Cultured Football #31
Alan Ruschel: ‘I’m a Chapecoense survivor, but also a champion’
Earlier this year, clubs and players rightly asked social media companies to take stronger action against abuse directed towards players. Now, however, fans are back in stadia and abuse is (sadly) being witnessed there meaning that those same clubs need to take action themselves. Which is why it was so good to see this conversation between Jürgen Klopp and Paul Amann, founder of Kop Outs, to discuss the incident of homophobic chanting at Norwich City last weekend. It was a great and educational conversation that highlights just why such chants have no place in the game
Eric Lamela – The One That Slipped Away
Having seen plenty of Erik Lamela during his time at Roma, I was convinced that he would light up the Premier League when he joined Tottenham. And yet, despite occasional flashes, he never truly made a mark so that his departure to Seville this summer went through largely unnoticed. It is impossible not to wonder what happened and how, now 29, he has one final opportunity to fulfil his potential.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Alan Ruschel: ‘I’m a Chapecoense survivor, but also a champion’
Alan Ruschel was on the plane that crashed in 2016 and killed 19 of his Chapecoense teammates. He recovered from his injuries, became the club's captain and led them to two trophies. Now he is preparing to play against them. Brilliant, touching story.
Reading Time: 8 minutes
35 Eredivisie Talents to Watch This Season
Once again, the summer has seen the Eredivisie being raided for its finest young players with Donyell Malen and Denzel Dumfries both opting to leave PSV Eindhoven. It is a familiar story for Dutch football but, whilst it reduces the quality of the league, this also means that there are always plenty of opportunities for younger players to make their mark. And there are plenty of those to look out for, starting with this list of thirty five that includes an exciting sixteen (16!) year old who has just made his breakthrough at Feyenoord.
Reading Time: 17 minutes
Serie A 2021-22 Season Preview
The Serie A is the last major league to kick-off and whilst Italy were crowned European champions this summer, the domestic league is not doing brilliantly especially as last season’s winners have lost key players amidst financial meltdown. Those moves make it hard to look beyond Juventus as the favourites for the title particularly with the return of Max Allegri.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
The importance of dominant-in-the-air centre-backs
Modern central defenders are, above everything, expected to be comfortable with the ball at their feet. Naturally, they are expected to be good at defending but that in itself is no longer seen as enough. What goes unheralded, however, is the importance of their heading ability – especially as fewer teams now deploy the traditional target centre-forward who is above else a physical nuisance at whom to launch high balls – but defenders’ ability to repel attacks with their head is still vital. Here’s a stats-driven and graphics-laden look at why Virgil Van Dijk’s heading is such an important asset for Liverpool.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Last Week’s Most Read
There is no doubt that Forest Green Rovers do things differently. From only serving vegan food during matchdays to planning a new stadium built out of wood, they are focused on sustainability more than any other club. It is a strategy driven by owner Dale Vince that, whilst environmentally conscious, is also helping attract new supporters and boost their results on the pitch.
Reading Time: 9 minutes