The written word from the Ranks FC gang - Sam for the analysis, Dean for the latest transfer news, and Jack for the narratives you didn't even know you needed; plus some friends of the Rank Squad will be popping up here as well!
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By John Gilding & Lucas Calderon The U20 World Cup started with a bang in the group stage. Some surprise packages, some big upsets and some players you’ve never heard of to get very excited about, it’s had it all already, and there’s a lot more where that came from. …
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Through seven matchweeks of the new Major League Soccer season, a thicket of threads have begun to emerge, the foundation of yet another tapestry. I’m obsessed with stories, and time and again, this league ceases to amaze me with the tales within it. For so many reasons, it’s unlike any…
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The March international break is an opportunity for federations and managers to cap-tie footballers making one of the most high-pressure decisions of their young career. In Europe, squads are formed for the initiation of Euros qualifying, while in North America, focus turns to the CONCACAF Nations League. Of particular interest…
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By John Gilding What do you look for in a league? World-class players and managers that represent the peak of the sport? A mix of young talent and old legends returning to their home clubs? A hideous trophy that no one in their right mind would want to win? …
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By Dan Wiseman By midday on June 11th 2021, London was already ringing to the sound of Neil Diamond. With St George’s crosses rippling from their backs in the mild summer heat, humming to the tune of Sweet Caroline, England fans descended on their capital ahead of the nation’s greatest…
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By Stephen Bole As the final whistle sounded at the Allianz Arena last Wednesday night, a familiar feeling sunk in for the players, staff, and fans of Paris Saint-Germain. Disappointment. They have once again underwhelmed in the Champions League, and any other trophies or achievements this season will do nothing…
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This weekend, after the bright European lights have dimmed and there’s little else to watch, something incredible will happen: Major League Soccer, entering its 28th season, will kick off across North America. In the three short months since LAFC claimed their first title in a thrilling shootout victory against the…
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By Stephen Bole With Liverpool and Real Madrid set to face off in the UEFA Champions league once again this week, we’ll see two clubs who are in transitional periods. Liverpool’s need for an overhaul has struck them by surprise, as they seem to be moving on from their greatest…
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The story of Cinderella is related to most children as the tale of a beautiful yet disadvantaged young woman who improbably ends up with the resident prince, in the process outdoing a cast of traditionally superior and often villainous competitors. It tells them about the simple significance of being genuine…