More than a football match. More than a rivalry. This is a civil war re-enacted every year. A battle for supremacy, bragging rights and possibly a league title. Tonight, 20 of the 55 players nominated for the Fifpro XI will take to the pitch at the Camp Nou to do battle. That is the quality that the El clasico boasts....

Is it easy to like Jose Mourinho? Maybe. Maybe not. The self-styled “Special One”, is known for dismissing flair teams (Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona & Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal), winning titles his way. He has been known to give his fans what they want; wins. Here is the thing though, with the short term feeling of delight comes controversy and long...

I am going to begin with a disclaimer: Stats do not tell the whole story. Do not form opinions solely on numbers. Statistics are just objective data (without hype that affects perception) used to back up subjective opinions, and nothing more. Now, statistics may not tell the whole story but what they do tell is a part of the story;...

To create an ideal list of qualities a keeper must have to be considered world class, a good starting point would be to identify the keepers one considers to be of that class. Then what it is they all have in common. Admittedly, it is quite difficult to assess a keeper’s ability especially in an era where keepers are...

On a golden weekend that promises top quality football after a drab international break, few games promise to be as entertaining or exhilarating as the Madrid Derby. Being the last match between these two at the Vicente Calderon, there is surely added incentive for both teams to show up each other in the super grudge match. After breaking...

Popularly known as the Derby della Madonnina, the AC Milan v. Inter Milan match up has lost its appeal. Over the years, this fixture – which used to be bigger than either the Manchester or Madrid derby – has become less fawned over by the media. A week to the derby and you’d be hard pressed to read or...

Last season, this fixture saw the emergence of a young star as little known teenager Marcus Rashford announced himself on the grandest of stages as an extremely under strength United side overcame an Arsenal team ‘fighting’ for the title and ultimately ended their title aspirations. Such is the importance of this fixture, in an instant you can become a hero...

Many reports have emerged to indicate the Southgate is likely to be given a permanent role with the England Senior team. He’s rumoured to be paid less than Allardyce which is certainly comforting for the FA after many years of exorbitant salaries and pitiful results to show for it. The extreme shortage for options has made this news very...

Ebbe Skovdahi once noted that “Statistics are just like miniskirts; they give you good ideas but hide the most important things”. But the stat that Manchester United have won all six games Michael Carrick has started for the club in all competitions is a little more revealing than a mini skirt. United is a team with loads of players capable...

After 247 goals and over 400 appearances for Manchester United, it is hardly wrong to conclude that the United forward and legend, Wayne Rooney is fast tilting to a twilight. “White Pele” has indeed had a glorious career, one which would not be matched for years by any English or United Player. Sadly, that career has come to an end....