The transfer window is about to close (or should that be ‘slam shut’?) but we look beyond the frivolity of transfer rumours in this Spain centric edition of Cultured Football. Stay safe, read more.
When lists of the games’ greatest managers are drawn up, Guy Roux hardly ever features. It is an appalling oversight of the man who took an amateur club and dragged them all the way to the top of French football. Few can match those achievements.
Signed by Liverpool in 2015, the failure to land a working permit has seen Taiwo Awoniyi go on loan seven times. It hasn’t always worked out but the latest deal at Union Berlin has seen him make his mark as one of the Bundesliga’s finest. His story is filled with hard work and sacrifices.
Beset by financial problems and trying to fend off increasingly negative reports about their ability to retain their greatest ever player, Barcelona are looking inwards towards their youth team to help improve their current situation.
On the flip side, the departure of Martin Odegaard has raised questions about Real Madrid’s ability to make the most of the talent coming out of their youth system.
A somewhat niche article, which is what makes it interesting about an English coach who opted to move to Spain to kick-start his career. Sadly, anyone wanting to do the same from now on, will face many more difficulties.
Extra Pick
Harry Pearson is fantastic writer. Whether he is writing about dogs, cycling or marrows he always makes it interesting and funny. Yet he is arguable at his best when he’s talking about football. The Farther Corner proves as much.
About Cultured Football
Every Friday, I send out our Cultured Football Newsletter which features links to five football articles I think that you should read. This newsletter is free but not cheap. Support us by spreading the word and share it with someone you feel might enjoy it.