FourFourTwo Collection – Issue 3, 2022

DigitalTHE VERY BEST FROM THE WORLD’S GREATEST FOOTBALL MAGAZINE Edition COLLECTION THIRD EDITION CELEBRATING THE GAMES, GOALS AND GREATS THAT HAVE SHAPED FFT SAKA | HURST | RONALDINHO | HAZARD | TEVEZ



COLLECTION WELCOME E very month FourFourTwo brings you the latest exclusives from the world’s biggest names, getting you up close and personal with World Cup winners, Premier League legends and rising stars. So you can probably appreciate that narrowing down a year’s worth of content to 148 pages is no easy task. Even so, we reckon the features that await you represent some of the team’s best work over the last 12 months or so. In this latest collection you’ll meet the architectural pioneer behind some of the game’s most storied stadiums, uncover the chemistry that fuelled the most lethal attacking trios ever to terrorise a pitch, and find out why it ultimately all went a bit loco for Sir Bobby down in Barcelona. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll relive a time when Newcastle’s magpies flew higher than all others, tour the 100 greatest grounds in Britain (man is our first choice going to cause some arguments!) and speak to a former West Ham saint with a devil on his shoulder. Oh, and there’s an article about the young stars we think are set to light up the rest of the year and beyond featuring a lanky lad from Norway. Might have a future in the game, that one.



COLLECTION Future PLC Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA Bookazine Editorial Editor Charles Ginger Designer Briony Duguid Senior Art Editor Andy Downes Head of Art & Design Greg Whitaker Editorial Director Jon White FourFourTwo Editorial Editor James Andrew Deputy Editor Joe Brewin Art Director Anthony Moore Chief Sub Editor Gregg Davies Senior Staff Writer Chris Flanagan Staff Writer Mark White Staff Writer Ed McCambridge Cover images Getty Images Advertising Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove International Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw [email protected] www.futurecontenthub.com Circulation Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers Production Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Matthew Eglinton Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Managers Keely Miller, Nola Cokely, Vivienne Calvert, Fran Twentyman Printed in the UK Distributed by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU www.marketforce.co.uk Tel: 0203 787 9001 FourFourTwo Collection Volume 3 (SBZ4357) © 2022 Future Publishing Limited We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this bookazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The paper holds full FSC or PEFC certification and accreditation. All contents © 2022 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. Future plc is a public Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne company quoted on the Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) Chief financial officer Penny Ladkin-Brand www.futureplc.com Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244 Part of the bookazine series

34 98 56 8 22 for 2022 Meet the young stars set to light up the game’s biggest stages in 2022 and beyond 28 Declan Rice Chelsea youth player. West Ham midfield general. Future England captain? 34 The Barça gent Why a blend of experience, success and natural charm weren’t enough to save Sir Bobby’s Spanish adventure 40 Some things are worth waiting for After four defeats in four major finals, Messi seemed destined never to triumph in the famous white and blue of Argentina. Then along came the summer of 2021… 44 Tainted love In 1993, a talented Marseille side beat AC Milan to win the inaugural Champions League. France’s only European Cup-winning side were hailed across the continent. And then the truth began to emerge… 50 The greatest strike trios From Man United’s ‘Holy Trinity’ to Real Madrid’s ‘BBC’ and Liverpool’s ‘Fab Three’, three-pronged frontlines have been savaging defences for decades 58 Lost Sol We talk to Arsenal legend Sol Campbell about his battle to return to the dugout 64 The man who built football Inside the mind of the man who literally helped to shape the beautiful game 70 Saint Paulo Devine ability. A devilish capacity for chaos. It’s no wonder British fans loved Di Canio 76 FA Cup facts 30 things you never knew about the oldest cup competition on Earth 106 92 6 FourFourTwo.com

28 82 Dribble me this 126 The Premier League has been blessed with a plethora of fleet-footed dribblers, but this lot really did take some stopping 86 Howay the entertainers It’s the mid-90s. Trainspotting is on in the cinema. John Major is the PM. And Newcastle United are bloody brilliant! 92 Emma Hayes exclusive She didn’t even want to be a coach, so how did the Chelsea Women’s formidable manager become the WSL’s answer to Sir Alex? 98 The billion Euro drop When PSG swooped for the GOAT, fans of the French powerhouse began to dream of Champions League glory. Yet so far this real-life attempt at fantasy football has struggled to deliver 106 100 greatest grounds in Britain After a fair bit of squabbling, we have finally agreed on the finest footballing homes in the country. Don’t tell us - you disagree 126 Teenage flicks Over 75 years on from its inception, Subbuteo remains a key part of football (and pop) culture. Find out why this game continues to thrive in a digital age 132 Sir Geoff Hurst FFT speaks to the West Ham and England legend about a career like no other 138 20 greatest European comebacks The last rites had been read. Nails were firmly in coffins. It was game over. But then some teams just don’t know when they’re beaten 58 5016 FourFourTwo.com 7

22 FOR 2022 22 Messi and Ronaldo dominated the transfer agenda in 2021, but now it’s time for the big boys to scrap over the next generation. None will be more in demand than Erling Haaland, the first in our list of 22 stars under the age of 22, who could rule during the year ahead Words Thore Haugstad 01 ERLInG HAALAnDAge21ClubBorussia Dortmund Nationality Norwegian Position Striker FOR A few years ago, a rare thing 2022 happened to Mino Raiola: he fell in love. The superagent turned on his TV to watch a young striker play for Molde, in Norway’s top division. Casual fans knew the kid was good. Raiola saw something more. He’d found the one. Soon, Raiola had become an advisor to Erling Braut Haaland and his dad Alfie, a former midfielder for Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. Since then, none of them have done too badly – going into 2022, Raiola and Alfie are gearing up for one of the bidding wars of the decade. A buyout clause will allow him to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer for €75 million, about half his market value. The victor of the frenzied auction will be whichever party entices Raiola and the Haalands the most – be it with love, money... or preferably both. MINO KNOWS Few agents sell their clients better than Raiola. With Haaland, however, the Italian-Dutch middle man has barely needed to say a word. The 6ft 4in Norwegian is the talent of the century alongside Kylian Mbappe. Fast, strong and lethal, Haaland is a cyborg-ish freak of nature; a truly frightening alchemy of Thor, Speedy Gonzales and The Terminator. At 21, his output bears comparison to the very best, past or present. Only Mbappe is able to match him. If you exclude penalties at the time of writing, the duo are averaging 0.79 goals per 90 minutes in league and European competition – a rate that beats every major talent aged below 22 over the past two decades. Raul had registered more goals than both, but not at the same speed. The closest is Lionel Messi, at 0.68. Decent effort, Leo... but no cigar.

22 FOR 2022 THE WORLD’S MOST WAnTED MAn

22 FOR 2022 Heaven knows how much this will end Salzburg. Some asked why he would move Below Scenes the bench against Augsburg to thump home up costing someone. As if Haaland weren’t to Austria and not Germany or Italy, but like this have a hat-trick in 20 minutes. As ever, Raiola was valuable enough, Raiola is to negotiating Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has spent 20 years been common one step ahead. During contract talks, he what Mozart is to music; just swap the as chief scout and sporting director at a host Right “Phil, can knew that Dortmund wouldn’t want to sell symphonic genius with trash talk and hype. of European clubs including Monaco and you get Pep to Haaland unless they were forced to. So, the His demeanour makes Ari Gold look like Maccabi Haifa, says they knew what they sign a striker?” release clause gave Haaland two and a half a wimp. Aware that most clubs can pay the were doing. years to develop in Germany, by which point buyout clause, Raiola will drive up the other he could pick his next club freely while Raiola fees as far as he can – and almost always “They’ve planned his career to perfection,” drove up the agent fee. Yet, if you’d listened gets his way. Karlsen tells FFT. “The ingenious thing with to the latter this March, he sounded as if he Salzburg is that he went to a league where had somehow underestimated his own In August, Christian Falk, the transfer he could perform well straight away, while client’s progress. oracle for German newspaper Bild, reported the professionalism and working methods that Raiola wanted €50m per year in player were as good as the top clubs in the “He did things quicker than everybody wages and an agent fee of €40m. Any takers? Bundesliga. Almost all young players who imagined,” said Raiola. “Maybe I was too leave Salzburg succeed where they go next, careful when I said, ‘Oh no, let’s move to The wheels have long been set in motion, because they’re so well prepared.” Dortmund instead of I-don’t-know-where’.” though. In April, Raiola and Alfie paid visits A few months later, Haaland capped off to Barcelona and Real Madrid – but with the After a quiet start in Austria, Haaland a 2020-21 season in which he’d scored 40 two clubs mired in debt, everyone knew that exploded with a hat-trick on his Champions goals in 40 games. they couldn’t afford Haaland that summer. League debut against Genk in September Yet Raiola made a point that’s bound to 2019. By the end of the year he was racking Soon, Raiola appeared to push for a move haunt football executives for months. up more goals than games, and another one year earlier than planned. In April, the move seemed inevitable. Juve were again rumour mill went into overdrive when he “I don’t know if Real Madrid could afford interested, as were Manchester United and and Alfie paid a visit Barcelona to meet Haaland,” he said with a mischievous smirk. RB Leipzig – but the Haalands instead picked with newly crowned president Joan Laporta. “The question is a different one: can Madrid Borussia Dortmund. Raiola claimed he was there to congratulate afford not to buy Haaland?” Laporta – and if that was hard to believe, it “BVB are a dream team for a striker,” says appeared even less credible when the duo So far, Raiola and the Haalands couldn’t Karlsen. “It’s probably only Ajax who can rocked up at Real Madrid later the same day. have played their hand any better. When create better conditions for scoring goals.” Erling was about to leave Norway in 2018, Still, the release clause wasn’t yet active, he could have joined Bayer Leverkusen or The hype didn’t exactly die down when and Dortmund – then chasing a Champions Juventus. Instead, he signed for Red Bull Haaland, on his Dortmund debut, came off “HE WILL BE TAKEn BY THE TEAM THAT OFFERS THE HIGHEST SALARY – IT’S nOT EVEn POSSIBLE FOR BAYERn MUnICH”

22 FOR 2022 League spot they would eventually secure Still, the fact remains that some clubs have – refused to sell. Raiola knew as much, too. a much better chance than others... “But that doesn’t mean I agree,” he sniffed. SHOW THEM THE MONEY Yet why flirt with Barça and Madrid when neither had any cash? One thing seems certain, though: nobody in Italy can afford Erling Haaland – neither Falk “He was testing the market,” Bild’s nor Karlsen even mention Serie A as a likely Christian Falk tells FFT. “He knew it wasn’t destination. Beppe Marotta, the ex-Juventus possible for Madrid or Barça. The only club CEO now at Inter, still rues an opportunity he that was serious was Chelsea. Roman missed to get Haaland for €2m when he was Abramovich was thinking of buying him. He in Norway. “We were close,” said Marotta. likes Haaland, and Thomas Tuchel was – and “Now it’s impossible to see Haaland playing still is – a fan. They were looking for that kind in Serie A.” of striker, and they had some money, but in the end the price was too high.” During Barça’s presidential elections, which concluded in March, some candidates used How high? “I heard Dortmund say that Haaland as bait. The advisor of Emili Rousaud, anything below €175m, they wouldn’t talk. one of the candidates, hinted that they had If you heard Raiola talking about the money an agreement for him to join. “Fake news!” Haaland should earn, I don’t think anyone Raiola shot back. Now, a broke Barça seem will pay it. But it’s a poker game – €50m per out of the question. year is the price we heard. It’s too much for every club during a pandemic. There will be All of which narrows the field down to Real just a handful of clubs that can afford him.” Madrid, Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League. Bayern love nabbing their A quick look at Haaland’s Instagram might rivals’ best players, but their former CEO suggest a kid drunk on his own wealth. He Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has anticipated hails from the down-to-earth agricultural a bidding war that rules them out. “He’ll be south-western coast, yet in the summer he taken by the club that offers the highest was spotted on a yacht in Mykonos wearing salary,” he said. “I don’t think it’s possible a £2,250 Louis Vuitton ‘watercolour’ outfit. for any Bundesliga club, not even Bayern.” In May, he was off to watch the Formula 1 in Monaco, grinning on a private plane in Karlsen believes Bayern would be one of the favourites were it not for the agent fee. striped Dolce & Gabbana get-up. That Falk thinks they could still make an offer. picture was shown to Norway coach Stale Solbakken. “There’s no way he’s turning up “They’re thinking about it,” he says. “But here dressed like that,” he chuckled. it also depends on Harry Kane and what Manchester City are doing; it depends on If Solbakken was relaxed, it was because Madrid and Mbappe. And at Bayern there’s he knew Haaland wouldn’t lose his focus. In another big question, too: what is Robert July, the striker was back on the west coast Lewandowski’s next step?” in a hoodie, shorts and trainers, feeding cows. “Sunglasses and fancy clothes done,” In August, there were reports that the he wrote. “Now back to work with my pals!” Polish hitman wanted out. Falk says Lewy’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is trying to get him sold in He obsesses about sleep and meditation, the summer, which would free some Bayern and salutes Cristiano Ronaldo’s fish and cash for Haaland and a place upfront in the chicken diet. When Dortmund started their team. “But can they pay his salary?” asks league campaign at home to Eintracht Falk. “If it’s really €50m, then they can’t do it. Frankfurt in August, Haaland scored two We know that Lewandowski is earning about goals and assisted three in a 5-2 win. €25m – so if Haaland would be fine with that A couple of muscle injuries have disrupted amount, there’s a small chance that he his flow since then, but by mid-October he could go to Bayern.” had plundered 13 goals in nine games when a torn hip flexor muscle ruled him out until The €50m might just be a gambit, anyway. mid-December at the earliest. “I think it’s Raiola playing games,” says Falk. “He’s always naming a big price so everyone “He’s made a big improvement,” says Falk. gets frightened, and then they talk.” “You’d have thought that it wasn’t possible, but he’s done it again. At Bayern Munich Then there’s PSG. For the Qatari owners, they always talk about a winning mentality, who might have to stomach losing Mbappe and this is the only thing Dortmund have on a free to Madrid six months before the been missing over the past few years. World Cup, Haaland could be the only Now they have a player who has it, and it’s adequate target. Haaland. If they have a chance to win the title this year, it’s because of him.” “We heard Paris were thinking about him last summer, in case Mbappe left,” says Falk. In October, Bild reported that Dortmund “I heard that Haaland would be interested in wanted to almost double Haaland’s wages playing with Messi. I don’t think it’s his first to make him stay. choice, but we’re talking about money, and when Raiola is involved it’s always a question “They’re trying to give the supporters faith of money. If the Premier League can’t pay that they can keep hold of him,” says Falk. him, and Madrid can’t do anything because “But I think everybody knows, both within Mbappe is enough, I think this is absolutely the club and the Bundesliga, that they won’t.” the easiest way for him to go somewhere. But I don’t think it’s his first choice.” So where is he going? “We can’t say which club it’ll be,” says Falk So what is? “If you were to ask him, ‘Hey, – and if he doesn’t know, then nobody does. would you like to play with Mbappe at FourFourTwo.com 11

22 FOR 2022 “RAIOLA WILL WAIT FOR BIDS AnD PLAY HARDBALL. HE’LL UP THE PRICE WHEn A CLUB IS On THE HOOK” Madrid?’ I think he’d say, ‘Great’,” says Falk. a player of Haaland’s calibre becomes Above Could Eastlands, then, could be where the pieces “I think he will play for Madrid one day, and available, they might find a way to justify Haaland be all fall into place. Pep Guardiola badly needs they have a special plan for him, because his the price,” says Karlsen. heading for a striker and, having missed out on Kane last dad is very focused on the sporting aspect Manchester City? summer, the club’s financial powder is dry. and puts that before money. Raiola is the The favourites, then, reside in Manchester. Below “This is Guardiola has said that if the club can spend other way around. But in the end, it’s the Reports say United have Haaland high on easy with no £100m on a player who can produce for five Haalands who decide.” their list – to be fair, who doesn’t? – yet keepers, lads” or 10 years, they might do it. And then there’s they too have committed funds elsewhere. Alfie’s past at the club. When FFT sat down It might not happen this summer, though Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal lasts until 2023, and with Erling last year, he admitted to having – Madrid president Florentino Perez has been the Portuguese has no intention of watching a soft spot for City – his older brother, Astor, obsessed with Mbappe for years. from the bench. The Red Devils also have has even posted a picture of a baby Erling in a turbulent relationship with Raiola, to say a City shirt. “Madrid will go for Mbappe, and that’s the least. Alex Ferguson despises him for enough for them,” says Karlsen. “Karim taking Paul Pogba away in 2012, and Raiola “Of course you become a fan,” the deadpan Benzema is still good and Vinicius Junior is has won few friends at Old Trafford with his Dortmund striker told us. “You support them doing well. I don’t think it’s a wise decision constant criticism of the team. “I don’t give because you support your dad.” for Erling to go to the same club as Mbappe. a f**k if I never do another player with It’s more of a fantasy football move. Manchester United,” he snapped in March. “I’m not sure it will be City,” rebuffs Falk. “They will talk, of course. Raiola will talk with “Even if Madrid have the money, it’s not But as former Reds stopper Rio Ferdinand anyone who can pay. I just don’t think Erling like they have to spend it all in one window. shrugged when pushing Haaland’s case, is a Guardiola player, based on what Pep did The package they’ll end up paying Mbappe “Sometimes you’ve got to dance with the at Bayern and how he likes to play. But if will be costly enough, so it has to be the devil.” Falk says Haaland “likes” the club but, they don’t get Kane again, there aren’t that Manchester clubs and Chelsea, with Madrid for his part, Karlsen wouldn’t recommend many other strikers at that level. It depends as an outsider.” the move. “United have too many forward on Kane and on Madrid and Mbappe.” options,” he says. “City are more stable.” Falk agrees. “If it’s not Madrid this summer, The only certainty is that Haaland will I think the Premier League is the next step.” move – and that Raiola will run the show. “He’s got all the cards and is controlling the But, sorry Liverpool fans, not you – because dialogue,” says Karlsen. “He’ll wait for bids “they don’t operate in this way”, according and play hardball. Once he’s got a club on to Karlsen. And as for Chelsea? The Blues just the hook and has pushed negotiations far spent £98m bringing Romelu Lukaku back to enough down the road, he’ll bring others Stamford Bridge. in to drive up the price.” “Lukaku is 28, he’s got at least four years If Karlsen could advise Haaland, which left at the top level, but my impression is club would he pick? that if Chelsea really want someone, and “Everyone wants to play for Real Madrid, but I don’t think this is the right time,” he admits. “I’d say the club that seems the most stable, best run and the best placed to present a very good sporting project is City. And then you’ll just have to live with the fact that he might not be a ‘Pep player’. Good coaches always find room for good players. Anyway, it’s not like Pep will be there forever. “In the end, it’s about what Haaland wants. The money is really of secondary importance, because all clubs will pay a lot. He’ll be rich either way. So I have a hunch that he’ll want to play in England. I think the intensity and culture there appeals to him.” Haaland, of course, was born in Leeds when Alfie had just joined Manchester City, although they soon moved back to Norway. “I don’t remember much about England,” Haaland admitted to FFT last year. England, however, might well come to remember him.

22 FOR 2022 J U D E T H EWordsEdMcCambridge play for England at the Euros,” explains Sven in the big games – the better the opposition, ADORED Westerschulze, chief Dortmund reporter the better he seems to play. That speaks at Bild. “He might not have been given the volumes of his character.” Is there anything that Jude playing time he needed.” Bellingham can’t do? Already BVB have quickly adopted him as one of thriving before adding goals That had been the biggest factor behind their own. The teenager’s tone-deaf karaoke to his game, just think how Bellingham’s decision to swap Birmingham initiation – Ne-Yo’s So Sick, for those curious much BVB fans love him now for the Bundesliga a year earlier – and with – literally had his team-mates rolling on the good reason. The youngster anchored BVB’s floor in their canteen, while Dortmund’s Words Ed McCambridge midfield 45 times in his debut campaign, YouTube channel is littered with videos of including 10 Champions League outings. him taking on German language quizzes 02 JUDE BELLInGHAMAge18ClubBorussiaDortmund He dazzled in April’s quarter-final defeat to (“‘Weichei?!’ Oh my god, that sounds so Nationality English Manchester City, scoring in the second leg German”) and showing a curiosity for all Position Central midfielder as part of a terrific all-round display. “I can’t things Deutschland. It won’t be long before believe he’s 17 – maybe he’s a liar,” cheered does interviews in a second language. Time seems to move at a different pace for Pep Guardiola. “He’s a fantastic player.” Jude Bellingham. When FourFourTwo caught Bellingham turned 18 in June, but it speaks up with the prodigy in January, the teenager Having watched Bellingham regularly volumes of a precocious mentality which has said his England career was “not something dominate play in the Bundesliga, though, resulted in him being lauded by coaches and to rush”, having only recently made his Westerschulze remains blasé about that team-mates alike – not least midfield partner international debut. He wasn’t even old Man City showing. Axel Witsel, who the youngster jokingly enough to buy a pint. dubbed “the perfect Championship player” “Jude brings dynamism, energy and in his January interview with FFT. Fast-forward six months and the classy aggression to Dortmund’s game,” he says. wunderkind was playing in the quarter-finals “He doesn’t always take the easy option, “Axel is the perfect role model for Jude,” of Euro 2020 – his third appearance of the unlike some of the other midfielders in says Westerschulze. “He leads, speaks to tournament where the Three Lions would the team. He makes Dortmund play more and encourages the young players; he tells finish as runners-up. Turns out snubbing vertically, and that’s why the club and the them when to push forward and when to Manchester United hadn’t done much harm. fans love him. He has the mentality to thrive drop. Jude has already improved a lot as a footballer thanks to that guidance.” “Had Jude opted to join a big Premier “THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. HE League team instead of Borussia Dortmund, HAS ALL THE InGREDIEnTS In particular, BVB supporters have seen I don’t believe it would have been possible to TO BECOME OnE OF THE Bellingham’s attacking game hit new heights. WORLD’S BEST PLAYERS” The teenager finished last term with four goals and four assists in all competitions, but had scorched beyond those numbers before the end of October. A glorious solo goal against Arminia Bielefeld, weaving past three befuddled defenders before chipping the goalkeeper, showed off his composure. “He’s getting into the box more – scoring goals and laying them on for others too,” explains Westerschulze. “He is more robust as well and that has a lot to do with growing up. He doesn’t get pushed off the ball, and he’s stronger in the tackle.” Bellingham’s physical development is being closely monitored, mind – Gareth Southgate left him out of his squad for the October internationals to protect the youngster’s workload. Still, 2022 brings another major tournament where Bellingham is certain to feature if fit, not to mention transfer chatter that’s already in full flow when it comes to clubs with a spare £100m lying around. “The sky is the limit,” Westerschulze enthuses of a player he expects to stay at Dortmund for a few seasons yet. “Jude has all the ingredients to become one of the world’s best players because he has the talent and the personality. Technical ability and the right mentality are crucial – very few players have both in the same quantities.” ‘Weichei’ means weakling, by the way. It’s no wonder he’d never heard of it... FourFourTwo.com 13

22 FOR 2022 03 JAMAL MUSIALAAge18ClubBayernMunich 04 DOMInIK SZOBOSZLAIAge21ClubRBLeipzig Nationality German Nationality Hungarian Position Attacking midfielder Position Attacking midfielder THE LOWDOWN In June 2020, months after THE LOWDOWN After 61 goal contributions his 17th birthday, Musiala became Bayern’s in just 83 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg, youngest ever Bundesliga player – and soon Szoboszlai became the most expensive after, their youngest goalscorer. Tall, graceful Hungarian in history (€20m) when joining and an effortless dribbler, the teenager has sister club RB Leipzig in January 2021. Fans drawn comparisons with a young Dele Alli, had to wait eight months to get a glimpse of and can play as either a No.9 or a No.10. The their new man after he was sidelined with prodigious playmaker is seen as a long-term injury, but it was worth the wait. Likened to successor to Thomas Muller in Die Roten’s Ferenc Puskas by Lothar Matthaus, the gifted attack – and he’s already off the mark with playmaker is shining once again this season. Germany for good measure. DID YOU KNOW? Szoboszlai and Borussia DID YOU KNOW? Despite being the youngest Dortmund striker Erling Haaland are best player ever to represent Germany in a major mates from their time in Salzburg. Having international tournament at Euro 2020, joined the Austrian giants a year before the Stuttgart-born Musiala grew up in England Norwegian, Szoboszlai welcomed his new and attended Whitgift School in Croydon – pal in January 2019. “We went out together, also attended by Callum Hudson-Odoi and even though he doesn’t do that much,” said Bertrand Traore. He played for both nations the Hungarian, who presumably needs little at youth level, admitting of his decision to stimulation. “We became great friends.” declare for Die Mannschaft: “I have a heart BEST MOMENT A stunning last-gasp goal for Germany and a heart for England. Both at home to Iceland in last November’s Euro hearts will keep on beating.” 2020 play-off, which booked Hungary’s place THEY SAID… “He has unbelievable potential,” in the competition. Szoboszlai’s curling effort beamed Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann. in the 92nd minute was his final contribution “He has great finishing qualities as well as to the adventure, though, as he missed the unbelievable attacking and dribbling skills.” tournament through injury. THE PRODIGIOUS PLAYMAKER IS SEEn AS A LOnG-TERM SUCCESSOR TO THOMAS MULLER

22 FOR 2022 05 KARIM ADEYEMIAge19ClubRedBullSalzburg 06 FLORIAn WIRTZAge18ClubBayerLeverkusen 07 ALPHOnSO DAVIESAge21ClubBayernMunich Nationality German Nationality German Nationality Canadian Position Striker Position Attacking midfielder Position Left-back THE LOWDOWN The first post-war player THE LOWDOWN Likened to ex-Leverkusen THE LOWDOWN The most heart-warming from Austria’s top flight to receive a call-up starlet Julian Brandt, Wirtz is a classic No.10 story in football. Born in a Ghanaian refugee for Germany, Adeyemi could provide the who glides by opponents and splits defences camp to Liberian parents, Davies has had to solution to Die Mannschaft’s recent striker with laser-like precision. The 18-year-old was overcome poverty, adversity and language shortage. After ditching Bayern’s academy already discussed in hushed tones at Köln barriers to become one of the world’s most aged nine, the Munich local rose through the before Leverkusen pounced in January 2020, exciting young footballers. Bayern picked youth sides of third-tier Unterhaching before since when he’s become the club’s youngest up the Canadian attacker from Vancouver signing pro terms with Salzburg in 2019. The ever player and the Bundesliga’s youngest Whitecaps (where he’d debuted at 15) in lightning-quick starlet has since developed scorer (subsequently surpassed by Youssoufa January 2019, and have re-wired him into into an ice-cold finisher, helping Salzburg to Moukoko) with a divine curling effort against the most devastating left-back in Europe another league and cup double last term. Bayern. He’s the future, all right. right now. His fearlessness has been crucial Thrust into the spotlight after Patson Daka’s DID YOU KNOW? Football is a family business to three Meisterschalen, two DFB-Pokals and summer exit to Leicester, he averages nearly in the Wirtz household. Florian’s older sister 2020’s Champions League triumph. a goal a game, and boasts a first Germany Juliane plays as a defender for Leverkusen’s DID YOU KNOW? ‘Phonzie’ holds the record strike, too. Eyed by Liverpool, PSG and Bayern. women, and their parents serve as agents for the highest sprint speed in Bundesliga DID YOU KNOW? Adeyemi became the first for both siblings. His father, Hans-Joachim, is history, clocking a mind-boggling 36.51km/h player in Champions League history to win also the chairman of sixth-tier Grun-Weiß (22.7mph) in a June 2020 match against three penalties in the first half of a match, Brauweiler. We wonder what they talk about Werder Bremen. It’s only 7.5km/h slower against Sevilla in September. Only one was at the dinner table... than Usain Bolt’s peak pace. converted, though – Adeyemi missed the THEY SAID… Germany manager Hansi Flick BEST MOMENT Davies’ scorching assist as first – then Sevilla levelled… from the spot. is a huge fan. “Florian is just a huge asset for Bayern devoured Barcelona 8-2 in 2020’s THEY SAID… “I know him from Unterhaching this team thanks to his carefreeness,” said Champions League quarter-finals. After – we weren’t ready to pay €3m at the time Flick. “He’s simply an outstanding technician; pirouetting beyond Leo Messi and Arturo because it was a lot for a 16-year-old,” said he loves to play, he’s very creative, has a good Vidal, the Canadian made a mockery of Bayern’s former CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge shot, runs hard and is really quick – he’s the Nelson Semedo before putting goal No.5 recently. “It may cost a zero more now.” complete package.” Anything else? on a plate for Joshua Kimmich. Meep meep! FourFourTwo.com 15

22 FOR 2022 PHIL YOUR BOOTS, SOn Manchester City’s rising star has come a long way since he helped England to win the Under-17 World Cup four years ago. In 2022, he could be set for more global glory Words Chris Flanagan 08 PHIL FODEnAge21ClubManchesterCity Nationality English Position Attacking midfielder England had just taken a 3-2 lead in front “He was about 11 when I first met him at “PHIL WAS A LEADER of 66,684 in Kolkata, when their newest Platt Lane,” says Anderson, who also came WITH HIS ABILITY – star turned his back to the crowd and through Manchester City’s academy. “He HE WASn’T LOUD. HE’D pointed to the name on his jersey. The was really small, but he was ridiculously DO IT ALL On HIS OWn” message was clear from Phil Foden: good with the ball and that’s never changed. remember this name – you’re going to It was glued to his foot. I remember thinking be seeing it pretty often from now on. ‘How is he so good?’ We’d go to tournaments abroad two or three times a year, and it was Foden had dragged the Three Lions back Groundhog Day – he’d get the player of the from 2-0 down against Spain in the final of tournament award every single time.” the 2017 Under-17 World Cup in India. He would score again before full-time to round By 2016, the pair had progressed together off an emphatic 5-2 triumph, securing both into a highly talented England U17s squad the man of the match and the player of the which also included Jadon Sancho and tournament awards. Striker Rhian Brewster Callum Hudson-Odoi. In the space of two had bagged eight goals in six matches, months, Foden played a starring role as including hat-tricks in both the quarter-final Steve Cooper’s side thrashed Belgium 6-0, and semi-final, but even that wasn’t enough Croatia 5-0 and Germany 8-1 – scorelines to supersede Foden as the undoubted star that were even more impressive when you of England’s all-conquering line-up. consider matches only lasted 80 minutes. “In the second half of that final, he decided In the summer of 2017, Foden scored he was going to win us the game and he just against Spain in the final of the U17s Euros, turned it on,” recalls Curtis Anderson, the only for the Young Lions to eventually lose Three Lions’ goalkeeper in that tournament. “When you have someone as good as him, and he decides that he wants to win you the game, you’re probably going to win.” Next winter in Qatar, it will be five years since Foden spearheaded England’s surge to the World Cup. Back in Asia once more – this time at senior level, on the grandest stage of all – he’ll be bidding to do it again. Foden’s displays in India didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. They’d been building for some time, both for club and country. 16 FourFourTwo.com

22 FOR 2022 on penalties. Five months later at the World Cup, he wasn’t to be denied. Foden was a popular member of the squad too, including during a training camp before the tournament, as England travelled to India early to prepare. “Him and George McEachran from Chelsea shared a room and those two together were hilarious – it was like Dumb and Dumber,” smiles Anderson. “Their room was directly across the corridor from mine, and Phil is one of those people who will literally always have a football with him. If no one was playing football with him, he’d be in the corridor in his socks, kicking the ball against the wall. Every time I opened my door, he was there. He was just a very positive, happy kid. “He was 100 per cent a leader for that team, but not a leader who would talk – it was more with his ability and his desire, which drove people on its own. He’d say what needed to be said when he spoke to Rhian or the midfielders, but he wasn’t loud. He wouldn’t be one trying to get the whole team going. He didn’t need to, because if he got the ball, he didn’t need the whole team to help him out – he could do it on his own.” Foden was deployed on the right wing during that World Cup, initially working in tandem with TJ Eyoma, then of Spurs. “I was playing right-back – I’d literally just give him the ball and he’d take care of the rest,” chuckles the 21-year-old defender. “He was so graceful with his dribbling.” Foden scored from the edge of the box in the 3-2 group victory over Mexico, but much of the media focus was on Sancho, and whether Borussia Dortmund would allow the winger to stay with the squad for the whole tournament. Sancho returned to the Ruhr valley before the knockout phase, and made his Bundesliga debut days later. The fact that England didn’t miss their departing prodigy was instructive of Foden’s huge influence. After netting a penalty in the shootout victory over Japan in the last 16, the Manchester City youngster was involved in two goals as the Young Lions beat the USA, then two more as Brazil were defeated in the FourFourTwo.com 17

22 FOR 2022 WHERE ARE THEY nOW? Half of England’s squad from the 2017 Under-17 World Cup Final are now in the EFL – three have moved abroad... semi-finals. “Brazil had top players but he CURTIS happy experience he’d dreamed of – he and was fearless,” says Eyoma. “Then the final ANDERSON Mason Greenwood were sent home, after against Spain was his best game, with the Wycombe the pair broke COVID protocols by inviting way he was just beating players. I knew he girls back to their room. was a top player, but he really showed his STEVEN JOEL MARC JONATHAN quality in that final.” SESSEGNON LATIBEAUDIERE GUEHI PANZO It was the first big setback of Foden’s Crystal Palace Dijon career, but it didn’t delay his progress for Keeper Anderson agrees. “That was just Fulham Swansea long. Left out of the squad a month later, his a big-time player in a big-time game,” he performances at club level ensured he forced says, remembering how Foden orchestrated GEORGE TASHAN his way back in for the Three Lions’ November England’s equaliser, then scored twice McEACHRAN OAKLEY-BOOTHE matches, when he scored twice in the reverse himself. “At that time, Jadon Sancho had fixture against Iceland. just moved to Dortmund, so everyone knew Chelsea Stoke who he was, but maybe didn’t really know By early February, he delivered a stunning Phil. That tournament was the moment. If PHIL MORGAN CALLUM goal in a scintillating performance for City as people didn’t know who he was before that, FODEN GIBBS-WHITE HUDSON-ODOI they beat Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield, putting everyone knew him afterwards. Man City Guardiola’s side on course for the Premier Sheff Utd Chelsea League title. In October, he repeated his “It kick-started his career at City. The (on loan Anfield trick – his systematic torture of whole academy staff knew how good he from Wolves) auxiliary right-back James Milner resembled was from 12 or 13, but he went clear of the a lion dismembering an injured gazelle. rest after that World Cup. He was already on RHIAN Pep Guardiola’s radar, but straight after the BREWSTER “When he’s under pressure in a big game, World Cup was when the club thought he Sheff Utd he loves that kind of feeling,” says Eyoma. was ready to become a first-team player.” Anderson was equally impressed by Foden’s SUBS: Josef Bursik (Stoke), Billy Crellin (Fleetwood), performance in a recent, lower-profile game. By September 2020, Foden had made 74 Lewis Gibson (Sheffield Wednesday, on loan from Everton), appearances for City when Gareth Southgate TJ Eyoma (Lincoln), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace, on loan “I’m at Wycombe now, and we played City gave him a senior England debut. from Chelsea), Nya Kirby (Crystal Palace), Emile Smith Rowe in the Carabao Cup in September,” explains the goalkeeper, who’s also had a loan spell “That World Cup experience was a big (Arsenal), Angel Gomes (Lille), Danny Loader (Porto) at Eastbourne Borough this season. “It was thing for all of us, playing under pressure at his first 90 minutes back after injury, and a young age, and I’m not surprised he’s done those are the games when you can really well since then,” says Eyoma, now of Lincoln. appreciate how much he loves football, “I look at him and it motivates me to push up because he was the best player by an the leagues and get to Premier League level.” absolute mile. He scored, he assisted, I don’t think he gave the ball away. When he can As it turned out, though, Foden’s England still be that big-time player and keep his senior debut in Iceland wouldn’t be the 18 FourFourTwo.com

“WHEn DAVID SILVA LEFT, 22 FOR IT WAS An ABSOLUTELY 2022 PERFECT FIT FOR FODEn TO TAKE On THAT ROLE” 09 BILLY GILMOURAge20ClubChelsea(loanat Norwich) Nationality Scottish Southgate’s side at the 2022 World Cup. Position Central midfielder “He’s a special player and he’s good enough to prove it to the world at senior level now,” THE LOWDOWN At the centre of Scotland’s says Eyoma. resurgence stands their great new hope – all 5ft 7in of him. Gilmour may never be likely to Anderson is certain that Foden can repeat physically dominate a game, but he’s shown his U17 feats of 2017 and have a similar signs that he might be able to dominate in impact in Qatar. “There’s no doubt about another way for Steve Clarke’s side. Brilliant that,” says the City star’s former team-mate. in central midfield during Scotland’s draw “This time next year, I don’t see why he with England at Euro 2020, he was superb wouldn’t be one of England’s star players again when they defeated Israel in a crucial and one of the first names on the teamsheet. World Cup qualifier in October, thanks to his If he carries on the way he’s going, there’s exquisite ball control and perennial eye for only one place he’s going to be – and if he a pass. Gilmour had been on Rangers’ books does get his chance, I think everyone would until his 16th birthday, before being lured put their money on him taking it. south to Stamford Bridge. His first-team bow came just after he’d turned 18, under Frank “If England went on to win the senior World Lampard’s tutelage. Though he lost his place Cup and he played a big part in it, five years at Norwich not long after joining the Canaries after we won the U17 World Cup, that would on a season-long loan this term, the esteem be a nice story, wouldn’t it?” with which he’s held in Scotland shows no signs of diminishing. Indeed it would, Curtis. If it happens, then THEY SAID… “He might be small in stature, England’s rising star could be forgiven for but he’s huge in personality and talent,” pointing to the back of that shirt again in declared Lampard last year. Qatar next December, reminding everyone BEST MOMENT That man of the match of those events in 2017. Phil Foden, back for performance against England, on his first a second instalment of global domination. international start. Hello, world. Did you remember the name? FourFourTwo.com 19 level high in a game where you think ‘maybe he’ll take it easy today’, that’s when you know you’ve got a good player. “When Jadon Sancho left City, he was playing for Dortmund all the time and Phil was sometimes on the bench. As players at City, we’d talk to each other about whether Phil should have done the same thing as Jadon. Phil took every chance he got when he was young, and it still wasn’t enough to play sometimes. “But when David Silva left, it was an absolutely perfect fit for him to take that role. Phil’s the best example of being patient and believing in yourself, then your chance will come. He’s City’s main player now – he’s the star man. I watched them play against Brighton recently and he just ran the team. It was ridiculous.” Foden’s Euro 2020 may not have gone exactly how he planned – the dyed blond hair didn’t lead to the Gazza-style impact on the tournament he might have hoped for, as he was denied by a post early on against Croatia, then lost his place to Bukayo Saka after the draw with Scotland. He’d get on the pitch for only 25 more minutes, in extra time against Denmark, before a foot problem ruled him out of the final. But the playmaker returned to prominence with the national team this October, putting in arguably his most dominant performance yet for England – albeit against Andorra. Few would be surprised if he’s a crucial part of

Words Michael Yokhin 22 FOR 2022 10 PEDRIAge18ClubBarcelona Nationality Spanish Position Central midfielder THE LOWDOWN Barcelona had very high hopes for Pedri when they signed him for €5m just a few weeks into the 2019-20 campaign, following a string of sensational displays for Segunda Division Las Palmas. But nobody would have foreseen his astonishing progress since rocking up at the Camp Nou that September. Pedri was slated to play in the reserves but became key inside a fortnight amid Barça’s struggles, leading the Blaugrana midfield and earning immediate comparisons to Andres Iniesta. Incredibly, the teen took part in 50 matches across all competitions in his first season, then proved vital for Spain on two counts: first at Euro 2020, before jetting to Japan to help La Roja’s under-23s reach the Olympics final. It’s easy to see why coaches want to build teams around him – the Canary Islander is blessed with remarkable vision, passing precision and technical skills. He could define an era. DID YOU KNOW? Pedri had a trial at Real Madrid when he was 16, but it bizarrely took place in a heavy blizzard – and he failed to impress. Snow joke. BEST MOMENT Featuring in the team of the tournament at a European Championship aged 18? Not bad. PEDRI IS BLESSED WITH REMARKABLE VISIOn, PASSInG PRECISIOn AnD TECHnICAL SKILLS. HE COULD DEFInE An ERA

22 FOR 2022 11 VInICIUS JRAge21ClubRealMadrid 12EDUARDO CAMAVInGAAge19ClubRealMadrid 13 AnSU FATIAge19ClubBarcelona Nationality Brazilian Nationality French Nationality Spanish Position Forward Position Central midfielder Position Forward THE LOWDOWN When Real Madrid agreed THE LOWDOWN French fans began falling in THE LOWDOWN From this season, Fati is to a whopping €46m deal for a 16-year-old love with Camavinga two years ago. Rennes’ officially Lionel Messi’s heir at Barcelona, Vinicius in May 2017, he’d played only one baby-faced midfielder could do everything having taken the departed Flea’s No.10 shirt. game for Flamengo. The Brazilian live wire effortlessly and was named Ligue 1 Player of Now, the 19-year-old – touted for Camp Nou formally joined the following summer, mere the Month before even celebrating his 17th greatness since joining La Masia aged 10 – weeks after Juventus-bound Cristiano birthday, thanks to a superb performance has even more expectations on his slender Ronaldo had vacated his left-wing position. against PSG as Rennes won 2-1. Camavinga shoulders. The Guinea Bissau-born striker It took Vinicius a little while to settle, and at combines a combative style with sublime made his La Liga debut aged 16 in August first he was inconsistent under the burden skill, and is equally good with and without 2019, becoming Barça’s youngest player of unrealistic expectations from a baying the ball. His first full season was so good that since 1941, and impressed with his level of Bernabeu crowd. Things are totally different Didier Deschamps called him up for France, maturity and decision-making. “He got my in 2021. A boy forced to grow up fast has when the starlet became Les Bleus’ youngest attention from the very first time I saw him become key, forging a healthy understanding player (and scorer) since 1914. Guaranteed training,” admitted Messi. Two goals in his with Karim Benzema – once caught on starts for new club Real Madrid and country first three games didn’t hurt either. Eight camera telling team-mate Ferland Mendy are a little way off yet, but time is just one of strikes in his first season was remarkable, not to pass to Vinicius – and deciding several the many things in his favour. and Fati’s 2020-21 campaign started even matches on his own. Speedy and tricky, THEY SAID… “Technically and physically, he better – until a knee injury forced him out for Vinicius’ form will make him hard to ignore is a monster, everything he does is perfect – almost a year. With Messi gone, he’s now an for Brazil coach Tite’s World Cup starting XI. he’s the modern midfielder by definition,” ailing club’s biggest hope. Gulp. THEY SAID… “Vinicius will be a Real Madrid tooted ex-Rennes pal Hatem Ben Arfa. DID YOU KNOW? As a kid with Sevilla, Fati legend,” said iconic left-back Roberto Carlos. DID YOU KNOW? In 2020, Rennes’ owners idolised Jesus Navas – and made his senior BEST MOMENT Destroying Liverpool with fired president Olivier Letang for opening talks Spain debut in September 2020 by replacing two goals and a sensational display in Los with Madrid without their knowledge. New the former Manchester City man. Blanco’s 3-1 Champions League last-eight owners reinstated him – this time as CEO – THEY SAID… “His self-confidence just isn’t win in April. Marca’s headline: ‘Vini, Vidi, Vici.’ a few months later. normal,” shrugged Spain coach Luis Enrique. FourFourTwo.com 21

22 FOR 2022 PUTTING SOME PEP IN THE USA’S STEP Ricardo Pepi chose the United States over Mexico for his international career, then decided to leave Major League Soccer for the lure of domestic European football with German club FC Augsburg. But what is it about this precocious young talent that caught the eye across the pond? Words David Crookes 14 RICARDO PEPIAge19 Club FC Augsburg Nationality USA Position Striker Ricardo Pepi made a big move at the start of will need to rebuild during the summer. But years later. His strength and height meant 2022. Having begun to make a name for there is a clear reason why FC Augsburg he stood out, particularly during the himself in Major League Soccer, the 19-year- made Pepi the third most expensive player prestigious Copa Chivas youth soccer old striker decided to take on the challenge to leave the top American league: once he tournament in 2016, where he was being of European football – only to find himself in hits his stride and the goals come, there is watched by FC Dallas’ scouting director a relegation dogfight in the Bundesliga with little doubt this rising star will in time Francisco Molina. The teenager was soon FC Augsburg, a club that made it into the top become a crucial player for club and country. invited to join the club’s youth academy. flight in 2011 after years of yo-yoing between the second and third divisions. Pepi has plenty of time ahead of him. Born FC Dallas proved a great fit for the player. on 9 January 2003 in El Paso, Texas, close to The club’s impressive MLS soccer academy The situation hasn’t yet given the club’s the Mexican border, Pepi began kicking a ball has produced a string of top footballers over €17.6-million record signing much chance to at the age of four before joining a junior the years, including Juventus midfielder shine in Germany, and it’s obvious the team team managed by his father Daniel a few Weston McKennie and Bayern Munich 22 FourFourTwo.com

22 FOR 2022 “THIS IS A PLAYER WITH An InCREDIBLE nOSE FOR GOAL AnD SOMEOnE WHO DOES THE RIGHT THInGS” defender Chris Richards (loaned to 1899 to underline just how good he was proving Eindhoven, Manchester United, Real Madrid Hoffenheim), showing it to be an ideal place to be, Pepi scored an impressive 18 goals in and Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. for nurturing talent. In Pepi the club saw a just 15 games in his first season with the player emerge with great speed and mobility U13 Academy side. One thing’s for sure, Pepi’s knack for – precious commodities in today’s game. scoring could hardly be ignored, and FC Three years later, he went on to score 19 Dallas had a strong feeling they had a major At first, Pepi played for FC Dallas’ U13s side goals in the eight matches for the U17 side, future prospect on their books. He was asked overseen by the then academy director Luchi showing an early flair for getting into the to become the first signing for FC Dallas’ Gonzalez, who had also been watching the 18-yard box and running between newly formed United Soccer League third player’s progress. He’d later tell MLSsoccer. defenders. In doing so, Pepi proved he knew division club, North Texas SC. com that Pepi displayed a “gift for being where the goal was and, because he tends around the goal and in the box, finishing to score from within the penalty area, he has After putting pen to paper on a four-year different ways, one or two touch” and, as if attracted comparisons with former PSV contract in December 2018 (the month Gonzalez became head coach at FC Dallas), FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said: “This is a player with an incredible nose for goal and someone who does the right things.” He added, “One day we want to see him scoring goals for the first team at FC Dallas.” That moment, as it happened, came much sooner than anyone expected. Pepi’s stock was on the rise. He appeared in three games for the USA’s U17 national team during the 2018 Nike International Friendlies and his low curling shot into the bottom corner proved decisive in a 1-0 victory against Turkey. When he got his season with North Texas SC underway on 30 March 2019, he not only scored a hat-trick against Chatanooga Red Wolves (the first goals scored by anyone for the club), but had the small number of fans in the Toyota Stadium salivating over some great movement, flicks and touches. “He’s going to keep getting better and better,” said head coach Eric Quill. Pepi continued to score, grabbing a goal in his second and third games, eventually hitting the back of the net 11 times in 13 games – a set of performances that helped the fledgling club to its first regular season FourFourTwo.com 23

22 FOR 2022 championship. But in the middle of the In one of his standout games – against LA Above Pepi has would be on their feet, expecting yet another season, on 11 June 2019, Pepi was loaned to Galaxy, when he was aged 18 years and 197 played 10 times goal. It seemed to come so easily. FC Dallas so that he could play in the fourth days – he became the youngest-ever player for Augsburg round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to score a hat-trick in an MLS match as FC For that reason, FC Dallas were ready to sit match against OKC Energy FC, providing an Dallas ran out 4-0 winners. He dedicated the back and wait for the best offers. They didn’t assist in a 4-0 win. He also played in the three goals to his late grandfather who, he particularly want to lose a promising talent round of 16 game against New Mexico said, had shown him the benefits of working who had been with them since the age of 12 United on 19 June, although FC Dallas hard and treating people with respect. (one who had also won the 2021 MLS Young crashed out, losing 2-1. Player of the Year award). At the same time, As that third goal went in (a beautiful low they knew they couldn’t stand in his way of Even so, Pepi had proven himself to be a shot into the left corner of the net) it marked playing in Europe. Pepi’s father was also winner and FC Dallas signed him as a Pepi’s eighth that season. What’s more, his aware of his son’s value and he wanted FC homegrown player two days later. He was performance earned him a place in the 2021 Dallas to allow him to seize the best just 16 years and 163 days old (the club’s MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All- opportunity, believing the time was right. fourth-youngest signing), making his Major Stars – an exhibition match that ended in a That time came in January 2022. League Soccer debut the following day by 1-1 draw and saw Pepi come on as a coming on in the 84th minute during a 3-0 halftime substitute. The MLS side eventually The offer from the German club FC victory against Toronto FC. He made a secured a 3-2 victory on penalties, with Pepi Augsburg sent shock waves through the further six appearances, and while he failed scoring the fifth. In 31 appearances in 2021, MLS. Yes, this kid was good, they said, but to score that season, the club kept their faith Pepi scored 13 goals, ensuring he was FC only two other players from America’s top in him, knowing it was only a matter of time. Dallas’ top goalscorer. And the success league had ever fetched more money on the ensured he had a big decision to make. transfer market: Paraguayan attacking Frustratingly, his second season at FC midfielder Miguel Almiron, who moved from Dallas didn’t fare too well either, primarily Pepi had signed a five-year contract Atlanta United to Newcastle United for $26 because it was hugely disrupted by the extension during that remarkable season as million during the 2019 January transfer coronavirus pandemic, meaning the MLS FC Dallas looked to pin down their emerging window, and Canadian left back Alphonso ended up being postponed after the first two talent. He told the fans that he was “very Davies, who moved at the same time from games in February and March and didn’t pick happy to give my everything to FC Dallas,” Vancouver Whitecaps FC to Bayern Munich up again until August. adding in a club statement that he wanted for up to $22 million. to thank the club for having trust in him”. Yet Still, Pepi scored his debut goal in the last he was fully aware that some of the world’s What’s more, it broke the transfer record minute of one of those games – on 7 March biggest clubs – most notably in Europe – for FC Augsburg, the German club’s previous against Montreal Impact in a match that were keeping a close eye on his progress, big-name signing, Austrian centre-back finished 2-2. Yet, of the 19 games he played, and some of them were ready to start Martin Hinteregger, having joined the club he started just four, and he only managed to making offers. from FC Red Bull Salzburg on a two-year hit the net two more times. The following contract for the equivalent of $12.3 million. season, however, would be the making of Among those interested clubs were Yet despite the excitement of a move to him and it would see European clubs circling Bologna and Fiorentina of Serie A, Borussia Europe, Pepi was immediately walking into a for his signature. Dortmund and Wolfsburg from the side on the decline, one fighting for its place Bundesliga, and Premier League clubs in the Bundesliga. Since coming on as a Pepi started 2021 in explosive style, three Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers 60th-minute substitute in a 3-1 defeat weeks spent with FC Dallas’ partner side and Liverpool. Dutch side Ajax displayed an against Hoffenheim on 8 January, Pepi has Bayern Munich prior to the start of the interest too, and Pepi’s agents had also made nine further appearances but is yet to season in the USA injecting him with a new- spoken with Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and find the net. found confidence. Bayern Munich. However, since his arrival FC Augsburg He scored his first goal in a game against Certainly, the more he played for FC Dallas, have climbed up the table and now seem the San Jose Earthquakes on 24 April and the more people became excited. Every time safe from the prospect of relegation. Even earned himself a regular starting place he got the ball in sight of goal, supporters so, the longer Pepi waits to find the net the under Gonzalez thereafter. more the pressure will mount, and the danger is that fans will start to expect too much too soon from this fledgling predatory striker. Pepi has bags of talent, but it has to be carefully cultivated. At the same time, Pepi will have one eye on the World Cup in Qatar. In August 2021 he decided to play for the USA despite having strong Mexican roots, spending weekends as a child in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and speaking Spanish at home. Called up for the USA squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he made his debut on 8 September 2021 against Honduras and subsequently played a key role in helping the USA secure their place at the first winter World Cup. He chose the country where he was born, raised and went to school as a way of saying thank you for the opportunities he had been given. “This country has given my family so many opportunities and it really has helped me achieve my goals,” he explained. He was also impressed by manager Gregg Berhalter’s attempts to snap him up. “He showed me that I am special,” Pepi said. Soon the world will see just how special. 124 DFoeucerFmouberTrw2o0.2c1omFourFourTwo

15 JADOn SAnCHOAge21ClubManchesterUnited 22 FOR Nationality English 2022 Position Winger 16 BUKAYO SAKAAge20ClubArsenal THE LOWDOWN Sancho gambled when Nationality English swapping Manchester City for Borussia Position Winger Dortmund in 2017 – but his move paid off handsomely as he rocketed to superstardom THE LOWDOWN Cesc Fabregas won wearing yellow and black. In four seasons Arsenal’s player of the season award just he illuminated the Ruhr valley with 54 goals before his 20th birthday. So did Saka – and and 67 assists, establishing himself as one the excitement level is similar. The academy of the Bundesliga’s most enjoyable talents. graduate is a darling of north London who Erling Haaland’s arrival in January 2020 managed to flourish even when the club immediately created a new partnership lurched from one disaster to another at the feared across Germany, and for a while the beginning of the campaign. His versatility pair made merry; then Dortmund cashed in is striking. Is he a winger? A playmaker? to the tune of €85m from United. Sadly, A right-sided midfielder? A left-back? Maybe things haven’t gone too well for the elegant a striker? Put him in anywhere and excellent winger: Sancho was barely used by Gareth output is almost guaranteed. Mikel Arteta Southgate at Euro 2020, then missed from trusts Saka completely, and it was hardly the spot in the final shootout against Italy. surprising that Gareth Southgate used him His first months at Old Trafford were frequently at Euro 2020. Forget the shootout disappointing – but only because he set the miss – Saka is key for club and country. bar so high in Dortmund. Class is permanent. DID YOU KNOW? ‘Bukayo’ means “someone DID YOU KNOW? Despite representing both who adds happiness” in the Yoruba language Manchester clubs, Sancho is a Chelsea fan. of Nigeria. The name suits him perfectly – his BEST MOMENT Two goals and an assist in face is always adorned with a grin. BVB’s 4-1 DFB-Pokal final demolition of RB BEST MOMENT No one fancies a derby when Leipzig in May 2021. you’re in ropey form – unless your academy hero steps up with a goal and assist before half-time to send your rivals packing. Spurs couldn’t handle Saka. FourFourTwo.com 25

22 FOR 2022 17 JULIAn ALVAREZAge21ClubRiverPlate 19 RYAn GRAVEnBERCHAge19ClubAjax Nationality Argentine Nationality Dutch Position Forward Position Central midfielder Words Michael Yokhin THE LOWDOWN Alvarez’s fifth appearance 18 SAnDRO TOnALIAge21ClubMilan THE LOWDOWN Clarence Seedorf held one for River came in the 2018 Copa Libertadores Nationality Italian of the most famous records in Ajax history Final. It wasn’t just any final, either: when he Position Central midfielder as their youngest player. Then Gravenberch trotted onto the pitch in extra time of the came along and beat it by more than three second leg, it was against fierce rivals Boca THE LOWDOWN Comparisons to Italy’s months, at 16 years and 130 days. It may Juniors at the Bernabeu, after fan violence favourite midfielder were made before Tonali only have been seven minutes against PSV forced the decider to be rescheduled abroad. had even made his debut for Brescia – in the during the 2018-19 campaign, but his club Alvarez’s boundless energy changed the summer of 2017, Giornale di Brescia reported showed how highly they rated their midfield game, and Los Millonarios lifted the trophy on “a guy born in 2000 who moves and looks prodigy. Gravenberch, after all, had played following a 3-1 victory. A slow burner since, like Pirlo”. “With hair like that, it’s impossible for their under-15s when he was 12. By last Alvarez’s 2021 has been worth the wait, his not to notice him,” they noted. The mop-top season he’d become a key member of Erik fine Primera Division form earning a spot in certainly helped, but Tonali played in the ten Hag’s red-and-white winning machine Argentina’s triumphant Copa America squad. same central midfield position and showed that dominated the Eredivisie. A versatile and His output has been devastating – nine goals maturity well beyond his age. Tonali doesn’t very intelligent teen who’s often compared and six assists in only seven matches from like being called ‘the new Pirlo’, however. to Paul Pogba, he combines physical strength mid-September through October. River put A dead ringer for Hollywood actor Adam with exquisite ball control, a delightful range a €25m release clause in his deal but such Driver, he grew up idolising Gennaro Gattuso, of passing and attack-minded thinking. a fee seems low given his gigantic potential. and sought the famed terrier’s permission to Liverpool were heavily linked last summer, Trigger fingers at the ready. don the No.8 shirt upon joining his beloved but Gravenberch wisely decided to stay in DID YOU KNOW? Messi reportedly advised Milan in 2020. Tonali’s first season at San Amsterdam for now to gain more first-team Barcelona to sign Alvarez last summer, to Siro was tough, but his qualities eventually experience. The big step forward can wait – no avail. He’s subsequently been linked with shone. This term he’s looking magnificent as inevitable as it is. Milan, Inter, Tottenham and, er, Aston Villa. Milan seek their first Scudetto triumph since THEY SAID… “He’s the example of a modern, BEST MOMENT Taking part in Argentina’s 2010-11, displaying fine ball-winning skills complete midfielder at the top level,” gushed first major triumph since 1993 seemed to and a cool head. former Netherlands star Wim Kieft. ignite a fire within, as Boca discovered with THEY SAID… “He’s a more complete player BEST MOMENT He doesn’t score too often horror when Alvarez bagged both goals in than myself, defensively and offensively,” (yet), and thus his brilliant winner against River’s 2-1 Superclasico success in October. said Pirlo himself. “He isn’t my heir because Feyenoord in January was especially sweet. he plays differently, but he’ll surely become a great footballer.” BEST MOMENT Scoring his first goal for the Rossoneri with a beautiful free-kick against Cagliari. Just like… no, we won’t. 26 FourFourTwo.com

22 FOR 2022 20 HARVEY ELLIOTTAge18ClubLiverpool 22 AURELIEn TCHOUAMEnIAge21ClubMonaco Nationality English Nationality French Position Attacking midfielder Position Central midfielder THE LOWDOWN A season that promised so 21 YURI ALBERTOAge20ClubInternacional THE LOWDOWN The Ligue 1 Young Player much for Elliott was ruined in September Nationality Brazilian of the Year award is a decent barometer for when a tackle against Leeds resulted in Position Forward checking out future superstars – a Bordeaux a fractured ankle. It was extremely bad luck midfielder called Zinedine Zidane was the for the 18-year-old midfielder, who’d been THE LOWDOWN Santos have nurtured some inaugural winner back in 1994. Tchouameni trusted by boss Jurgen Klopp to start three of Brazil’s most famous superstars, including deservedly took the prize in 2020-21, after Premier League matches for Liverpool, and Pele and Neymar, but this is one prodigy a magnificent season in Monaco’s engine put in a quality performance against Chelsea. they failed to treat correctly. Alberto scored room. Bordeaux might have thought that Elliott is used to standing out. At Fulham, he at a sensational rate at youth level, and €21m was a decent price for the youngster became the Premier League’s youngest ever made his league debut when he was 16, yet in selling him to Les Monegasques in January player just 30 days after his 16th birthday, gradually became frustrated with limited 2020, but the latter have already made giant but always impressed with his maturity. The opportunities and eventually decided that he gains on their outlay. Seemingly every elite Reds signed him in 2019 and were extremely needed to leave. He rejected a new contract, European club is eyeing Tchouameni, who’s satisfied with his loan spell at Blackburn, signed for Internacional in August 2020 and developing into a complete player – effective when the youngster scored seven goals and immediately became one of the most feared in winning the ball and distributing it neatly. assisted 11 more during a bravura 2020-21. forwards in Brazil. Magnificently two-footed, Ignore his lack of goals: coach Niko Kovac’s Liverpool fans can’t wait to see him return Alberto is an effective penalty-box predator decision to deploy him as an anchorman at some stage this season – at which point, but also capable of playing on both wings was a masterstroke. He’s a regular in Didier England boss Gareth Southgate will surely thanks to his forceful running and wondrous Deschamps’ France squad, too. begin watching with interest. dribbling skills. He hit 10 goals in his debut THEY SAID… “In his position you have to be THEY SAID… “He’s brilliant on the ball, aware season in all competitions and has already disciplined and organise the game,” stated of other players on the pitch and sees the big improved on that number this time around, Kovac. “He’s a whole different player now – picture,” said Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray. alerting a plethora of Europe’s top clubs. I trust him. Since he’s been an international, DID YOU KNOW? Real Madrid and Barcelona Arsenal, Manchester City, Milan – they’re all he’s been watched even more.” wanted to sign Elliott, but there was only one linked, among many. BEST MOMENT Playing the full 90 minutes choice for the Reds fan. “I said no to Madrid DID YOU KNOW? Alberto netted 32 goals in alongside Paul Pogba in Les Bleus’ dramatic – I don’t like [Sergio] Ramos after what he a single season for Santos Under-17s, beating Nations League final victory against Spain, to did to [Mo] Salah,” he admitted. the previous record of 31 by Diego in 2000. secure his first career trophy. Prolific doesn’t quite cover it. BEST MOMENT Scoring a hat-trick at the Maracana in International’s 4-0 demolition of Flamengo in August 2021 was definitely rather special. One to watch. FourFourTwo.com 27

EVERYOnE, MEET EnGLAnD’S FUTURE In a stunning year, Declan Rice has helped his country reach a major tournament final for the first time since the 1966 World Cup, and West Ham to their furthest point in Europe for 40 years. Ask the midfield maestro himself, though, and it’s merely a starting point… Words Chris Flanagan CAPTAIn D eclan Rice outstretched his arms and embraced the abuse. He may have been in front of Dinamo Zagreb’s fearsome Bad Blue Boys ultras, but the young midfielder wouldn’t be cowed during his big moment. Besides, he’d almost made a sport of continental crowd- baiting by now. A fortnight earlier, the 22-year-old had netted as England won 4-0 in Hungary, and delivered the game’s defining image by cheekily pretending to swig from a plastic cup thrown at Raheem Sterling by the baying home fans. In Croatia, Rice had walked into another of Europe’s most intimidating venues – and



DECLAn RICE events were following a similar pattern. He “LUCKILY, THERE WAS nOTHInG a couple of years ago, the young midfielder came, he scored, he celebrated in front of In THAT CUP – IT STAnK! BUT revealed how he’d pressed the panic button ultras without the slightest hint of fear. IT WAS JUST LIGHT-HEARTED” after being subbed at half-time in Manuel Pellegrini’s first game as West Ham boss in This time, the confident anchorman had That Rice is so jovial in such environments 2018, asking the Chilean to go out on loan dashed from his own half to score a brilliant is instructive of the confidence that’s flowed in the Championship. solo goal for West Ham, on his first ever through his veins in 2021. While some of his appearance in European club competition. England team-mates have suffered at club Then a teenager, he’d made his first-team Dinamo Zagreb humiliated Tottenham at the level since playing pivotal roles in the Three breakthrough during the previous campaign, Maksimir last season, but Rice’s goal ensured Lions’ run to a first European Championship playing regularly in a back three during David that the Hammers triumphed 2-0 – and he final, Rice’s star is in the ascendant. Moyes’ brief first stint at the helm. He still was determined to enjoy the moment, right harboured some doubts that he could cope in front of the home supporters. “I go onto a pitch now and always think with the top flight, though, until Pellegrini I’m going to play well,” he explains. “I’ve had assuaged them by restoring Rice to the team. “It had to be done,” chuckles Rice, as he big experiences this year. They’ve turned me He flourished. When Moyes returned as boss talks to FFT. “I was buzzing. It was the first into a man.” in December 2019, he knew the Scot would Europa League game, we won and I was help him continue his rapid progress. captain – it was a special night. They were “BLOODY HELL, YOU’VE IMPROVED…” giving a bit of stick to my team-mate Nikola “I’d been playing really well under Manuel Vlasic [formerly of Hajduk Split], so I thought Rice’s mentality hasn’t always been so Pellegrini, I’d had a really solid season, there I’d stand up to them myself and put my bulletproof – when he last spoke to FFT was a lot of talk around me and I’d played arms out. I don’t think they were too happy! a few England games,” he continues. “Then I remember to this day, David Moyes got “Every time I step on the pitch, those types appointed on our day off. We were in the of moments are so enjoyable. The one in gym the next morning, he walked down and Hungary made a great photo. Luckily there went round everyone – when he came over was nothing in that cup – it stank! There was to me he said, ‘Bloody hell, you’ve improved!’ nothing meant by it. It was light-hearted.” 30 FourFourTwo.com

DECLAn RICE and started laughing. I was like, ‘Yeah Clockwise from them. But the returning midfielder netted in turned around. It’s been so good; the way I know!’ I really liked him from when we a 3-0 victory over Southampton on the final everyone is around the place, the manager. worked together before. He’s a top man – above Unicorn day to seal a Europa League spot and their It’s a great laugh on the training field, but we’re all really lucky to play under him.” fun; with Nobes, sixth-placed finish – the Irons’ highest league when it’s time to be serious and work, we “’sup, cup?”; position since 1999. work. You can see that on the pitch – we Under the returning Moyes, Rice helped Dinamo goal; work for each other. Every time we go steer West Ham out of relegation trouble Kroos control Rice had also begun to regularly skipper onto the field, we give everyone a game.” in 2019-20. They sat an improved 10th in the side, with club captain and mentor Mark the Premier League table by the time 2021 Noble usually on the bench because of his Rice’s form ensured he was a nailed-on began, but even the midfielder himself advancing years. “I really enjoy being the starter for England at the Euros. Where once didn’t expect what followed. captain,” says Rice. “I’m chilled about it, but it was Jordan Henderson who led Gareth I do like the responsibility and having the Southgate’s midfield, now the West Ham “We started the year with a 1-0 win armband on. You feel a great sense of pride man was entrusted to take on that role. at Everton, and we haven’t looked back to captain West Ham, particularly when Henderson had returned to fitness by the since,” says Rice. The Hammers won we’ve got 60,000 at our stadium again now. time of the tournament, but Southgate saw their first six games of the year in no reason to split up the sturdy partnership all competitions, moving them It’s just really special, and there’s between Rice and Kalvin Phillips. into contention for a European no one better than Nobes to spot. After a home triumph over help me out with it. Asked for his highlight of the tournament, Spurs in late February, they “Qualifying for Europe was Rice doesn’t need long to think. “Oh, the incredibly climbed into the top massive for the club. There Germany game,” he responds instantly, his four, above Chelsea and Liverpool. have been so many ups at mind flashing back to that famous Wembley West Ham this year – there triumph. The match was originally due to be A Champions League place used to be more downs played in Dublin, which might have been would eventually prove too big than ups, relegation battles... more uncomfortable for the former Republic an ask. Rice missed six matches it was stressful coming into of Ireland international. late in the campaign with a knee training. Now it’s completely injury – West Ham lost three of “That game was really special,” he recalls. “There were so many thoughts going through my mind, because there was a lot of talk in the group stage about whether we were playing well enough. We weren’t scoring enough, we were winning 1-0, we’d only scored two goals, we were playing Germany in the next game and it was the knockout stages. Imagine that, we go out to Germany at home after scoring two goals on home soil in a European Championship? You’re thinking, ‘Oh no...’ “But we turned it on that day. Everyone was solid and it was the whole vibe – we had loads of fans in the stadium, more than were allowed in for the group stage. It was just so loud for the national anthem, then for Sweet Caroline after the game as well. We were all stood there with the confidence to go the whole way.” It looked like it really could happen, too, after Harry Kane’s penalty – on the rebound – gave England victory over Denmark and sent the Three Lions into their first major final since 1966. It’s a night that Rice will never forget, for all sorts of reasons. “After that semi-final, the whole stadium singing Sweet Caroline and my family being there, they’re memories that will remain forever,” he says, having started alongside his childhood friend Mason Mount that night. “I’ve got some good photos on my phone of me and Mason, arms around each other, walking around, taking it all in. You can never expect to play with your mate at a major tournament. It was special. “Then when we were walking around the pitch, I saw my mum doing a baby sign,” remembers Rice, imitating Bebeto’s famous baby-rocking celebration. “I thought, ‘What?’, but I couldn’t see my brother Jordan. “His missus was well overdue but he was still coming to the matches. He was in the stadium for the Denmark game with my mum, my missus, another brother, everyone. Then in the second half, around the 60th minute, his missus called saying she was going in to have the baby. My mum was FourFourTwo.com 31

DECLAn RICE shouting at him saying, ‘You’ve got to go!’, “YOU CAn’T EXPECT TO PLAY and thought, ‘It’s in our hands here’,” recalls and he was like, ‘I can’t!’ My mum said he WITH YOUR MATE AT A MAJOR Rice. “In training, he’s one of the best penalty had to. Literally as Harry Kane scored, the TOURnAMEnT. IT WAS SPECIAL” takers I’ve ever seen. I’m not just saying it – baby was born. I called him afterwards and he doesn’t miss. he was buzzing.” as it was for every member of the Three Lions setup. Rice confirms that he would “He missed there, but that’s football. I still For the final with Italy, Southgate restored have volunteered to take a penalty if he’d believed in Sanch and Saks to score, but they the back five he’d deployed against Germany still been on the field, but had full faith in the were great saves from [Gigio] Donnarumma. in the last 16. Rice believes that the system quintet who did step up – Harry Kane, Harry That feeling of seeing all the Italian players helped him to produce his two greatest Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho running off, then lifting the trophy in front performances of the tournament. and Bukayo Saka. of us – honestly it was horrible, and one that I don’t want to feel again. “Probably Germany and the final were my “I remember standing on the sidelines and best games,” he says. “Against Germany, watching those penalties – we’d scored the “Of course the tournament was a success I got a yellow card inside the first 10 minutes first two, solid pens, I saw Rashy stepping up – we got to England’s first final since 1966. and had to really watch myself, because It’s just always, ‘What if? What if we’d won? I was wanting to steam into tackles and get What if we’d done something different?’ But right involved – but it’s a different ball game I’m sure in Qatar we’ll be better people for then. I was still making loads of tackles and the experience we had in the summer, and luckily I didn’t get another yellow, but we did we can win the World Cup, hopefully.” really well on the ball against Germany. BE GONE, ASTRA GIURGIU “Then in the final, I was so fired up. We played a back five and I really like to play in Returning to West Ham after Euro 2020, Rice that system. I’ll play as the one in front and was well aware many pundits were writing I can roam, move upfield and do whatever off the Hammers’ chances of repeating last I want. When I was on the ball, I just felt season’s success. Some suggested that the unstoppable at times in that game. I felt so exertions of a European campaign would be confident running with it, making passes and too much – the Londoners had made it past driving through people.” the qualifying rounds for the first time since 2006 and were playing in the group stage of Just like in 1966, West Ham had produced a continental competition for the first time. arguably England’s best performer in the Surely, the Europa League’s Thursday-Sunday final – Rice did much to keep Italy at bay for drudge would have an effect? long periods, in a game destined to boil down to possession and the midfield battle. With By the time we speak to Rice towards the 16 minutes to go, though, not long after Leo end of November, however, not only had Bonucci’s scrambled equaliser, Southgate West Ham matched what they’d done last opted to introduce Henderson for the young season, they’d surpassed it by sitting inside Hammers midfielder. the Premier League’s top four. Moyes’ side had also progressed to the quarter-finals of “I’d played every game and probably in the League Cup – in all competitions, they’d the manager’s mind, he wanted some fresh seen off Liverpool, both Manchester clubs, legs,” reflects Rice. “When you’re bringing Tottenham and Leicester, each of whom on someone like Hendo with the experience finished inside the top seven last time out. he’s got, it’s a decision you don’t mind. You never want to go off in a final, especially “There were question marks around us,” when you know you’re playing well yourself, acknowledges Rice. “People write stuff and but you’ve got to respect the decision.” say stuff on the radio. ‘Can West Ham do it? Have they got the squad? Can they play Understandably, watching the penalty shootout unfold was a torturous moment, ’APPY ’AMMERS West Ham have never collected more Premier League points in a calendar year – they’d surpassed their previous best tally by the end of October... 70 60 50 40 POINTS 30 20 10 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 YEARS 32 FourFourTwo.com Correct up to November 27, 2021

DECLAn RICE every Thursday and Sunday?’ I think so far, Clockwise from By the end of October, Rice had already score our second in that game, and for our we’ve proven that we can. We’re just sticking surpassed his previous best goal tally for fans to witness the first win [of this season] to our gameplan – we know what works for above Rice has a season too, having netted four times for in Europe. It’s definitely up there with my us and we watch the opposition very closely. added goals to club and country. favourite goals. I’ll probably always say my his game; being favourite was my first ever for West Ham “We lost to Man United [in the league] and the leader at The youngster admits that he had a bit of [against Arsenal, January 2019], which was Brentford, but we should have won those Dinamo; “Mase, luck with his goal for England in Hungary – special. But recently, my favourite has been games, too – we dominated them. We’re which way to a 25-yard strike that went straight through that one in Zagreb.” heading in the right direction, 100 per cent.” the Euros final?” goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi – but there was no such fortune required in Zagreb. That was Rice netted again in the next game against As undoubtedly is Rice himself, who’s been the perfect example of his much-improved Rapid Vienna, setting the Hammers on their hailed as one of the finest players in the ability to drive forward with the ball, having way to another 2-0 victory. West Ham have league so far this season. There are few intercepted possession inside his own half made a habit of bungling opportunities in better in world football in his position now, with a trademark bit of anticipation. Europe in recent times – they went out in the full stop – and he’s still only 22. UEFA Cup’s first round in 2006, then lost to “When the right-back looked down, I knew Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu in both “This has definitely been my best year,” he he was going to pass it inside – it was the 2015 and 2016. This time, though, there was says. “At such a young age, you never think only pass he had,” says Rice. “I ran forward, no such trouble: Moyes’ men took control of you’d get the chance to play in such big anticipated the pass, then just kept going their group early on to reach the knockouts – matches. Big opportunities have come the closer I got to goal. The shot went bang the first time they will have played European around and I’ve stepped up this year, really through the keeper’s legs. I was buzzing to football beyond Christmas since 1981. learned and known where I had to improve. I’m still improving but I’ve been thoroughly That came in the Cup Winners’ Cup, after enjoying it – it’s been really positive. West Ham’s triumph in the FA Cup final – as a second-tier side, no less – the previous year. “I think it’s just my all-round confidence For a player who is fast on his way to being on a football pitch now – once those first a club legend, breaking the Irons’ 41-year couple of touches have happened, you feel trophy drought is now something he regards like you’re going to fly straight through the as a realistic aim. After pretending to swig game. My driving with the ball has probably from a plastic cup in Hungary, he wants a real improved as well. I spoke about it last year one to drink from. and feel like I’ve really done that well to start the season off. “With the squad we’ve got and how well we’ve been doing at the moment, it would “On the ball I’ve been more progressive: only be right if we said we want to push mixing up my game, playing longer passes ourselves for some sort of trophy,” says Rice. and much more progressive shorter passes. “We’re in the Europa League, we’re still in the I’m trying to add a little bit of everything.” League Cup, there’s the FA Cup, and we’re going to go strong in all of them. Manchester United got to the Europa League final last year against Villarreal, so why not us? “We need to keep being positive and keep playing well, but we’re confident that we can push for those things now. As players we all want to win stuff, and the fans haven’t seen us win something for ages.” After a stellar 2021, Rice has ambitions for an even bigger 2022 – for both club and country. “I really believe 2022 can be good,” he says. “For me, I just need to keep on the same path I’m going down at the moment. I’ll keep my head down, keep working, keep improving and see where it takes me.” For a player without an ounce of discernible ego, he’ll continue to take it all in his stride. This was the year when the 22-year-old went from boy to man; the year he truly showed off his credentials as a future England captain. Nothing scares Declan Rice any more. Not even a horde of angry ultras... MORE On FOURFOURTWO.COM • Declan Rice reveals aborted loan move in 2018: “I wanted to go to Aston Villa under Steve Bruce...” (by Chris Flanagan) • 10 moments that transformed relegation battlers West Ham into real Europa hopefuls (by Tom Victor) • How David Moyes made it to 1,000 games in management, with his career revitalised (by Richard Jolly) FourFourTwo.com 33

BOBBY’S BARÇA Twenty-five years ago, Bobby Robson and his plucky translator pitched up at Barcelona to replace the great Johan Cruyff. But in a season that brought the popular Englishman together with Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo and Pep Guardiola, not even success was enough to avoid a bitter ending in Catalonia Words Mark White Additional reporting Andrew Murray

BOBBY’S BARÇA verybody should see the sea, or a mountain, or walk in the woods each day of their lives,” Elsie Robson had told her husband, Bobby. And so each morning, the former England boss would drive along the promenade, looking over his right shoulder at the endless azure of the Mediterranean before hitting the motorway to training. Twice before, Robson had declined this delightful way of life. He’d rebuffed Barcelona’s advances out of loyalty to Ipswich during their early-80s pomp, and later honoured his national service with the Three Lions, suggesting Terry Venables to Blaugrana chiefs instead. Aged 63, he didn’t say no a third time in the summer of 1996, although life in Catalonia wasn’t exactly his way of taking his foot off the accelerator and accepting a more relaxing job. Johan Cruyff had just left the Camp Nou. Robson couldn’t speak a lick of Spanish, instead relying on his trusted translator at Sporting and Porto: the younger, dashing Jose Mourinho. The new Barça boss once described himself as a gunslinger arriving into the Wild West, and having to convince a saloon full of towering figures to follow his lead. Robson was acutely aware of how intensely integrated the club was to Catalan culture, likening Barça games to battles; away grounds to foreign fortresses to storm. It was also a fractured city, with the recently dethroned Dutch sheriff’s silhouette still looming large. This town wasn’t big enough for the both of them. Someone had to succeed Cruyff, though, who had been dismissed after a series of spats with president Josep Lluis Nunez. “Robson came in at a difficult time,” says defender Abelardo, who had joined the club from Sporting Gijon two years earlier. “Cruyff had been such a massive part of Barcelona for getting on a decade – it was never going to be easy taking a job where the previous coach had established such a huge reputation.” Nor was it straightforward to split Cruyff from the club he had come to define. The face of Total Football had become a mercurial architect in middle age, reshaping Barcelona in his image from foundations to skylights. He had delivered Los Cules’ first European Cup in 1992 and written the blueprint for how youngsters at La Masia would learn to play the game. He wasn’t sacked so much as overthrown. “Cruyff was the ghost in the machine – he haunted my early days,” Robson later confessed. Cruyff frequently watched FourFourTwo.com 35

BOBBY’S BARÇA matches from the stands, while his son Jordi “HOnESTLY, THAT GOAL WAS “I once saw Ronaldo score a goal for Barça was on the books when Robson arrived, only A DISGRACE. ROBSOn PUT HIS where he beat five or six players,” Robson to join Manchester United for £1.4 million in HAnDS On HIS HEAD, BUT WE later reminisced of one such early match to the Englishman’s first summer. ALL DID. THE BEST I’VE SEEn” FourFourTwo. “Diego Maradona at his best was the best I ever saw. Ronaldo would be Robson and Mourinho had marched into and there was a festival atmosphere about Below Robson a close second, though.” a club mired in political turmoil; one with egos the Bobby Robson era.” staked his own and outrageous talent, but no major trophy reputation on That goal remains a vivid postcard moment to show for two seasons’ toil and backbiting. Laurent Blanc, Luis Enrique, Fernando Couto signing teenage two and a half decades on. The north-west It was a team fully in transition: captain Jose and a returning Hristo Stoichkov had signed talent Ronaldo city of Santiago de Compostela is the final Mari Bakero was featuring less and less, with that same summer, but there was no doubt destination of a 500-mile Catholic pilgrimage a 25-year-old Pep Guardiola starting to wear who claimed top billing. It took the Brazilian from southern France, and one night there the armband regularly. It was also a side that just five minutes to announce himself as the in October 1996, Ronaldo gained possession would perhaps never really feel like Bobby new matador in town. With little more than by the halfway line and mimicked the route. Robson’s, whatever he might achieve during a swivel and burst of pace, he danced past Zigzagging past a handful of defenders, he his two-year contract. two defenders before unleashing a 25-yard picked up speed, then spun out of their orbit. opener in the first leg of the Spanish Super By the time the ball hit the net, Robson’s look The pressure was immense. At least those Cup against Atletico Madrid. By full-time he’d was one of astonishment. The reaction is as morning drives along the sea could help take destroyed Los Colchoneros with another goal, iconic as the goal itself. the edge off. following a glorious elastico assist for Ivan de la Pena in his side’s 5-2 win. “Honestly, that goal was a disgrace,” says “RONALDO’S NOT A MAN, HE’S A HERD” Abelardo. “You can see Robson putting his The carnival had arrived. A supercharged hands on his head in disbelief after Ronaldo “Bobby,” notoriously frugal president Nunez Ronaldo plundered 13 goals in just 11 league scored, but we all did. I remember looking snapped, “You know your job depends on appearances as Barça reached the summit, around and everyone was in the same pose. this?” Robson’s seat in the dugout was still two points ahead of Real Madrid. The best I’ve seen, totally unrepeatable by cold, yet Barcelona had just broken the world nearly any footballer alive. Maradona against transfer record on a 19-year-old, simply on England, Messi against Getafe and Ronaldo his recommendation. against Compostela. That’s it.” “When Ronaldo came to Barça from PSV, Barcelona were beginning to click under there wasn’t the internet or social media, but Robson, with the festival feeling still flickering there was a runrun – the buzz about him was into autumn. Ronaldo followed his mesmeric gigantic,” recalls writer and LaLigaTV pundit, Compostela strike with a sublime hat-trick at Graham Hunter. “There was a feeling of lots home to Valencia, battering through players of elements all coming together in a cocktail, like a wrecking ball through condemned buildings. Los Che boss Luis Aragones could only snarl on the touchline, perhaps aware that he would be replaced within weeks by Jorge Valdano, who famously declared of his predecessor’s tormentor, “Ronaldo’s not a man, he’s a herd.” An 8-0 October annihilation of struggling Logrones was to define Robson’s tenure in many ways. The Camp Nou’s Cules olé’d their appreciation, but critics were less impressed with Bobby’s bulldozing Barça.

BOBBY’S BARÇA “The headline the next day in Diario Sport Top to bottom staggering, and Fernandez – a Doberman of friends, but they were two very bright minds was ‘Muchos goles, pero muy poco futbol’,” Ronaldo sets off a boss – couldn’t believe the bottle. Guardiola with a degree of international curiosity and reveals Hunter. “‘Lots of goals, but very little before scoring had to drag the Portuguese away. experience. There was a click.” football’. There was a bit of snobbery from his wonder goal some sections, although it wasn’t a rebellion at Compostela; A 2-0 loss in December’s Clasico followed, Anglophile Guardiola was a favourite pupil against him. There were plenty who adored Robson’s team before Barça squandered a two-goal lead at of Robson’s, who appreciated his midfielder’s Sir Bobby because they thought he was un went on to win home to relegation fodder Hercules, losing courage in speaking up at half-time. Pep in caballero – a gentleman.” two cups, and 3-2. By now they were playing catch-up in turn adored his manager, even writing to him look happier...; the title race and jeers had replaced cheers years later asking to join Newcastle. Robson took the stick personally, however, “It’s nice, but it’s at the Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Ronaldo – now calling it “cracking comedy”. He saw the split no Whitley Bay” the youngest ever recipient of the FIFA World “The squad had many strong personalities,” in the press as a reflection of a split fanbase, Player of the Year prize – was embroiled in continues Ferrer, now a LaLigaTV pundit. “Pep many of whom still mourned Cruyff’s more rows with club chiefs about when he could Guardiola, Hristo Stoichkov, Luis Figo, Ronaldo, measured methods. Despite some factions depart for international duty. Giovanni, Laurent Blanc, Luis Enrique, Juan not warming to their new coach, the team Pizzi… but players with this personality helped were still flying in La Liga by mid-November “It was a paradise of great football and us through any challenge.” and into the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals great people,” says Hunter. “Yet for Bobby, after despatching both Larnaca and Red Star plenty of s**tty things were also going on.” Robson’s biggest challenge at the Camp Belgrade. Increasingly leading video sessions Nou came in March 1997 against Atletico in and compiling opposition scouting dossiers, CALL IT A COMEBACK the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg. Mourinho had become a media master. Disapproval boomed in the giant bowl after Carrer d’Elisabeth Eidenbenz is a narrow road a dreadful first half where Atleti had strolled “He didn’t manipulate the journalists, but just behind the Camp Nou, with portly palm into a 3-0 lead; Barça fans waved their white he was very clever in making sure his profile trees and overgrown grass. There’s a car park handkerchiefs en masse. was high,” explains Hunter. “He served Bobby behind a mesh fence on one side, but it used well in that he had a knack of steering press to be the site of a training pitch. “I thought it was snowing in the stadium,” conferences into safer waters.” remembered Robson of that night. Atletico This fence was a window into the world of and Barcelona were frosty enemies as it was, Barcelona managed to stay unbeaten long Robson’s Barcelona, and the pavement used but unbeknownst to the manager, Blaugrana after Robson’s seaside excursions had turned to be where fans, journalists or smitten girls, directors had decided to sack him should the chillier, until they surrendered their run at there to catch Ronaldo, would congregate. scoreline remain. Those inside the dressing the hands of Athletic Bilbao in late November. room insist that Robson was unusually calm. Mourinho wasn’t quite so diplomatic on that “My only manager was Cruyff until Bobby What happened next took the Camp Nou’s occasion, contesting decisions and squaring arrived,” right-back Albert Ferrer tells FFT, collective breath away. up to Athletic’s lollipop-wielding coach Luis “but Bobby didn’t want to be the protagonist Fernandez. Mourinho’s swagger was simply – he just wanted to be the coach of a team “Well, I guess Ronaldo happened,” laughs and create a good atmosphere.” Abelardo, who played that night. “He scored twice and within little more than five minutes Robson and Mourinho’s dynamic was that we were back to 3-2. [Milinko] Pantic quickly of a headmaster and teacher overseeing the scored a fourth for Atletico, then Figo and class. They worked perfectly together. Bobby’s Ronaldo brought us back level before Pizzi’s first instructions to Jose at Sporting were, late winner. With players of that class you’re jokingly, that he was too handsome to stand never out of a game. Beating a team as good near him. Even five years later in Catalonia, as that Atletico 5-1 in just one half shows the Robson maintained a professional distance level we were at that season.” from his players, while Mourinho was more matey with the group. Barça’s comeback was as exhilarating as anything the venue had ever witnessed: pre, As a fellow native Portuguese speaker, Jose during or post Cruyff. Still, though, the press proved an ally for Ronaldo, and would often suggested that Robson’s players had staged talk tactics and philosophies with Guardiola a half-time rebellion in the dressing room. It and Enrique. The former became Mourinho’s took Guardiola, captain in the extraordinary closest cohort; they hailed from markedly remontada, to rubbish that theory the next different backgrounds, yet their footballing day. “I thought, ‘I want to be a manager’ philosophies were rooted in the practical because of how he handled that situation,” ideals of building play from a solid foundation he glowed years later. at the back. Atleti and Barcelona faced each other six “We saw and heard lots of things,” recalls times that season, scoring 37 goals. On that Hunter about those days on the pavement. March night, there was plenty of football too. “Mourinho had come over from Portugal with Bobby and learned from him; Guardiola had BACKSTABBED IN THE BOARDROOM a fantasy about what life at traditional old English football games would be like. I can’t Spectacular or sober: those were the two tell you if they considered each other outright states of Robson’s Barcelona. In mid-April, FourFourTwo.com 37

BOBBY’S BARÇA Doomed Hercules needed little fight to beat a Ronaldo-less Barcelona 2-1 on June 1. The Brazilian’s last goal for the club came a week prior against Deportivo La Coruna, his 10th scoring league game in succession mere days before he was called up for Le Tournoi. As the title slipped from Barça’s grasp in his absence, O Fenomeno agreed to join Inter for another world-record fee. It was Figo, not Ronaldo, who inspired that Copa del Rey triumph, R9 having left a week earlier. “That was a huge surprise for everyone,” says Abelardo. “We all thought Ronaldo could define an era at Barcelona, similar to what Leo Messi would do a decade later. We were shocked that the directors would let a player like that leave, one who would guarantee 30 goals a season.” Robson wasn’t amused either, but worse was to follow. Amid whispers about his own future, he asked Mourinho to eavesdrop into conversations that the directors were having. His worst suspicions were confirmed before the Copa del Rey final. Louis van Gaal was to replace him; an overlooked clause in Robson’s contract gave Barça the right to move him upstairs to an ambassadorial role. This caballero was seldom as distressed. He was the calmest man on that fretful night against Atletico, took the slugfest Betis final in his stride and didn’t get overly involved in Ronaldo’s intra-club conflicts. A few months previously, he’d turned down an offer from his beloved Newcastle to stay in Catalonia (“no one sacks Barça,” Nunez had retorted). Now, Robson was white-hot with fury. “I’ll tell you what you can do,” he told a sheepish Joan Gaspart, Barça’s vice-president tasked with breaking the Van Gaal news. “Get rid of him. I want the job.” Robson hadn’t exactly failed. Barcelona missed out on the title to Real by two points, though the Copa del Rey celebrations at the Bernabeu – which doubled up as Robson’s another Ronaldo hat-trick obliterated Atleti’s the defending champions and had a great barricades in a 5-2 win; a month later, Barça team, but I do think we were better on the ground out a disciplined, mature 1-0 Clasico night, even if it was only a Ronaldo penalty victory to close a yawning gap behind Real that sealed the trophy for us.” Madrid to five points. Guardiola and Mourinho embraced at the Las Palmas were slain 7-0 on aggregate in final whistle, bouncing up and down on the the Copa last four, while Barça beat Gabriel spot. Ronaldo held one arm of the trophy, Batistuta’s Fiorentina in the Cup Winners’ Cup Robson the other, a big smile spread across semis. They may have been fighting a losing the manager’s face. The celebrations were battle in the league, but were competing on controlled, unlike the raucous Copa del Rey three fronts with a stacked squad. “Bobby final at the Bernabeu in Madrid. kept things simple,” says Ferrer. “He wanted to keep the momentum.” “I sat behind the goal with Barcelona fans and it was absolutely mental,” remembers Barcelona had two final dates circled in the Hunter. “It was 3-2 and went to extra time; calendar: the Cup Winners’ Cup against Paris it was a slugfest, it was fantastic, all the fans Saint-Germain in May, and the Copa del Rey were going crazy. When Barça finally won, against Real Betis in June. Each night, Cules they played the club anthem in the Bernabeu got to see the two faces of their team. over and over again.” “Beating PSG was amazing,” says Abelardo The two showpieces were six weeks apart. of the first finale in Rotterdam. “They were In between, worlds came crashing down. 38 FourFourTwo.com

BOBBY’S BARÇA leaving bash – perhaps softened the blow. “HE WAS WOUnDED – I DOn’T That season’s Camp Nou cocktail remains The Cup Winners’ Cup victory had restored THInK HE WAS URGEnTLY KEEn one of Barça’s most memorable campaigns. their European reputation and, after putting TO GET BACK In THE DUGOUT” Bobby had delivered two major trophies, won his neck on the line for Ronaldo, the striker the fans’ respect and signed a phenomenon had delivered 47 goals in 49 games. What Clockwise from “The decision to move Robson on felt very to remember for years to come. more could Bobby do? Despite everything, top “Hey, what’s strange,” Abelardo tells FFT. “We still noticed he still felt like he’d embarrassed his bosses. the Spanish for him around the club, but there wasn’t the Robson never did work alongside Ronaldo, ‘football?’”; Cup same day-to-day contact with him any more. Guardiola nor Mourinho again. O Fenomeno IT AIN’T WHAT YOU DO... Winners’ Cup joy I don’t know whether he enjoyed it or not, but would fulfil his immense promise as a World with Ronnie and he still seemed his usual happy self.” Cup winner, always speaking fondly of his In 1989, Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal fell Mou; Pep loved former boss. Guardiola received a letter back out over a misunderstanding at a Christmas his English boss Robson travelled the world in his new role. from Robson wishing him good luck ahead dinner. The Ajax legends never reconciled. By day, he’d sit near the pool of whichever of the 2009 Champions League Final against Cruyff viewed himself as an expressionist; he five-star hotel Barcelona had sent him to; by Manchester United, meanwhile. Two months saw nothing of himself in Van Gaal’s football, night, he’d scout. He had time to read, time later, the old master passed away aged 76 despite their shared roots and similar values. for golf. It was a much-needed sabbatical. after a long battle with lung cancer. It must have grated to see Van Gaal in his “He was so wounded that I don’t think he “If he’s half as good a manager as he was dugout far more than it ever had watching was urgently keen to get back into coaching,” a player for me, he’ll do OK,” Robson once Robson. However, perhaps the latter’s tenure admits Hunter. “He definitely pushed the idea remarked of his midfield general. reaffirmed something to all three of them: with anybody he talked to that his gentle it’s not just what you win at Barcelona – it’s revenge on the club was to keep taking their Mourinho also ensured he kept in contact how you do it. money for a wonderful job that allowed him with his mentor, after the 1996-97 season to sit by the beach. There was a point where prepared him for the future turmoil in which More than a decade later, in 2008, Robson’s he said to me, ‘You know what? This is the he would revel. It was those experiences at protégé would learn this. The outstanding greatest job in the world’.” Barça which taught ‘the Special One’ how to candidate for the Camp Nou throne following survive on a touchline in the heat of Clasicos stellar spells at Porto and Chelsea, European For a while, Robson took Elsie’s advice, saw and cup clashes; how to handle the preying heavyweight Mourinho was overlooked in more of the sea and took more walks in the media; and what a dressing room crammed favour of Barça B boss, and old pal, Guardiola. woods. He would soon get back in a dugout, with world-class players looked like up close. Mourinho, like Robson before, was furious – though; shortly before, Hunter had bumped he felt belittled. into him at a Fulham restaurant. Perhaps Mourinho learned some deeper truths from that year in Catalonia, too. Make Barcelona knew Mourinho was more than “I’d written a column about why it was the time for yourself, enjoy nature, always be the capable of delivering trophies, while both he right time for Bobby to go into management calmest man in the room and try to remain and Guardiola shared a raging intensity for again,” says Hunter. “He soon responded by a gentleman when you can. And remember: rigour and detail. But it still wasn’t enough, ringing me at home. I said, ‘You’ve lived the success doesn’t necessarily deliver what you and nor would it ever be: Guardiola was given good life for long enough – you’re a people deserve. Even if, like Sir Bobby Robson, you the nod because he was a certified Cruyffista. person. It’s about what gives you satisfaction take on the impossible job and win. Where once the pair were comrades on that and what you like doing.’” training pitch tucked behind the Camp Nou, LaLigaTV is the only place to watch all of the they would soon be very public adversaries. Robson took the advice, first for a second action from the 2021-22 La Liga campaign spell at PSV, before making it to Newcastle Robson had no such time for bad blood after all in 1999. Management wasn’t just MORE On FOURFOURTWO.COM after his own betrayal, wishing Van Gaal the what he liked doing: he was exquisitely good best and accepting Nunez’s offer to become at it. So good, in fact, that he said yes to one • The making of Jose Mourinho – how did he director of signings. He encouraged Jose to of the most difficult jobs in Europe – following go from ‘the translator’ to ‘the Special One’? stay and learn from his successor. the idolised Cruyff – and did so well that he (by Andy Mitten) forced his bosses to uneasily promote him. • Year Zero: Ronaldo’s stunning 1996-97 for Barcelona (by Nick Miller) • Nine managers who made the critics look stupid (by Chris Flanagan) FourFourTwo.com 39

LIOnEL MESSI Lionel Messi has enjoyed a glorious club career – but it’s been a different story for his country. Four disastrous finals had left locals lamenting a doomed figure… until last summer’s exploits Words Martin Mazur

LIOnEL MESSI SOME THInGS ARE WORTH THE WAIT

LIOnEL MESSI hen Exequiel Zeballos noticeably more than Messi when the line-up THE IDEA OF BEInG SAVED BY noticed his name in was announced. At the 2011 Copa America MESSI CHAnGED TO THE IDEA Argentina’s squad for on home soil, he was jeered in Santa Fe after OF SAVInG HIM – IT WORKED their November round a goalless draw with Colombia. of World Cup qualifiers, Clockwise from places – he was added to the shrine of idols he couldn’t hold back Since Messi’s debut in 2005, when he saw for Argentines of all ages. A victory on enemy the tears. Next to him, red against Hungary, the forward had played below Argentina territory, a final at the Maracana against the listed as an offensive at four World Cups and six Copas America. rejoice following hosts, was the dream every Argentine shared midfielder, was his idol He had lost in one final of the former (2014, their historic win before the Selecao’s 7-1 stuffing by Germany Lionel Messi. to Germany) and three in the South American at the Maracana; in 2014. The wild idea of causing a second showpiece (2007, 2015 and 2016) – latterly, “Is it always this Maracanazo, just like Uruguay in 1950, had W TheBocaJuniors missing a penalty in the shootout with Chile good, dad?”; the inspired the popular song Brasil, decime que teenager, born in 2002, before suddenly retiring from international squad hoist their se siente (‘Brazil, tell me what it feels like’). belongs to the generation that grew up football. “I’ve done all I can,” he sighed. “It idolised skipper There were no away supporters in the stands, listening to Messi’s critics and had to stand hurts not to be a champion.” Five days earlier, but it mattered little: it was almost as good up for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner each he had become Argentina’s all-time leading as winning the 1986 World Cup. time he was chastised at home. For the past goalscorer with a free-kick against the USA. 15 years, kids like Zeballos have mostly been Messi was the player with the joint-most among those backing Messi while their elders It took Messi 46 days to change his mind, goals at the tournament, the most assists have blasted him at every Sunday barbecue. mindful that at 29 years old, he had far from and most chances created. He played every done all he could – and that it would hurt far minute of every game. Beyond the football, It seems strange to those who’ve seen the more never to try again. He battled through though, there was a 45-day camp where the Flea tear his European rivals apart season the anguish of a last-16 World Cup defeat in squad travelled back and forth inside their upon season – but to Messi’s doubters, his 2018, then 2019’s Copa America semi-final bubble, without being permitted to see their sins went like this: Messi walks around on exit to arch-rivals Brazil. Time – and patience the pitch. Messi isn’t committed. Messi isn’t – was running out. Would it ever happen? a leader. Messi is moody. Messi doesn’t sing the national anthem. Messi doesn’t speak. In 2021, Messi got his answer. In guiding Messi only plays video games. Messi can’t La Albiceleste to their first official title since pull the strings. Messi isn’t a No.10. Messi 1993 – a Copa America tournament moved can’t cope with the pressure. Messi doesn’t from Colombia and Argentina to Brazil, of all care. Messi doesn’t win. Messi is a quitter. Messi was saved by Pep Guardiola. Messi is not Diego Maradona. But for Zeballos and every other millennial, the younger Argentine great was king. It was a conversational Cold War; adults dismissing Messi over family meals, next to adolescents playing in their Barcelona shirts. “Children will always admire Messi not just because he’s the best player in the world, but also because there’s one thing that makes him different,” former Argentina international Hector Enrique tells FFT. “While all players try to seek space, getting away from opponents, Messi goes where no one expects him to – to the wall of defenders, where there’s no space. And he succeeds. This makes him unique. He plays like a kid in professional football.” After every defeat in an Argentina jersey, Messi’s army of haters appeared remobilised. While Barça’s talisman collected Ballon d’Or trophies like a gleeful magpie, trench warfare was taking place back in his homeland. Why always there and never here? If there was one gift that Messi had amid all these years of pain with the national team, it was his accent. The fact he still speaks like a kid from a Rosario neighbourhood proved a blessing – without that, he may never have survived the scrutiny of his hardest years. Each time Messi returned home, he felt like an unsolved enigma that seemed impossible to decode. After every disappointing display, Argentines would return him to Catalonia like a defective toy, only to watch the diminutive genius immediately shine at the Camp Nou like nothing had happened. Sometimes, the atmosphere at Argentina matches themselves could become uneasy. During qualifying for the 2010 World Cup for example, with Maradona as coach, jobbing full-back Clemente Rodriguez was applauded 42 FourFourTwo.com

LIOnEL MESSI families. Messi celebrated his 34th birthday so badly, the rest of the group is fired up with with his team-mates. that desire.” Defender Cristian Romero added, “Messi is pure heart. You can see how much “The time we lived together as a group was he suffered, yet there he was telling us before unforgettable,” purred Messi at River Plate’s the final how proud he was of us.” Estadio Monumental in September ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia – in The win, courtesy of Di Maria’s 22nd-minute which he hit a hat-trick. “I’d dreamed of this chip, secured Argentina their first title of the happening so much, to lift a trophy with the post-Maradona playing era. Sadly the great national team – and it was even better than man himself couldn’t see it, but according to what I dreamed.” 1978 World Cup-winning boss Cesar Menotti, “If he was alive, I can imagine him running Over the years, prior to every tournament, to hug Messi and the two crying together.” Argentines had fantasised about the idea of a new Messi; a new version who could fix all Messi didn’t see that as a threat – far from it, The five years since Messi announced his the bugs of a system that wasn’t meant to be in fact. It was a blessing. He felt like he was retirement have been transformative; some fixed in the first place. part of Argentina’s under-20 side once again; might even say there’s been some sort of a father figure, not a ruler. Maradonisation in his metamorphosis. Since the forward’s first call-up in 2005, La Albiceleste have had nine permanent bosses Diego Simeone could always see through After previously being targeted as a silent, – as many as they went through from 1969 to the bluster with Messi. As the Atletico Madrid sullen player whose thoughts stayed hidden, then. Messi has never completed a full World coach told Olé, “His motto is to win. It’s a lie Messi returned like a vengeful Walter White. Cup cycle of four years with the same coach, that he wants the team to play this or that He dyed his hair, grew a beard, criticised the and only two of them have been able to get way. His goal is to win, and anything that gets AFA board, was banned for cursing a referee the best out of him – one the experienced him on board with that goal he will embrace. in World Cup qualifiers, announced a press Alex Sabella; the other, rookie Lionel Scaloni. boycott after unfair criticism of the team, fell But both had the same approach. First, they “The Copa America was a perfect example, out with some of his managers, spent nine claimed that Messi was the best player in the and I’m sure that victory will also break this months AWOL after Russia, returned after world (Scaloni decided to go one better: “the blockage of winning a thousand Champions his sons asked him to, spoke about referees’ best player of all time”). Then they focused Leagues and scoring two million goals, but plots in Brazil, was red-carded after squaring on the players around their talisman, not on not being able to celebrate any trophies with up to Gary Medel and refused to go on stage him. All of the others failed while attempting Argentina. It was incredible. What I admired to receive his runners-up medal at the 2019 to mimic Guardiola’s Barça, or asking Messi most was his perseverance, the fact that he Copa America – all while being in conflict with what he preferred. never gave up. Slap after slap, he was always his former club’s president. there. And just like in life, you persist – you “Winning the Copa America has definitely persist until it happens.” While Messi only scored one goal in that strengthened this new group of players, but latter tournament (a penalty in a 1-1 draw I can spot a difference,” Argentina’s 1978 As Simeone said, the 2021 Copa America with Paraguay), and his displays in the first World Cup hero Mario Kempes reveals to FFT. helped to cement the idea that Messi was four games were lacklustre, it was considered “Before, Messi had to do everything: from a fighter. Some boxers become popular not something of his redemption arch: this rebel picking up the ball in midfield to dribbling, because of the punches they throw, but for seeking justice in an unfair world, attacking passing and finishing. That wasn’t possible. their endurance amid the ones they take – VAR interventions and pointing to conspiracy Now with this group of players, he’s relieved and even Messi’s fiercest critics wanted the theories about Brazil being crowned kings for from many duties because responsibilities beatings to stop. It was about time. the first time since 2007. A song meme was are shared. They have personality and they created with all of Messi’s cursing, going viral also take risks.” The idea of being saved by When Uruguayan referee Esteban Ostojich on YouTube and plastered across television Messi was replaced with the idea of saving blew his whistle to confirm Argentina’s 1-0 networks. Even without winning, he earned Messi… and it worked. win over Brazil, Messi sat down on the pitch respect fighting for his country. and broke into tears. His team-mates rushed After the failed experience of Russia 2018, straight to him, and moments later he was You can find many layers while dissecting which included a players’ coup against coach buried in a human mountain. For years, fans the 34-year-old’s history in the national side. Jorge Sampaoli, the Argentine FA decided to have expected Argentina to win something The oldest one without a doubt, though, is drastically alter their approach – including, as because of Messi. This time, it was different: desire. Back in 2003, the father of a promising admitted by Lanus president Nicolas Russo, everyone wanted Argentina to win for him. youngster called the newsroom of El Grafico trying to reduce Messi’s dressing room power. magazine explaining he wanted to send in The ‘friends of Messi’ were targeted by the “That celebration was amazing,” recalled some video clips of his son – he hadn’t been public, but also from the inside. While some reserve goalkeeper Juan Musso. “Every one taken into consideration for the U17 national chose to step down because of their age, of us knew that Messi deserved it more than team, and it was his dream. He was playing other veterans were deliberately cast aside. anyone else. You could see the hunger he in Barcelona and his name was Lionel Messi. The idea that Messi influenced managerial had – when a star like him wants something decisions was denied by the player himself, Fast-forward to 2021, and the situation is but the rumour’s power was unstoppable. practically the same. Messi still wants to be in every squad, regardless of the situation. When Scaloni’s caretaker reign kicked off “He’s spent more time there than here, going after the World Cup, La Albiceleste started back and forth,” huffed Paris Saint-Germain playing without Messi or his remaining pals, sporting director Leonardo in October, after including Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Messi suffered his first injury in France that Gonzalo Higuain. As a source inside the AFA ruled him out of a Champions League game. explains, “It was a risky move, but it was the Still carrying fitness problems, he flew home right thing to do – they needed to grow on to meet the new generation anyway. their own without being overshadowed by a poster boy stuck on the wall. Messi was Exequiel Zeballos was there waiting, with the poster boy, but he was also a burden.” five other first-timers in Enzo Fernandez (20), Cristian Medina, Santiago Simon (both 19), When Messi finally returned in March 2019, Matias Soule (18) and Federico Gomes Gerth followed by Di Maria and Aguero in time for (17). The players who always backed him as the Copa America, the group was different. kids could finally meet the man on the poster No longer were that powerful trio in charge. – finally, as a winner. What no one understood, though, was that FourFourTwo.com 43

MARSEILLE 1992-93 In 1993, Marseille lifted the inaugural Champions League trophy, becoming the first – and still the only – French winners in European Cup history. For PSG they are the model to follow, just without all of the corruption, lies and treachery that made l’OM an international scandal Words Paul Simpson

TA I N T E D

MARSEILLE 1992-93 A s soon as Abedi Pele gave Glassman and Argentine frontman Jorge him the look, Basile Boli Burruchaga. Glassman was shocked, telling knew exactly what to do. his partner Audrey, “It’s a crazy story. I don’t know what to do. If I don’t speak, I’ll curse “We had talked about it myself; if I do, no one would believe me.” The other players accepted the bribe, agreeing in training,” the Olympique that Robert’s wife would collect the money. Later, the equivalent of £26,000 (worth about Marseille centre-back recalled, “and just £50,000 today) was discovered buried in her parents’ garden. Tapie said it had been a loan before we walked onto the pitch in Munich, to help Robert start a restaurant. he’d told me, ‘On corner kicks, don’t stay The fix wasn’t especially subtle. Marseille defeated Valenciennes 1-0 through an Alen at the back post – try to run and cut to the Boksic goal, with Robert substituted early on following an innocuous tackle – possibly to near post’. When he went to take the corner establish his alibi. Referee Jean-Marie Veniel suspected something was up as Burruchaga, against Milan, he gave me that look. I felt as who normally argued with every decision, accepted each one without quibbling. During if I was the only person in the stadium.” the second half, Glassman told Veniel about the bribe, without naming names, and police Boli went to the near post, leapt, connected questioned a number of Valenciennes players after the match. and scored. It was a moment of joy, pain (he As further, increasingly startling details of was carrying an injury) and, as he later told systemic corruption emerged, Marseille were stripped of their 1992-93 title, relegated to French journalist Philippe Auclair, liberation. the second tier and banned from European competition for a season. Ligue 1 runners-up “We wanted to be called a great European Paris Saint-Germain refused to fill the vacant Champions League spot because their chief club,” he reflected. “For that, we needed sponsor, TV broadcaster Canal+, anticipated a backlash from viewers in southern France. a victory – there had been Reims [defeated Monaco, Marseille’s fierce rivals, seized the opportunity instead. in the 1956 and 1959 European Cup Finals], and CSKA Moscow in Group A, and for Milan, Above Tapie’s sins IFK Gothenburg, Porto and PSV in Group B. stained l’OM glory Tapie’s crimes put UEFA on the spot – after Saint-Etienne [in 1976] and then us in 1991. Below Deschamps all, European football’s governing body had Walter Smith’s Rangers had qualified by ended up carrying only just reinvented the European Cup with I firmly believe that Munich helped to instil defeating English champions Leeds 4-2 on more than water considerable fanfare. Gerhard Aigner, UEFA’s aggregate in a much-hyped ‘Battle of Britain’. secretary-general, believed that the revamp confidence in the guys who won the World Scoring for Leeds was a recent arrival from would stave off the clear and present danger Marseille: one Eric Cantona. In a huge upset, of a European Super League orchestrated by Cup in 1998.” CSKA Moscow had eliminated the holders, Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media magnate Barcelona, turning a 2-0 deficit at the Camp who owned Milan. The same logic prompted Three stars of Marseille’s 1-0 triumph over Nou into a 3-2 win. There were few surprises UEFA’s latest elaborate overhaul, which is set in the group stage, however, and Marseille to be implemented in 2024-25. Milan in the first UEFA Champions League pipped Rangers by a single point (a win was worth two points back then) to set up a final The evidence that Marseille had corrupted final, played at the Olympiastadion on May against Fabio Capello’s Milan – winners of all Ligue 1 was damning: Bernes stated in court six group games, in which they had leaked that “four to five matches were the object of 26, 1993, would also feature when France just a single goal. illegal dealings” every year. But it was less lifted the World Cup on home soil five years Marseille’s victory in the final, secured with obvious that the Champions League had that solitary Boli strike just before half-time, been tainted. And so, anxious to protect later: Fabien Barthez, Marcel Desailly and came as something of a rare shock – but its flagship event – because dethroning a far greater one was to follow. In football, the first champions was hardly great Didier Deschamps, the captain of both sides. as in war, all glory is fleeting, and Marseille’s PR – UEFA largely looked the other way, lost its lustre when it transpired that the as it had when similar allegations were L’OM had lost the 1991 European Cup Final club’s owner and president, Bernard Tapie, had bribed Valenciennes’ players to throw made against Italian outfits back in the on penalties to Red Star Belgrade, and the a Ligue 1 match six days before the final. 1960s and ’70s. Sadly, there was more. Eydelie alleges in anguish galvanised Boli. “I’d cried more than A few days earlier, Tapie had told l’OM his memoirs that prior to kick-off in Munich, midfielder Jean-Jacques Eydelie, “It’s every Marseille player except Rudi Voller was anyone after losing in Bari,” he said. “As far as imperative you get in touch with your given an injection to, as the club doctor put old Nantes team-mates at Valenciennes. it, “boost their adrenaline”. Forward Tony I was concerned, Munich was about revenge.” We don’t want them acting like idiots and Cascarino, who featured for Marseille in breaking us before the final.” the ’90s, has said that players were given They got their revenge, all right – but not Eydelie and Jean-Pierre Bernes, Marseille’s injections before every home match, without a bitter episode that led to Marseille’s general manager, contacted Valenciennes dispensed from a “staple gun laden with captain Christophe Robert, defender Jacques 20 needles”. He was convinced that if he owner being handed a prison sentence… hadn’t taken the injections, he wouldn’t have been selected. THE BACKYARD BANK Other players, including Desailly, have admitted they were encouraged to take Compared to the modern extravaganza, the pills after being assured they were “safe”, inaugural Champions League was a modest affair. In accordance with the competition’s new name, only the champions from each country competed; in contrast, more than half of the teams in this season’s group stage are drawn from just four different leagues. Back in 1992-93, knockout rounds reduced 36 clubs to two groups of four. If you topped your group, you reached the final. That was the target for Marseille, Rangers, Club Brugge 46 FourFourTwo.com

MARSEILLE 1992-93 which is not quite the same as saying they “I WAnTED TO WARn PEOPLE,” SAID WEnGER, were legal (or ultimately healthy). According “THOUGH I COULDn’T PROVE IT DEFInITIVELY” to Eydelie, the amphetamine Captagon was widely prescribed throughout French football seasons on the spin from 1989 to 1993. Such midfielders who liked to run with the ball: in this era. success owed much to a collection of stellar Cantona, Pele, Waddle and Stojkovic (though signings: goalkeeper Barthez; defenders Boli the ‘Maradona of the East’ was often injured). Tapie vehemently denied all of the charges, and Desailly; midfielders Deschamps, Franck Cantona had featured regularly at the start and even if the claims are true, such practices Sauzee and Dragan Stojkovic; wingers Chris of 1990-91. Like most footballers, he then certainly weren’t unprecedented: mysterious Waddle and Abedi Pele, and forwards Boksic, resented not playing. Unlike most footballers, pills were given to Ajax players in the 1970s, Voller and Jean-Pierre Papin. It seemed to he advertised his discontent. But when he and to the West German team that won the Marseille’s long-suffering ultras as if their club said, “You don’t put Cantona on the bench”, 1954 World Cup Final. was building something at last. the coach pointed to a chair and said, “It’s all right, Eric, you can sit beside it.” BERNARD LE TERRIBLE Tapie’s shrewdest recruit was Raymond Goethals: a charismatic and chain-smoking Goethals could build a rapport with players Tapie died in October aged 78 after a battle Belgian manager with immense tactical nous, of different nationalities and generations with cancer, but he had reinvented himself a habit of mispronouncing players’ names but, as Deschamps recalled, “He had his own as a French national treasure; a loveable and a murky past – he had been banned for way of managing the squad, which would rogue whose crimes, if mentioned at all, are bribing opponents when Standard Liege won never be accepted today. He had his starting seen as ways of goading the establishment. the Belgian title in 1982. Embracing a roster line-up. He knew the 12th, 13th and 14th of nicknames, from ‘Raymond the Science’ player by name but after that it was ‘thingy’ In his heyday he wasn’t quite so loveable, and ‘The Sorcerer’ to ‘Columbo’, because he or ‘you over there’.” creating a climate of fear and suspicion wore raincoats as often as the TV detective, throughout French football, publicly urging Goethals had guided Bordeaux to second Cantona was unlikely to flourish in such Cantona to seek psychiatric help and once place in 1989-90, his first season at the club. a regime. Alex Ferguson coaxed the best out shouting at Arsene Wenger, “I’ve f**ked you In January 1991 he joined l’OM, succeeding of him by allowing him a few perks, such as over, you and your s**tty Monaco.” West Germany’s World Cup-winning coach, a morning cuppa with the boss. But Cantona Franz Beckenbauer. dismissing Deschamps as a “water-carrier” In Tapie’s world, regulations were for losers. suggests that he had his blind spots as well. He had one rule: winning. In his quest for Goethals’ experience appealed to Tapie. He fame and fortune, he crooned, acted, raced had reached three Cup Winners’ Cup finals: Unfortunately for Cantona, Marseille’s ultras cars, owned sports clubs (his cycling team two with Anderlecht (losing to Hamburg in adored Goethals, their dynamic, scruffy and won the Tour de France in 1985 and 1986), 1977, beating Austria Wien in 1978) and one self-deprecating coach. Like Tapie, he knew broke an Atlantic sailing record, bought and with Standard Liege (runners-up to Barcelona how to give a performance. As Desailly said, sold troubled companies – including Adidas, in 1982). Still, the relationship between the Marseille was a “crazy city” and fans felt that briefly but notably – and moved into politics. coach and his boss was volatile – as Goethals this “crazy” coach was one of them. remembered, “I was shown the door several If Tapie, a Parisian who nonetheless revelled times a week at Marseille.” INSPECTOR ARSENE in his nickname ‘Monsieur Marseille’, had one ultimate ambition, it was probably to become At 3am on the morning of a game, Tapie Although Basile Boli felt a sense of unfinished French president. He got involved with l’OM invariably called him to ask, “Coach, are you business after defeat to Red Star in 1991, not in 1986 at the request of Gaston Defferre, playing [ie preparing for] the match?” Yet everyone felt such pressure two years later. the city’s socialist mayor who wanted a more there was also affection. “It was like a game business-minded president to revive the between us: who could be the biggest liar,” “Nobody, including ourselves, expected club’s fortunes and boost his own popularity. said Tapie. “We never could tell.” The owner Marseille to win the Champions League that Vowing to run Marseille as a business, Tapie also invariably backed his coach’s judgement season,” said Desailly, who joined the club in actually used it as his entrée into the upper – as Cantona soon discovered. 1992. “We were probably the weakest team echelons of the Socialist Party – he became of the Tapie era. We had incredible players – the minister for city affairs in 1992. After the In retrospect, Goethals’ handling of the Rudi Voller and Alen Boksic, for example – but match-fixing scandal broke, though, he was local lad looks callous and incomprehensible, lacked that individual star. We all had to work banned from holding public office. but the manager had a surfeit of attacking collectively... which we did.” Tapie transformed l’OM. They dominated French football, ending 17 years without a championship title by winning Ligue 1 five HEART OF GLASS It wasn’t just Marseille who felt the consequences of their cheating Whistleblower Jacques Glassman Maubeuge, before he finished his wasn’t exactly lauded in France career with Sainte-Rose on the for uncovering corruption – quite Indian Ocean island of Reunion the opposite. (later, he maintained that this wasn’t his entry into exile; rather, The Valenciennes man arguably “the project won me over”). came out of it worst of all. He was condemned as a snitch, jeered by There was a happy ending, at supporters wherever he went, and least. In 1995, FIFA presented him even received threatening letters. with their annual Fair Play Award, His club were relegated in 1992-93 and since then, even the likes of and then again the following year, Eydelie have saluted his bravery. when he was released. Glassman went on to work for The struggle to find another club France’s players’ union, prior to took Glassman to amateur team taking up a position with the LFP. FourFourTwo.com 47

MARSEILLE 1992-93 In retrospect, though, Marseille’s line-up in Even Marseille’s European Cup campaigns Above Match-fixing to Romanian referee Ion Craciunescu to not Munich looked more than decent. At his peak, weren’t above suspicion. French magistrate claims did little at book Boli, who would have been suspended future Middlesbrough striker Boksic had it all: Pierre Philippon accused Tapie of paying out the time to dampen for the final. Dinu also alleged that Goethals pace, power, creativity and technique. Even £12 million to fix a trio of matches: a 1989 the joy of Boli, Tapie, had bribed some Brugge players (for the a coach as experienced as Goethals – who, second-round clash with AEK Athens, a 1991 and Marseille’s fans record, however, French courts acquitted being 71 at the time, is still the oldest boss semi-final against Spartak Moscow (both Below Raymond Tapie and his associates of all three charges). ever to win the European Cup – marvelled at backed by testimony from Bernes), and the ‘Columbo’ Goethals the artistry and speed of Ghanaian attacking 1-0 win over Club Brugge that sent l’OM into was, above all, cosy One match Phillippon didn’t highlight was midfielder Pele. the 1993 final. CSKA Moscow’s 6-0 battering at Marseille in March 1993. None of the goals look peculiar, The rest of the midfield wasn’t too shabby, Cheating in football isn’t usually as blatant but CSKA coach Gennadi Kostylev later said either. Sauzee, who could shoot accurately as Maradona’s Hand of God. As Wenger has that he’d turned down a bribe, and that his from any distance, plundered six goals in the observed, “All you have to do is take a corner players had probably accepted a bribe, until campaign – as many as Boksic. Deschamps a bit too far to the left or right, or be slightly eventually he withdrew these claims. There thrived as Goethals’ coach on the pitch, while in the wrong position either offensively or was talk that CSKA players’ drinks had been Boli and Desailly provided an effective screen defensively, and you can give the impression spiked, but were they beaten so convincingly for the eccentric but brilliant Barthez. of having played well.” With such nuances in because there was a conspiracy, or because mind, what are we to make of the own goal they weren’t very good? They came bottom Goethals’ tactics against Milan more than scored by AEK defender Stelios Manolas in of Group A with two points. justified his ‘Sorcerer’ moniker. Persuading his the 1989 second round? Was it premeditated squad to adopt zonal marking – revolutionary – Marseille led 1-0 at the time and should Rangers’ visit to the Stade Velodrome on in France at the time – he had his team play probably have been 4-0 up – or hapless, as it matchday five looked likely to decide who 5-3-2, countering the Italians’ high-pressing looks on video? 4-4-2 with long passes. won Group A. The Scottish club’s striker, The magistrate’s claims about Brugge are Mark Hateley, has revealed he turned These long balls weren’t just hopeful hoofs: backed by Cornel Dinu, former Romania and down an offer of “lots of money” by the purpose was to instil doubt among the Dinamo Bucharest manager, who said in his Rossoneri’s back four and exhaust defensive 2019 autobiography that he gave $20,000 an unnamed French agent to sit out organiser Franco Baresi. Pele man-marked the game. He actually missed the Paolo Maldini, restricting service from the left 1-1 draw anyway, suspended after to Marco van Basten, Roberto Donadoni and Daniele Massaro. The game was certainly no thriller, but the French champions executed Goethals’ gameplan brilliantly. L’OM made history as the first French club to be crowned champions of Europe and yet, Desailly reflected, that achievement had even more resonance in Marseille, “where football could make a city feel magnificent and help people to forget their problems”. But did they deserve to compete for their prize in the first place? Wenger thought not. For a start, they qualified by systematically corrupting Ligue 1, before gaining an unfair advantage in Europe by resting their stars for fixed domestic games. Wenger was sure that three Monaco players had been bribed to take it easy during a 3-0 loss at home to Marseille in April 1992. One player reluctantly confessed to him but Monegasques president Jean-Louis Campora, fearing the burgeoning scandal would destroy French football, opted against taking the matter any further. “I wanted to warn people, making it public, but couldn’t prove anything definitively,” the future Arsenal boss later admitted. 48 FourFourTwo.com

MARSEILLE 1992-93 SIDEBAR OF TAPIE’S FOLLY InADVERTEnTLY PLAYED A BIG ROLE In THE SUCCESS OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHAME Above Boli stuns getting sent off against Brugge. Rangers boss It’s also sadly typical of Tapie’s Marseille BERNARD TAPIE Milan’s famous Smith later insisted, “If we hadn’t lost Mark that the quarter-final is best remembered for backline in Munich for the Marseille game, we would have got to a floodlight failure during the second leg in Tapie served eight months behind bars in the final.” Whether or not that’s true, video France. Under orders from managing director 1997, yet returned to his beloved club for footage shows that Hateley was given a red Adriano Galliani, Milan refused to restart the another stint four years later, this time as card after a squabble with Brugge’s Lorenzo game and forfeited the tie. minority shareholder and sports manager. Staelens: their handbags started innocuously He made his stage debut in 2000 as the enough, but finished with the striker shoving THE FALLOUT lead in a production of One Flew Over the Staelens. No dive, no dodgy decision – even Cuckoo’s Nest. He recently died aged 78. the Glasgow Herald conceded that Polish Tapiegate had many unintended, unexpected referee Ryszard Wojcik had correctly applied consequences – especially in England. JEAN-PIERRE the letter of the law. BERNES Suspecting he had been cheated out of two Boli did score the final’s solitary goal from league titles, Wenger left France in disgust to The general manager was hit a corner that shouldn’t have been given. The manage Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. He with a two-year suspended referee, Kurt Rothlisberger, would be handed was thus fortuitously available to take over at sentence and also received a life ban by a ban for offering to fix a Champions League Arsenal in 1996. Wenger initiated the club’s the French FA, later overturned by FIFA. match for Swiss outfit Grasshoppers in 1996, signing of Dennis Bergkamp, revolutionised He then became a high-powered agent in exchange for $600,000. Still, the case that training and match preparation in England for the likes of Didier Deschamps, Laurent Marseille stole the 1993 Champions League and, for a heady period, knocked Ferguson’s Blanc, Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri. could best be described, in a verdict unique Manchester United off their perch. to Scotland’s legal system, as ‘not proven’. JEAN-JACQUES On the advice of his mentor, Michel Platini, EYDELIE It’s also true, as even Wenger conceded, Cantona moved to English shores, where he that Tapie’s l’OM were a magnificent team. became United’s talismanic No.7 and drew The Marseille midfielder In the 1993 final, 10 of the starting XI were many other gifted Europeans to Old Trafford. who handed over the cash internationals – including right-back Jocelyn was banned for 12 months by FIFA, given Angloma, who would become an integral It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say that Tapie’s a one-year suspended sentence and part of the thrilling Valencia side that reached folly inadvertently played a large part in the spent a brief spell in prison. He returned successive Champions League showpieces in Premier League’s extraordinary success. to play for Benfica, Bastia and, er, Walsall. 2000 and 2001. And, as Boli suggested, Tapie’s wonderful, CHRISTOPHE One striking proof of Marseille’s quality is corrupt l’OM may well have helped French ROBERT their record against a Milan team that is still football to overcome its inferiority complex regarded as one of the greatest in the history and win the 1998 World Cup in Saint-Denis. Valenciennes’ frontman was of club football. In Munich, Capello’s outfit Deschamps would lift the trophy once again given a six-month suspended were a formidable, if declining, force. When in 2018, this time as Les Bleus’ coach. He also sentence, while his wife was also charged the sides met in their 1991 quarter-final, the managed Marseille when they won Ligue 1 with conspiracy. He turned out for Buenos Rossoneri were managed by their architect, in 2009-10, their only championship since Aires-based Ferro Carril Oeste in 1994-95. the legendary Arrigo Sacchi, and Marseille’s Tapie’s departure. 1-1 draw at San Siro showed why the ultras JORGE called Pele ‘Maestro’. Collecting the ball in Marseille are still among Europe’s leading BURRUCHAGA midfield with his back to goal, he flummoxed sides, although – blessed and/or cursed with Carlo Ancelotti with a 360-degree turn, ran a large, passionate and occasionally ferocious Charged with “passive straight at the heart of Milan’s midfield and fanbase – club directors have shown precious corruption”, having not been then, with opponents closing in and about to patience with their managers, trying out 29 accused of actually receiving any cash, lose his balance, dinked the ball to Waddle. coaching regimes during the 28 years since the 1986 World Cup Final goalscorer was The Geordie wizard’s sweeping pass picked Goethals manned the dugout. still given a suspended six-month prison out Papin, who duly slotted home the leveller sentence, by which time he had returned without breaking stride. If Lionel Messi does deliver the Champions home to Argentina with Independiente. League for his new employers, PSG will be the first French team to bring home Ol’ Big Ears (relatively) unsullied by skulduggery. Tapie genuinely loved football – almost as much as he loved himself – but his tainted love for Marseille still stains their greatest moment. As Goethals once complained, “You French, you win a European Cup and you immediately fill it with s**t.” MORE On FOURFOURTWO.COM • Arsene Wenger at Nagoya Grampus Eight: how he rediscovered his great love in Japan (by John Duerden) • 10 of the ugliest match-fixing scandals in football history (by Scott McIntyre) • Chris Waddle: Great Goals Retold (Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain, 1989) FourFourTwo.com 49

THE GREATEST Messi, Neymar and Mbappe are looking to emulate Barcelona’s legendary MSN – but they’re not the only devastating frontline to give defences nightmares over the years Words Mark White 2 1 BEST, CHARLTOn & LaW Ever heard the one about the Englishman, Scotsman and Northern Irishman who walked into a football club and changed it forever? Manchester United fans know this is no joke. Bobby Charlton came first, thrust into action just before his 19th birthday in 1956. The future Munich Air Disaster survivor was a thoughtful player with no favoured foot, an expressionist outside the penalty area with a long-range shot as striking as The Scream. Denis Law was interested in punctuation only: the lethal forward buried any dropping ball within the area and plundered 29 goals in 1962-63, his first season at Old Trafford. 50 FourFourTwo.com