Jun 16Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Anthony MartialSeasons watched: 2014–15 to 2017–18 (Ages 18–21 according to FBref) It feels like a distant memory, but Anthony Martial’s debut with Manchester United was the kind of storybook beginning you’d want from a youngster who was British football’s most expensive teenager at the time. It happened against a bitter rival…Premier League9 min read
May 16Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Raheem SterlingSeasons watched: 2013–14 to 2016–17 (Age 18–21 seasons according to FBref) Of all the players analyzed in this series so far, one could make an argument that none dealt with as much constant change in their formative years as Raheem Sterling did. The 2013–14 season was his true arrival on…Premier League8 min read
Oct 7, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Alexandre PatoSeasons watched: 2008–09 to 2010–11 (Age 18–20 seasons according to FBref) Given how far he has fallen over the past decade, it can sometimes be forgotten how massive a star Alexandre Pato was during his formative years. The hype could be traced back to his performances in the 2006 Club…Soccer9 min read
Aug 24, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Karim BenzemaSeasons watched: 2007–2008 to 2009–10 (Age 19–21 seasons according to FBref) For the majority of the past 10 years, Ligue 1 has been dominated by Paris Saint-Germain. Through state-sponsorship as a form of soft power to improve its image worldwide (a trend that’s become all too familiar in football), PSG…Soccer10 min read
Jul 29, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Sergio AgüeroSeasons watched: 2006–07 to 2009–10 (Age 18–21 seasons according to FBref) When looking back at Sergio Agüero’s brilliant career to this point, many will gravitate towards his title clinching goal for Manchester City against QPR in May 2012, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the most iconic goal in…La Liga9 min read
Jul 1, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Lionel MessiSeasons watched: 2006–07 to 2008–09 (Age 19–21 seasons according to FBref) The Greatest of All Time debate is a mainstay within sporting discourse in North America, especially in basketball given how much a singular player can impact winning. It has led to many forms of analysis, both interesting and nauseating…Analytics9 min read
Jun 11, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Wayne RooneySeasons watched: 2004–05 to 2007–08 (Age 18–21 seasons according to FBref) For a player who reached the heights that Wayne Rooney did, there still remains a certain degree of “what if” which surrounds him. This is largely due to him having a career arc that was slightly atypical from what…Manchester United8 min read
May 19, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Fernando TorresSeasons watched: 2002–03 to 2005–06 (Age 18–21 seasons according to FBRef) It’s been nearly ten years since Atlético Madrid hired Diego Simeone in December 2011, and in the time since they have ascended to become one of the most successful clubs in European football. With their shocking La Liga triumph…La Liga8 min read
Apr 26, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Javier SaviolaSeasons watched: 2001–02 to 2003–04 (Age 19–21 seasons according to FBref) The heights that Diego Maradona reached in the 1980’s were so grand that towards the end of his playing career, he joined an exclusive club of sporting figures where the media rushes to find their successor. Just in Argentina…Scouting8 min read
Apr 2, 2021Golden Boys of Yesteryear: Michael OwenSeasons Watched: 1997–98 to 2001–02 (age 17–21 according to FBref) Every few years, there seems to be a young English attacking talent who bursts onto the scene and displays the kind of potential which could see him eventually rival some of the best in Europe during his prime. As it…Premier League9 min read
