Michael Yokhin
Michael Yokhin is a European football writer. In addition to FourFourTwo, he wrote for Guardian, BBC, ESPN, Blizzard, New York Times, Independent, 11Freunde, Josimar and others. He takes keen interest in leagues, teams and players that might be a bit out of the main focus in the mainstream media, and loves football history as well.
Latest articles by Michael Yokhin
Why some Croatian football fans would actually be glad to see their side lose to England
By Michael Yokhin published
Croatia Croatia are in a World Cup semi-final, but that hasn't been a cause for mass celebration back home. Michael Yokhin on a nation divided between their admirable football team and behind-the-scenes turmoil
Bruno Henrique: Real Madrid's unknown nemesis who's no receptionist anymore
By Michael Yokhin published
Wolfsburg He was plying his trade in Brazil this time last year and his reputation ran only as far as his country's borders. But after his display against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Bruno Henrique is rather more well known. Michael Yokhin looks at his unique story...
FourFourTwo's 100 Best Football Players in the World 2017: No.4, Robert Lewandowski
By Michael Yokhin last updated
FFT100 The stats say it all: Lewandowski is one of the deadliest finishers in the world, and achieving icon status in both Poland and Germany
8 big questions that will be answered in the World Cup quarter-finals
By Michael Yokhin published
FIFA World Cup England’s breakdown bother, Antoine Griezmann’s ultimate challenge and Brazil’s missing man – Michael Yokhin outlines a key query hanging over every team still at Russia 2018
8 Bundesliga players who could make the move to the Premier League this January – and who they might join
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Bundesliga Which Bundesliga stars are destined for England this winter?
6 players Arsenal could realistically sign to improve them this summer
By Michael Yokhin published
Arsenal Unai Emery needs to revamp the Gunners’ squad – but who should be on his shortlist?
Who is Ishak Belfodil? Meet Everton's unpredictable new attacker once compared to Ibra
By Michael Yokhin published
Talentspotter With the 25-year-old Algerian set to join the Toffees from Standard Liege, Michael Yokhin takes a look at his up-and-down career to date
7 Eredivisie players who'd make clever Premier League signings this summer – and the clubs they'd suit
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Premier League Featuring a South American World Cup star and the best in young Dutch talent: Michael Yokhin on the Eredivisie stars who Premier League clubs should be investing in
FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.12, Michel Platini
By Michael Yokhin last updated
FFT 100 Greatest A playmaker and prolific goalscorer all at once, Platini was Europe’s best player of the 1980s
Qarabag: The have-a-go-heroes who beat a war – and now want Spurs
By Michael Yokhin published
Qarabağ Tottenham's group stage opponents use their disrupted and troubled background to give them strength and motivation on the pitch, explains Michael Yokhin...
How Holland solved their dressing room problems – and became a shining force again
By Michael Yokhin published
Netherlands After failing to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, Ronald Koeman’s Oranje are undergoing a revival quicker than anyone thought
7 reasons why everybody should love Tottenham AND Borussia Dortmund
By Michael Yokhin last updated
UEFA Europa League Well, what’s not to like? asks Michael Yokhin…
6 players Barcelona could sign to challenge for the Champions League next season
By Michael Yokhin published
Barcelona Another humbling in the knockout stages means we could see plenty of personnel change at the Camp Nou this summer. But who is on the incoming list?
Ragnar Sigurdsson: Iceland's England-crushing hero linked with Tottenham and Leicester
By Michael Yokhin published
Iceland For many fans, his equaliser against England will have been their first encounter with the centre-back. Michael Yokhin explains why we might be seeing a lot more of the Krasnodar defender soon
Borussia Monchengladbach: Man City's Bundesliga opponents on the bounceback
By Michael Yokhin published
Borussia M'gladbach Five straight defeats led to Lucien Favre's exit, but two wins on the spin have injected a little joy back into Gladbach, writes Michael Yokhin...
8 intriguing things to look out for in football this weekend
By Michael Yokhin published
Boca Juniors Scores to be settled, trophies to be won and presidential derbies to be played out: plenty to keep fans occupied over the next few days...
Ranked! The 10 players most likely to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Real Madrid Cristiano is gone at Real Madrid, and the search is on for the hapless sap who'll be tasked with trying to fill his boots. Send in the candidates...
RB Leipzig: Widely reviled in Germany, here's how one of the most exciting projects in Europe is being built
By Michael Yokhin published
RB Leipzig Tottenham’s Champions League opponents are not your typical story of big bucks owners – they could actually be a model for sustainable success
Wilfried Van Moer: football's greatest comeback story you've never heard
By Michael Yokhin last updated
European Championship Some feared the Belgium midfielder would never be the same again after breaking his leg against Italy at Euro 1972, explains Michael Yokhin – but he bounced back to take his revenge eight years later
10 potential breakout stars of World Cup 2018 we can't wait to see
By Michael Yokhin published
World Cup 2018 From the 'Iranian Ronaldo' to the flying Peruvian wing-back who helped upset Brazil, Michael Yokhin picks out these relatively low-profile talents who could become superstars by the end of Russia 2018
The 8 big stories to look out for in football this weekend
By Michael Yokhin published
FourFourTwo History to be made in Mexico, a personal feud for Mario Balotelli, and Jadon Sancho’s birthday brother out to stop him: don’t miss anything with Michael Yokhin’s weekly world preview
16 Champions League newcomers we can't wait to see this season
By Michael Yokhin published
UEFA Champions League It’s back – and with plenty of fresh faces in tow. Michael Yokhin picks out a selection of exciting stars making their first forays into the group stage
10 Premier League rejects who are having great times elsewhere
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Premier League So they didn’t make it in England’s top flight. So what? Michael Yokhin profiles a clutch of stars whose moves away proved their making
How the world fell back in love with Borussia Dortmund – and what awaits Tottenham
By Michael Yokhin published
Borussia Dortmund The Bundesliga leaders have thrilled the continent this season under Lucien Favre, and now meet Spurs in a standout last-16 tussle. Michael Yokhin charts the mighty comeback of BVB
Introducing Kepa Arrizabalaga: Chelsea’s world-record goalkeeper with magnificent reflexes – but still a lot to learn
By Michael Yokhin published
Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta Chelsea have gambled on the potential of a 23-year-old Spain international who, like David de Gea before him, may take time to adjust to the Premier League, writes Michael Yokhin
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