Latest articles by Alex Hess
Kicking it old school: how the traditional winger is coming back into fashion
Premier League English football has lost many things, writes Alex Hess, but it's rediscovered its love for the touchline-hugging wideman – even if they are now in modern guises...
Fergie, fitting in and the future for Adnan Januzaj at Manchester United
Adnan Januzaj Brought in by Sir Alex, matured by Moyes and then initially forgotten about by Van Gaal, the 20-year-old is now back in the picture at Old Trafford after a tough year. And now he has a real chance to shine, writes Alex Hess...
Why top clubs might be culling their old players too soon
Premier League Bastian Schweinsteiger, Stewart Downing and Steven Gerrard have all been dispensed with this summer thanks to ageing bodies, but Alex Hess says some clubs are jumping the gun...
Beware Falcao, Welbeck, Balotelli and Ozil: don't believe the big-money hype
Radamel Falcao Don't get sucked into investing emotionally in those big money deadline deals. They rarely work out, says Alex Hess...
9 big moves for English forwards that resulted in shock or awe – take note Danny Ings
Danny Ings Beware Danny Ings! That move to an English giant doesn't always go so smoothly. Here are nine big moves for England strikers that sparked fireworks or became damp squibs...
Why is Rio Ferdinand the most unheralded player of his England generation?
Rio Ferdinand The former Manchester United and Leeds defender announced he'd be hanging up his boots for good at the weekend, but Alex Hess says the lack of tributes are peculiar...
What's next for Pep? Another year at Bayern – and then a leap into the unknown
Pep Guardiola Bayern Munich's big cheese has already pledged to serve for another year at the Allianz Arena, but it's a big one to determine what comes next, writes Alex Hess...
Why Sky Sports are in danger of ruining a winning formula
Thierry Henry Thierry Henry's puzzling criticism of Javier Hernandez earned the Arsenal legend widespread criticism, but Alex Hess wonders whether the Frenchman's presence is a more a damaging long-term prospect...
The life and loathing of Samir Nasri: arrogant irritant or misunderstood misfit?
Samir Nasri Manchester City's out-of-favour playmker is hardly Mr Popular in England or his homeland, but Alex Hess suggests why now is exactly the time to keep him close at Eastlands...
What's happened to Rafael at Manchester United?
Rafael Da Silva A fractured cheekbone has sidelined the Brazilian for most of 2015, but the next three months will be crucial for his Old Trafford future says Alex Hess...
From frustrator to difference maker: how crafty Coutinho finally got it right
Philippe Coutinho The Brazilian has dazzled since the turn of the year for Liverpool, after two years of working towards making it happen consistently. Alex Hess evaluates his ascent...
Why losing the Europa League final might actually be best for Liverpool
There’s a significant trinket up for grabs and Champions League football too, writes Alex Hess – but Sevilla might well do the Reds a greater long-term favour by winning in Basel…
David Luiz, the constant enigma – how the mercurial defensive talent defines Unai Emery's Arsenal
Arsenal He's captained Brazil, scored a penalty in a Champions League final and amassed more than £100m in transfer fees. So why does the suggestion David Luiz is a clueless buffoon persist?
Why Pep Guardiola has cashed in his values at Manchester City
Manchester City The acclaimed coach was supposed to bring an exciting new dawn – instead, he’s just another spendthrift boss, explains Alex Hess
Theo Walcott at 30: a strange, muddled career where reality was never as good as the fantasy
Theo Walcott The Everton winger leaves his 20s behind on Saturday, prompting Alex Hess to ponder what comes next for a player who has failed to live up to the early hype
Why Arsene Wenger is standing at his most defining crossroads yet with Arsenal
Arsenal The Frenchman's football blueprint could still be vindicated this season, but his north London rivals are worryingly instilling it more successfully, argues Alex Hess...
Newcastle can never succeed with Mike Ashley's identity-draining ownership
Newcastle United The Magpies could be drifting towards a second relegation to the Championship in seven years. Alex Hess explains why all of the club's problems can be traced back to the boardroom...
Why Frank Lampard is ignoring history for romance - all for an unhappy ending
Chelsea The Chelsea great is gambling with his legacy by returning to Stamford Bridge. As Alex Hess writes, more accomplished managers than him have been discarded in recent years
Pepe Reina: the semi-tragic tale of a keeper in all the right places at the wrong times
Pepe Reina The former Liverpool shot-stopper's career is one littered with misfortune and near misses, as Alex Hess recalls...
Why it might be time to recognise Brendan Rodgers for the elite coach he is
Brendan Rodgers The Leicester boss has impressed at every job he's had – yet self-mythologising and cringe quotes have made him a divisive figure. Will he guide the Foxes back into the Champions League?
Why Rafa Benitez is a legitimate manager of the season contender
Rafael Benítez Keeping Newcastle clear of relegation – and well clear at that – is easily among the season's finest achievements, writes Alex Hess
FourFourTwo’s 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2017: No.9, Jurgen Klopp
FFT 50 Managers The two-time Bundesliga winner hasn’t yet achieved glory with Liverpool, but Merseyside's Mr. Charisma has consistently performed above his resources
The sorry story of Cesc: how Fabregas became a sad victim of football’s changing times
Chelsea The 31-year-old was once considered among the Premier League’s great technicians, but has somehow become a relic of a bygone era, writes Alex Hess. But how?
