Cesc Fabregas: The one that got away from Arsenal

Many Arsenal fans harbour feelings of resentment towards former midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas following his return home to Barcelona in 2011.

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The hangover of the Makélélé role

In our modern game, it seems every football manager under the sun seems to want a player in the Claude Makélélé mould. But, in this day and age, is it really necessary?

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Gareth Bale vs Neymar - Comparing their starts in La Liga

When Gareth Bale's transfer to Real Madrid commanded the biggest fee ever payed in football, it sparked debate on whether the Wales international was worth it, naturally. Whilst I won't go into that debate, I will compare his start to that of Neymar's over at Barcelona, who the Camp Nou side also splashed out on this summer, albeit earlier than Los Blancos.

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Chelsea Reportedly Reach Agreement With Barcelona For Valdes - Statistics

This summer saw Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois join Atletico Madrid for a second consecutive season as Petr Cech refuses to be dislodged from the Stamford Bridge sticks. However, as the 21-year-old learns his trade in La Liga, it was expected that he would return next season and command his place as number one. But French sources are now reporting that Chelsea have reached an agreement for Barclelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who will leave Camp Nou in the summer.

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5 goalkeepers ready to take over from Joe Hart

When Manchester City won their first title since 1968 two seasons ago, Joe Hart was a pivotal member of the squad. Some of his performances that season were outstanding, easily the best goalkeeper in the league.

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Why is the Number 10 role so important?

This is actually quite a new phenomenon, or at least it's importance is new. In the past the 'number 10' has usually been the secondary striker, or in more simple terms, the player that plays behind the striker. Dennis Bergkamp was a famous 'number 10' and one of the best. Henry was the player that played beyond him with Dennis instigating most attacks. However, these 'number 10's' could also play as the main striker if needs be. In this day and age, the 'number 10' role is often played by the attacking midfielder. So a few current examples are Mesut Ozil, Juan Mata and David Silva. They will still instigate most attacks but will not be a replacement striker.

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Can Celtic Repeat Last Year's Victory Over Barcelona?

Sometimes miracles do happen in football.  Results that seem impossible are achieved and the dreams of thousands are realised.

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Is Carlo Ancelotti under early pressure at Real Madrid?

After a 1-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid, there are rumblings in Spain that new Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti is under a little pressure already.

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Yaya Toure - the complete midfielder

Out of the many signings Manchester City have made since their injection of petro dollars, there is a very strong argument that there have been none more important than that of Yaya Toure.

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Hector Bellerin: Arsenal's Rising star

If you've read past articles of mine you will realise that I am quite a big follower of youth football, and as I have such a strong interest in the field, then a player of Hector Bellerin's talent will not go unnoticed. I mentioned him in yesterdays article about 5 players that could make the step up to the first team this year. The 18-year-old is a former La Masia student. Those of you that don't know, that's where all the homegrown Barcelona players progressed from. Wenger is famous for plucking young Spaniards out at this level as he's already done it with Francesc Fabregas.

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An early look at the Champions League contenders

Any team could win it, but the big teams people always see as serious contenders are not numerous. This season, many new managers have taken over and lots of new players have joined the elites, hence making it harder than ever for everyone to agree on a list. In my opinion there are eight contenders this season: Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. But which ones of them top the list?

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Should Premier League Clubs Be Looking To Sign Alex Song? The Statistics

Arsenal have been guilty of letting their best players leave the club over the last few years, and whether or not they have been better off away from the Emirates is an argument for another day. However, with the Mirror suggesting that one of those players - Alex Song - has had enough with life at the club he left north London for, Barcelona, I have decided whether or not he is a worthy investment, in my opinion, for a Premier League side.

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The Relationship Between North London And Spain

It seems the white and red factions of north London have lost their stars to the two biggest clubs in Spain in recent years, but who are the biggest transfers between north London and Barcelona and Real Madrid?

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Why Chris Smalling Should Have Gone Out On Loan

Chris Smalling seems to be one of Roy Hodgson’s ‘teacher’s pets’ within the England squad. This is perhaps down to the fact he gave him his big break by putting him in the first team at Fulham which then enabled him to get a move to Old Trafford.  In his first season at United, Smalling impressed so much that he was named on the bench for the 2011 Champions League Final against Barcelona ahead of the more experienced Jonny Evans.

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Champions League Preview – The Dark Horses

According the bookies, the side picking up the title of kings of Europe is likely to come from one of the following; Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Here we identify four sides who will carry visions of upsetting the apple cart.

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