Blog - The Football Castle

June 20, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

The battle to become Africa’s finest

The 2019 Africa cup of nations kicks off a special era in African football. A refreshed tournament that expands to 24 teams in the summer months of June-July allows the bulk of European-based stars to concentrate fully on continental gold. For years, the African continental tournament was undermined by being played in January, when Africa’s…

June 15, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football

AFCON Eagles

Crunch time is almost upon us and excitement fills the air as football unites Nigeria once more. The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was a long time coming for the Super Eagles, having played in two World Cups since last featuring in an AFCON. The Eagles can finally ‘defend’ their 2013 title in the actual…

June 7, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, International Football, Tactical Analysis

Can the real gems please stand up?

Did they forget that competitive football was still on? After showing some cojones in the Champions League knockouts, English players finally collapsed with errors and misfortune with the national team. The UEFA Nations League final sets up a Netherlands versus Portugal clash after entertaining 3-1 wins in the semifinals. It pits Virgil Van Dijk against…

May 31, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

Through blood, sweat and tears

Europe’s second all-English final beckons as English football gets set for another display of domestic rivalry on the continent. Tottenham versus Liverpool is a thrilling Premier League clash with both clubs operating on a similar model of utilizing young players playing high-speed, high-energy football. Jürgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino began their respective projects just over…

May 28, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis

Settling local scores in unfamiliar environments

Europa League specialist Unai Emery takes on Maurizio Sarri in a match that means everything to Arsenal’s season. A London derby played 2500 miles from its origin in the capital of Azerbaijan for an European trophy bearing all the extra incentives and sentiments; just adds that extra bit of desperation and feistiness to this Europa…

May 19, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Bundesliga, Features

Undisputed kings

Bayern Munich are once again Bundesliga winners. The 28-time Champions’ seventh successive win was certainly the hardest and most unlikely, all thanks to Borussia Dortmund. The Westphalia giants made a push for their first title since 2012 but ultimately came up short to the Bavarians. Beyond the disappointment of losing it despite Bayern’s early-season slump,…

May 13, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Premier League

Realms of greatness

The dust settles on another Premier league campaign. An era-defining season which changed a lot of things you thought you knew about the most-watched league in the world. The relegation, mid-table and top four race had been all but sorted ahead of the final day. Leaving the title race to the fantastic duo as well…

May 9, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

Philosophy or passion?

Divock Origi and Lucas Moura; It’s very unlikely that you would forget the names anymore. These Fringe players have inspired the unlikeliest of comebacks in football history twice within 24 hours; sending the world into a frenzy of “Impossible is nothing” and “Never give up”(thanks to Mo Salah). Football has a way of rewarding such…

May 2, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Player Analysis, Tactical Analysis, UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi reigns supreme

(Getty Images) Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona triumphed in the latest challenge to their Champions league dream. In the semi-final first leg against Liverpool, Lionel Messi put in yet another masterclass. Barca weathered Liverpool’s early storm, with Joël Matip in particular and Fabinho recovering possession and doing a decent job keeping Messi quiet. Arturo Vidal’s…

April 25, 2019

Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Features, Premier League, Tactical Analysis

Manchester City Pulling clear

Manchester City have one hand on the Premier League trophy; a decisive blow was struck on Manchester United’s season and Liverpool’s title hopes in Wednesday’s Manchester Derby. United started the game well and outran City, forcing uncharacteristic errors and sloppy play but lacked a goal threat. They ran collectively five kilometres less in the second…