe follows Nasser al-Khelaifi, Qatari businessman and owner of PSG who took over the club in 2011 for €120 million and the Russian billionaire and owner of AS Monaco, Dmitry Rybolovlev who were among the first to pick up on the opportunities in France. Joseph Da Grosa, the American billionaire who bought Girondins de Bordeaux for €75 million euros in 2018 and Olympique de Marseille belongs to another American billionaire, Frank Court who bought the team in 2016.

“In some cases, financial backing does not translate to titles and trophies, case and point Manchester United who spent heavily on buying players but still struggle to make it to the top of the league.  ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Nice's French midfielder Adrien Tameze (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League football match between OGC Nice vs SV Zulte Waregem on November 23, 2017 at the "Allianz Riviera Stadium" in Nice, southeastern France. / AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE

(Nov. 22, 2017 - Source: AFP)

OGC Nice may not necessarily be the next PSG

There is no team, however, that has had as much financial injection as PSG which features among Europe’s elite group of the richest clubs. PSG’s financial backing outweighs most of the Ligue 1 teams causing a disparity that has some of the other owners claiming PSG as having an unfair advantage in their ability to spent big on players and attracting the top talent. Girondins de Bordeaux owner Joseph Da Grosa has called PSG the bullies of Ligue 1. PSG has a big influence in the French top division and is the most decorated club in the league and top earners to having one of the most star-studded squads in the world, featuring players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva.

Kylian Mbappe was reported to have setback PSG a €180m to sign from to Monaco and Neymar’s move made headlines as PSG paid a staggering €222 million to Barcelona to sign the Brazilian in 2017; double the cost for Ratcliffe to buy a full stake in  OGC Nice. Neymar’s move to Ligue 1 was an obvious show of PSG’s financial might, however, the controversies surrounding a return to Barcelona and injuries have also prevented the team from profiting from his arrival.  Tuchel’s men have won six titles in the last eight years since Nasser al-Khelaifi under Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011 and continues to dominate Ligue 1.

Fabio Cannavaro jokes with Patrick Veira during the Laureus Football Challenge presented by IWC Schaffhausen as part of the 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Emirates Palace on February 7, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

(Feb. 6, 2011 - Source: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)

Up to this point, teams like OGC Nice have a hard time competing with PSG’s world-class players and overflowing financial backing. PSG will continue to have a financial advantage over fellow Ligue 1 clubs. The scenario is not unlike the financial disparity that happens across the channel in England where the top six teams have a larger endowment than the other clubs in the league or the case of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. In some cases, financial backing does not translate to titles and trophies, case and point Manchester United who spent heavily on buying players but still struggle to make it to the top of the league. 

Despite committing to developing Cote d’Azur side, Ratcliffe’s strategy shies away from spending on individual players like Ligue 1 counterparts PSG. OGC Nice’s season has been off to a slow start grabbing one point in five matches and lie 15th on Ligue 1 standings.

His commitment

For Jim Ratcliffe and OGC Nice, it is unlikely to be any record-breaking signings as he has already alluded. However, Ratcliffe has goals to make OGC Nice compete in Europe regularly over the next few years. Jim Ractliffe plans to finance OGC Nice in the coming years to improve position in the league, and developing facilities of the club.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group A

Karim Benzema attends "El Corazon de Sergio Ramos" premiere at the Reina Sofia museum on September 10, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(Sept. 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Group A

Real Madrid v Club Brugge – Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Zidane’s charges are expected to brush Brugge aside at the Bernabeu. Nothing less than a comprehensive victory will appease the Madrid faithful who were humbled to a 3-0 loss at Paris on matchday 1. Even though marquee summer signing, Eden Hazard, is yet to come alive in white, Benzema and the decent start to their La Liga campaign which has seen them occupy pole position after 7 matches offers enough hope that the real, Real could actually be back. A 0-0 draw over the weekend at Atletico was another piece of evidence that Zidane might have calmed the waters in the Spanish Capital.

That’s the expectation. But it’s actually easier said than done against the Belgian side who labored to a 0-0 opening draw against a Falcao inspired Galatasaray. Even more, their African contingent of Percy Tau, Diatta and Diagne showed what they can do if given the chance with a glorious display in 5-0 win over Mechelen during the weekend. No Champions League match is easy going and this one won’t be any different.

Galatasaray v Paris St Germain - Tuesday, 01 October 2019

The tide is on the French champions’ side to continue blowing opposition away and not least the Turkish champions. Quite frankly, it’s what they have repeatedly done in the UCL group stages for the past 2-3 seasons. This time, a 3-0 opening night win over Madrid could have been the best of them. Injuries have trouble Tuchel’s side in recent weeks with Mbappe, Cavani, Choupo-Moting amongst others having been forced to watch from the sidelines. Neymar who has scored all three goals in PSG’s last three, 1-0 league wins has won back the fans, settled the camp and convincingly re-integrated himself into the side after the summer transfer woes. The Brazilian will not play on Tuesday due to the ongoing ban for his comments last term but best guaranteed, PSG have enough firepower to own the night in Istanbul, provided they put their game faces on. One player you really should look out for is the summer signing from Everton, Idrissa Gana Gueye and of course Mbappe who just returned. The Senegalese international has already won hearts in Paris with his heart-on-sleeve performances in the middle of the park.

As for Galatasaray, the Turkish champions have enough champions league experience to know how to set-up against opposition such as PSG. At home, still riding on the wings of the summer arrival of Falcao and boosted by the disciplined performance that saw them earn a point at Brugge, they really must be fancying themselves to cause an upset.

We shall see how that will work out.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group A

Lassana Diarra of PSG (19) and team mates look dejected in defeat after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on March 6, 2018 in Paris, France.

(March 5, 2018 - Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Europe)

Club Brugge vs Galatasaray- Wednesday 19 September 2019

After missing out on last season’s Belgian Pro League title, Brugge and their new coach Philippe Clement decided to reinvent themselves with a greater part of process seeming to be a combination of some of Africa’s football stars. The likes of South Africa’s Percy Tau, Nigeria’s Okereke and Senegal’s Mbaye Diagne and Diatta will line-up against a Radamel Falcao inspired Galatasaray side who haven’t had the best of starts in their Turkish Super Lig title defence.

PSG vs Real Madrid- Wednesday 19 September 2019

The pick of the group and undoubtedly the round features PSG and Real Madrid at Parc de Princes. Two giants not without a history and desperate to show the disappointments of the last season are behind them. They both got knocked out in the quarter-finals by Manchester United and Ajax respectively and have no smaller goal than winning the cup itself. Furthermore, there is a tantalizing prospect of getting revenge for PSG who were beaten 5-2 on aggregate by eventual champions Madrid in the 2017/18 UCL round of 16. It’s really an opening match with UCL final written all over it. We will be watching the Neymar vs Hazard battle, world-class forwards currently re-integrating into their sides with undoubtably talismanic abilities.

How can PSG win the UCL and be taken seriously across Europe?

Deja vu for Paris

“Hopefully, the Parisian fans will be able to properly shout, ‘’Ici Ce Paris’’ again. Perhaps with some silver in their mouth, not silver spoons.

”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

With almost no time of the 90 left, Diogo Dalot raced into the Parisians’ box, realised he didn’t have enough space nor opportunity to get a decent effort at goal and just resigned to do the most sensible thing. Hit it anyway in the direction of the opponent’s box, as far away from their goal as possible. As the shot made its way out of the pitch, over Buffon’s goal, it just happened to have brushed through Presnel Kimpembe’s unsuspecting arm. There was nothing obvious in it and if they had been appeals for a penalty, they would have been half-hearted. But as luck would have it for the hosts, the referee pointed to the spot with the aid of his VAR. Much to the delight of the travelling Manchester United faithful and a free-showing of yet another horror movie franchise for PSG.

Tuchel’s men had started the night, 2 precious away goals ahead of the Manchester club who needed at least 3 to have any hope of progressing into the quarter-finals of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League competition. Even worse, United only had a bulk of second string players and youngsters to do the impossible job. It was like the walls of Jericho stuff, where only trumpets and hail Mary’s would be their greatest hope of achieving the intended result. And they got just that, the Paris miracle as it would later be named.

With ice in his veins, Marcus Rashford had stepped up and buried the ball beyond the reach of the vastly experienced Gigi Buffon who is almost twice his age. It became the third of two other fortuitous goals, which eventually saw the Red Devils through to the next round. For PSG, it was just a replay of that infamous night in Barcelona where they surrendered a 4-0 first leg lead to eventually lose 6-5 on aggregate and of course many other cases of being forced to watch their dreams evaporate before their eyes, as far as the champions league is concerned.

The lit flares gave up their glow, rhythmic drums held back their sound and the shirtless Paris fans were left looking for cover. The stadium had suddenly gotten cold. Neymar’s reaction in the stands said it all and yes, they had failed. Yet again from a winning position. It didn’t feel like Paris anymore, their famous mantra, Ici Ce Paris felt could have felt so misplaced.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) of PSG speaks to team mates Thiago Silva and Marquinhos during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Parc des Princes on March 12, 2014 in Paris, France.

(March 11, 2014 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

THEN

That was one night which pretty much sums up their fortunes in the past decade or so. Always dominant domestically with 6 titles in the past 6 seasons but always falling short when they come up against Europe’s finest. It’s their fortunes that have earned the French Ligue 1 the infamous nickname, “the farmers’ league.” Which basically means non-competitive. But why? How can a team be so good and so bad at the same time? What do they need to do to be taken more seriously across Europe?

Well, there’s no short answer, but let’s get it!

Less than the sum of their parts

Their starting eleven on the Paris miracle day pretty much sums up how fierce they have been over the years. With world cup winner Buffon in goal, Brazilian captain and one of the world’s best centre backs in Thiago Silva marshalling their defensive unit, the unplayable Marco Verrati pulling strings in the midfield and boy wonder Kylian Mbappe leading the line; it’s a solid unit who can take on anyone on their day. That is without even mentioning the likes of Di Maria, Julian Draxler or Neymar and Cavani who were out of the contest. Putting that team against, with all due respect, the young and upcoming Tahith Chong, a past-it Ashley Young, Lukaku, Chris Smalling and the rest; it was a pure mismatch. United had no right whatsoever to win that game, especially after being run over at the Old Trafford just two weeks earlier with an even better side.

That has just been Paris St Germain’s reality for some time now, always looking less than the sum of their parts dating back to the days of the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Javier Pastore. What are the reasons for PSG’s systematic failure in Europe you ask?

Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain looks dejected after conceding the first goal 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: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

The “Neymar” problem

Since the ownership of the loaded of Arab investors and leadership Nasser Al-Khelaifi, they must have thought to themselves; we want to win the champions league and become Europe’s best and the world’s most revered, how do we do it? Oh we have money, let’s just buy it. But that’s quite not how the strongest sides are built as history has taught us. Yes, you need a bit of stimulus and funds to get things going, but that’s just one part of building an aggressive, relentless and harmonic unit. Neymar’s switch to Paris from Barcelona for a world record fee of around €200m is a classic example and perhaps the tipping point that has loudly taught them and the rest of the world that you just can’t buy it.

Players like Neymar can get you windfalls of revenues in T-shirts, tickets and TV money, but without the proper infrastructure and fabric that makes a team tick, it will all be in vain. It cannot directly translate to resounding on the pitch successes. They tried it with English legend David Beckham, the outspoken Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and even Ronaldinho and many more but with little to show for it every single time. It’s not only the players; hiring coaches and sacking them with a mercenary-like approach has proven unsustainable. You remember Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery and Carlo Ancelotti?

All this and more robs a team of what makes it a team. Ongoing culture, identity and harmony. As they have learned, those stars and managers can win you games but without time, patience and a culture that condemns individual egos; they could never compete with the world’s best, let alone win the champions league. It all breeds apathy, apathy and even more apathy for the highest level of success.

Where do they go from here? Honestly, they seem to be on their way there. Experience is indeed the best teacher not this heartfelt written sermon of mine.

NOW

The next few lines perfectly illustrate what I think they should do and have started to do in order to really have a name amongst Europe’s best. You have to give it to them, they might have learnt their lessons.

Thomas Tuchel Manager of Paris Saint-German actions during training ahead of the International Champions Cup 2018 match between Arsenal v Paris Saint Germain on July 27, 2018 in Singapore.

(July 26, 2018 - Source: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Tuchel, a step in the right direction

Drawing from their history with managers who have failed to deliver at the UEFA Champions League level, it wouldn’t have been wayward to suspect the former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel would get the sack after the Manchester United fiasco. He actually got a new contract until June 2021!. Some reward for a club with history of little patience with managers. Amongst many other things, this was no doubt a step in the positive direction for PSG. Or at least a bit more refreshing to notice they are trying out new strategies. The 42-year-old German is still pretty much in the early stages of his career having really arrived on the big scene after the DFB Pokal success with Borussia Dortmund in 2017, his only major silverware upon joining the Parisians

You would guess that such a manager is very much still hungry for further successes and his tactical astuteness and talents to connect with players almost as peers but being firm at the same time, becomes a bonus to anyone looking to build a culture and lasting team identity. He is in many ways similar to the 2018/19 Champions League winner, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp but different in his own way. Unafraid to say his mind, can blend with the players and with a passion for the game that can be contagious. He seems right for them to say the least and tying him down to a longer contract might be a great move provided he gets even more time. Tuchel might not right away achieve the required level of success but will definitely help built a proper team. He is one for the future.

Moussa Diaby and team mate Timothy Weah of Paris Saint Germain celebrates his goal during the International Champions Cup match between Paris Saint Germain and Clu b de Atletico Madrid at the National Stadium on July 30, 2018 in Singapore.

(July 29, 2018 - Source: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images AsiaPac)

A seemingly new transfer strategy?

PSG have been a bit different in the most recent transfer windows. If that has been the club’s overall new strategy or the Tuchel effect, we are yet to come to a conclusion. One thing is clear, they have not been the first to pounce on the highly rated stars since Neymar and Mbappe. They are seemingly more cognizant of strengthening their weaker areas with just the right personnel, regardless of their name or social following. The acquisition of Idrissa Gana Gueye from Everton in the summer is one such transfer. The Senegalese international has consistently been the Premier League’s best tackler in the past three seasons, has former experience in the Ligue 1 and will definitely add some more steel and personality to their midfield. A solid signing for anyone on any day. Gueye coupled with Leon Paredes’ switch from Zenit Petersburg in January, Pablo Sarabia, Abdou Diallo and Ander Herrera all punctuate that different strategy of going more for substance than just stardom, glitz and glammer.

Even more, Neymar is very much trying to force his way out of Paris and the club seems resigned to that fact. They are just concerned about recouping the money they spent and even the fans as well couldn’t be happier. In their opening 2019/20 Ligue 1 season encounter, a section of the Parisian fans held placards written “Neymar Out.” The wantaway Brazilian has been of good service but came up short in leading the side to some champions league glory. He has been divisive in the past few weeks and the fans have taken notice. Real Madrid’s reported attempt to land the 27-year-old by offering a lump cash sum, Gareth Bale and Modric was unsuccessful by reason of the French’s club disinterest in Bale. They are said to have preferred the teenager Vinicius Junior whom Los Blancos have not been prepared to let go. See, they are not just after big names anymore. They seem to have more purpose and direction.

There is something even more interesting in their apparent new transfer policy. 

Xavi Simmons and the new generation

(L-R) Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi poses alongside new signing Kylian Mbappe at the Parc des Princes on September 6, 2017 in Paris, France. Kylian Mbappe signed a five year contract for 180 Million Euro.

(Sept. 5, 2017 - Source: Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images Europe)

They are building for the future. Just a few weeks ago, PSG snapped up Barcelona’s highly rated youth player, the 16-year-old Dutch, Xavi Simmons. A solid prospect who is yet to make a full professional debut for any club but already in the public eye. They also acquired other youth players that include Mitchel Bakker from Ajax. Even at that start of Tuchel’s PSG managerial career, we noticed the young blood from their academy that include Moussa Diaby, Timothy Weah and Christopher Nkunku getting some first team football. Something which has been quite rare in recent times. Their reluctance to sell USMNT’s international, Timothy Weah but rather sending him on loan also reinforces this strategy.

It’s still unclear whether overachievers such as world cup winner, Kylian Mbappe would stay long term to realise the fruits of their visionary labors and approach to go under the radar, build from within but also periodically strengthen problem areas with substance as opposed to just stars. Especially given the fact that Mbappe has previously spoken about “new challenges.” However, if they be really on the path they seem to be on, they could very much be in a position to do without Mbappe if it comes to that, just as proper teams do. They evolve and quickly adapt.

PROBABLE FUTURE

Most of all this sound good and all but the real evidence of change, new found attitudes and prospects can only be extracted on the field of play. We will be keeping tabs with them as the new Ligue 1 season and champions league campaigns kick-off.

Hopefully, the Parisian fans will be able to properly shout, ‘’Ici Ce Paris’’ again. Perhaps with some silver in their mouth, not silver spoons.

UCL Highlights: Marega unleashed, AS Roma deceased, & the Manchester Miracle

Mali’s Marega outstanding as FC Porto advance at the expense of AS Roma

Moussa Marega of FC Porto celebrates scoring Porto goal in action during the match between FC Porto v Everton FC for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 22, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 21, 2018 - Source: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Europe)

He was missing in the first leg played in Italy and Porto had to succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of last year’s semi-finalists. This 27-year-old, Marega, was a real clutch for the Primeira Liga side who finished unbeaten in the UCL group stages as he became the first African to score in five consecutive champions league matches. His return to the starting line-up couldn’t have been any better. Within 25 minutes, the Beast won the ball from an unsuspecting Roma defender, fed up Jesus Corona and sped to receive the ball and cut it back to Francisco Soares for the home side’s opener. A dream start that levelled the aggregate score and put Porto on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals, only if they could keep the clean sheet.

It was not to be as some rush defending led to a Roma penalty in the 37th minute, which Daniele De Rossi comfortably slotted home past the world cup winner, Iker Casillas. The 2017/18 champions had to go again and this time, Marega was on the receiving end as he netted in the 52nd minute, for his 6th goal in 6 Champions League appearances, an historic feat only achieved by five other global footballers.

In the end, VAR had the final say as it seems to be doing these days as Porto were awarded a penalty in the 117th minute of extra time. Alex Telles made no mistake as he converted to send the Portuguese champions through to the quarter-finals.

Lukaku bags a brace as Ole’s United shock PSG

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 19, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

There is really something going on with the Manchester United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 46-year-old is almost always getting everything right in his 6 months tenure as the Red Devils’ caretaker boss. United went into the second leg of the UCL round of 16 needing a miracle as they had fallen to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of the Parisians. The entire story between the two teams actually became earmarked by the blessing in disguise of having injured players.

In Manchester, Ole was hit by the element of surprise as Thomas Tuchel made the most of his squad without Cavani or Neymar. The German outsmarted Ole by setting up a midfield of five that obliterated Pogba and set Mbappe on his way. On the other hand, Manchester United travelled to Paris without the suspended Pogba, Sanchez, Martial, Herrera, Matic and many other first team players. Ole pulled one over Tuchel and set up a more conservative side with a defensive line of five relied on catching PSG on the break. Of course the Ligue 1 side looked tame throughout the match and their figured approach didn’t bear a lot of fruits. Instead they made errors which Romelu Lukaku hungrily capitalised on, needing no second invitation, one in the 2nd minute and another in the 30th minute. The decider was another VAR decision which awarded the visitors a penalty in the 90th minute. Only the word miracle can describe United’s progression into the quarter-finals, all the decisions and mistakes of the night worked in their favor. The star studded Parisian side was humbled to yet another UCL early exit and my earlier assessment of their apathy for champions league glory may be realer than the word itself.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane and Tottenham silenced the Yellow-Wall at Signal Iduna Park as they grabbed a narrow 1-0 victory that allowed them to advance to the quarter-finals on a 4-0 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund.

10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #8 Timothy Weah

No matter how good some players are, football players or otherwise – they kind of need a bigger turf or neighbourhood to show that they belong, to prove that they have the “it” factor. Such is the story of some of the most exciting professional footballers in the game today, they can only become as big as the club they play for and we have a few names that many would want to see move to other pastures. Some have been rumoured away from their clubs and some haven’t but sooner rather than later, transfers are inevitable. Now, let’s talk about the son of a legend.

Timothy Weah of the United States is challenged by Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the International Friendly match between England and United States at Wembley Stadium on November 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Nov. 14, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Son of Liberia’s president and the 1995 Balon d’Or winner, Timothy Weah, has had to frequently watch his PSG teammates from the sidelines despite his huge talent. The 18-year-old looked like the most favoured of the youth graduates by Thomas Tuchel at Parc de Princes, getting significant chances to shine in pre-season. With the highest scoring average of 72.5 minutes per goal ahead of all of the Parisians’ forwards that include Neymar and Mbappe, one would think he deserves a mention on Tuchel’s team sheets. The arrival of Cameroonian international, Eric Maxim Choupo Moting who has netted only once in 12 outings further reduced the chances of the teenager getting some needed game time. The American international and his mother Clar Weah, who taught him the game and still oversees his development both agree that “he is still tender” and can afford to be more patient in waiting on his chance. However, his fans can hardly wait, once mesmerized by his pace, intricate dribbles and swagger off the pitch, being a rapper in his own right, they want to see more. He is very much an integral part of the new generation USMNT comprising of the likes of Dortmund’s exciting Christian Pulisic and has many Americans on their toes.

The positive news is that the likes of Amiens, Strasbourg, Bayer Leverkusen, Sassaulo are among many others who have expressed interest in loaning his services. The wait may soon be over for the Weah fans.

“His fans can hardly wait, once mesmerized by his pace, intricate dribbles and swagger off the pitch, being a rapper in his own right, they want to see more.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

UCL Matchday 3 Preview: After Salah and Co. struggled with Koulibaly, next up is the challenge of PSG's 'MEN'

Paulo Dybala of Juventus battles for the ball with Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli during the Srie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: gabriele maltinti/Getty Images Europe)

Here at FirstTouch, our affection and appreciation for Napoli and Senegalese centre back, Kalidou Koulibaly has never been a secret. Time and time again, we have made cases as to why he is one of the best centre backs in the world of soccer today. On one of the biggest stages to showcase yourself as a footballer, the UEFA Champions League, the 27-year-old Senegalese has done even more than that. On matchday 2 of the 2018/19 Champions League campaign, Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation.

The UEFA Champions League matchday 3 is on us and Napoli will travel to Paris. It’s one of those fixtures you just have to look forward to. Paris St Germain have all the rights to be more than confident heading into this one especially after being the only European club remaining, that has won all its domestic league matches. That is 10 wins in 10 French Ligue 1 matches for PSG. Their weekend fixture against Amiens, where they ran away 5-0 winners is the perfect momentum anyone needs heading into a match of this magnitude. Before that one, Mbappe bagged four goals as they ran riot over Lyon in another 5-0 demolition. Still rolling back the days, Tuchel’s men had beat Red Star Belgrade 6-1 on matchday 2 of the UCL.  A welcome result after the opening loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Napoli have not been bad either, winning all their last three matches in all competitions and more importantly in the Koulibaly conversation, keeping a clean sheet in all the three matches. They currently sit second on the Italian Serie A table, four points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus.

“Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal 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)

As far as the champions league is concerned, Napoli occupy first position of group C with four points. A win in France would consolidate their position at the top ahead of Liverpool and PSG who both have 3 points. And would surely put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages before the return leg in Naples. What’s also true is that all of PSG’s investments and efforts have been towards winning a UCL trophy. With their form and the deadly trio of Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar, nicknamed MEN, expected to lead their attack on Wednesday, entertainment is almost guaranteed.

It goes without saying that PSG will most likely dominate possession and push through for a win with everything. A draw away from home, will not be so bad for table topping Napoli. Central to a solid Napoli performance to deny MEN, will be the Senegalese mountain man and his defensive partners. He has done it before against Liverpool’s fast and counter attacking FAB 3, my money will be on the African centre back repeating the same feat on Wednesday.

FT French Ligue 1 Preview: PSG must win the UEFA Champions League to keep Neymar

The Brazilian sensation left Barcelona in a bid to step out of Messi’s shadow and achieve his goals of winning the Ballon d’Or at the French giants Paris-Saint Germain. He hoped that the club’s recruitment policy would give him an edge when the tournament commences and that they would be able to recruit the best players who would be able to compete at the highest level. Last season, PSG failed to make it past Real Madrid in the round-of-16. This year, they will have to do better than that if they are to stand a chance to fend off interest from the likes of Real Madrid in keeping their star player at the club. In this feature story, we look at how the club can be able to win the title.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Neymar of PSG embrace at half time during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Bernabeu on February 14, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Feb. 13, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

The recruitment of the Italian and Juventus legend, Gianluigi Buffon to beef up their goalkeeper position is nothing but a positive signing for the club. The legend brings his vast amount of experience to a squad that looked out of character when they were dispatched by Real Madrid last year. PSG needed a commanding number 1, and they have got their man who will organise his defence and hopefully prevent the best players in the world from scoring past him. Apart from that, he also brings his winning mentality. Buffon won the last 7 Serie A titles in a row with Juve and is also a 2006 FIFA World Cup winner. He has been around for a long time and knows how to compete. The UEFA Champions League title is a trophy that has eluded him, and he will be as hungry as Neymar to win it this year.

Football is a team sport. Neymar cannot win the trophy on his own. He will need his teammates to bring their A game to the table if they really want him to stay at the Parc des Princes. This means that players like Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have to bring their World Cup form to Paris and help Neymar push for the title. The former is a teenage sensation who shined at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia but was went hiding when PSG faced Real Madrid in the 2017/18 season. He should be looking to grow from that experience and carry his form into the coming season. Cavani was also at the focal point of Uruguay’s success at the tournament before picking up an injury that kept him out of the squad that was eliminated by France. The whole team has to be at their best this season and play to Neymar’s strengths if they want him to lead them to European glory.

Neymar of Brazil reacts after a missed opportunity during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belguim at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia.

(July 5, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

There are rumours that PSG wants to sign N’Golo Kante from Chelsea this season. The 27-year old is a midfield destroyer who has been at the heart of successes of the best teams in recent years. He first led his club Leicester to the EPL title in 2015/16 before winning it again the following year with Chelsea. This year, he was trusted with the defensive responsibilities in the French team that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy. N’Golo Kante is famous for stopping Messi, arguably the world’s best player, in his tracks and preventing Argentina from making it to the quarter-final stage. PSG need a player like Kante who could strike a partnership with Marco Verratti in the spine of the French team and protect the backline. Whether the club will actually get to sign him from the English side remains to be seen, but it is clear that they would stand a better chance of winning the most prized asset in European club football if they have the defensive midfielder on their books.

Sometimes a good run in the tournament requires some bit of luck. The draw did not favour the club in the previous season. PSG were unfortunate to face the defending champions in the round-of-16 in the 2017/18 season . This year, they would want to avoid the biggest teams in the tournament at the early stage as they build momentum. However, some argue that you have to beat the best teams in the competition to be called the best. What do you think that PSG has to do to keep Neymar at the club after this season?

FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Leroy Sane - Germany

Most arguably the biggest omission of them all. Leroy Sane, one of the best players in Manchester City’s title-winning squad, has been left out of the German team to compete at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. No one could have predicted that he would not make it having scored 14 goals and contributing 17 assists in the most competitive league in the world, the English Premier League. He also won PFA Young Player of the Year. Surely, Joachim Low has made a big decision that could backfire against him. He prefers Brandt and Draxler who have a combined 16 goals and 9 assists in the 2017/18 season. Clearly, these two are not on the 22-year old’s level which leaves us wondering. Why is it that he has been dropped out of that German squad? We need answers!

FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: #2 - Alexander Lacazette

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Alexander Lacazette - France

Alexander Lacazette has reasons to be extremely disappointed as he will not be flying to Russia with the French National Team to play in the World Cup this summer. After making a triumphant return with Arsenal following a mid-season knee injury, his goals helped guide Arsenal to the UEFA Europa League Final. French manager, Didier Deschamps, pointed to Lacazette perhaps not impressing him over the last two years as opposed to his recent form. During the last international friendlies, Lacazette and Anthony Martial were both decisive players and Lacazette scored against Germany. Nevertheless, a massive snub indeed, and some of the French media have focused on the fact that Deschamps has chosen more versatile attackers that are capable of playing in multiple positions and tactically assuming multiple roles. Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann are most likely the starting attacking players and with players like Nabil Fekir and Ousmane Dembele also in the 23-man group, France certainly may not regret Lacazette’s absence.

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.

Liberian President’s son, Weah, scores debut goal for USA

PSG forward, Timothy Weah opened his USA goals account with a cool 58th-minute finish after receiving a cross from Everton’s Antonee Robinson. It was the 18-year-old’s second appearance for The Stars and the Stripes and his full international senior debut after coming on as a late substitute in his first match where the USA won 1-0 over Paraguay in a March friendly.

Timothy’s goal was amongst three scored by a young USA team averaging 22-years-old that scooped a clean 3-0 victory over Bolivia. The team’s setup is largely seen as a rebuilding exercise for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after the North American nation failed to qualify for this year’s finals in Russia. Weah was born in New York City to the African legendary footballer, George Weah and has since appeared for USA Under-14, 15 and 17 teams. He has opted to play for USA full-time other than the country of his parents birth where his father currently serves as President.

His father, George Weah, who still is the only African player to have won the FIFA World Player of The Year and Ballon D’Or award has also hinted on interest to back the join USA, Mexico and Canada bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup against fellow African nation Morocco’s request.

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 Top World Cup Snubs: #1 - Mauro Icardi

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Mauro Icardi - Argentina

Mauro Icardi has been exempted from the FIFA World Cup 2018 Squad for Argentina. Many analysts have come out to say that the Inter Milan striker is so unfortunate to be playing in the age of great attacking options for the country with players like Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Lionel Messi. Nonetheless, the player has done enough to deserve a place in the squad. The role of the striker is to score goals and Icardi has just done that for his club this season scoring 30 goals in 38 matches. This rate is better than Higuain and Dybala’s returns this season who played in the same competitions with the player but only managed 27 and 26 each respectively. There are not many players as gifted as the young 25-year old at finishing but Jorge Sampaoli could not trust that he would bring them success in the tournament which raises questions about how these decisions are made. The player evidently had a better season than many but is omitted from the squad which proves that he falling short because he represents a smaller club than his counterparts.

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 Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #3 - Mario Götze

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Mario Götze - Germany

This one is quite shocking. Who would have ever thought that Mario Götze of all people, would be left out by Joachim Low. The attacking midfielder won Germany the FIFA World Cup in 2014 by scoring the goal that made the difference against Argentina in the final. He controlled the cross from the left and finished past Romero on the 112th minute. This gutted Lionel Messi who went on to retire from the national team. The young German became a hero for his goal which gifted Germany with the World Cup and many assumed that he would be repaid by a place in the final squad. The player has not had a terrible season either having made 38 appearances across all competitions which yielded 3 goals and 6 assists. Surely, Goetze deserved more from his team but the coach thinks otherwise. At the end of the day, Low probably sees that the player delivered when asked to but is now surplus to requirements. Such is the life of a footballer. One moment you’re idolized and the next, you’re insignificant.

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 Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #4 - Renato Sanches

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Renato Sanches - Portugal

Young Portuguese prodigy, Renato Sanches had a breakout season in the 2015/16 season which earned him a place in the Portugal national team at the UEFA Euro 2016. Ronaldo’s team went on to win the tournament for the first time and the youngster was influential with his second half cameos. Since then, the young midfielder joined Bayern Munich, failed to compete for a starting spot before being shipped out on loan to Swansea this season. The player struggled to make the first team at Swansea who were relegated. He had so much promise which persuaded Bayern Munich into paying £27.5m for his services from Benfica but his trajectory is gradually declining. He will not be a part of the Portugal team that will compete at the FIFA World Cup Russia and he has no one to blame. 20-years of age and is already regarded as an extravagant option. He would not have imagined this, not in a million years.