Rory Smith
Posts
The Superteam That May Be Selling Itself Short
Vfl Wolfsburg casts itself as an underdog in Germany and in the Champions League. That doesn’t reflect reality.
Argentina’s World Cup Champions Gather for First Time Since Qatar
Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have reunited for the first time. Most are finding a day job feels different after you’ve won the World...
Quinten and Jurrien Timber Share Title Dreams and a Bedroom
Quinten and Jurrien Timber are on opposite sides of the Dutch championship race. At home, they may be closer, literally, than any two players in...
Portrait of an Artist, Still Just a Young Man
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has become a star in nine months at Napoli. With his transcendent talent, things may only get better.
P.S.G.’s Star System Has Run Its Course
Even with Messi, Mbappé and Neymar, the French champion is a Champions League also-ran once again. Is buying local the way forward?
Chelsea Saves the Day; Saving the Season Can Come Later
Beating Dortmund in the Champions League will ease the pressure on Graham Potter and his team, but it won’t end the questions about where they...
Liverpool, Napoli and the Problem With Systems
As system clubs start to falter, the future seems to belong to the teams and coaches who are willing to be a little more flexible.
How Should Fans Feel About Newcastle United?
Smart signings and Saudi money have revived a moribund Premier League soccer team. Those cheering their good fortune say they shouldn’t have to answer for...
Real Madrid 5, Liverpool 2: Champions League Laugher at Anfield
That Real Madrid delivered another memorable Champions League victory was no surprise. It was the manner of Liverpool’s defeat that spoke volumes.
Manchester City Beats Arsenal, and the Premier League Season Pivots
Manchester City’s 3-1 victory lifted it over Arsenal and into first place in the Premier League. But the title race is far from over.