Thore Haugstad
Latest articles by Thore Haugstad
How much is Pep Guardiola actually to blame for Manchester City’s woes?
By Thore Haugstad published
Pep Guardiola A crushing 4-0 defeat at Everton has left the Catalan’s new club 10 points adrift of Chelsea, and City fans bitterly disappointed. But is Pep the only man to point fingers at? Thore Haugstad discusses
When will Florentino Perez take responsibility for the mess he’s left Real Madrid in?
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Real Madrid Zidane is El Presidente’s 11th coach in 12 years over two spells at the Bernabéu, but in reality he’s only there after yet another blunder, writes Thore Haugstad…
5 things from Atletico 1-0 Bayern: Simeone's side do their thing again
By Thore Haugstad published
UEFA Champions League Thore Haugstad was at the Vicente Calderon to analyse the Colchoneros' defeat of the Bundesliga champions with Stats Zone...
Ada Hegerberg: why the world's best female footballer won't be playing at the Women's World Cup
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Women's World Cup Her ongoing dispute with the Norwegian Football Federation continues, as she misses yet another major competition for her country. Thore Haugstad explains why
How Lionel Messi finally became the player he was expected to be (no, really)
By Thore Haugstad published
Barcelona The Barcelona superstar has filled many different roles over the years, but it’s only recently that he’s taken on the position many expected him to play from the start – and become even better. Why did it take so long?
Analysis: Amid the gloom, Chelsea are improving – and here's the proof
By Thore Haugstad published
Stats Zone The Blues have been buoyed by Champions League success as they face high-flying Leicester, but Thore Haugstad notes their displays have been improving for a while...
FFT100 2018: No.5, Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
By Thore Haugstad published
FFT100 He was man of the match in Europa League and World Cup finals, and refuses to hide his disappointment at the lack of Ballon d'Or recognition. Better win that Champions League in 2019, then...
Arsenal vs Liverpool preview: will Klopp's 'gegenpressing' prove too much for Gunners?
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Premier League Arsenal take on a Liverpool side feeling the benefit of a full pre-season with Jurgen Klopp in their opening 2016/17 Premier League fixture. Thore Haugstad explains how the Gunners are shaping up…
How the Clásico was won: 5 things from Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Stats Zone Thore Haugstad was in the Bernabeu for FFT to analyse a thumping win for Barça which plunges Rafa Benitez into yet more trouble...
What on earth has happened to James Rodríguez, then?
By Thore Haugstad last updated
James Rodríguez Once a World Cup golden boy and €80m player, the Colombian is struggling to get into Real Madrid’s team for the matches that matter. Madrid-based Thore Haugstad looks at why…
How do you replace a player like Cristiano Ronaldo?
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Real Madrid Real Madrid now face life without their greatest ever goalscorer, but do they splash out on a direct replacement or is there another solution? Thore Haugstad explores the Liga giant's options
So, seriously: what's wrong with Cristiano Ronaldo right now?
By Thore Haugstad published
Cristiano Ronaldo Nearly four months into the season, CR7 has more new children than he does La Liga goals. Thore Haugstad looks into why...
FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.2, Lionel Messi
By Thore Haugstad published
FFT 100 Greatest Aged 30, he’s broken all-time records while lifting a host of personal and club awards – yet it’s only in watching Messi you can appreciate a one-off genius
Why Cristiano Ronaldo has been Real Madrid's major problem this season... but he can also be their solution
By Thore Haugstad published
Real Madrid It's been a wretched season for Real Madrid, but Thore Haugstad explains that all is not lost - providing Cristiano Ronaldo has his shooting boots on for a crunch Champions League tie against PSG
How Liverpool can stop Cristiano Ronaldo
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Cristiano Ronaldo As Liverpool gear up to face European champions Real Madrid, Thore Haugstad assesses how Brendan Rodgers can possibly hope to stop CR7 at Anfield...
Analysed: Why Pep got it right despite his Barcelona bashing
By Thore Haugstad published
Stats Zone The 4-0 scoreline may suggest a thrashing, but Thore Haugstad explains why the Catalan's tactics were actually spot on at the Camp Nou on Wednesday
Tottenham vs Man City tactical preview: Why De Bruyne's absence spells danger for Guardiola's men
By Thore Haugstad published
Premier League It's second against first in the Premier League this weekend, and Thore Haugstad believes the loss of the Belgian playmaker could prove costly for the visitors to White Hart Lane...
FourFourTwo's 100 Best Football Players in the World 2017: No.29, Luis Suarez
By Thore Haugstad last updated
FFT100 The Uruguayan hasn't enjoyed his best year, reflected in a tumble down this list for 2017. But a brand new one – and a World Cup – is just around the corner...
How Diego Costa is running less but scoring more – and why it should worry Spurs
By Thore Haugstad published
Premier League Thore Haugstad explains why the former Atletico Madrid man is thriving in Antonio Conte's system - and why he's a particular danger to Spurs this weekend
Man City vs Arsenal: would Pep be doing better if he'd taken over Arsenal?
By Thore Haugstad published
Arsenal Thore Haugstad peers into an alternate reality where Pep succeeds Arsene; would he be doing better at the Emirates?
How new-look Barcelona pose an entirely different threat to Man City this time around
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Barcelona Thore Haugstad evaluates the big changes Luis Enrique has made to maximise the havoc caused by his blistering Barcelona frontline...
How good really is Zidane the manager? Why the Real Madrid boss just keeps on winning
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Zinedine Zidane The enigma of Zizou has outsiders puzzled. As he takes aim at a hat-trick of Champions League titles as a coach, Thore Haugstad explores the ‘Zidane effect’
He’s bringing sexy back: 5 tactical notes from Zidane’s first game in charge
By Thore Haugstad published
Zinedine Zidane Thore Haugstad was at the Bernabeu using Stats Zone to analyse the Frenchman’s first game in charge of Real Madrid...
FourFourTwo’s 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2017: No.4, Diego Simeone
By Thore Haugstad last updated
FFT 50 Managers He's raised expectations to the point that anything less than ultimate triumph seems like failure. But make no mistake: the brilliant Simeone still has Atleti punching above their weight
Erik Lamela the perfect symbol of Pochettino's new Tottenham
By Thore Haugstad last updated
Erik Lamela There have been plenty of promising signs in Erik Lamela's early performances for Spurs this season - Thore Haugstad outlines what it is the Argentine forward is finally doing right...
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