Blog - The Football Castle

August 9, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Premier League, Tactical Analysis

Straight into the deep end

Football is back! After an arduous three-month wait for proper football; the pick of the opening round of Premier League football was saved for last in Manchester United’s Sunday afternoon hosting of Chelsea. It presents Frank Lampard’s bow as Chelsea manager against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s revamped charges. Chelsea have lost once from 20 opening fixtures,…

August 4, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Player Analysis, Premier League, Tactical Analysis

Kean for the Toffees

In 2017, he became the first player born in the 2000s to score in Europe’s top five leagues. Now Moise Kean’s transfer from Juventus to Everton in a £29M deal is confirmed. In a seemingly pre-mature end to his Serie A career, how did Italy lose it’s gem? The 19-year-old had shown so much promise…

August 2, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis

The curious curtain-raiser

By Joseph Atanu On Sunday, the European Champions and the Premier League Champions will lock horns at the showpiece curtain raiser at Wembley, with the Premier League juggernauts kick-starting the 2019/2020 season with an FA community shield game between Liverpool and Manchester City. Last season’s battle for supremacy in England went down to the final…

July 26, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Player Analysis, Premier League

The young guns: Batch of 2019/20

Pre-season games offer clubs the chance to get their players ready for the season in terms of fitness and conditioning, as well as build their club’s reputation in different parts of the world. Every year, academy youngsters and new signings look to stake a claim in the team before the season kicks off. With only…

July 20, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

Les champions d’Afrique

After a nine-year Western domination, the trophy goes to North Africa as Algeria claim the 2019 Africa cup of Nations after a fantastic tournament. The desert foxes lifted the continental crown for the second time as Djamel Belmadi’s side need no further validation of their philosophy. Headlined by Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, the Algerians were…

July 15, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

A final push (or lack of…)

It had been a tough ride and a draining emotional rollercoaster. The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ground to a halt at the semifinals when supreme quality prevailed. Nigeria should have been the better-prepared side having played their quarterfinal match 24 hours earlier than Algeria who went through extra time and…

July 11, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

Dare to dream

The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for their ninth Africa Cup of Nations semi-final from 10 quarter-finals, beating South Africa for a third time in AFCON history. The result was secured via William Troost-Ekong’s 89thminute tap-in from a corner. Leaving you nail-biting seems to be their only form of entertainment -and boy have I eaten…

July 7, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

AFCON 2019: In my feelings

The Africa Cup of Nations boys get separated from men in the knockout rounds, the various levels are being revealed. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, for the umpteenth time at this tournament, secured a vital win over defending champions Cameroon despite not being swashbuckling in attack. They registered the win by scoring three goals in a successful…

July 4, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Premier League, Serie A, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

The easier way: Grit or flair?

A tight defence, balanced midfield and flowing attack; these are the three components that make a great football team. Down the years, national teams and club sides have been deficient in particular departments with success; but which is the easier way to succeed? 2019 Champions League winners Liverpool had a fantastic forward line and a…

June 27, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

Gritty does it for Nigeria

Dear reader, ever wondered how to produce fantastic results without fantastic performances? Look no further than Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria. The Super Eagles are the first team to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 courtesy of another 1-0 win, this time against the Syli stars of Guinea. Much like in qualifying…