An American's Take on the English Premier League

    Move over Zlatan, Sweden has a new clinical playmaker.        If you've been watching Euro 2020, more specifically, the games in which Sweden has participated in, you might think Zlatan Ibrahimovic was still playing.      Tall, prolific and technical; not to mention from Sweden, Alexander Isak has shown the world that the comparisons to Zlatan are no fluke.      Alexander Isak is a name that many may not be familiar with, but after his recent season with Real Sociedad, in which he netted 17 goals, clubs in need of a promising young forward should look no further.      While Isak has yet to score in the group stages of Euro 2020, no one can deny the impact that he has had on the matches he has appeared in. He looks lively, creative and his long strides help him blow past defenders.      Tall players are going out of style in Europe now, with many scouts and teams focusing on small, maneuverable ...

      Elusive, creative, dynamic.      These short words sum up the play-style of Bernardo Silva perfectly, from his fancy footwork to his silky passing, Bernardo has become one of the best midfielders in the world.      Gaining real recognition after Monaco's surprise run in the 16/17 Champions League, Silva was sought after by many big clubs, including Manchester City, which, in the summer of 2017, he signed a 5 year contract.      While playing a substitute role in their centurion season, in which they collected 100 points, Silva became an integral part in their 2018/19 title defense, seeing him shine in a central midfield role, rather than his natural role on the wing.      Silva has always been a catalyst for forward movement, using his footwork to open up space for runs in behind, or taking it in the box himself. His small size allows him to weave in-and-out of danger to free up teammate...

      Hailed as the World's Game, Soccer has a profound impact on almost every nation, except for America.     To those of you reading this, you might be thinking, "what is he talking about, soccer is huge in America, we have the MLS, and a promising national team." While you are right, the level of devotion and skill level in relation to those platforms is severely lacking when compared to their European counterparts.     Let me explain why soccer will never fully break through.  1. America craves instant action.      With the major sports in America, like football, basketball, and baseball having quick plays and high-scoring affairs, soccer can have some duds. 0-0 or 1-0 is a very common scoreline in the modern game, which can turn off viewers wanting a climatic showdown. Even baseball is losing viewership, with many complaining that the games are too slow and not enough action happens. Americans want hard hits, and slam...

      Six players, one stoic award.     With the Premier League season now concluded, it is time for the Professional Footballer's Association to award their crowning achievement: the Player of the Year.      The 6 man shortlist is dominated by the Manchester clubs, with City having 4 nominees: Portuguese center-half Ruben Dias, Belgium star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, England's rising talent Phil Foden, and veteran German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The other two being Tottenham's clinical striker Harry Kane, who took home the Golden Boot with 23 goals, and Manchester United player of the year for the second consecutive season, Bruno Fernandes.      The choice is tough; but only one can take home the award.      I'll get to the point, I believe that only one player is qualified to take this award home.       Ruben Dias? No, while his first season was truly masterful and he looks like the true repla...

      With the starting of the fabled Euro's only 10 days away, Gareth Southgate, England's manager, has revealed his squad to contend for the cup.      Starting with the goalkeepers, Southgate has selected Manchester United's Dean Henderson, who looks like he has solidified his place as first team keeper after David De Gea's disastrous Europa League Final shootout. Henderson will be joined by Sam Johnstone and Jordan Pickford, who both had mediocre seasons with their clubs.      Building the wall in the back, Southgate has elected to include Trent Alexander-Arnold in the team,  even after his back down to earth season with Liverpool. Alongside TAA, Southgate also selected Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier to anchor the right side of the pitch. Time will tell so see which player Southgate will select. He has also included Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw to hold down the left side.  The center-halves are next, including John St...