Cultured Football #181

Raya in Non League. Stay Away From United. Thriving in La Liga. Scouting Japan. Cole Palmer is the Best.

Oct 05, 2024

By Stephen Killen for Football London

If there were any lingering doubts about David Raya’s suitability to be Arsenal’s goalkeeper, these have surely been answered by his performances this season. But Raya’s route to the top has included a stop at an unglamorous non-league side where he is still remembered fondly.

Bonus Pick: Being a goalkeeper means having to get comfortable with the thought of being blamed for a defeat and having the mentality to overcome any fear that holds. [Will Murray x Goalkeeper.com]

Why would anybody join Manchester United?

By
Harry PW
for
Football, bleakly

Before anyone gets offended: this article holds its tongue very much in cheek. Of course people will always want to join a big club like Manchester United. But should they?

Takefusa Kubo and Real Sociedad – how to survive (and thrive) in La Liga

By
Stephen Ganavas
for
SCOUTED Notebook

La Liga’s financial rules often get mentioned in articles about Barcelona and the tricks that they have to pull off in order to sign some new players. But, if these rules can restrict the movements of a huge club like Barca, how do smaller teams manage to make survive, let alone thrive? Yet they do, as Real Sociedad have shown in recent seasons and this piece outlines how.

Bonus Pick: It is going to be a long, hard season for Espanyol. But those are precisely the right conditions that their goalkeeper needs to shine and prove his worth. [Jamie Kemp x

La Pausa

]

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Scouting J1 League: Asia's High Tempo, Technical Talent Factory

By Alex Stewart for Analytics FC

As more clubs at the top try to get smarter with their recruiting, those lower down the chain have to get ever more creative. This should soon lead them to Japan which has yet to experience the kind of attention other minor leagues are getting, despite the success of Japanese players at the very top. When they do, they will find plenty of top talent with at least five (as per this piece) being ones that they should be focusing on.

Cole Palmer: Why Ice-Cool Chelsea Star Could Be the Best Player in the Premier League

By David Segar for The Analyst

Cole Palmer the best player in the Premier League? Hyperbole much? Whilst it might be a bit premature to start talking that way about a player as young - and inexperienced as Palmer - he is undoubtedly a spectacular player. Here, if you need proof, is why.

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Last Week’s Most Read: Unai Emery exclusive interview: ‘Management is more than tactical’

By Adam Bate for Sky Sports

The job that Unai Emery has done in transforming Aston Villa has not only fully rehabilitated his reputation in England but marked him as one of the most influential managerial appointees of the past decade. This success is built on a keen understanding of the importance of the psychological side and a refreshing attitude to the importance of reading.