Year of the Underdogs an Exclusive Look at How Leicester City and Portugal Defied the Odds in 2016 FOOTBALL NEWS from the HEART of AFRICA

THE ANNUAL 352.COM.NG FOOTBALL REVIEW - ISSUE #2 - DECEMBER 2016

Tactics Talk Going East Back Threes: The Good, the Can China succeed where the Bad & the Ugly USA has tried and failed?

Year of the Underdogs An exclusive look at how Leicester City and Portugal defied the odds in 2016 FOOTBALL NEWS FROM THE HEART OF AFRICA

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2 ReviewISSUE #2 DECEMBER 2016

Content 04 Editor’s note 22 Cover Story: Year of the underdogs Peter Akinnusi CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-chief Adegun Shola 07 2017 Predictions 24 Can China succeed where the MLS Team Ayoola Kelechi has tried and failed? Nteoniro Bertram Design/Layout Clinton Mcdubus 10 What next? Preparing for life in a post 27 The defensive midfielder Dapo Oyeowo Messi/Ronaldo world. Zubair Abdulahi Goodness Otemuyiwa Managing Editor 12 Back Threes: The Good, The Bad 30 Road to Russia Jibril Baba and The Ugly Naseer Na’Allah Tomiwa Yussuf 34 2016 in numbers Assistant Editor Victor Okafor The “World Class” debate 16 Yahaya Mohammed 35 Hot Prospects: The official 352 Ibrahim Olalekan Under 21 XI 18 Super Eagles all-time XI Social Media Yorisola Oduwobi

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3 Photo: Glyn Kirk/Getty Images Woof! 2016. What. A. Year. Apart from killing entire swathes and villages of people, New Year Issue - a product of hilarious debates & dive in and gobble up every single word. We salute our it was the year that taught us all a thing or two about brainstorming sessions to serve you great, community partners who have worked with us to ensure you get the surprises. It also showed that what lot of people never oriented content - nestles safely in your possession. best consistently and we’re excited for the treats we have expect to happen can still occur nonetheless. in store for you. From the sum up of the year’s biggest football stories to The year of the ‘underdog’ it was. I mean, we saw all saluting Nigeria’s greatest ever players, it was important I believe we’re all set for a far better year ahead, so sorts of unlikely events leave us with mouths agape; to make sure it was all about you, our top class readers. please enjoy our gift to you as 2017 serves us many Trump. The Cleveland Cavaliers. FIFA. Leicester City. In this issue we made predictions for the year ahead, more brilliant football moments. Let’s do this again in Portugal. (The jury is still out on what emotion to assign provided tactical insights to help you look and sound hip 12 months shall we? to the Super Eagles missing out on the African Nations when next you hang with the gang, and also served up Cup). some fun trivia for the road. Cheers,

Here at 352, we’re a fun group devoted to the fans of the Some of the biggest stories from the site, which you beautiful game. We just had to give you, our amazing should absolutely bookmark by the way, were included Peter readers a great gift to close the year. Hence, this special as part of the package and boy, we can’t wait for you to

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5 2017 Predictions by Yahaya Mohammed BIG CLUB DEPARTURES Chelsea FC What a difference one summer can make, from world class talent and key player for both Chelsea and Spain to not being able to get game time for either. Closing in on the big 30, he could be looking to move on and would not lack suitors. The perception that he is a “lazy” player will hardly bother teams who would be honoured to have him don their colours. Alongside the Catalan in the potential “Out” tray at Cobham are John Mikel Obi who has lost his place on the bench and looks unlikely to get a game as well as John Terry who can barely get a look in these days even in Kurt Zouma’s enforced absence. Could the legendary Blue be on his way? He wants to stay but Antonio Conte could have a couple of new faces to keep David Luiz and the gang company at the back. Manchester United

The Red Devils have so many demons to expel, a few could be hiding within the playing staff at Old Trafford. Where to start from? Maybe Morgan Schneiderlin? The Frenchman seemed on course for a world class career after an enigmatic rise at Southampton but it’s all gone downhill. After another season playing second fiddle, surely he’s had enough. On the way out with him should be the Ronald Koeman “Save a fellow Dutchman” target, Memphis Depay. The ex-PSV winger has simply failed to justify the expectations of the United faithful and is sorely in need of a fresh start. He is still young but the same can’t be said of Bastian Schweinsteiger whose travails under Jose Mourinho have led to Bayern Chief, Uli Hesse sharing his revenge plans against the Manchester club with the public. For the German midfielder, interest from the MLS as well as Brazil should give a clue as to his next destination. However, his slow reintegration into first team affairs could muddle his exit plan up. Watch this space. Transfers

6 Arsenal FC Transfers Arsenal: It may be extremely painful talk to consider for the Gunners but Alexis Sanchez has a good chance of leaving the Emirates, especially after contract talks have stalled in the past few weeks. The Chilean has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal. It actually comes as a surprise that the North London side only gave the former Udinese forward a 4-year contract considering his huge transfer fee in 2014. Perhaps, he never intended to stay this long and is holding on for a bigger slice of pie, or the club is biding its time. Either way it is a cause of concern. Additionally, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may leave to find better prospects for first team football just like Jack Wilshere at Bournemouth. Liverpool, Spurs There seems to be little to expect in terms of big names departing from both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Perhaps, Sturridge might want to leave for a starting berth, but with his only competition being Firmino and Coutinho out for the beginning of the year, it seems his chances might improve. Mammadou Sakho’s days as a red are surely numbered. Jurgen Klopp is not one for messing about and the culmination of the feud between the two could see Tony Pulis and West Brom reaping one ripe French defender. In London, Moussa Sissoko’s record transfer to the club has not stopped Mauricio Pochettino from criticising his work ethic. If there are no positive changes soon we could see the Frenchman leaving White Hart Lane in less than glorious circumstances. He ought to ask the likes of Bentaleb for counsel on this.

SMALLER CLUB DEPARTURES Southampton, Leicester, Everton Romelu Lukaku is expected to leave Everton in 2017, although figuring out a definite buyer is a tall order especially if you consider the bales of cash being pumped into the Premiership these days. More teams are less susceptible to seeing their squads plundered by the bigger teams.

That does not mean a Southampton Exodus is not to be expected. The annual tradition of the Saints squad being ripped apart is set to continue as they unsurprisingly continue buying/producing very good talent. It would be stunning if Dutch Man Mountain, Virgil van Dijk remains at St. Mary’s with his stellar performances. The Saints always find a way to cope anyway.

Riyad Mahrez has to decide if his talent is worthy of bigger stages or if the King Power Stadium is his upper limit. Despite a new contract he signed off on, Leicester City’s frail attempt to defend the title could do the trick, convincing him his immediate future lies elsewhere.

7 TACTICAL TRENDS Three at the back The latest tactical itch seems to come from the three at the back bug which Louis van Gaal likes to think he first infected England with. More teams are catching this age old fever with the likes of Chelsea sold on its merits completely. “Whenever unfamiliar Whenever unfamiliar tactical plans are introduced tactical plans are and prove to be successful, other teams tend to hop introduced and prove on the bandwagon hoping to produce similar results. to be successful, other Spurs used three at the back to nullify Arsenal during the North London derby with arguable levels of teams tend to hop on the success, Pep “I do not coach tackles” Guardiola, not bandwagon hoping to fully confident in his backline is shopping for a new defender but has deployed a back three several times produce similar results.” and even Slaven Bilic has turned to the same tactic for help with West Ham’s underwhelming season too. Expect it to become the new “tiki-taka” or “pressing” for the foreseeable future.

The Vanishing Number 10 Mata, Christian Eriksen and Philippe Coutinho have been pushed out wide while others such as Silva and Barkley have had to adapt to more disciplined central or deep roles. And these are the lucky ones! Think of Fabregas who can’t get minutes anymore, he is simply not just needed. However, this decline of number 10’s doesn’t end in the Premier League. In the La Liga, world class tal- “A lot of them such as ents such as James Rodriguez and Isco can hardly get playing time despite a multitude of injuries. When Dmitri Payet, Juan Mata, they do, they are often inserted out wide or restrict- Christian Eriksen and ed to central lanes of play only. Same for the leading clubs in the Bundesliga or Serie A who rarely have Philippe Coutinho have use for the old fashioned, attacking midfielder types. been pushed out wide The Premiership is gradually witnessing Alternatively, most teams either use a Front three the decline of the number 10 as most (Sometimes with a false nine who drops deep), or while others such as teams no longer play with a fantastista a system of a primary striker and secondary striker Silva and Barkley have or trequartista and have instead opted tasked with trying to create chances for his partner had to adapt to more for more robust energy packed mid- like other midfielders should. fields. disciplined central or A good example is the Ibrahimović – Rooney part- deep roles” Apart from Arsenal, and occasionally nership where Mata carries a bigger creative burden Man City, no other team in the top half but both strike partners fashion chances for each oth- consistently uses an advanced player regularly. There is the Kane – Alli variation where maker with a free role, roaming as they Dembélé/Eriksen are both expected to pitch in with wish. Well, what has happened to all the key passes. This shows a clear tactical trend to forma- creative midfielders then? So far theytions where energy based players are employed in the have had to adapt to different roles. centre. Numerous managers now feel the need to not allow more than one player (usually the striker) re- A lot of them such as Dmitri Payet, Juan main ahead of the ball, without any defensive duties.

8 TACTICAL TRENDS Return of the destroyers Consistent with the trend of energetic Francois Coquelin who has been starting central players, more teams are starting most games. Fernandinho is keeping a to revert to the archetypal holding starting berth at Guardiola’s City and midfielders as opposed to deep lyinghas been praised so many times by the playmakers which had become more Catalan. popular recently. This retro surge of midfield destroyers Since Guardiola’s Barcelona squad has coincided with the rise and rise peaked in 2009, more squads were of Ngolo Kante, he of the “covers infused with the more glamorous more ground than water covers the defensive midfielders in the Xabi Alonso, earth” fame. The Frenchman was the Andrea Pirlo and Michael Carrick mould. heartbeat of an exciting title run from The anchor man role did not disappear Leicester City last season and since he altogether, it just became less focused moved to join Conte’s blue revolution on. However, in recent times teams have at Chelsea, his imperious performances started to appreciate the hard-working have boosted a side from identity crisis midfield anchor man again. and turmoil to the very summit of English football. We can expect more of Although, Arsenal signed Granit Xhaka his ilk to start popping up across several (a deep lying playmaker) during the teams in 2017. summer, surprisingly, it has been

Hull City remains an enigmatic club in terms of how the Tigers are handled. Managers like Alan Pardew who led Crystal Palace to the FA Cup final and Steven Bilic who led West Ham to the Europa League could make it till the summer but even that is not a given. Less expected managerial changes could include Tony Pulis who has sent subliminal messages saying West Brom could be his last job in football . This, shortly after vehemently defending himself against disgruntled Bagies fans exasperated by his distinct brand of football, is bemusing to say the least . Additionally, it is hard to imagine West Brom’s new Chinese owners took on the Birmingham club project to remain stagnant. Even with the team in the top half of the table, in this world of instant expectations, it is assumed they would probably go after something shinier than Pulis and his “solid” brand of football. Finally, a more expected managerial casualty that may occur is that of José Mourinho. It most likely won’t be solely because of his petulant displays (beware, errant In recent Premier League seasons, the number of water bottles) from the technical area or constant managerial changes has remained phenomenally public feuds with players, it would likely be a brand high. Hordes of changes at the helm always occur and issue for Manchester United. The Red Devils have a 2017 might not be different in that regard. With new clause in their deal with Adidas, which asserts that money comes new expectations. After Leicester’s they cannot fail to qualify for the Champions League fairy-tale, every club Chairman has this pipe dream of in consecutive seasons or they risk a 30% cut in their being able to achieve the same (probably even Hull record kit deal. For a club that just posted figures City). The sky is now truly the limit. Mediocrity will not indicating a loss for the last fiscal year, that is a cut be accepted, even if a manager survives the season they cannot afford to entertain. The figure represents in a respectable position, the availability of another an estimated loss of £30m in the kit deal alone, MANAGERS manager that will potentially improve the team excluding the estimated £28m of prize money they’ll massively will lead to their subsequent replacement. miss out on for not making it to the group stage of This was the case at Watford last season with Walter Europe’s premier club competition. Mazzari coming for Quique Flores despite the latter’s impressive work. Factor in another potential loss in matchday revenue and it snowballs into a situation the Glazers-owned The obvious choice for getting the boot first? David club must be keen to avoid. If they fail to crack the Moyes, who oversees bottom club Sunderland and Top 4 once again could we see the axe fall at Old cannot just catch a break it seems. Who else? Mike Trafford for the 3rd time since Alex Ferguson retired? Phelan who barely managed to secure the job in the first place.

9 What Next? Preparing for life in a Post Messi & Ronaldo world by Ayoola Kelechi

he thought of football without these 2 juggernauts is absurd and terrifying. Then again, my people say “body no Tbe firewood.”At 29 and 31 respectively, Lionel Messi and Antoine Cristiano Ronaldo are steping into twilight territory. Very soon, the pair of otherworldly beings will call time on their careers and maybe, just maybe, normalcy can return. Griezmann He has been Runner up to Ronaldo once in the Champions Naysayers have accused Ronaldo of being past his prime, of League, once at the European Championships and once in losing his touch. He routinely responds to these with a hat trick the UEFA Player of the Year awards. I think it is safe to say or two and a few camera daring poses to go with them. The that nobody is more desperate for Ronaldo to retire than this same of course can be said of Messi who regularly shows the man. He has been at Atletico Madrid since 2014 and was brilliant in their almost successful cup run in the Champions footballing community time and again he is still more than League in 2016. capable of deciding matches on his own. Grizou was also vital for France as they reached the final of It may not be happening tomorrow, but it will happen eventually. Euro 2016 scoring 6 goals (the most by any player at a single So what do we do when it does? Where do we go? Who do we tournament since 1984). watch? Who will be the exalted footballing demi gods? Who will save us from mediocrity? He is a fox in the box and is generally difficult to mark or pin down. His sweet, precise left foot and remarkable adeptness for someone his size sets him apart. He is an excellent team Maybe these guys? player and links up well very well with other forwards. At this rate, either a bigger club comes calling or he does more to stake a claim as the world’s best player after the top dogs bow out. Neymar

Messi’s team mate at Barcelona, the pair often exchange romantic gestures on and off the pitch, assisting each other’s goals and lauding Gareth Bale each other to the media. The perfect couple. Messi himself sees Neymar as his successor at The mercurial Welsh man has been team mates Barça and in the world of football generally with Ronaldo for 3 seasons now. Since becoming (high praise indeed). the most expensive player in the world (he is now behind Paul Pogba in that regard), he’s become Such praise is not unwarranted though. comfortable at the very top. 2 UCLs and 65 goals Neymar has achieved so much in his career, the later and he has developed into one of the most Copa Libetadores, UEFA Champions League, feared forwards in the world today. he is the current 4th highest goal scorer for the Brazilian National team (which he has, like With Ronaldo, he has worked in tandem to create Atlas, hauled on his shoulders for a while now) one of the most lethal attacks in modern football to name a few, and all this at the age of 24. along with Karim Benzema. He has been Wales’ talisman, he had an unreal 63% of their goals in He has electrifying pace, an extensive gallery qualifying for Euro 2016 and was fantastic for the of skills and a keen eye for goal. Such is the stuff Dragons as they reached the semi-finals. that world beaters are made of and Neymar is certainly one of them. Some have claimed he He is one of the fastest players on the planet and combines qualities in both Ronaldo and Messi has a ferocious left foot and an incredible leap too. but perhaps only time will tell. He is a player moulded in the image of Ronaldo and could very well pick up the mantle from his Galactico colleague once Ronaldo decides to call time on his career.

10 Paulo Dybala If Bale is moulded in Ronaldo’s image, then Dybala is certainly moulded in Messi’s image. The fleet-footed forward has been arguably Juventus’ best player since he got there in 2015 after his 13 goals and 10 assists the previous season for Palermo persuaded the Bianconeri to part with €32m + add-ons.

His skill on the ball is matched by his intelligence off it, and even though he may not score as frequently as his National team captain (who does really?) his impact in any team he plays for can never really be overestimated. His respectable return of 27 goals in 57 games for Juventus is one to sit up and notice.

In the coming years his performances could just vault him to the heights both Ronaldo and Messi call home. Even though we dread the day Messi and Ronaldo will regress below the level that they currently play one, I believe that one of these guys could definitely step up. We’ll see someone other than the famous duo since 2008 not just pick up the FIFA Ballon d’Or but also continue the record shattering, mind boggling feats of 2 of the greatest players to ever bless our eyes with their magisterial football.

Eden Hazard

So much quality packed into such a small body. This former PFA Player of The Year endured a torrid 2015/2016 season but is back to his blistering best. He has the ability to go past players as if they were mere cones on an obstacle course and is deadly in the box especially when cutting in from the left. Equally adept playing as a central attacking midfielder, he is very intelligent and has superb vision as has been seen several times since his rejuvenation under Antonio Conte. He also has a few trophies in his cabinet such as the Premiership title, Ligue 1, and the UEFA Europa league.

He is uncharacteristically strong for a player of his stature and is almost impossible to dispossess. You can almost always count on him to contribute with a goal or assist in every game. The Belgian was once mentioned as a peer of Ronaldo’s by Jose Mourinho, prompting double takes and incredulous stares. Maybe the Portuguese gaffer was on to something?

11 Back Threes: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly / by Jibril Baba

Football has evolved, so have football managers. tactical wilderness, it’s been brought back in from First, what is this back three thing one In their quest to find all conquering, winning the cold again. speaks of ? It features three centre-halves formulas some of them have discovered plenty spread out in a flat line flanked by a pair of wing- of life in an old idea: the back three. This set- But how much do we really know about the back backs. Different tweaks in terms of personnel up has been around for a long time but has three formation? What is a formation without the are favoured by different managers but the most been sporadically used and is starting to receive right balance and suitable players to execute it? common tactical choice is on the 3-5-2/3-4-3 worldwide recognition again. After so long in the spectrum.

12 rarely ventures higher up the pitch and must be three is failing to have stand-by players who can a good passer as he will break opposition play come in and blend directly with how the team and ignite counter-attacks (think Ngolo Kante plays. 9 times out of 10, such players are lacking at present day Chelsea). The second central in a team. Squad depth here becomes immensely midfielder will be confronted with many duels important. For instance, Victor Moses. Who can in the centre of the park, so he obviously has to replace him in the Chelsea squad if he eventually be great in the air. He also connects defense with shatters his ankle? How about the cohesive offense with his brilliant ball-playing skills and bond that David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar thus, cannot shy away from taking on opponents. Azpilicueta have formed at the back; do you think bringing Zouma into the side won’t maybe disrupt that bond? Recently, Juventus wobbled a bit as the famous ‘BBC’ trio (Bonucci, Barzagli, Two Attacking Midfielders are the twins Chiellini) got broken up. without no defensive liabilities. Swift on the ball, swift in thought and swift in each transition of play. They are required to play as high up the field as possible with one notably in and around the striker. With the wing-backs providing extra width, these chaps help out with goals and chance creation.

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Now, why would anyone opt for a back One midfielder often acts as a ‘destroyer’ and three? The back three creates space for an sits very close to the centre-halves. Another plays offensively oriented style of play to occur. With more centrally and is the link to attack from the two wing-backs pushing higher up the pitch, middle. Top it off with two Attacking Midfielders two Attacking Midfielders and one striker, the and a striker and you are open for business. team has an average of 5 offensive players in the opposition half during attacks. Ideally the centre-halves must be strong, great in the air and possess ball-playing abilities. The Most times, it’s devastating for the opponents yet latter quality is paramount as this formation breathtaking to watch. Orchestrating counter builds play from the back. For this reason, the attacks with this system can be absolutely The back three formation is built for certain defense line will be nearer to the midfield in this devastating as seen in the Manchester City/ type of players and you would be blessed or just set-up (say 20 yards). Furthermore, the left and Chelsea game earlier this month or the Holland/ merely fortunate to have them in abundance in right sided centre-halves must be considerably Spain game at the 2014 World Cup. your team. Moreover, the high intensity football fast as they will very often provide width for the that accompanies the back three option often overlapping wing-backs. The system also requires When the team loses the ball, the zonal marking requires meticulous medical management or the that marking be zonal and never man-to-man. system battle stations are manned immediately: team flirts with burnout before the season elapses. the two wing-backs becomes full-backs, and the The wing-backs are the hardest workers in the destroyer a sweeper. That’s a six-man defensive In conclusion, here are a few suggestions before team. The reason they were born is to provide shield against attacks! What’s not to love? you venture into the world of a back three: width – higher up the pitch when the team is in offensive mode – and then track back to defend What you should definitely avoid is poor 1. Pre-season should be gruesome! when the team is attacked. Defensive awareness is preparation (of course) and communication Double training sessions should be put key here and even more important is their ability (which is extremely important) or you run the in place (if you have an idea of your to run and run and run and… I’m sure you get risk of looking like absolute clowns. You do not first XI already, field them together simply pick up this tactic as an afterthought as as much as possible). Educating them the teams that employ I so well are often drilled on positioning and areas of play with into using the system under the guidance of strict videos and the occasional shouting or disciplinarians (van Gaal, Conte, Sacchi anyone?) cooing sessions (your choice really) is The defense is the biggest casualty when the important. system falls apart. A lack of communication between your centre-halves will definitely open 2. Give yourself room to fail (in pre- the gates to an epic whacking. season/training). Let your team focus on mastering the tenets of the set-up. Here is a simple tip: DO NOT EVER resort to The learning curve is there for you to this formation without the proper conditioning to make adequate adjustments. make it succeed. 3. You’ll need at least two versatile players To give an illustration, let’s look at the case of in your squad (see Joshua Kimmich and Aston Villa In 2012. Injuries to the wingers and David Alaba of Bayern, Daley Blind the poor form of the centre-half pairing saw on some days as well). They will be the Paul Lambert turn to a back three for help. It ones who fill in some holes unforeseen the picture. may have improved their fortunes a little but not circumstances can punch in the squad. without the 8-0 mauling at the hands of Chelsea, The centre-halves will love the destroyer because Villa’s highest ever league defeat. 4. Have a Plan B. he will sit closer to them and promptly take on the sweeper role when the team is defending. He It gets worse, the apocalyptic side of the back You’re ready.

13 STAR PLAYERS AND TEAMS

This season has seen many impressive have strung together not just wins, but displays, it is just a cause of concern that standout performances from players clean sheets and they look increasingly at key moments they might struggle to already and the PFA award looks like harder to beat. deliver the goods. there’ll be many disappointed figures when it is eventually announced. Guardiola’s team started very The traditional top 4 has been smashed However, with the season so far, a impressively but have gone down a gear, and with the introduction of the new prediction will be made to suggest or two. After lacklustre performances TV deal, a lot of smaller teams have how things may look at the end of against Spurs, Chelsea and Leicester quality players. Players that can be very the season. Obviously, many would City, one gets the feeling a few teams dangerous and will pounce on tired disagree, but predictions are simply just may have found a way round the teams. Also, the energetic display is that, predictions! Catalan’s intricate tactical setups. not extremely effective to teams who Additionally, his high press tactics are can remain disciplined and compact as TOP 4 OUTLOOK very unfavourable in the long term Burnley and Southampton have shown especially for a club with European this season. 1. Chelsea commitments. Write them off at your own peril though. They’ll go far during Many have prophesied that this is 2. Arsenal the season, perhaps not just far enough. Arsenal’s year. After all, the last time Wenger was in the final year of his 3. Liverpool Liverpool, are yet another team without contract he won the FA Cup. Arsenal Manchester City any European responsibilities and have not hit top form this season, they 4. have a very good chance of winning survived the dreaded November period Chelsea have gone on a great run the title especially with the energetic but December has brought a few however, could Conte’s lack of rotation gegenpressing that is proving successful wobbles with niggling injuries here and may end up costing the team? Senior so far. Nonetheless, I feel that this type there. Same old? Contract talks with the players like Cesc Fábregas (linked with of football may also prove to be their team’s biggest stars Alexis Sanchez and a move to China), Michy Batshuayi downfall, as it simply unsustainable Mesut Ozil are not so important but it and John Terry have had to play for across a whole season. It is difficult to would be wise to sort out their futures the Under 23s because they aren’t see Liverpool maintain such form in the as quickly as possible. At the end of the even able to scrape enough minutes absence of 3 or 4 key players. Injuries to day, every championship winning team in the first team squad. Think about it, Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho have needs a bit of luck, something Arsenal Batshuayi is 2nd in the pecking order for already caused a few hiccups. Same might have just found this season (if strikers! Perhaps, when the time comes with the controversy around keeper, you ignore the Champions League draw and they are needed, they will have to Loris Karius’ form as well as the Reds’ pitting them against Bayern Munich step up, as we have seen Willian do for leaky defence. It is not hard to see despite topping their group!) Eden Hazard on occasion. The Blues Jurgen Klopp’s side keep up the exciting

“Many have prophesied that this is Arsenal’s year. After all, the last time Wenger was in the final year of his contract he won the FA Cup.”

14 POTENTIAL PFA NOMINEES Eden Hazard: He looks set for another tremendous season after Conte’s formation change has done wonders for his form. He has also shaken off last season’s nightmare and is back on track in the journey to world domination. Alexis Sanchez: The Chilean workhorse seems to have found his true calling as a lone centre forward. He drops deep, goes to the wing, always keeps opposition defenders guessing and has enabled Arsenal to be more fluid this season. Philippe Coutinho: He seems to have rectified most of his flaws and emerged as a new player this season. His decision making has improved, his dribbling is more effective and certainly shoots with more precision. A vital player for Klopp’s title charge. Despite his injury, he remains one of the reasons many would tune in to watch the Premier League. Sergio Aguëro: Regarded by some as the Premier League’s only true world-class player and has already bagged 16 goals in 17 appearances this season, he is certainly living up to his supernatural standards. Harry Kane: He hasn’t got up to speed this season yet. Injuries as well as Tottenham’s overall schizophrenic form contributing to that. However, the young Englishman is as lethal as the best strikers in the league and is certain to improve as he gets more games. POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKAGES

Adam Forshaw Anyone that has had glimpse of a Middlesbrough game this season would have noticed a midfield maestro dictating their play and calmly putting in a shift. At 25, the former Everton academy graduate finally has his chance in the Premier League and he does not look out of place at all. Working under Aitor Karanka, who like his former boss Mourinho is not economical with his grip on the handbrakes, Forshaw’s graft has been commendable despite Boro’s lacklustre showings.

Victor Moses How does one talk of surprises without mentioning Victor Moses? After journeying from Wigan to Crystal Palace, Liverpool and West Ham with mixed success, the Super Eagles forward has found a place as Conte’s wingback. At the rate at which he is going, he could easily pass as the most improved player in the league, but let’s keep that tag open for the other decent contenders.

Idrissa Gueye Even though he was amongst the best tacklers last season, playing for bottom placed Aston Villa hardly provides any player with suitable recognition. He has since joined Everton and his performances might be finally given the credit that they deserve. From surviving horror tackles to keeping things moving at the heart of Ronald Koeman’s Everton, his Ngolo Kante impressions game after game have been a delight to watch this season. Expect a few big name enquiries for him in 2017.

15 THE WORLD CLASS DEBATE / by Clinton McDubus The term ‘World Class’ is one that is is always different. Being among the foremost in For the Gundogans and Kokes, we have to look constantly bandied around, ironically, the world is one thing, being of an international through boxes and tick accordingly. For them, more often in this era of ‘Squawka Stats’ standard of excellence is another. Would you say it seems to be arguable. Not everybody will say and ‘WhoScored Player Ratings’ and the a player is World Class just because he is the best they are. We will look for the boxes to tick and rest. I have seen people try to prove a in the world in his position? The natural answer consequently find it arguable. Perhaps someone player is world class with stats like key would be ‘yes’. That answer would probably who thinks they are would have a rethink after passes, take-ons and pass completion apply to most fields or careers but this is football. going through these boxes while someone else percentages. Although some of these This is football where we compare eras, match who thinks they aren’t would probably have a stats are sometimes useful, I feel they do players against standards of excellence and rethink after the boxes. So, are they? You decide. not always tell the story of a player’s true decide who doesn’t match up and who does. quality. So how then do we determine Football makes its own rules. Is Sadio Manè world class in the light of recent whether a player is World Class or not impressive performances? since we cannot completely rely on I have found that most football enthusiasts have statistics? very diverse views on what it means to be world There are two categories of World Class players, class. It does seem really hard to define. This in my opinion. First category comprises of The most important question is – what does should tell you all you need to know. How can players who would be World Class no matter the it mean to be World Class? The dictionary you tell if a player is World Class? For the Lionel era you put them in because they have reached definition is, ‘being among the best or foremost Messis and Cristiano Ronaldos, we just know. or surpassed a standard of excellence. The in the world; of an international standard of No need to tick boxes with players like that. You second category comprises of players who might excellence’. Ordinarily, this should make it easier don’t even have to look at their Ballon d’Or be World Class in one era but most likely regular and more straightforward but this is football. It cabinets. You just know they are World Class. players in a different era. That is, they are

16 some of the best players in the world but they maintained a high level and consistently put in purpose should be guide the debate/argument probably fall short of the standard of excellence. World Class displays for the entire season. But is not conclude it. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is he World Class? Is one season enough to become king, yadda yadda. I believe the era a player World Class if you consistently play at a level so At this point, I would like to mention that the is born into can go a long way in determining good that you become top 10 in your position world class-ness of a player matters, at least to whether or not he is considered World Class, for (on current form perhaps)? Would this mean me. World class-ness, as used here, is defined his era. that some of the above boxes can be exempted? as the true quality of a player. That is, just how I should also point out that a player can stop good a player really is regardless of those around Before we go on to the boxes from earlier, I shall being World Class perhaps because of injuries or him or in his era. Juan Roman Riquelme, for state a few postulates from what I observed. inexplicable loss of form over a sustained period. instance, is a player I consider to be one of the best to ever grace a football field. A highly No matter how good you are, you will probably Obvious examples are Radamel Falcao and intelligent player in his prime, he was perhaps not be seen as World Class if you don’t play Fernando Torres. The question now is, will their unlucky to have been born in an era where his for one of the biggest teams in the world (or at talents be questioned because they stopped being genius went unheralded because of the number least a big enough team consistently competing world class, when they retire? Does the fact they of great players in it. He also didn’t get to at a high level like Atletico or Dortmund). Ivan became quite poor make their being truly World compete in enough Uefa Champions League Rakitic, for instance, had two World Class Class on their day arguable? I don’t think so. campaigns. In spite of all this, his quality has seasons before joining Barcelona. He wasn’t Both players were devastating before the fall never been in doubt and in this present era quite world class to many until he joined from grace. he would command a lot more respect and Barcelona and again had a World Class season. reverence for his talent. His world class-ness It became a no-brainer. Nobody can really define what it is to be World Class (where football is concerned). However, if we can imagine you in a different era & see you as top 10 there, you definitely are. If we ask 10 random people if a player is World Class and for any reason it becomes arguable, it is likely that the player wouldn’t be World Class in a different era. Now to those boxes. Shall we? 1. A World Class player must be impressive in the highest level of competition. 2. A World Class player must show consistency over a 5 year period. 3. A World Class player must be able to step up on the big occasions. Must be a big game player. 4. A World Class player must be able to influence the result of a lot of matches. He must sometimes be the difference between a defeat and a win or a draw. 5. A World Class player must be able to adapt even when the tactics don’t favour his style. He must find a way to stand out regardless. Is Arda Turan World Class? I think he ticks would never be hidden by the kind of era he was almost all the above boxes. He ticks box 1 for his born into. 6. A World Class player must be excellent Champions League performances during Atleti’s for his country especially at major run to the final. He ticks box 6 because of his Consequently, we have a player like Lionel Messi tournaments. performances at Euro 2008. Now, even after who is in an era where nobody is anywhere ticking the boxes, is he? Is it possible that he ticks near his level, bar Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps. 7. A World Class player must be all these boxes and still isn’t world class? Again, There is no way of knowing just how dominant consistently getting called up to play for you decide. Is De Gea World Class? Perhaps he he would be in a different era or how good he his country unless the reasons he isn’t is but he doesn’t tick the box that has to do with is compared to the other greats from other eras. getting called up are not football-related. the national team, yet. Is that enough reason to However, we have seen Messi play and we know say he isn’t World Class? I don’t think so. In the one thing; his world class-ness will never ever be 8. A World Class player must have that end, in spite of whether or not a player ticks the in doubt. The fact that he is one of the greatest extra quality that makes him one of the ‘is he World Class’ boxes, the perception of the to ever kick a ball will not be diminished just best even when he is off form. Form is football enthusiast should not be put aside. because he is in an era where only Cristiano temporary, world class is permanent. Ronaldo can realistically wrestle a Ballon d’Or There are exceptions to all these rules we create off him, in his prime. 9. A World Class player should be getting the same way stats don’t always tell the full story. nominated for awards at one point or I believe that is what matters the most. For the In conclusion, the standard of excellence the other, for being one of the best in a ones we call World Class because we all just is directly related to the ‘world class-ness’ I competition or tournament. Making Team know and unanimously agree that they are, there mentioned earlier. I think it is important that we Of The Year/Competition/Tournament is no need for articles such as this. take world class-ness into consideration as well. also counts. Yes, this is important. This is because someday an era where a Danny However, for the ones whose World Class Welbeck would be Pele might come. If that Therefore, looking at these boxes, how many statuses are debatable/arguable or in question, happens, even when we consider a player to be of them does Ilkay Gundogan tick? How many the above parameters can help us decide who world class for his era, we also have to consider does Koke tick? Arda Turan? Otamendi? Arturo really is World Class and who isn’t. It should be his world class-ness; his true quality as a player, Vidal? You decide. Otamendi, for instance, noted that they do not completely tell us which just how good he is regardless of those around had a truly World Class season last year. He player is or isn’t World Class. Therefore, their him or in his era.

17 The Super Eagles of NigeriaAll Star Team

As part of the 2016 Independence Represented the national team 42 times, and cover for the back 4 and did so for Nigeria Celebrations, we look at the greatest XI to played for teams such as Internazionale and AC between 1993 and 2002, winning the 1994 ever play for Nigeria. Milan winning the UEFA Cup in 1998. He is best AFCON and 1996 Olympic games. At club level, known for his tough tackling, fancy hair-dos and he played for powerhouses such as Ajax, Borrusia 1. Vincent Enyeama stunning playboy looks. Dortmund and Juventus.

Made his competitive debut in 2002 against 4. Stephen Keshi (RIP) 7. Jay Jay Okocha England in the FiIFA World cup and has gone on to represent the national team a joint record The big boss captained Nigeria to victory in “So good they named him twice”. He was 101 times. Represented Nigeria at 3 World cups 1994 AFCON and guided the national team Nigeria’s erstwhile playmaker during our most and kept 3 clean sheets in 8 matches, his best to victory as coach in 2013. Only the second successful era, representing Nigeria from 1993- performance in a National team shirt would ever person in history to do so. He represented 2006, winning the Nation cup in 1994 and arguably be in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Argentina in Nigeria with distinction over 60 times and is Olympics in 1996. Also appearing in the 1994, 2006 where he was awarded the man of the match fondly remembered by football fans in Nigeria. 1998 and 2002 World cups and was selected in the award for a string of saves to deny Messi, Aguero, Keshi passed away suddenly from a Heart attack reserves for the Team of the tournament in 1994. Tevez and co. before eventually succumbing to in June 2016. The two-time BBC African Player of the year is a Heinze goal. He will also be remembered for arguably Nigeria’s greatest player. He played club keeping 11 consecutive clean sheets for LOSC 5. Joseph Yobo football for Fernabache, PSG, and spent his peak Lille, just over a match shy of a Ligue 1 record. years in Bolton Wanderers winning the club’s He was a Key member of the national team from player of the year in 2005 and captained the side 2. Celestine Babayaro his debut in 2002 until retirement in 2014. A joint from 2004-2006. record holder in terms of appearance for the The youngest player to compete in the UEFA senior national team. He also enjoyed a long spell 8. Segun Odegbami Champiions League, he represented Nigeria at in England with Everton football club. senior level at 2 world cups and has U17 and Nicknamed ‘Mathematical’ for his precise Olympic gold medals to show for his time in the 6. Sunday Oliseh technical play. He played 46 times for the national national team. team and scored 23 times playing primarily on the He is best remembered for his stunning winner wings. Praised for his speed, skill and intelligence 3. Taribo West against Spain in the 1998 world cup. The on the ball were, he was instrumental in Nigeria’s combative midfielder was excellent at providing maiden AFCON trophy in 1980. He spent his

18 entire playing career at ICC Shooting Stars (now known as 3SC Shooting stars) in Ibadan.

9. Muda Lawal (RIP) Mudashiru Lawal represented Nigeria on 86 occasions including 5 consecutive AFCON tournaments. He is another who can lay claim to being the best Nigeria has ever produced. He went from being a mechanic on the streets of Ibadan to being a Legend of the Nigerian national team; he was adept in every attacking position in the midfield. He represented IICC shooting stars with distinction and also played for Stationery Stores and Abiola babes. Known for his calmness and creativity, Muda’s life was cut short some weeks after his 37th birthday but he will forever be immortalized (amongst fans at least) as one of the greatest players to play for Nigeria if not the outright best

10. Nwankwo Kanu One of Nigeria’s most successful exports, Kanu played in a time when Nigerian players were some of the most coveted players. He won numerous laurels including the UEFA Champion’s league, Cup and Super cup as well as 3 FA Cups, The Eredivisie and the EPL. He helped Nigeria to Olympic Gold with a scintillating cameo against Brazil in 1996. He was mainly used as an impact sub and he distinguished himself in the role and will be fondly remembered by Arsenal for an even better cameo against Chelsea. He also played for Ajax, Internazionale, West brom and Portsmouth. Papillo’s career was a story of great comebacks as he battled back from a heart disorder in 1996 and when his career was thought to be over, he scored in the semi finals and final of the FA cup as Portsmouth claimed an unprecedented cup. (Fun fact: Despite being a legend, Kanu never scored for Nigeria in a major tournament weird huh)

11. Rashidi Yekini(RIP) He is Nigeria’s all time highest goal scorer with an incredible 37 goals in 58 appearances for the national team. Yekini was the highest goal scorer at Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON win and his legacy was cemented when he scored Nigeria’s first ever goal at a World cup, also in 1994 and crowned it with THAT celebration. Yekini sadly passed away in May 2012 after a protracted illness

More Than Honourable Mentions Emmanuel Okala, Henry Nwosu, Ike Shorunmu, Christian Chukwu, Peter Rufai, Emmanuel Amunike, Garba Lawal, Daniel Amokachi, Osaze Odemwinge, Mikel Obi, Finidi George

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20 21 2016: The Year of The Underdog How Leicester City and Portugal beat the odds / by Dapo Oyeowo & Tomiwa Yussuf

At the time of writing this piece, 2016 had claimed the lives of 76 players is out of the running. When this happens, we jump on another horse. and staff of the Brazilian club side, Chapecoense AF. May their souls Every once in a while, a dark horse stuns the field. The unexpected rest in perfect peace. They were writing their underdog story. happens, predictions all out on their heads, analyses rubbished. A group of players decide not to follow the script and delay their role “Football is not just a game,” Bill Shankly said, “It is a matter of life as part of the scenery. They roar and demand to be heard. They are and death.” It incites passionate responses, both violent and non- the Underdogs and the year 2016, sprung so many surprises, it can be violent. The investment of time and love makes me question the idea of termed only as The Year of the Underdog. the football neutral. I think we only are neutral when our favourite team

22 The year began as usual with most seasons about halfway through. Some returning shielded the ball then indented his torso. That was before letting loose a low-flying from winter breaks, some picking up where they left off. At this time, Leicester were curler into the right-bottom corner of the French goal. sitting at the top of the log with everyone finally paying attention and more than half-expecting them to do a Hull City (2008/2009) and fall back down to their Hugo Lloris ─ who’d had pretty little to do in the game compared to his Portuguese proper place on the table. This never happened. It turned out that the Foxes were counterpart Rui Patricio ─ was at full stretch but couldn’t stop the 28 year more Phoenix than Icarus. old Portuguese striker’s 30 yard effort. Portugal 1 France 0. All in the final ofa competition where the former had narrowly made it out of the group stage with 3 It would be unfair to the great effort expended by the players of Leicester City to draws from 3 games. Yes, you read that right. not put things in proper perspective; to not allow you, the reader, appreciate the enormity of the feat they achieved. Pitted against a potent Croatian side who had the likes of Luka Modric and an in- form Ivan Perisic on display; many ruled out any possibility of the Portuguese team making it beyond the round of 16. Croatia’s domination of the game didn’t come as a surprise with Portugal sticking to their routine playing style oft described as ‘dull and boring’.

Very little happened for Portugal significantly in the encounter and it was looking like the penalty spot was the destination of choice until the 117th minute. Ricardo Quaresma converted a free header from 2 yards and it would prove sufficient to usher Croatia home and out of the Euros.

In the quarter-final tie, the odds were even higher against the ‘draw specialists’. The 18 year old Portuguese wunderkind, Renato Sanches scored in the 33rd minute to cancel out Lewandoski’s 2nd minute strike; hinging their semi-final qualification hopes on penalties against the Poles. Portugal’s foes that day had won 5-4 on penalties against the equally proficient Swiss in the round of 16 and many were sure the Iberians had no hope.

However, against all odds; the gamble paid off and the underdogs survived yet again to fight another day. The dull and boring Portuguese were off to the semis!

The English Premier League started in August with pundits giving their predictions And it wasn’t just Portugal─ in what seemed like a fiesta of underdogs; Wales, who showing the regular top 4 teams and Micheal Owen,(that fraud of frauds, as some had not made it to the finals of any major tournament since 1958 overcame all odds have said, showing his steady Arsenal-hate by predicting a non-event: The Gunners to send Euro favourites Belgium, packing. Long-throw specialists, Iceland, (who falling out of the top four. LOL.) were appearing at their first major international football competition) also swayed the football cosmos to their side with trademark thunderclaps in the crowd after No one rated Leicester City. Not the bookmakers who gave them odds of 5000/1, sending almighty England home in the Quarter-finals. not pundits with Gary Lineker going so far as to say he would present Match of the Day in the nude save for his briefs if his former team won the league. This of course It was easier to dream up an imminent upset in the final after Portugal trounced was not a case of disregard or lack of knowledge. There was just no way a team that Wales 2-0 in what was arguably their best showing at Euro 2016. Especially narrowly escaped relegation the season before was going to win the league. There considering coach, Fernando Santos had done it before with an obscure Greece side was no way a team with their budget and largely unknown players were going to do against the Seleccao 12 years earlier at Euro 2004. The Portuguese dogged style of better than their richer and more illustrious competitors. No way, sir. play had the characteristic Santos Greek formula written all over it.

I like to imagine that the players saw the comments and decided to knuckle down and Coming on the back of a 2-0 win over World champions Germany, the French just do it for the hell of it. With N’Golo Kante covering every inch of grass, Danny hosts found the dogged Portuguese spirit difficult to break even after the talismanic Drinkwater lobbing balls for Jamie Vardy to chase, a mean defence that turned the Ronaldo was taken out of the tie injured (thank you Dmitri Payet!) with signature King Power Stadium into a fortress and an inspired Riyad Mahrez, they got to the tears. top of the table and never left. Even Arsenal completing a league double over them did not deter them. They did so well, they won the league with a game to spare. Eventually, Ederzito António Macedo Lopes with only 3 appearances (all from the bench) in the tournament placed the game beyond France in the 109th minute with a In this story lies another underdog story of the rise to recognition of their first team players, especially Vardy who wasn’t, as at the last campaign, their first choice striker but ended up eclipsing Ruud van Nisterooy’s 11-game consecutive goal scoring record. He did this at the Theatre of Dreams itself, Old Trafford. Poetic. This script wrote itself people.

To even the most casual football follower, it appeared 2016 wasn’t done dishing out underdog stories.

fitting finish to clinch Portugal’s first ever major international title.

Watching Cristiano Ronaldo with tears in his eyes and joy in his heart, you could see that even the heavyweights could be seen as an underdog. It was safe to conclude that Elsewhere, the narrative of underdogs was repeated again. With jaws open and the patient dog had finally gotten its bone! bated breath, millions around the world watched in muted anticipation as Eder turned his marker (poor Laurent Koscielny, no pun intended) in the 109th minute; Honourable mentions go out to the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Cavaliers too, their place in underdog folklore is cemented.

23 Going East: Can China succeed where the USA has tried and failed? by Yorisola Oduwobi

China wants to be a superpower in football However there still remains the issue of the reputation one substitute appearance for Manchester United this too. Japan and South Korea have set the pace of Chinese football around the world. Dogged by poor season. The clubs have actually chased and acquired for the Far East but their bigger counterpart performances on the pitch and corruption scandals off targets such as Alex Teixeira, a 26 year old star heavily has always been left out and behind. Now, it, the professional Chinese game has been far from sought after by Europe’s elite clubs, a player in his prime. President Xi Jinping says it will change. It’s not beautiful. In 2013, the Chinese Football Association, The league has also been able to attract Graziano Pelle just about the lavish outlay of money, neither CFA, banned dozens of former and current football and seems to be the next destination of 28 year old is it a flamboyant show of wealth. It is a dream officials, referees and players following a crackdown on Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi. confidently backed up by a roadmap to make match-fixing -- two senior officials were actually jailed China a “soccer powerhouse.” for taking bribes, Chinese state media reported at the China clearly has the youth capital and money to time. purchase players that will expose younger players to top For a country that has registered fewer goals in the notch football. In years to come, Chinese football could World Cup than Wayne Rooney, this dream seems Shanghai Club side Shanghai Shenhua was stripped of be self-sufficient as they even have the population to audacious and yes, it is indeed audacious but the World the 2003 title, one of 12 clubs punished after the same ensure that little or zero talent is imported from Europe order has been changing in almost every area for the investigation. Shenhua, who once boasted the likes of and South America. benefit of China. former Chelsea superstars Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on its playing roster, were found guilty of fixing The Super League stills lacks in terms of tactical On April 12, 2016 The Chinese Economic planning a game against Shaanxi Guoli during the 2003 season. acumen. There still remains an obvious absence of committee unveiled the Asian nation’s blueprint for Subsequently, CFA insisted its anti-corruption drive coaching talent. This is even with the recent spells of football development. The blueprint targeted 2050 achieved “positive results” and in a statement claimed household names like Marcelo Lippi and Sven Goran as the year China became a top footballing nation. that “public enthusiasm for football is gradually Eriksson at different clubs. The capture of former The plan sets out short, mid and long term goals restored, with the audience and television viewers for Europa league Champion, Andre Vilas Boas signifies which include the creation of 20,000 soccer schools the CSL at record highs.” an intent to fix that part of the game. It would therefore and 70,000 pitches by the year 2020 targeting over seem that all is set! 30 million primary and secondary children to play This only shows the length to which the footballing regularly. I mean, why not? They certainly do not lack authorities and powers that be in China are willing to The year 2009 remains a year many Americans and the population. go in order to make football enjoyable the world’s most economic analysts will not forget. It was the year it populous country. became clear that America would be knocked off her The long term plans involves creating one pitch for Chinese clubs have also been backed with big money perch by China as the Economic power. 2050 might just every 10,000 people and cementing both the male and and have spent wisely. They haven’t sought the services be another dreaded year for not only America but for female national teams as the best in the world. of spent talent like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard Europe as well. If everything goes as planned, why not? and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The latter making only

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26 The Defensive Midfielder by Adegun Shola

Just Who is a Defensive Midfielder? In the quote above, which is more often than not diagram below, the belief of the average football fan, lies the biggest This is a question an average football follower would misconception about the number 4, as it is an want to take lightly, but as football is constantly incomplete truth, which can be claimed to be no evolving, the generic definition of a defensive truth at all, as even though it makes some sense, the midfielder is no longer as accurate and complete as it statement in isolation is incorrect and misleading. need be for the modern game. As a result we want to The reason being that it has defined the DM in what look at who a defensive midfielder is and what he does I believe is an obsolete definition and understanding on the field of play. of the term; a definition of the term along the lines of the generic function of the player popularly known as A revaluation of the concept of the defensive the DM. midfielder is a necessary outcome of the modern changes occurring in the world of football, an It is very important in the analysis of players in the evolution that is redefining certain concepts and ideas, modern game to realize that a player can be defined discarding others in the meantime and giving birth to in terms of POSITION or/and in terms of TYPE/ new ones or even recycling old and forgotten ideas. ROLE/FUNCTION. For instance, Inzaghi, Totti, Eto and Crouch are all strikers but their manner of There usually is a huge amount of vagueness interpretation of the same position is different, so and ambiguity when referring to player roles or while in terms of position, they can all be considered positions with numbers as a number can mean two as strikers, in terms of type/role/function, they are different things in different footballing cultures. Take Poacher, False 9/Trequartista, Complete forward The player represented as X is the Striker (position), he for instance our topic of discourse, the defensive and target man respectively. So it is clear to see that could be Messi (false 9), Chicharito (Poacher), Rooney midfielder in certain cultures is traditionally regarded it is necessary to separate and independently define a (deep lying forward), Suarez (complete forward) or as the number 5, in others as the number 6, but player along his Mandzukic (target man), also the player Y is the Nigerians refer to it as the number 4. For all purposes Central Attacking Midfielder (position), he could be of this write up though, the defensive midfielder would (i) Position and then, an Enganche (Riquelme), Interiore (Iniesta), Inside be referred to as named, as the number 4 or the DM. forward (Ozil), Advanced Playmaker (Zidane) or (ii) Type. Shadow striker (Fellaini). “Pirlo is not a DM!” To further emphasize this point, we look at the In the same vein, if I were to ask you what type of

27 player is represented as Z in the diagrams above, your freedom than anchormen and are more ball and He is also expected to press the ball from high up the answer would be Defensive Midfielder, now that player player oriented than the otherwise spatially oriented pitch, which if fails is expected to fall back and form can be Pirlo, that in fact is the position Pirlo played in anchormen. The ball winner would close down the a part of the defensive block. Examples of box-to-box opposition to win the ball in almost all areas of the defensive midfielders are Fernandinho, Henderson, 1. Ac Milan and, pitch, unlike the anchorman who stays very close to Alex Song, Onazi, Andrea Poli, Yaya Toure, the centre backs. Examples of ball winners are Lassana Marchisio, Essien etc. 2. Juventus. Diarra, Roy Keane, De Jong, Wanyama, Lucas Leiva, Flamini, Behrami, Medel, Fernando etc. THE DEEP LYING PLAYMAKER So when we say “Pirlo is NOT a DM”, we might be right in the sense that he is not an ‘archetypal DM’ but The Aggregate DM – I admit this sub type of the The deep lying playmaker also called the Regista, just we are mostly wrong in the sense that in terms of his archetypal DM is of my own making but with due like the Box to box midfielder can positionally be a starting position Pirlo is actually a defensive midfielder. reason as I could not find any accurate technical term defensive midfielder or a central midfielder depending to describe this kind of player. The aggregate DM is on how high up the pitch or deep the players average In the situation of the striker, the position-type a player who combines all the qualities of all types of location is. dichotomy is less confusing and easier to understand DM, from the anchorman, to the destroyer, to the box- than in the situation of the number 4, reason being to-box DM to the deep lying playmaker. For instance, both Xavi and Alonso are registas, Xavi that the most popular type of a defensive midfielder is a CM while Alonso on the other hand is a DM. the (position); one I personally prefer to refer to as the They can interpret adequately the different roles and Regista DM usually occupies the same positional space archetypal DM/destroyer/ball winning midfielder, would atimes in the same game be seen at different as the Anchorman, the hole between the defence and is generally known as the defensive midfielder points in time playing in different styles depending on the rest of the midfield. He is tasked to function as the (type), herein lies the confusion and the root of the the ebb and flow of the game. Examples of aggregate metronome of the side, like a wheel directing the team, misconception. DMs are Patrick Vieira, Javi Martinez, Morgan strategically determining most of the attacking play Scneiderlin, Matic, Kondogbia, Schweinsteiger, from a deep position. In an attempt to clarify more and increase Guarin etc. understanding we take a brief look into the major Often referred to as the brain box or the orchestrator, types of the defensive midfielder, which are: All the various types of the archetypal DM are majorly he usually is a more offensive than defensive player defensively oriented and are not usually tasked with despite functioning from a ‘defensive’ position. Usually The Archetypal defensive midfielder majorly influencing the attacking phase of the game. armed with wonderful vision, first touch, range of The Box-to-Box midfielder and

The deep lying playmaker

THE ARCHETYPAL DM

Otherwise known as the Volante or more specifically, Volante de Contencion, is the most popular type of the number 4, and can be further sub divided into:

(a) Anchorman

(b) Destroyer

Anchorman – also known as the water carrier, is a defensive midfielder popularly found in point backwards 3 man midfields e.g. 4-3-3, 3-5-2 or centre based 4 man midfields e.g. 4-1-2-1-2, lopsided 3-2-2- 3, who fills in the area between the midfielders and defenders i.e. sit in the hole between the defence and the midfield and whose major function is to intercept moves, delay opposition attacks, win the ball and laying off simple passes to his more creative teammates.

Acting as an anchor to the defence, he doesn’t stray too far from his defence, maintains a very high level of positional discipline, is usually found very close to his centre backs and usually avoids getting dragged into wide areas. The anchorman like the deep lying playmaker is always willing to drop deep into the last line of defence during Salida Lavolpiana (translating in English as ‘the way out of La Volpe’); a popular tactical concept in the modern game where a midfielder drops deep between his 2 centre backs THE BOX-TO-BOX DEFENSIVE passing the DM regista is the creative fulcrum of the with the full backs pushing slightly forwards to create MIDFIELDER teams attacking play, distributing the ball and setting numerical superiority during the early phase of ball the tempo of attacking. Whilst not as defensively development. The box-to-box midfielder, also known as shuttler, astute in terms of physicality, tackling and athleticism can be a defensive midfielder or central midfielder as any other type of number 4, they atimes make up He is also on hand to replace centre backs that have depending on how high up the pitch his average for it with excellent positioning, good anticipation and been dragged wide. The anchorman is a bit more location is. The box-to- box DM is one who is brilliant marking of space, they are also very adept at space oriented and defends more ‘zonally’ than the positionally a defensive midfielder but is also expected delaying opposition attacks. Examples of DM registas destroyer. Examples of Anchormen are Makelele, to make major contributions to the offensive stage of are Carrick, Pirlo, Alonso, Montolivo, Verratti etc. Busquets, Mikel, Iturrasspe, Coquelin, Gilberto Silva play. etc The regista and the box-to-box defensive midfielders The Box to box DM possesses great mobility, are more modern tactical variations of the defensive Destroyer – also known as the ball winning midfielder, athleticism and non-stop dynamism. In defence he midfielder and are the reason defining the DM only is another sub type of the archetypal DM, he is usually mostly acts as a ball winner but in attack he is expected by its functions is no longer an entirely accurate or an aggressive tackler and very athletic individual who to support the attacking players high up the pitch, complete definition of the player. The more accurate is tasked mostly with winning the ball and disrupting make runs to arrive late into the box or even surging and complete way to view the player, any player would the flow of the opposition play. runs past forwards in order to get into goal scoring be by defining first the position and consequently the positions. He is expected to contribute well in the function, role or type of the player, thereby conveying Their game is centred on physicality, strong tackling attack by getting goals and assists and is predominantly a complete and more accurate understanding of the and a high work rate. They are given more positional more attacking than the archetypal DM. player

28 29 by Goodness Road to RUSSIA 2018 Otemuyiwa The road to Russia began March 12, 2015, fourth team participate in the play-offs. Third round: The 12 teams which advanced and it’s been quite enthralling. As the journey Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol, from the second round were divided into 2 continues, we’ll look at the FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL, has 4 automatic qualification groups of 6 teams to play home-and-away 2018 qualification process and how the spots and a fifth team compete in the play- round-robin matches. The top 2 teams of various teams from different confederations offs. The Oceania Football Confederation, each group will qualify for the 2018 FIFA are faring. OFC, only brings forward a team to fight World Cup, and the 2 third-placed teams will for a spot in the play-offs. The Union of advance to the fourth round. OVERVIEW European Football Associations, UEFA is allotted 13 World cup spots but will have 14 Fourth round: The 2 third-placed teams of The process will decide 31 of the 32 teams representatives because of hosts Russia. each group from the third round will play to play in the tourney, with hosts Russia home-and-away over 2 legs. The winner will qualifying automatically. All 210 remaining The inter-confederation play-offs, scheduled advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. FIFA member associations were eligible to for November 6-14, 2017 will feature enter the qualifying process. For the first CONCACAF v AFC and OFC v CONMEBOL. time in World Cup history, all national teams registered for the preliminary competition. 4 Let’s take a look at each continent’s teams (Bhutan, South Sudan, Gibraltar and proceedings properly. Kosovo) also made their FIFA World Cup qualification debuts. CONFEDERATION QUALIFICATIONS Matches were played in CONCACAF and AFC Qualifiers AFC’s qualification processes prior to the main draw that took place on July 25, 2015 at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, Saint Petersburg. The FIFA Executive The AFC qualification is presently at the Committee decided that the same allocation third stage which consists of 2 groups. as 2014 would be kept for the 2018 and With only 5 games played, Iran tops Group 2022 tournaments. While all FIFA members with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws), closely entered the tournament, not all competed. A First round: A total of 12 teams (ranked 35– followed by South Korea with 10 points (3 Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Kuwait got wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). Uzbekistan is third with expelled from the competition. 46) played home-and-away over 2 legs. The 6 winners advanced to the second round. 9 points (3 wins, 2 losses) while China find 4 teams qualify automatically from the themselves at the bottom with only 2 points Asian Football Confederation, AFC, with Second round: A total of 40 teams (ranked (2 draws, 3 losses). one last team qualifying for the inter- 1–34 and the 6 first round winners) were divided into 8 groups of 5 teams to play One could easily see Iran (led by 22-year- confederation play-offs. Confédération old attacker Sardar Azmun with 8 goals Africaine de Football, CAF, will produce home-and-away round-robin matches. The 8 group winners and the 4 best group runners- already) and Korea Republic qualifying from 5 representatives. The Confederation of this group with Uzbekistan coming a close North, Central American and Caribbean up advanced to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualification as well as qualified third. The other teams are barely putting up Association Football, CONCACAF, will a fight. have 3 teams qualify automatically and a for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals.

30 Group B looks much tighter as Saudi Arabia way to Russia. Third round: 12 teams (ranked 7 & 8 and 10 edges Japan at the top of the table on goal second round winners) played home-and- difference. Both teams have 10 points each Group B: Nigeria leads with maximum away over 2 legs. The 6 winners advanced (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) from 5 games played. points from 2 games. Cameroon is second to the fourth round. They’re closely followed by Australia and on the log with 2 points while Zambia and UAE with 9 points apiece. Iraq is fifth with Algeria have a point each and are third and Fourth round: 12 other teams (ranked 1–6 3 points and Thailand is last on the log with fourth respectively. As much as this group and 6 third round winners) were divided into just a point. has the potential for serious competition, a 3 groups of four teams to play home-and- rejuvenated Super Eagles side under Rohr away round-robin matches. The top 2 teams Given their respective histories, Australia can surely see this one out. If Solomon of each group advanced to the fifth round. & Japan would almost certainly occupy Dalung & Amaju Pinnick don’t have other 2 of the 3 spots atop this group. The real plans of course. Fifth round: The 6 teams which advanced battle will be between Saudi Arabia & the from the fourth round will play home-and- UAE. Both teams have the two top scorers in away round-robin matches in a single group. the AFC qualifying region (Ahmed Khalil of The top 3 teams will qualify for the 2018 FIFA The UAE & Muhammad Al Sahlawi of Saudi World Cup, and the fourth-placed team will Arabia with 15 and 14 goals respectively) advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. and it might well come down to which team can score the most goals.

This trio of Nigeria’s frontmen could prove to be the key to her progression and they’re certainly ones to watch out for. CONCACAF is presently in the fourth round with just 2 games played. Costa Rica tops Group C: Cote D’Ivoire is at the summit Ahmed Khalil scored both goals as UAE with 4 points, Morocco and Gabon are joint the group with 6 points followed by Panama and Mexico with 4 points each. Honduras inflicted a shock 2-1 home defeat to Japan second while Mali is rooted to the bottom with just a point. History will not be kind to a has 3 points while Trinidad & Tobago and in a highly controversial AFC FIFA world Cup the United States are yet to register a point. qualifiers on September 1, 2016. transitioning Cote D’Ivoire if they fail to pick the ticket from this group. It’s up to the likes In spite of their faltering, USA can certainly of Aubameyang to make sure this happens. CAF Qualifiers pick themselves up & grab an automatic ticket or at least qualify for the play-offs. Group D: Burkina Faso is top with 4 points. South Africa also have 4 points with an Mexico & Costa Rica will almost certainly inferior goal difference. Senegal is third with qualify while Honduras could just slightly 3 points while Cape Verde is yet to secure a edge Panama. USA’s Jozy Altidore might be point. Another tough group to call as form her top scorer but the player to watch out favours Burkina Faso & South Africa while for is certainly Borussia Dortmund’s Christian history favours Senegal. Whichever way it Pulisic. First round: A total of 26 teams (ranked 28– turns out, the real winners will surely be the 53) played home-and-away over 2 legs. The fans as the games promise much excitement. 13 winners advanced to the second round. Group E: Egypt rests on top with 6 points, Second round: A total of 40 teams (ranked Uganda is second placed with 4 points 1–27 and the 13 first round winners) played while surprisingly, Ghana has secured only a home-and-away over 2 legs. The 20 winners point. Congo is rooted to the bottom with advanced to the third round. no points. The Pharaohs are outscoring everyone & look they’ll take the group but Third round: The 20 teams which advanced no one can write off a Ghana team on its from the second round were divided into 5 day. There’s also Uganda with the joint top groups of 4 teams to play home-and-away scorer in the CAF qualifying rounds on 4 round-robin matches. The winners of each goals, 19-year-old Faruku Miya. group will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. CONCACAF Qualifiers

CAF qualification is at its final stage. Top teams like Ghana and Algeria both began with a wobble. Across all five groups, only four teams (DR Congo, Tunisia, Nigeria and Egypt) have registered maximum points. First round: 14 teams (ranked 22–35) played Group A: DR Congo edges Tunisia at the home-and-away over two legs. The 7 winners top with a better goal difference as both advanced to the second round. teams have 6 points each. Guinea and Libya On September 2, 2016, Pulisic became are yet to register a point in the group. This Second round: A total of 20 teams (ranked the youngest American to score a goal in is probably the hardest group to call but with 9–21 and seven first round winners) played World Cup Qualifying. The young midfielder Yannick Bolasie and Ndombe Mubele on 3 home-and-away over two legs. The 10 certainly has many more roofs to break goals each, DR Congo might just shoot its winners advanced to the third round. through.

31 CONMEBOL Qualifiers Samoa, and Tonga played a round-robin · With the admission of Gibraltar and tournament at a single country. The winner Kosovo as FIFA members in May 2016, advanced to the second round. both national teams were eligible to make their debuts in World Cup Second round (OFC Nations Cup): A total of qualifying. With 2 groups of only 5 teams 8 teams (Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, in the first round, Kosovo was assigned Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, to group I as it was decided that Bosnia Vanuatu, and the first round winner) played & Herzegovina and Serbia should not the tournament. For the group stage, they play against Kosovo for security reasons. were divided into 2 groups of 4 teams. The Gibraltar was then added to group H. top 3 teams of each group advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifying. The With UEFA qualification currently in the first top 2 teams of each group also advanced round, 4 games have been played across all to the knockout stage (semi-finals and 9 groups. No real surprises yet except for The 10 CONMEBOL teams will play in a final) to decide the 2016 OFC Nations Cup Azerbaijan that occupies third position in her league of home-and-away round-robin winner the team that’ll play in the 2017 FIFA group having registered 2 wins already. matches. The top 4 teams will qualify for Confederations Cup. the World Cup, and the fifth-place team will Group A has France on top with 10 points advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. Third round: The 6 teams which advanced while Netherlands and Sweden have 7 The fixtures were decided by a draw held on from the second round were divided into 2 points each. Bulgaria is fourth with 6 points, July 25, 2015 at the Konstantinovsky Palace groups of 3 teams to play home-and-away Belarus has 2 points while Luxembourg has in Strelna, Saint Petersburg, Russia. round-robin matches. The 2 group winners one. France will take this group given their will meet in a two-legged match with the current form & Netherlands will just about With 12 games played and just 6 more to go, winner advancing to the inter-confederation beat Sweden to second place. it is astonishing to find the World number play-offs. one team, Argentina, just shy of the play-off Group B features Switzerland as leaders spot. Brazil top the log with 27 points after racking maximum points followed by an incredible run of six consecutive wins Portugal with 9. Hungary have 7 points, under Coach Tite. Uruguay is second with 23 Faroe Islands have 5, Latvia has 4 and points. Ecuador is third with 20 points while Andorra is yet to secure a point. Argentina is fourth with 19. Chile complete the top half with 18 points. As a team, Switzerland has played better than Portugal and this is probably why they’ll In the bottom half we have Colombia on win the group. In spite of Ronaldo’s form 18 points, Paraguay with 15 points while No surprises yet in the third round of the (he’s the top scorer in European qualifiers Peru has 14 points. Bolivia and Venezuela OFC qualification as New Zealand leads with 7 goals), Portugal might just have to complete the bottom half with 7 and 5 Group A having copped 4 points from their settle for the play-off spot. points respectively. first two games. New Caledonia has a point while Fiji are still to play a game in the group. Group C: Germany is having a very smooth All the usual suspects will most certainly Group B has Tahiti and Solomon Islands tied ride with maximum points. Northern Ireland qualify this time again. The real, if not only, with 3 points each while Papua New Guinea and Azerbaijan are tied on 7 points each. battle will be between Chile and Columbia is yet to play a game also. Czech Republic has 5 points so far, Norway for the play-off spot. Chile will probably only got 3 while San Marino is yet to register edge Columbia because of their superior It is easy to see Tahiti and New Zealand a point. firepower. Amongst the plethora of stars facing off for the sole play-off ticket. It is not to look out for, the brightest is probably so easy however, to separate both sides. There’s no seeing past Germany in this one. Palmeiras & Seleção striker, Gabriel Jesus. For the play-off spot however, Azerbaijan UEFA Qualifiers could just ruin the party for one of either Czech Republic or Northern Ireland. It probably wouldn’t be the case though.

The draw for the UEFA region took place on 25 July 2015 in St. Petersburg. Jesus is Brazil’s top scorer in World Cup First round (group stage): The 52 UEFA Qualifying with 5 goals. At only 19, we’ll teams affiliated with FIFA at the time of the certainly see many more of his trademark draw were divided into 9 groups (7 groups goal celebrations in the years to come. of 6 teams and 2 groups of 5 teams) to play home-and-away round-robin matches. OFC Qualifiers The winners of each group will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 8 best runners-up will advance to the second round (play-offs). Second round (play-offs): The 8 best runners- up from the first round will play home-and- away over 2 legs. The 4 winners will qualify Manuel Neuer is probably the most for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. outstanding player in European qualifiers so First round: American Samoa, Cook Islands,

32 far. The recently appointed German Ccptain is the only goalie yet to concede a goal throughout the qualifiers.

Group D has the Republic of Ireland topping with 10 points. Serbia occupies second place with eight points, Wales has 6 points while Austria has four. Georgia has two and Moldova has one. Martin O’Neill has woven together a band of brothers and the reward for their hard work will almost certainly be the automatic ticket to Russia. As for the play-off spot, it will come down to which team can inspire itself most between Serbia & Wales. The Welshmen will probably steal it.

Group E: Poland is cruising with 10 points, Montenegro has 7 points, Denmark has managed 6 points while Romania has 5. Armenia has 3 and Kazakhstan has secured only 2. Here, Poland and Lewandowski will win the group and Denmark will edge Montenegro to the play-offs.

Group F is tightly contested with the three lions at the summit amassing 10 points. Slovenia comes close with 8 points, Slovakia is third having got 6 points, Lithuania is in the fifth spot with 5 points and Scotland has 4. Malta is bottom without any point. England ought to see this group out comfortably while Slovenia and Slovakia will vie for the second place. There’s no writing Scotland off though, they could always throw in a surprise or two.

Group G: Spain and Italy battle for supremacy, they are joint top with 10 points each closely followed by Israel on 9 points. Albania has 6 points while neither Macedonia nor Liechtenstein have secured a point yet. History & current form favours no side at the top of this group. It might come down to goal difference and Spain are favourites to win that battle.

Group H: Belgium has maximum points while Greece has 10. Bosnia & Herzegovina has also put in a good performance with 7 points, Cyprus and Estonia are tied on 3 while Gibraltar has none yet. Belgium have been absolute monsters in qualifying. They have the healthiest goal difference of any team with +20 and will certainly clinch Group H. The only reward for Greece’s renaissance will be second place.

Group I: The final group has Croatia on top Catch up with your favourite with 10 points followed closely by Ukraine that has managed 8 points. Iceland has podcast during coffee. copped 7 points while Turkey has 5. Finland and Kosovo are rooted at the bottom with a Subscribe for FREE to High Up The Pitch Podcast now point each. While Croatia & Ukraine battle for supremacy, little attention is being paid Iceland; a team that surprised many at the Euros in France. They could cause another upset and maybe Mobile data charges apply for subscribers listening via a mobile network, bill payers permission is required when streaming over metered internet. The iTunes, even win the group! Apple logo are copyright of Apple Inc. The Soundcloud logo is property of Soundcloud Inc. High Up The Pitch is part of 352 Media Limited. All rights are reserved.

33 352 Numbers Game TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN IN NUMBERS by Victor Okafor

At 352, we regularly have debates over what the numbers 2008/2009 season, Mesut Ozil and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 2010-2011 in football mean, and what context they should be viewed and 2012-2013 respectively. Supply. 8 – French and Atletico Madrid forward, Antoine Griezmann was involved in. We recognize that they don’t always tell the full story. in more goals than anyone else at Euro 2016. He was the highest goalscorer We don’t ignore them though. Consequently, here are 11 with 6 goals and 2 assists. Clutch. numbers that meant so much for the global game in the past year. 11- Jamie Vardy broke the record for the most consecutive goals scored in the Premier League. Fun fact, he surpassed the former record holder 2 – The highest amount of red cards received by a Premier League Ruud van Nistelroooy by scoring against the Dutchman’s former team, manager in 2016, have been given to Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese Manchester United! Full Circle. gaffer has been sent off against both Burnley and West Ham. Maybe he just doesn’t like the sight of claret and blue? Feisty. 13 – The Hosts of this year’s European Championship, France outscored 23 other teams hitting the back of the net 13 times. They however, did not 3 – Leicester City Captain Wes Morgan, became only the 3rd outfield win the trophy, losing to Portugal in the final. Short. player since 1992 to play in every minute of every game for a title-winning side in the Premier League. The other 2? Gary Pallister for Manchester 243 – Aston Villa were relegated after holding a lead in a cumulative period United in 1993 & John Terry for Chelsea in 2015. Trifecta. of just 243 minutes out of the 3,500 minutes played in the 2015/2016 season. This is the worst record in Premiership history. Behind 4 – Following their 2015/2016 Bundesliga triumph, Bayern Munich have become the first club to win 4 consecutive German top flight championship 15 – Chelsea went 15 games unbeaten after firing grouchy gaffer, Jose trophies. Force. Mourinho in the 2015/2016. They still mounted a horrible title defense, losing 12 games, 9 more than they did in the previous season. Bittersweet. 6- Paul Pogba made a return to the Premiership with Manchester United wielding their hefty cheque-book to smash the transfer fee record (previously 974 – Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon set a new Serie A record for the held by Bale) with his £89m price tag. #POGBACK. longest run without conceding a goal with 974 consecutive minutes on the clock. His massive effort dislodged AC Milan’s Sabastiano Rossi who 7 – Neymar equaled the tally previously set for most Champions League set a record of 929 minutes without conceding in the 1993/1994 season. assists. Players to have achieved that before him are Xavi Hernandez in the Shutout.

34 HOTTEST PROSPECTS: The Official Under-21 All Star XI by Ayoola Kelechi In trying to rate some of the hottest prospects NIKLAS SULE: The 20-year-old central defender step away from current club, Anderlecht. His potential in world football, there were at least 57 names has been a mainstay in the heart of TSG Hoffenheim’s and talent are obvious, as those who have seen him to sift through. From the players under 21, defence, lining up alongside long time Arsenal Swiss play in the UEFA Champions League can testify. Now quite a few of the bunch already look like target, Fabian Schar. Julian Nagelsmann’s side are the he just needs to show it every day in front of a wider future Ballon D’or. Then again, 6 or more years only unbeaten team in the Bundesliga this season and television audience. is still some way off. There’s no way of telling Sule has contributed immensely to that record. His how many of these players will actually go on to calm head belies his lack of experience and at this rate OUSMANE DEMBELE: We raved about him when fulfil their full potential. he should be in the national team very soon. he was at Rennes, and we have not stopped raving about him now that he is at Dortmund. He can dribble, Nonetheless, here’s our exclusive All-star XI of the next ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN: The Chelsea loanee he can shoot, he can pass, he can score, he can run (and rated footballers from 2016. is already attracting interest from European giants like then some), he can play penalties, he is confident. He’s Barcelona and Bayern Munich. His current temporary been tipped for a move to the Premier league in the GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA: He looks like he’s employers, Borussia Moenchengladbach were willing to near future. We’ll wait some more to see if that gives been on the scene for several seasons, but the shot- break their record transfer fee to sign him permanently him the platform. Let us see if that will give me the stopper is still only 17. He broke into the AC Milan from Chelsea. They know how immense a talent he platform to become a world star. team in 2015 at the age 16 and he’s been ever present is. We can’t wait for him to come back to Chelsea and in the Rossoneri side. He then went on to make his full maybe form a Terry-Carvalho partnership with one ANDRE SILVA: 11 goals in 24 games and 4 goals in Italy debut in September in a friendly against France, of the present Chelsea defenders (assuming Antonio 5 games for Porto and Portugal respectively. At this this coming on for the person he’s been touted to replace, Conte one day returns to a back four). man could easily be the next Pauleta. With his form in Gianluigi Buffon. How poetic. Will he go on to have a front of goal, Portugal might not need to look so far career half as Buffon’s (who is a huge fan, by the way), THIAGO MAIA: The 19-year-old Santos midfielder for goals when Cristiano Ronaldo finally retires. Clearly who knows? has been linked with Chelsea, Juventus and PSG. A one to watch out for in the coming months. starter for Brazil’s U-23 team, he’s assured in possession BENJAMIN HENRICHS: One of the most and has the ability to read and also break up play when KASPER DOLBERG: After watching him play, offensively minded fullbacks in the Bundesliga, required. The next Gilberto Silva? We would love comparisons with the legendary Ruud Van Nistelrooy Heinrichs broke into the Leverkusen team in 2015 and that wouldn’t we, the latest from the conveyor belt of do not seem out of place. Playing at Dutch powerhouse, has been ever present in Roger Schmidt’s side. A full Brazilian midfield fixtures. Ajax, he always seems to appear the right place at the German International, he can also play in midfield. right time to convert chances. He has been linked with There is a feeling he could well become the next Jerome MAXIMILIAN MEYER: Germany’s captain at the Manchester United (who has not?) but the Danish striker Boateng (he also has Ghanaian heritage). Olympic Games in Rio, Meyer’s qualities are obvious. who has also been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic can He has been in the first team since 2013 and has made expect a few more knocks at his door. KIERAN TIERNEY: The biggest story in Scotland over 95 appearances, scoring 16 goals too. Amongst his right now, Tierney has grown in leaps and bounds since suitors, there has been talk of swopping down to take Honourable Mentions: Alban Lafont, Reece breaking into the Celtic team at the age of 16. He is him from Schalke 04 but he is hardly fazed. Oxford, Moise Kean, Riechedly Bazoer, Andrija strong, athletic and has a mean left foot and has been Zivkovic, Giovani Lo Celso, Diogo Jota, Santi linked with a move to Arsenal. How soon a big move YOURI TIELEMANS: Tielemans has made so many Mina, Pablo Fornals, Goncalo Guedes like that will materialise, we cannot say. Nonetheless he football writers, including this one, drool for a number is one glimmer of hope for a country which has tailed of seasons now. We might only be able to tell if he has off in terms of producing remarkable football talent. what it takes to thrive at the top when he takes that bold