Latest articles by Lee Roden
Meet the candidates vying to take the Spain baton from Xavi
Xavi Barcelona's midfielder linchpin for 15 years is set to leave the Camp Nou for Al Sadd at the end of this season, but Lee Roden says it's the national team that will need to hold auditions for his long-term replacement...
4 ways Barça can break down Europe’s best defence on Saturday
Barcelona Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid boast the meanest backline on the continent this season – but in need of a win they may open themselves up at the other end, writes Lee Roden...
How 'washed-up' Thierry Henry achieved his brilliant Barça revival
Thierry Henry On this day in 2007, Henry joined Barcelona and while the Frenchman's Arsenal days are legendary, his three-year stint in Catalonia was impressive in differing circumstances...
These are the 5 biggest stories to watch out for in El Clasico
La Liga Barcelona’s 10-point lead over Real Madrid means this weekend’s meeting between the pair won’t settle Spain’s title – but that doesn’t make it any less compelling. Lee Roden picks out five things to look out for...
Why Unai Emery is the manager Arsenal need for the here and now
Unai Emery The Spaniard's two seasons at PSG were disappointing – but his track record of hard work, player improvement and trophies makes him a good fit right now, writes Lee Roden
Deulofeu's Barcelona rejection a harsh reminder of La Masia's slippery slope
Gerard Deulofeu The former Everton man was shipped off to Sevilla after failing to impress Luis Enrique, writes Lee Roden, and already it looks like an uphill task for the 20-year-old to claw his way back...
Mascherano vs Busquets: ex-Red set for big week to pinch Barca's pivot role for good
Barcelona With Sergio Busquets sitting bruised on the sidelines, big games against Manchester City and Real Madrid make for a vital week where Javier Mascherano is concerned. Lee Roden weighs up each man's long-term chances...
What’s left for Fernando Torres? Out with a whimper or a fitting end for an Atletico legend?
Fernando Torres Still loved and adored by the Rojiblancos' faithful, El Nino seemingly has four months left at the Vicente Calderon and will want to sign off in style with that elusive 100th goal, writes Lee Roden...
How Rafa’s defensive Real Madrid are struggling to find balance
Real Madrid Lee Roden isn't convinced by Los Blancos' mixed bag under Benitez so far – and points out how he could get it right...
4 Diego Simeone masterstrokes that got Atletico Madrid back in the La Liga title race
Atlético Madrid La Liga is all a flutter with excitement, as just a point now separates the top three. Troopers Atleti are on a roll, and Lee Roden explains why...
Meet Marco Asensio, the youngster set to become Real Madrid's next big thing
Talentspotter Lee Roden runs the rule over Mallorca youngster Marco Asensio, the teenage playmaker who's had Real Madrid and Barcelona all hot under the collar...
The wantaway Barcelona starlet who could be the perfect option for Liverpool
Talentspotter Lee Roden evaluates the situation of Martin Montoya, a target for several European clubs after declaring his intentions to leave the Camp Nou...
5 signs resurgent Atletico are ready to annoy Barcelona and Real Madrid again
Atlético Madrid Diego Simeone's Rojiblancos are lean, mean and achieving – but better still, their best is yet to come, writes Lee Roden...
5 reasons why Rafa Benitez couldn’t cut it at Real Madrid
Rafael Benítez The former Liverpool boss suffered the inevitable axing on Monday evening – but why was his reign so unruly? Lee Roden evaluates...
FourFourTwo's 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015: No.3
FFT 50 Managers Lee Roden analyses the triple-winning coach setting new standards at Barcelona...
4 big lessons Arsenal need to learn against Barcelona
Arsenal The Gunners go into Wednesday night’s second leg two goals down, and not for the first time either. Lee Roden looks at what’s gone wrong…
Zubizarreta out, Messi unhappy and Barça in disarray: is history repeating itself?
Andoni Zubizarreta This isn't the first time Andoni Zubizarreta has been shoved at Barcelona, writes Lee Roden - nor at the same time a key player's future is uncertain...
7 Real Madrid players who could benefit from the transfer ban
Real Madrid The world’s richest club can’t sign anyone for a year after the current transfer window – and it’s music to the ears of this lot, writes Lee Roden...
5 things Real Madrid need to fix to compete with Barcelona
Real Madrid Lee Roden's recipe for restoring los Blancos' faltering reputation...
Forming a solid team without Di Maria and Alonso could take Carlo Ancelotti some time
Real Madrid Lee Roden analyses the tactical dilemma facing Real Madrid's Decima-clinching boss this season, after an unbalanced summer of arrivals at the Santiago Bernabeu...
Elneny impresses, Arsenal’s finishing doesn’t: 4 big things from Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal
Stats Zone Arsene Wenger’s side crashed out to the Catalans 5-1 on aggregate on Wednesday night, and Lee Roden was there to see it...
Why selfless superstar Pedro is a dream player for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea
Pedro Rodriguez Lee Roden tells Blues fans what to expect from their new attacker after pipping Manchester United to the Barça attacker's signature...
Why this could be the best La Liga title race of all time
La Liga Four teams are fighting for Spanish honours this season, writes Lee Roden – and just five points separate them as Barcelona prepare to host Atletico Madrid this weekend...
