Latest articles by Thore Haugstad
5 things from Atletico 1-0 Bayern: Simeone's side do their thing again
UEFA Champions League Thore Haugstad was at the Vicente Calderon to analyse the Colchoneros' defeat of the Bundesliga champions with Stats Zone...
How Branislav Ivanovic became one of Chelsea's greatest ever signings
Stats Zone Thore Haugstad analyses the Serbian's transformation from domineering middle man to marauding full-back...
Why Ozil was always destined to become the top flight's most productive playmaker
Mesut Özil The German has been recording some superb assist and chance creation statistics this season, but Thore Haugstad explains why such form has been a long time in the making...
5 reasons why it has all gone wrong for Ronaldo at Euro 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo Despite his country advancing to the latter stages of Euro 2016, it hasn't been the Portuguese attacker's summer so far. Thore Haugstad investigates where it's gone wrong for the superstar…
Analysis: Amid the gloom, Chelsea are improving – and here's the proof
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...
How the Clásico was won: 5 things from Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
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...
How Lionel Messi finally became the player he was expected to be (no, really)
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?
What on earth has happened to James Rodríguez, then?
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…
Arsenal vs Liverpool preview: will Klopp's 'gegenpressing' prove too much for Gunners?
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…
FFT100 2018: No.5, Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
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...
How do you replace a player like Cristiano Ronaldo?
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
Zinedine Zidane Thore Haugstad was at the Bernabeu using Stats Zone to analyse the Frenchman’s first game in charge of Real Madrid...
