The False Nine debutant, Nathan Carr, takes a look at some of the emerging talents in La Liga…
Many are firmly aware of La Liga’s never-ending conveyor-belt of scintillating talent – but while the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, inevitably, continue to enliven Spanish football we mustn’t forget those youthful, fresh-faced folk who are waiting to set the stage alight. Here are three emerging talents from Spain’s top-flight. Continue reading
Scott Jenkins assesses Barcelona’s European prospects in the wake of their midweek defeat in Milan…
On Wednesday night AC Milan defeated Barcelona in the first leg of the super 16 stage of the Champions League. They take a 2 nil advantage going into the reverse fixture at the Camp Nou and there can be no mistaking that it is deservedly so.
The Rossoneri were the better team on the night. They defended well to reduce space and angles for Barca to offer many meaningful interchanges in and around their penalty area to threaten their goal. And when the opportunity presented itself, they stole possession and burst forward to attack with a bravery rarely seen against Barcelona. Continue reading
Kyle Hulme previews the Champions League clash between two heavyweights of the European game…
The San Siro has hosted some of the greatest European football nights the world has ever seen, yet perhaps none where the home team is as unfancied as Milan are on Tuesday.
Despite both teams finishing second in their leagues last season, Milan and Barcelona couldn’t have had more contrasting starts to this one. Continue reading
In the latest of The False Nine’s series looking back the events of 2012, James Dutton reflects on the the most in vogue tactical trend of the year and the marvellous Spanish…
Taking to his platform on the Guardian, Jonathan Wilson, author of ‘Inverting the Pyramid’ discussed some of the tactical trends of the past 12 months. Unsurprisingly possession football and the example of Spain and Barcelona was high up the list.
Excitement across the footballing world mounts as El Clásico looms; False Nine editor James Dutton examines a new era of this intense rivalry…
Ushering in a new era – Mourinho and Vilanova on friendlier terms
Six rounds into the Spanish league season and its most defining fixture is upon us already. Despite the 2012-13 La Liga season being in its formative stage, its importance has escalated in the face of the polarising league form of the two combatants – Barcelona and Real Madrid. Continue reading
In anticipation of the resumption of football’s premier club cup competition, James Dutton delves into the historic past of this captivating tournament…
The 2012-13 incarnation of the Champions League marks 20 years since its inception as a radical reformation of the European Cup. Continue reading