The 2019/20 season is almost upon us. And for several young players across Europe it will be a campaign in which they cement themselves as future stars. Many are likely to burst onto the scene in much the same fashion as Kylian Mbappé did in 2016. Others will require a little more patience, only realising their potential with continued first-team exposure. Player development is not an exact scienc...
“Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!” Clive Tyldesley exclaimed, instantly coining one of the most iconic pieces of commentary in Premier League history. Rooney went on to achieve bonafide legend status in England’s top flight, becoming Manchester United‘s all-time top scorer before returning to Everton for a criminally underrated second stint at his boyhood club, 15 years aft...
Pre-season used to be about getting a squad fit. Managers would take players away and run them into the ground in an attempt to shed the weight they’d gained over the summer break. It’s different these days. Now, players are expected to return in top condition. Coaches use their time to work on new ideas, bed in new signings and give opportunities to highly-rated youngers. Pre-season is no longer...