waroffutbol

  A few top goalkeepers were unable to be the first choice while joining the elite sides and forced to be the understudy. The top goalkeepers with established roles in the previous clubs or in the national team would certainly expect the same status when they decided to switch sides to the top sides. Unfortunately, such is never easy. Signing for the elite team might be tempting to add silverware to their collection. Yet, lifting trophies without playing regularly would not be ideal. Barcelona’s new signing, Wojciech Szczesny, might be one recent example of such. The former Poland international joined the Catalan side following Marc Ter Stegen’s long-term injury. Fans would hope to see the former Arsenal and Juventus man in action between the sticks. Yet, his status might not change after Ter Stegen’s understudy, Inaki Pena’s top form in the first El Clasico this season. He was able to keep a clean sheet and make crucial saves to keep Real Madrid’s stars at bay. Szczcesny is l...

  Several top players had attempted to thrive in both Real Madrid and Barcelona in their careers but failed. Real Madrid and Barcelona are undoubtedly two of the most famous elite clubs in the world. Thus, a chance to play in either one or even both of them is too good to turn down. Such would not only improve their career but also their level of performance, winning mentality, and even exposure. Some players managed to shine in one of them, whereas a few were even able to thrive on both sides. The likes of Ronaldo Luiz Nazario, Luis Figo, and Michael Laudrup are the perfect example of the latter. Unfortunately, some others have not succeeded in neither team, despite having the rare opportunity to play for both La Liga powerhouses in a star-studded squad. Here are several top players who had failed stints in both Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou. Two of them were even considered legendary figures in their home soil and Eastern Europe. Alfonso Perez Alfonso Perez was one of ...

  Only a few managers who have been up to the rare challenge in taking charge of the rival side of their own nations in international football. Being the manager of your own national team would undoubtedly be an incredible experience for a coach. The pride of leading one's own country to an international major tournament is irreplaceable. However, fate can be cruel at times, and the opportunity to lead a rival nation arises before your own. Such is difficult, but for someone who is unattached, it is simply too good to pass up. This is what happens to Thomas Tuchel. The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Dortmund manager was recently appointed by the FA as Gareth Southgate 's successor. He is the best available candidate and a proven winner for his team, which matches the desired profile. The only flaw in him is that he is German, England's long-time rival on and off the pitch . Fortunately, such rivalry is no longer an issue in modern era, despite their conflict in...

  The number of La Masia shotstopper alumni who became the mainstay in Blaugrana has been surprisingly low since the 1970s. La Masia has been considered one of the most highly reputable football academies in the world for years. Since its official establishment in the late 1970s, it has been producing world-class players who have been the mainstay in Camp Nou and other clubs.  Barcelona's most notable golden era in the 2000s till mid-2010s relied heavily on the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodriguez, Jordi Alba, Carles Puyol, and Victor Valdes as they clinched UEFA Champions League titles four times and 10 La Liga titles. In the previous era, they had Pep Guardiola, Albert Ferrer, Sergi Barjuan, Abelardo Fernandez, Aitor Beguiristain, and Guillermo Amor in the 1990s, followed by Ivan de La Pena, Oscar Garcia, and Gabri.  From those names above, it is quite surprising to see only one goalkeeper from La Masia survived a...