Cultured Football #90

Goalkeepers' passing analysed and more

Dec 17, 2022

By Raphael Adelugba for Football Paradise

Eyebrows were raised when Napoli opted to replace modern day club legend Lorenzo Insigne with the unknown Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but their start to the season has more than justified the decision. Kvaratskhelia's success has also forced the rest of Europe to reconsider their views about Georgian football, taking a closer look to see if there are any other talents that might have been overlooked.

By Ben Dowsett for Five Thirty Eight

Sometime back in the mid-90s, I remember reading an article in a technology magazine predicting how controversial decisions in football would eventually come to be judged with the help of advanced tech installed in equipment like football boots. It looks as if that is finally happening with new footballs helping make decisions.

Goalkeepers and Sixes: Passing Similarities and Differences

By Jamie Scott for Analytics FC

The role of a goalkeeper has changed drastically over recent years where it is no longer enough for them to ‘simply’ save shots but they also need to be good with the ball at their feet. From football being a game of ten players plus a goalkeeper, it has now become one of eleven players one of whom happen to also be able to stop shots with his hands.

By Liam Miller for Urban Pitch

There has been plenty of talk about legacy these days but that is not something that overly concerns Arsene Wenger. At least, that’s how it seems going by the speed with which he is dismantling his reputation, one stupid recommendation at a time.

Happy Saturdays: FCUM

By Tom Reed for Terrace Edition

Manchester United fans might soon finally see the back of the Glazer family but, for that will have no bearing on the club that was set up partly as a reaction to how United were being run by the Americans. FC United of Manchester no longer pay too much attention to what happens elsewhere, deriving joy by seeing football being accessible to all rather than in the thrall of cash tills.

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Something Else We Loved This Week

This breakdown by Andy Marston of the massive viewing figures that gaming streamers have managed to wrack up over the World Cup was, for a Gen X-er like myself, fascinating.

Last Week’s Most Read: The 10 Commandments to EFL Success

By Gabriel Sutton for The Analyst

Articles like this that look at establishing patterns and leverage competitive advantages are pure catnip for me. And even if you don't have the same passion for such strategic views, you have to admire the work gone into this research to convey a blueprint for success.