Shuttling up and down the pitch, fiercely snatching away the ball from the unsuspecting prey, the destroyer moves in a way that is akin to a race-grade 18-wheeler; powerful and always on the move. But where did this torrid affair between tactic and brutality begin? Tracing things back to its unassuming originator, Claude Makélélé, one …
Author Archives: OffTheBar
Pietro Pellegri: Monaco’s Freshest Diamond In The Rough
If a sequel to British grime virtuoso, Skepta’s 2017 documentary “Greatness Only” lies in the realms of possibility, Pietro Pellegri is certainly a potential poster boy for it. The latest import to further piece together Monaco’s “Moneyball” transfer policy, the former-Genoa frontman became the youngest-ever debutant for the defending Ligue 1 champions in a 4-0 …
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Jadon Sancho: A Cut Above The Rest
History suggests that the notion of English footballers departing to greener pastures abroad in the pursuit of blossoming on the biggest stages is somewhat of an anomaly. While sizeable names such as Gary Lineker, Steve McManaman and David Beckham instantly spring to mind, it is important to note that each of these stalwarts jumped ship …
Felix Sanchez: The Visionary Behind Qatari Football’s Rise
Despite Qatar being at the forefront of football’s worst kept secret after violating a mirage of ethical codes in their quest to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, Al-Annabi (The Maroons) have found a beacon of hope. Felix Sanchez has brought about this wave of optimism in Qatari football after masterminding a historic AFC Asian …
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Lazio vs Roma: A Feud That Knows No End
A world of its own Despite the unrestrained antipathy that defines Lazio and Roma’s enmity, Rome’s finest join forces in defending the sanctity of the battle. While self-proclaimed connoisseurs of Italian football may consider the Derby d’Italia (Derby of Italy) between Juventus and Inter Milan as rivalry royalty; time stops when the Derby di Roma …
A Deep-Dive into football’s undying affinity with versatility
Not many would be better attested to paying an ode to the power of versatility in football than Ryan Bertrand. In the wake of the seasoned Florent Malouda’s hamstring strain against Blackburn Rovers, the-then Chelsea sensation was thrown in at the deep end of debuting in a Champions League final. What’s worse? Bertrand was tasked …
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Borussia Dortmund’s sale of Abdou Diallo is a transfer blunder
Borussia Dortmund’s perennial underdog status has managed to soften even the most stone-hearted skeptics into falling head over heels towards football’s resident hipster club. Whether it may be their rise from the ashes of bankruptcy to ultimately reach a Champions League final or their unmatchable atmosphere at the Westfalenstadion emitted by The Yellow Wall, tipping …
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