[[FM23] Kafra FC Returns for the '23 (Youth-Only in England)]

THE IMPORTANT STAFF

True to the Create-A-Club unwritten rules of ethics (?), Kafra FC began its life with zero backroom staff. It was left to the owner/manager Ni Ezz to recruit his new team, and below are the two most important men that will be relied on:

 

ASHLEY WESTWOOD

Assistant Manager - English - AGE: 46

 

RICKY DUNCAN

Head of Youth Development - English - AGE: 58

[[FM23] Kafra FC Returns for the '23 (Youth-Only in England)]

INTRODUCTION

After a couple of years as Sophara United, the Kafra FC boys have rebranded again, going the OG route and bringing back the Kafra Lions – this time under 22-year-old Ghanaian manager Ni Ezz. Kafra FC have taken Crawley Town’s place in the League Two and have moved into Kafra Field to the south of London. The policy? No signings. Ever. That means only players that have come up from the Kafra Youth Academy are eligible to play for the club. Decided to leave and now regret it? Too bad – once gone, never back. The club also has signed players aged no more than 17 as they begin developing the foundation of its future – the Kafra Youth Academy (I created a bunch of players with only one with a value of over £600K and rest below £500K) and the subsidiaries that will be opened all across the world.

 

MEET THE KEY PLAYERS

STEPHEN BARRETT – Goalkeeper – AGE: 17

Report: One of the foundational pillars for a successful season according to his manager, Barrett will be relied upon to organize and lead the back. A professional, reserved player, his strength is in his all-around ability. He has no one thing he is great at, but he has no glaring weaknesses, either. His mental strength, like the rest of the squad, is beyond his years and he has a maturity and poise that belies someone ten years his senior. At 6’4, 182 pounds, he is already a physical specimen despite his young age. He has expressed genuine happiness at being signed up by the club as he is a local boy from Crawley.

 

JASON JOHN – Defender (Centre) – AGE: 17

Report: Yes, he is a 5’9 DC, and yes, his abilities are probably better suited from the flanks than in the center of the defensive. The local youngster from Horley is still the best central defender the new club will start the 2022/23 season with, and they could do worse than the determined natural leader. A contender to be named the first ever club captain, he is known as an unflappable, evasive, and calculating person whose playing style is reminiscent of the defenders of old.

 

KADY RENDELL – Midfield (Centre) – AGE: 17

Report: Another local boy from Crawley, Rendell is another candidate that could potentially be named club captain. His drive and work ethic are second to none and he has been recognized as one of the best passers of the ball on the team. His obvious position will be as a workhorse in the middle of the pitch, making him one of Ezz’s most important players as the club looks to begin its first season with success. He is a level-headed, mature, and professional player who has no interest in fancy moves or inefficient movement and will look to be involved in pushing the ball forward.

 

PER BRUUN – Winger (Right) – AGE: 17

Report: Born in Feldballe, a small farming town near Aarhus, in Denmark, Bruun joins Stefan Janjic (Sweden) as the first two players recruited by the club from outside of England. It is with good reason, too – Bruun could potentially be the club’s best player this season. He has all the tools to make a great winger – he is quick, he has good skills with the ball at his feet, and he is a hard worker. He carries an aura of professionalism despite being so young, and is considered a natural leader, as well. Easily one of the club’s most exciting players on paper going into the season.

 

GANIYU OJO – Winger (Left) – AGE: 16

Report: He might not be your prototypical winger – especially not with that lack of crossing ability – but that is where the 16-year-old English/Nigerian will begin the season. Born in Crawley to Nigerian parents, the winger maintains a professional attitude and has publicly stated he is a supporter of the club as a fan. Especially strong in the air, it will be interesting to see how his manager utilizes him going forward, but what is clear is that Ojo has the potential to be a real game-changer for Kafra FC.

 

TOM DAWSON – Striker – AGE: 17

Report: Hyped as the best player on the team during the pre-season, Dawson is perhaps the most important piece to Ni Ezz’s puzzle. A candidate for the captaincy as he is a natural leader, his finishing ability could cause problems for opposing defenders. His quickness needs work, and he might never be athletic enough to be a truly great striker, but for the time-being the 17-year-old looks capable of making some news this season in the League Two.

 

THE STRATEGY

One of the main subjects going into the season how Ezz was going to choose to utilize Ojo – would it be down the left wing or will it be in a more central and forward position? As of the first team sheet publishing, it looks like Ojo will accompany Dawson up front, with Ned Swann earning the right to start down the left wing. The defensive line is straight forward – everyone is expected to prioritize the back and bomber runs down the flanks were only allowed after absolute certainty of back coverage. In front of the line, Ezz has chosen to situate two midfielders – Rendell will be relied upon to jumpstart the attack, while Swedish midfielder Janjic supporting alongside. The right wing will be an especially important focus for the team’s attack as Bruun will be featured, with many predicting the Danish winger to have a strong rookie season. Behind them all will be GK Barrett, who has looked the part and is poised for an impressive season, as well.

 

 

[[FM23] Kafra FC Returns for the '23 (Youth-Only in England)]

 

 

Kafra FC 2022/23 incoming...

[[FM22] The African Expedition - Winning the Champions League in every African nation]

Cant wait till you get to Ghana!

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

YOUTH INTAKE 2040

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

I had the update ready for the final season but I lost the save and I had to replay the 2038/39 season. I'm all caught up but I won't write up another update for the 2038/39 season - I'll just continue onwards with the 2039/40 season, the first of the 2040s!

Sophara United missed on qualifying to the Champions League (I did the first time around!) but we will be in the Europa League.

The biggest news, however, was Dougal Yule cleaning up all the awards (Golden Ball, World Footballer of the Year, etc) and scoring 44 Goals in the PL - the only other player to hit over 40 Goals in a season was the legendary Erling Haaland, the 'Player of the 2020s'. 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

Just noticed this - I have the best youth system in the world!

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - March 2039 Edition

YOUTH INTAKE 2039

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Thirty Months To Leave A Mark - European Top 10 Journeyman - Part III - FC Utrecht [Finished]]

Congrats on making the CL and winning the title! Haller was dangerous last season. 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

SOUTH AFRICA 2038 – WORLD CUP

 

INTRO/GROUP STAGES

The World Cup returned to Africa for the second time in its history, with South Africa playing host both times, with Ukraine as the defending champions after shocking the world and capturing the trophy in Japan four years prior….Sophara United had a record 6 players representing the club at the tournament, 4 of which were with England, Bekir Celik with Turkey, and George Adamu with Nigeria….The hosts kicked things off in grand fashion during Matchday One, defeating Thailand 5-0 with Greek club Xanthi’s 29 year old striker Mlungisi Nxumalo netting a hat-trick….Germany’s 35-year-old midfield legend Jamal Musiala also got in on the action, scoring a hat-trick in his nation’s 5-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea….Adamu was the first Sophara player to get out onto the pitch, but unfortunately he did not play well and Nigeria lost to Holland 1-0 in a tough match….The Americans had the first real shock of the tournament after defeating Croatia 4-1 – the Croatians had a good showing two years before at the Euros at Portugal 2036, making the Quarter-Finals and bringing hope that one of the darkest eras of Croatian football was coming to an end….Turkey defeated Mexico 1-0 in their first match but Bekir Celik did not have a good game….The 2026 Quarter-Finalists Jamaica started the tournament in demoralizing fashion, losing 4-1 to minnows Guinea-Bissau as Ismael Gomes, Valladolid’s 31 year old striker, scored a hat-trick….Sweden and Spain ended Matchday One with wins against Algeria and Iran, respectively.

Matchday Two started with the hosts lining up against Poland and finishing the match 0-0 after each team got a player sent off in the first 20 minutes, becoming the first team to qualify to the Second Round….Russia obliterated Ivory Coast 6-2 with 35-year-old Rennes and Russia legend Arsen Zakharyan scoring a hat-trick….Germany and Colombia both confirmed their advancement after the latter beat Equatorial Guinea 5-1….George Adamu featured in Nigeria’s 0-0 draw with New Zealand in Group F, playing well and leading the line in a strong fashion….England took a strong 5-1 victory against Guinea-Bissau in their first match, with Sophara United’s Richie Hunter playing fantastic (2 Assists) – Ted Baah was the only other Sophara United player to feature in the match, coming off the bench as he continued to recover from injury….Matchday Two ended with the world champions Ukraine running through Syria 7-1, making a statement to the world that they were ready to fight to keep their title.

Matchday Three began with Poland joining South Africa in the Second Round at the expense of Thailand, while Russia and Ivory Coast knocked out the 2034 hosts Japan….South Korea, who made the Quarter-Finals at Spain 2030 and the Semi-Finals at Japan 2034, were knocked out by Tunisia and Romania, becoming the first real shock of the tournament….In Group F, George Adamu’s Nigeria squeaked by with Holland while in Group H, Australia were sent packing home by Costa Rica and Greece….Hunter and Baah both started as England defeated Jamaica 4-0 to qualify alongside Guinea-Bissau in Group L as Jamaica exited early….The final day of Matchday Three ended with Spain defeating Uruguay 5-2 as Juventus striker Joan Villanueva – who has had a rough time in Italy – netted a hat-trick to send his nation to the Second Round.

 

SECOND ROUND

Last in the World Cup during France 1998, Romania – who beat both South Korea and Tunisia in the Group Stages – continued their strong play as they won easily 4-1 against what was a favored Colombian side……The Tunisians exited at the hands of Germany, who took a 4-0 victory against the North African side. The Germans moved to the Third Round having conceded no goals and having scored 11 Goals in just 3 Games……The hosts saw a disappointing early exit at the hands of fellow Africans Ivory Coast, who won the match against South Africa 2-1……The last match of the day saw Russia defeat Poland 1-0 in a tense affair that saw the latter have a player sent off in the second half.

Brazil started out the second day of matches in the Second Round with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria and George Adamu. The 22-year-old defender became the first Sophara United player to get knocked out of the tournament……The USA were impressive against a reasonably strong Costa Rican side, defeating their North American rivals 4-0 that saw all the goals come in the last 20 minutes……A tough match saw Holland come out 2-1 victors against a plucky Irish side……Two goals in extra-time after a 0-0 draw saw Greece advance past Chile in the final game of the day.

Another all-African affair saw Guinea-Bissau defeat Morocco 3-1 to advance to the Third Round. The surprising West African nation had the joint leading scorer in Ismael Gomes, who scored his 5^th Goal in the match……Italy needed penalties to inch past a strong Mexican side that refused to quit even after going a man down. Unfortunately for Mexico, their streak of Second Round exits now stretched to 4 in a row at the World Cup……Ghana became the 3^rd African team to advance to the Third Round with an impressive 2-1 victory over Turkey. Sophara United’s Bekir Celik ended the tournament with no goals as his nation failed to impress once again……England were led by Richie Hunter’s equalizing goal and strong form as they pushed past Denmark 3-2 in extra-time. Hunter scored the winning goal for the English U19 side at the Euro U19 Championship in 2031, and he relived the moment today in the day’s final match.

The champions needed extra-time in the final day of matches of the Second Round but the Ukraine got it done. Facing a tough Uruguayan side, the defending champions moved on after a 2-1 victory……Sweden defeated Cameroon 3-1 despite the crowd leaning heavily towards the African nation. The Scandanavian nation were going to make their second consecutive Third Round appearance after getting knocked out by Argentina at that stage at Japan 2034……Argentina registered a 3-1 victory against Norway as the South American nation, who are widely considered to have their best team at least 25 years, continued to look strong……The last match of the Second Round saw Spain win 3-1 against Syria, a team that probably made it a round too far this World Cup.

 

THIRD ROUND

Ivory Coast advanced to the Quarter-Finals for the first time in their history after defeating Romania 1-0 in the first match of the Third Round. The African nation were not considered one of the stronger teams to come out of the continent this time around, but they advanced to where few African countries have gone before them……Billed the battle between Mansur Chachaev and Patrick Weissmann, it was the former and Russia who shocked Germany and advanced after defeating the European champions on penalties. This was the second straight disappointing World Cup exit by Germany, having been knocked out by Argentina in the Second Round at Japan 2034……The American dream ended at the hands of the Dutch as Holland came away as 2-1 victors against the USA. This meant that the Americans’ streak of not making the Quarter-Finals continued, having been alive since 2002……A nation rejoiced as this was the first time since 2018 that Brazil was playing in consecutive Quarter-Finals. The South American sleeping giant defeated Greece 1-0 in a tough affair whose only goal came in the 3^rd minute.

Ghana were surprising losers in another all-African matchup as the fairytale continued for Guinea-Bissau, who were participating in their first World Cup ever. They defeated Ghana 2-0 as the tiny nation of two million brought back memories of Jamaica’s magical 2026 run……In the first of the two major matches of the Third Round, England defeated Italy 2-0 as Lawrence, Baah, and Hunter all played well. The English team had made the Semi-Finals of every tournament since 2018 and were looking to keep that streak alive……Having developed a reputation of underperformance at the World Cup recently, Argentina were more than joyful after defeating Spain 1-0 in the second big match of the Third Round. Current World Golden Ball and World Player of the Year Andres Ravizzoli scored the winning goal in the 88^th minute, sending the South American nation into raptures and officially ending the Fatu/Pedri era for Spain……The last match of the Third Round was another tight affair for the defending champions, but once again they proved their mettle against a tough team in tough circumstances as Ukraine bested Sweden on penalties. The match ended 0-0 after the Ukraine, usually known for their free-flowing attack, played perhaps their best defense of the tournament thus far to set up a match with Guinea-Bissau in the Quarter-Finals.  

 

QUARTER-FINALS

IVORY COAST vs. HOLLAND: This was the African nation’s first ever trip to the Quarter-Finals, and they were lining up against a team that had made the Finals three times but had never won the trophy. An entertaining match would end up in Holland’s favor as they defeated Ivory Coast 3-2 to advance to the Semi-Finals for the first time in 24 years.  RESULT: Holland 3 – 2 Ivory Coast

RUSSIA vs. BRAZIL: Led by Manchester City’s Mansur Chachaev and Chelsea’s Anatoly Malygin, Russia were looking to take advantage of this ‘golden generation’ and advance to the Semi-Finals for the second time in their history and first since 1966. As for the Brazilians, they had not made the Semi-Finals since they lost to Germany on home soil in 2014 but this was perhaps the most unconventional Brazilian team of modern times as arguably its three biggest stars are all GKs, they scored only 6 Goals in their previous 4 matches but conceded none, and they entered the tournament for the first time in recent history not listed as one of the favorites to win it all. It would end here for them, however, as Russia would win 1-0 in extra-time as many in Moscow started talking about how Russia’s run was similar to the Ukraine’s just four years ago. RESULT: Russia 1 – 0 Brazil

ARGENTINA vs. ENGLAND: England were riding high and were one of the tournament’s favorites, going into the match having scored 14 Goals and also having defeated Italy in the previous round. The Argentinian media were cautiously optimistic after the Ravizzoli-led squad defeated Spain in the previous round, setting up another epic showdown in the Quarter-Finals. It was a match to remember from start to finish – Argentina went up 2-0 just before the half, but in the extra-time given for the first half England incredibly equalized the game. This was set the scene for an incredibly exciting second half that saw England advance 4-3 until a last second effort equalized the match for the Argentinians. Sophara United’s Ted Baah was responsible for two assists, but Richie Hunter did not play well. As history will suggest, England’s downfall came from the spot-kick, but not before these two legends of the tournament played one of its greatest matches in recent times. RESULT: Argentina 4 (p) – 4 England

UKRAINE vs. GUINEA-BISSAU: The defending champions entered this match as incredibly heavy favorites to win and advance to the Semi-Finals. They were gearing up for another intense week and were already looking past the West African ‘minnows’ who were just happy to be there. Que in a brace from Ismael Gomes to bring his total to a league-leading 7 Goals and Africa was going to have its first ever representative in the Semi-Finals. Not only that, but Guinea-Bissau became the first team in recent history to reach the Semi-Finals in its debut appearance at the tournament. RESULT: Guinea-Bissau 3 – 2 Ukraine

 

SEMI-FINALS

HOLLAND vs. GUINEA-BISSAU: This was the first time that any African country had reached the Semi-Finals of the competition in its history, and the fact that it was done on African soil by a complete underdog – perhaps the most surprising Semi-Finalists in the competition’s history – was all the more inspiring. They were facing a Dutch squad that had made the Finals of the World Cup three times prior but was no longer considered one of the elite teams of the world. Holland were immense favorites to make their fourth trip to the Finals, this time hosted in Johannesburg, and although it took everything they got, they made it happen. Guinea-Bissau finally fell but not without a fight – Holland won 2-0 but both goals came late after they finally broke the West African nation down. Holland now waited for the winner of the Russia vs. Argentina match. RESULT: Holland 2 – 0 Guinea-Bissau

RUSSIA vs. ARGENTINA: The Argentinians, led by World Golden Ball winner Andres Ravizzoli, felt destined to win their first title since 1986 and the days of Maradona. Russia were led by fantastic young players who had developed into some of the best players in the world, such as Mansur Chachaev. For the second straight tournament, Eastern Europe ended up sending a representative to the Finals, as Russia’s run continues to draw eerie similarities to its neighbors run in 2034. Russia defeated the South Americans 2-1 with all the goals coming in the first half, setting up a Finals showdown with Holland as they advanced to their first ever World Cup Finals.   RESULT: Russia 2 – 0 Argentina

 

FINAL

HOLLAND vs. RUSSIA: The rise of the Eastern European powers was the narrative heading into Johannesburg as Russia had set the tournament on fire and were one win away from repeating the unbelievable run Ukraine had just four years prior. The Dutch, however, had their own story they wanted to write – this was the 4^th World Cup Final they were going to participate in but had no title to show for it yet. The long wait to finally lift the world’s most prestigious trophy would finally come to an end in South Africa, however, as Holland defeated Russia 3-1 with Junior Kamango scoring a brace for the new world champions. The Dutch, who had waited 28 years to get back into the Final, lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time in their history, finally bringing closure to perhaps the strongest team to have never won the tournament. RESULT: Holland 3 – 1 Russia

 

AWARDS

BEST PLAYER – Anatoly Malygin (Russia)

The award could have went to any of Russia’s three main players, but Malygin was the choice thanks to his all-around skills and influence on the game. Russia’s rise to the top of the totem pole (almost) is just as much Malygin’s doing as it is Chachaev’s doing, and it showed in South Africa. In 7 Appearances, he registered 4 Assists, 1 Goal, and 7.46 AR as Russia ran through a list of who’s who when it comes to footballing giants – Germany in the Second Round, Brazil in the Quarter-Finals, and Argentina in the Semi-Finals, a combined 11 titles between them. The 26-year-old Chelsea ‘Elite Attacking Midfielder’ showed his complete set of skills, rarely making a mistake and helping propel Russia into the elite tier of football.

 

 

BEST YOUNG PLAYER – Zaher Al-Hallak (Syria)

Syria have quietly qualified for the last 5 World Cups – since 2022 – but this was the first time the country had advanced past the Group Stages, falling to Spain in the Second Round. The reason for their improvement was 21-year-old Lech (POL) striker Zaher Al-Hallak, who hit a brace in their win against Canada and scored a goal against former world champions Spain. His total was 3 Goals in his 3 Games, along with 1 Assist and 7.43 AR, and has already been called arguably the greatest player in Syria’s history. He currently has 41 Caps and 26 Goals for his nation and has been touted by the national media as the ‘next Aref Al-Agha’, a dynamic Syrian striker who led the national league in scoring three times during the late 1990s and 2000s. A product of the Al-Karamah (SYR) youth academy, he was bought by Sporting (POR) in 2035 before he was sold to Sparta Rotterdam in 2036. It was there he had his breakout season, leading to Polish club Lech buying him just one year later for £2.6M, scoring 14 Goals in his debut season for his new club.

 

 

BEST GOALKEEPER – Luis Tavares (Holland)

In an era were arguably the three best GKs in the world today are all Brazilian, Holland and Newcastle GK Luis Tavares – who is also fluent in Portuguese, ironically, as he is also half Cape Verdean – was the one who ended up lifted the greatest prize of them all, winning the World Cup’s Best GK award along the way. The ‘World-Class GK’ is considered one of the top GKs in the world today and has now propelled himself to being the top contender to steal the ‘Best in the World’ prize from the Brazilians.  

 

 

GOLDEN BOOT – Ismael Gomes (Guinea-Bissau): 7 Goals

There have been similar stories to that of Guinea-Bissau but never one with so many extremes. This was the tiny West African nation’s first World Cup adventure, and it set a new record by taking 3^rd Place, on Africa soil no less. They became the first African nation to ever reach the World Cup Semi-Finals, doing so on their first try, and the reason for that was the absolute storming tournament 31-year-old Valladolid striker Ismael Gomes had. In 6 Games, he scored 7 Goals and registered 2 Assists and 7.43 AR, leading his nation past teams such as former world champions Ukraine, whom Gomes hit a brace against in the Quarter-Finals, and Argentina on their way to making history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

 

THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - June 2038

SEASON REVIEW 2037/2038

TEAM REVIEW

The culmination of the work put into the club over the past 18 years happened this season – next year, the beginning of the dream that everyone worked so far for begins. At the turn of the decade, Abul Ezz was asked what his goal for the 2030s was – he replied with one word: Europe. Of course, the Europa League has been a fantastic experience for the club, and Thursday night at the Sophara United Stadium has been magical in its own right, especially during their run to the Semi-Finals of the competition last season. But everyone knows that Ezz really meant the Champions League, a competition he has made no secret that he holds in the highest regard, the ultimate trophy in the world of club football. His dream has always been to be a Champions League winner, and that journey will officially begin next season as the club finished in 4^th Place, a record high position for Sophara United.

Dougal Yule, who turned 20 after the season ended, led the Premier League with 28 Goals again this season, winnings its Top Goalscorer for the second straight year and also the EPL Young Player of the Year, becoming the third Sophara United player to win the award after Bekir Celik and Darren Allen. He was the focal point of a strong attack that was the 3rd best in the Premier League, with Celik and Baah also registering double digit goals scored.  The defense improved to 7th best and the 43 Goals Conceded were the lowest the squad has let in since joining the Premier League in 2026. Three players from the First Generation Cowboys - Tom Horgan, Stan Drummond, Andy Holland - remain on the team, but only Drummond and Holland will live out the dream of experiencing Champions League football next season as Horgan is retiring this summer. The Second Generation Breachers - led by Akim Lawrence, Bekir Celik, and Darren Allen - have already placed themselves in the history books of the club as having been the first squad to qualify to Europe, but it is the incoming Third Generation that has many people excited. Led by the likes of Dougal Yule, Ted Baah, Richie Hunter, and George Adamu, the Third Generation has already played a big part in helping the club get to the Champions League. Never has the team featured potentially 4 world-class players in the same starting lineup, but that is exactly what will happen if those four develop to their true potential. The good news? They are almost there. 

 

GOALKEEPERS

DARREN ALLEN (England: 2 Caps) – Age: 26 ('28 Youth Class) – Position: GK

Allen has become one of the most important players on the team and the Second Generation, officially nicknamed “The Breachers” due to their success in breaching through and making it to Europe, along with their starting GK are going to feature in club football’s biggest stage next season. He played in all 38 Games for the 7^th season in a row, registering career-highs of 1.13 Con/90 and 12 Clean Sheets to go along with 7.18 AR, his highest of the last three years. He has finally become an English international, and although those that claimed that he could one day become a world-class GK have long since disappeared, Allen has become somewhat of a hallmark figure around the Premier League these days. He has been a starter for Sophara in the league since his teenage years in the late 2020s, surviving the Kozic drama of the early 2030s before finally become one of the most recognizable faces in the league today.

 

 

FULLBACKS

PATRICK BOLA (DRC: 44 Caps) – Age: 28 ('25 Youth Class) – Position: DL

 Now 29, Patrick Bola has quietly turned into the only starting DL some fans of the club have ever known – this was his 11^th season as the club’s starter and has become known as one of the ‘Bridge’ players who have played a prominent role in both the First Generation and Second Generation eras. This season, he played in 32 Games and registered 2.16 T/90, 90% PC, and 6.82 AR, right about on par with his averages the past two seasons. He isn’t the biggest star on his DRC national side anymore but he remains an important player and a celebrity in his home country. He has never been the most gifted nor the most dominant player at his position, but he has managed to carve out a long and meaningful career for himself that is still in its prime.

 

 

MOHAMMED ADU (England: 23 U21 Caps) – Age: 26 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: DR

Mohammed Adu carries a 6.89 AR for his career, one in which he has played 304 Games in the Premier League. This season, he registered 6.91 AR along with 2.10 T/90, and 89% PC in 34 Appearances. He broke into the first team in the late 2020s and became the starter at the turn of the decade, turning into one of the core pieces of the Second Generation, otherwise known as the ‘Breachers’ as opposed to the First Generation’s name of the ‘Cowboys’. A smart player with decent pace, his intelligence has helped him develop good defensive instincts that have made him a PL-level player. He will get to experience at least one of his prime years competing in the Champions League as Sophara will be in the competition next season.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

The departure of Ger Lennon – who grew a moustache and joined Barnsley in the Championship after leaving the club on free last summer – was supposed to leave playing time for incoming prospects, but the lack of talent at the full-back position has been one of the talking points in terms of how to further improve the SYA…. Chris Bolland (21 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 8 Apps (3 Starts), 2.56 T/90, 89% PC, 6.93 AR) might be one of the forgotten men of the famed ’32 Youth Class, but he did a serviceable job when called upon this season. His form was a lot better – he upped his 6.68 AR from last season to 6.93 AR this year…. Joseph Doumbia (25 years old, ’29 Youth Class – 6 Apps (1 Start), 7.00 AR) saw a big drop in his playing time but he remains the first option of the bench behind Bola. The French full-back has etched out a role for himself in the Sophara United rotation and has earned the trust of the coaching staff to be able to fill in and do a decent job, albeit in a limited capacity.

 

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

AKIM LAWRENCE (England: 7 Caps) – Age: 30 (’23 Youth Class) – Position: DC

Appointed club captain at the beginning of the 2030/31 season, Akim Lawrence – otherwise known as ‘El Capitan’ – has been the longest serving captain in the history of the club thus far after completing his 8^th season as Sophara’s leader. There can be no more fitting player – he is a ‘Bridge’ player and also one of the three key figures of the Second Generation, along with Celik and Chelsea’s Berkovec. He is now the club’s all-time record holder for Most League Appearances with 548 Games, in a career that has now spanned 15 seasons and has 17 PoMs and a 7.12 AR while continuously ranking amongst the leaders in key defensive statistics such as Shots Blocked, Clearances, Interceptions, Possessions Won, and Headers Won. He is a prototypical DC, rarely making an error and almost never trying the fanciful, as his 98% PC will testify. He has accomplished a rare feat in that he has represented two countries at the international stages (Dominica & England) but it is the latter he will be going to the World Cup at South Africa 2038 with this summer.

 

 

GEORGE ADAMU (Nigeria: 46 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 22 (’32 Youth Class) – Position: DC

Now the questions about George Adamu have shifted from ‘How high is his ceiling’ and ‘Can he be a world-class DC’ to ‘Is he a better DC than so and so’ and ‘What is the little still missing for him to be world-class’ – a stark change in attitude towards the player now that he has become a star at the international stage. Nigeria’s highest-valued player by a long shot at almost £100M, he earned his new contract that will pay him £140k per week after delivering a career-best season. In 31 Games, he registered 4 PoMs, 1.12 T/90, 99% PC, and a career-high 7.26 AR, up from 7.11 AR last season. The 2036 NxGn and African Defender of the Year Runner-Up, Adamu has been tasked by the Nigerian public and media to lead the national team back to its golden days of the 2020s, when they won 4 AFCON titles (’22, ’25, ’27, ’29) including winning the last 3 in a row as well as advancing to the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup in 2026 before losing to Spain. His manager has touted him as a potential future captain for the club and designated him vice-captain to Lawrence last summer. He has been one of the SYA’s crown jewels – an exceptional player on the pitch and a ‘Resolute Professional’ off of it.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

The DC position has never been in a healthier state – there are two international-class starters and behind them another two international players…. Alfie Williams (21 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 24 Apps (17 Starts), 2 PoMs, 95% PC, 7.10 AR) will unfortunately miss out on South Africa 2038 but has become a prominent member of the Welsh national team’s defense. He has earned 7 Caps with the Welsh media backing his inclusion in the squad. In London, Williams has become one of his manager’s most trusted players both in the starting lineup and on the bench, and others have noticed as he named the 2037 Welsh Young Player of the Year……Gerard Lynch (25 years old, ’28 Youth Class – 21 Apps (9 Starts), 2.37 T/90, 92% PC, 6.96 AR) waited almost 10 years for his Sophara United debut, but after spending time with 5 teams in 6 seasons on loan, Lynch quickly established himself as a key cog in the rotation. The Irish international – who now has 7 Caps for Ireland – will not be heading to South Africa 2038 with his home nation but its safe to say that if he continues to play as he did this season he will earn a permanent spot in the national team in no time.

 

 

CENTRAL/ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

RICHIE HUNTER (England: 27 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 22 (’31 Youth Class) – Position: MC

It was a huge win for Sophara United when one of England’s most valuable players – and SYA product – Richie Hunter resigned with the club for a massive £275k per week. An exceptional talent that continues to get better, he handles a very difficult position in the squad’s formation that pins a lot of pressure on him with little final reward – in other words, he is the workhorse. That being said, he is definitely recognized for his efforts, and he had one of his best years this season, playing in 35 Games and registering 8 Assists, 1.70 T/90, 83% PC, and 6.93 AR, up from 6.86 AR in 2036/37. At over £120M, he is also Sophara United’s highest valued player of all-time, reaching a level no one else before him has while playing for the club. Although he has shown no interest in becoming captain in the future, he is the essence of the Second Generation – known as the ‘Breachers’ – a tactical, efficient, and intelligent player who focuses on winning the game and giving the team the best chance to do so. He will try to guide England to glory at South Africa 2038 along with Darren Allen, Akim Lawrence, and Ted Baah, with Sophara United’s 4 players equaled only by Tottenham’s 4 in the national team’s lineup.

 

 

TERIQ SAIMOVICI (England: 8 U21 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 20 (’34 Youth Class) – Position: MC

Teriq Saimovici and Gerard Lynch dispelled the stigma that a ‘Loan Boy’ – a moniker given to players who go out on loan more than once while at the club – does not make it into the first team this season, as the ‘Wonderkid’ not only made it but impressed everyone around the league at his high level of play. While there might have been questions about whether Sean Travis or Saimovici deserved the MC spot next to Hunter at the beginning of the season, that had all but died out in favor of the latter by the end of it. In 34 Games, he registered 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 86% PC, and 7.05 AR, playing alongside Hunter in what his manager has called the most difficult position in the formation. It’s safe to say that Saimovici, who is half Barbadian but was born in Horsham south of London, has earned his starting spot going into next season.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Sean Travis (21 years old, ’33 Youth Class – 32 Apps (11 Starts), 1 Goal, 6 Asts, 6.95 AR) was relegated to first MC off the bench this season, officially ending the controversial experiment that resulted in legend Joe Sheppard leaving the club. Travis simply has not shown the kind of progress that was expected him – although he has the right skills, he simply has not developed them enough. He seems to be more comfortable coming off the bench, as backed by his 6.95 AR, which was just a bit off his career-high of 6.97 AR set last season……There is a few prospects at the positions that might end up breaking into the rotation at some point in the next few years, but no one that has the Sophara United backroom staff too excited.

 

 

WINGERS

TED BAAH (England: 4 Caps/2 Goals) – Age: 22 (’32 Youth Class) – Position: RW

The four top-valued English players on the team heading to the World Cup at South Africa 2038 this summer are under 25, with three of them not older than 22. Two of those players are Sophara United stars (Hunter and Baah), but it is England’s latest sensation down the right wing that will have the eyes of the world on him. Many saw it his breakout season coming and coupled with the club making the Champions League for the first time, Baah has been throw to the forefront of the conversation when it comes to the top young players in the world today. In 35 Appearances, he registered 11 Goals, 14 Assists (2^nd in PL), 5 PoMs, and a career-high 7.39 AR. Digging deeper, the numbers produce a more telling story – he led the league with 37 Clear Cut Chances and registered 62% ST (4^th in PL), 114 Key Passes (8^th), 3.66 KP/90 (12^th), and 1.57 D/90. He is efficient, he does not keep the ball at his feet for too long, and he is deadly in front of the goal given the right circumstances. His speed, passing, and technical abilities are all approaching elite levels in terms of skill, and the World Cup might be his first showcase.

 

 

AHMED RAZAK (England: 17 U21 Caps/11 U21 Goals) – Age: 26 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: LW

The emergence of Stacy Whiteside most likely means the end of Razak’s stranglehold on the starting left-wing position. It’s been an open secret over the past couples of years that the Sophara staff believe the talent at left wing can be further improved, not being wholly satisfied with the product Razak has put out. He’s had some big seasons – namely, the 2033/34 where he was in-form the entire year and last year despite the injuries – but he’s mostly been a relatively decent player but somewhat of an afterthought when it comes to considering incoming attacking threats by opposing teams. The added element Whiteside brought with him down the left was one of the key pieces to the club’s ascension to Champions League football, one that Abul Ezz surely would have realized. A Second Generation-er through and through, Razak will have to do better if he wants to stop Whiteside from eating more into his playing time.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Stacy Whiteside (22 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 33 Apps (28 Starts), 9 Gls, 5 Asts, 3.35 D/90, 7.13 AR) begins the summer as the favorite to start next season as the squad’s primary left winger after his impressive year. Despite his exceptional height (1.95m), his 3.35 D/90 are evidence of his ball control, a rare combination for a player that tall. The English media has been pining for him to get a call-up to the national team, although it will not be at this World Cup……There remains some intriguing talent on the outskirts of the team such as Victor Ofosu and Daniel Gyamfi, but the real talent might be in the U18 team and the current crop that will be rookies this year.

 

 

FORWARDS

DOUGAL YULE (Scotland: 18 Caps/16 Goals) – Age: 20 (’34 Youth Class) – Position: SC

Dougal Yule is the current and two-time NxGn, World U21 Footballer of the Year, and English Premier League Top Goalscorer winner as well as the newly crowned EPL Young Player of the Year. He was named Sophara United’s Player of the Year for the first time and broke Scotland’s record for most goals in a year with 13. The Scottish ‘Wonderkid’ has just turned 20 and he is, without reasonable argument, the biggest young star in football today. His professionalism and quiet, reserved yet friendly demeanor coupled with his absolute brilliance on the pitch (think young Michael Owen with tricks) has endeared to fans and the media alike. He is a killer in front of the goal – 28 Goals in each of the past two seasons – and with his exceptional quickness, he has become a nightmare to contain for opposing defenders. He has been one of the Europa League’s top performers over the past two years, showing his desire to shine on the big stages of the game. This is a player who is primed to take the 2040s by storm.

 

 

BEKIR CELIK (Turkey: 67 Caps/41 Goals) – Age: 28 (’25 Youth Class) – Position: SC

The World Cup beckons once more for Turkey’s golden boy, or at least he gets one more go at it before handing over that title to someone newer and younger. When talk of who is the greatest striker in club history happens, the default answer is Joe Reardon, but Celik’s career is starting to ask questions about that. The ‘Model Professional’, who exudes class and poise all the way, is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 247 League Goals and has won the club’s Player of the Year award a record 6 times, statistics that give weight to an argument that is getting stronger with each passing season. While the days of him being the club’s primary weapon are gone in the presence of Yule, Celik still scored 17 Goals and registered 6 Assists, 3 PoMs, and 7.25 AR in 31 Games this season. He will likely join what is considered the benchmark of any great striker when he hits 250+ Goals/100+ Assists/50+ PoMs over his career in the next 2/3 seasons and he has been a leader during the club’s most successful times despite a disappointing stretch over the past few years for the Turkish national team. He won the Footballer of the Year in Turkey award for a record 6^th time this year and he has etched himself in the history books of both his club and country thanks to a fantastic career thus far.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

A prototypical ‘Loan Boy’ having played for 5 different clubs over the past 5 seasons, Darren Patterson (21 years old, ’33 Youth Class – 14 Apps (4 Starts), 0 Goals, 6.80 AR) finally got his chance this year and, for lack of a better word, blew it. He could not score and ended the season with a 22% ST, a worryingly low percentage. The SYA gave the club Dougal Yule but has not turned out any forwards of the required talent since then, so Patterson will likely get another go at it next season.

 

 

END OF SEASON REVIEW

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Finally - Champions League here we come!

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - March '38 Edition

YOUTH CLASS OF 2038 INTRODUCED

 

There was much abuzz about the '38 Youth Class leading up to March 16th, but what was clear from months ago was that the most talented player was a full-back. That full-back goes by the name of Ben King, and he is the only 4+*/5* PA rated player in the Intake. The '38 Youth Class has been given a 4.5*/5* rating and has been dubbed as a potential 'Golden Generation' class. Outside of King, however, there is work to be done. There is potential down the wings thanks to Karlis Andrejevs and Maxwell Obi, and James McMullen looks like the only player talented enough to compete with King for the crown of best player in the '38 Youth Class. 

SYA Ghana delivered two players, albeit both of them recruited by the local scouting team from Nigeria. Other than that, no other branch delivered a player this year, a disappointing return for a team that is sending its reaches out everywhere it can. Still, this looks to be a strong Intake, especially as that it has been four years since anyone from the SYA has really cracked the first team rotation - that last player was Dougal Yule.

 

 

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - Dec. 2037 Edition

Youth Class Preview Grades

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - Nov. 2037 Edition

GOAL TOP 50 for 2037

 

WINNER

VALENTIN ELM (Germany: 109 Caps/26 Goals) – Tottenham, 31 years old, Attacking Midfielder (Previous: 18^th)

At this point in his career, Valentin Elm has already become a club and country legend. He moved to Tottenham in 2026 for £58M from his boyhood club Leipzig and 11 years later, he has been crowned the best player in the world by Goal 50. The Tottenham captain has had an amazing decade and an even greater past two years – after winning the Premier League and ending Man City’s streak at 6 in 2031, Elm won the Euro 2032 title, the FA Cup in 2035, and successfully defended his European Championship title with Germany at Portugual 2036 last year, breaking Germany’s record with 8.05 AR while being crowned the tournament’s Best Player as well as winning the Goal of the Tournament. This year was even more memorable – he has already won several awards, including the German Footballer of the Year, the Europa League Player of the Season and its Golden Boot while equaling Falcao’s record of 17 Goals set in 2011, the 2037 Best Player in Europe, and the 2037 Tottenham Player of the Year – incredibly, only the first time he has won it in his Tottenham career. He also set new records this year – although Tottenham lost to Inter Milan in the Europa League Finals, it was Elm’s tournament as he set a new competition record with 6 PoMs and a new club record with 15 PoMs. In other words, no other player on the planet had a better 2037 than ‘Legendary Attacker’ and the new Goal 50 winner.

 

 

2ND PLACE

PATRICK WEISSMANN (Germany: 118 Caps/28 Goals) – Bayern Munich, 27 years old, Midfielder (Previous: Winner)

Losing the Goal 50 after two years of winning it does not mean that Weissman is not the undisputed best footballer in the world today, it just means Elm had a better year. The fact is, Weissman is a unique player with a unique set of skills that he is absolutely great in. He is not only the best passer in the world today, he is one of the finest in the history of the game. He is exceptional defensively and he is exceptional offensively, one of the best in the world on best sides of the pitch. Where he shines, however, is as a playmaker in the middle – in 32 Games last season, he registered 8 Goals, 4 PoMs, 7.82 AR, and set a new Bundesliga record with 22 Assists. He has not entered his prime years yet and already has 102 Goals and 171 Assists in 409 Games – it is not out of the realm of the possible that Weissman could potentially become the first ever 200+Goals/200+Assists/100+PoMs/7.50+AR player in the history of the game. A legend that has already taken his place on the throne after Mbappe and Haaland.

 

3RD PLACE

PEDRI (Spain: 189 Caps/48 Goals) – Juventus, 34 years old, Midfielder (Previous: 3rd)

This is the third year in a row that Pedri finishes in 3^rd Place in the Goal 50 list, even at his advancing age. The Spain legend – who was Fati’s partner-in-crime during their World Cup run from 2022 to 2030 in which they made 3 Finals and won 2 titles – not only apparently likes 3s but also became his nation’s most capped player of all-time a couple of months ago. He won the Juventus Player of the Year award for the 3^rd straight year, as well, with the left winger have joined in 2033 for £70M after 3 mediocre years at Bayern Munich. After moving to Italy and winning the Champions League for the first time, he famously said “Not everyone is a Bayern Munich player” in reference to the style of play the German club puts out. One of the finest footballers of the century, he will always be known for his national squad partnership with Fati and the World Cups they conquered together.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

50 - Ilias Akhomach (AC Monaco, 33): The 2037 Goal 50 list starts off with Ilias Akhomach, who is probably appearing on it for the last time. The 33-year-old Monaco legend has kept the club relevant since he moved to the club in 2024 for £4M from his boyhood club of Barcelona. Although he has never won a Ligue 1 title, he did lift the Spanish La Liga title with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain in 2030 – he has 84 Caps/7 Goals for his nation, an accomplishment to put alongside his World U21 Footballer of the Year (2025), French Ligue 1 Best Player (2027, ’31), and Champions League Midfielder of the Season (2030).

 

45 – Henrik Poulsen (Paris Saint-Germain, 27): Denmark’s newest captain, Henrik Poulsen made his 7^th straight French Ligue 1 Team of the Year. There is no question he has been the best DL in France during the 2030s, but he has finally started getting global recognition. He moved to PSG in 2030 from boyhood club FC Midtjylland in Denmark for just £4.2M – now he is worth almost £100M.

 

44 – Giampietro Patrizi (Tottenham, 30): Save for Vincenzo Castiello of Real Madrid and Gianluca Bonvicini, Giampietro Patrizi is arguably the most famous Italian footballer on the planet. The Tottenham RW joined the London club from Eintracht Frankfurt for £83M in 2032 – one season after they won the PL title – helping the club to their 2^nd Place finish during the 2034/35 season. He registered a career-high 14 Assists last season and is now in his 6^th year with the club.

 

43 – Labros Sideris (Inter Milan, 22): The feeling is that this time next year, Inter Milan’s ‘Elite Striker’ will be much further up in the list. Sideris is still very young but the Greek star (36 Caps/24 Goals), who took the Serie A by storm in his first season in Italy after moving for £62M from Hannover 96, scored 20 Goals and won the Serie A Young Player of the Season and the 2037 Club World Championship Best Player this past summer. One of the quickest players in the world, he is close to spectacular with the ball going forward.

 

40 – Jakeb Berkovec (Chelsea, 28): Jakub Berkovec remains the only Sophara Youth Academy product that has made the Goal 50 list, moving up a couple of places from last season. The ‘Elite Winger’ is close to getting 100 Assists for his career and remains a ‘Star Player’ for his nation despite the general feeling of underachievement from his generation. He has 91 Caps/25 Goals for the Czech Republic and is recognized as one of the best right winger’s on the planet.

 

38 – Marcelo (Newcastle United, 28): After spending six seasons with Lorient, he joined Newcastle United for £72M at the beginning of the last season and ended it with a Champions League medal. A bit of a forgotten man in a successful albeit small French Ligue team, the 2031 Mexican Rookie of the Season, he left the French club as its current and three-time Player of the Year as well as its biggest sale of all-time. He won the Copa America with Brazil (32 Caps/3 Goals) in 2036 and the Champions League title in 2037.

 

15 – Luke De Meyer (Bayern Munich, 22): The comparisons to Erling Haaland are not unwarranted, and while the Belgian striker (29 Caps/14 Goals) is not as tall as the Norwegian, he certainly has a lot of the same attacking skills. He moved from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich for £67M this summer, joining a team that appears to be a dream match for him. The comparisons between Dougal Yule and De Meyer have already started, with many in the media hoping it can be a new Mbappe vs. Haaland like it was in the 2020s and early 2030s.

 

12 – Volodymyr Shevchenko (Tottenham, 26): To many, the Ukrainian World Cup title would not have happened if Shevchenko wasn’t leading the back – he was admittedly just as important as any other player during that improbable run. It is no coincidence he is the highest ranked Ukrainian on the list and has turned into one of the world’s best defenders.

 

10 – Mansur Chachaev (Manchester City, 22): Patrick Weissman is the undisputed best player in the world today, but experts predict that Chachaev is well on his way to challenging the German for that title soon. The ‘Elite Attacker’ cost Man City £174M three summers ago – while De Meyer gets compared to Haaland a lot, it might be Chachaev who is the next Haaland, which is ironic because they are teammates now. He is the youngest player in the top ten by a wide margin.

 

9 – Lars Schefczyk (Manchester United, 31): With most people drawing close to Manchester United’s latest dynasty – one that ran from the late 2020s to the mid-2030s and netted 4 Premier League titles in a row and 2 Champions League wins – let it not be forgotten that Lars Schefczyk is arguably the 2030s best DC. The German was the Euro 2032 Best Player and has won numerous accolades across his career. The Bayern Leverkusen youth system product – who moved to Man United in 2028 for £66M – will end his career as both a Germany and Man United legend.

 

7 – Gianluca Bonvicini (Paris Saint-Germain, 31): Italy’s finest in the 2030s, Gianluca Bonvicini might not have been part of Italy’s most successful era but the nation’s captain (he is also PSG’s captain) has led the team to the Euro 2032 and the 2034 World Cup Finals, and also collected the bronze medal at the World Cup at Spain 2030. In other words, Italy has been one of the best teams in the world under his leadership. One of the success stories of football – came up through the ranks in Italy before his big £109M move to PSG in 2031.

 

 

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - Summer '37 Edition

MAJOR LEAGUE REVIEW 2036/37

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Winner: NEWCASTLE UNITED

Led by Scottish ‘Elite Winger’ Scott Green, Newcastle United defeated Roma 1-0 in the Finals in Istanbul to win the Champions League title for the first time in their history….The English club finished 8^th in the Premier League this season and Roma were making only their second appearance in the CL Finals, making it 4 out of 4 unlikely Finalists over the past two years….Last year, Real Sociedad won their first ever CL title by defeating Borussia Dortmund in Berlin….Scott Green (11 Apps, 6 Gls, 1 Ast, 7.56 AR) was the star of the show this year, hauling his club to the CL title after a huge 7-0 result against Wolfsburg in the Second Round before taking out Chelsea and Bayern Munich….Last year’s champions were knocked out by Manchester City in the Quarter-Finals before the former English champions were taken out by Roma….The Serie A team also knocked out last year’s beaten Finalists in Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain in the Quarter-Finals and Second Round, respectively….Last time Istanbul hosted a Champions League Finals it was 2005 and Liverpool defeated AC Milan….Newcastle’s American manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has been in charge at the club for 10 years now, etched his name in the history of the club after leading them to their first CL title.

 

 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Winner: CHELSEA

Manchester City’s (2^nd) reign back on the top of the English Premier League lasted only one year as Chelsea won their first PL title for the first time in 14 years….Chelsea’s last title was won by players such as Romelo Lukaku, Kai Havertz, Ben Chillwell, and Edouard Mendy, while this one was led by player such as James Maduka (30 Apps, 22 Gls, 8 PoMs, 7.33 AR), Jean-Louis Mathieu (32 Apps, 17 Gls, 9 Asts, 4 PoMs, 7.35 AR), Marcos Romero (26 Apps, 3 PoMs, 96.29 PC/90, 98% PC, 7.38 AR), and Ollie Cresswell (18 Apps, 7 Gls, 9 Asts, 2 PoMs, 7.52 AR)….Manchester United (3^rd), who are now two years removed from the title, and Tottenham (4^th) grabbed the final two Champions League spots….Newcastle United (8^th) will be heading back to the Champions League after winning the competition despite their dismal final league finish….18-year-old Dougal Yule (38 Apps, 28 Gls, 7.27 AR) became the youngest player to ever win the Premier League Top Goalsocer award, helping Sophara United (6^th) to their best ever finish and first ever European qualification through their league place….In charge of Chelsea since 2033, Zinedine Zidane won his first PL Manager of the Year award as he claimed his first title in England.

 

 

SPANISH LA LIGA

Winner: REAL MADRID

Angelo (33 Apps, 12 Gls, 9 Asts, 8 PoMs, 7.61 AR) has been one of the finest players in the Spanish La Liga this decade, winning his 3^rd La Liga Player of the Year award this season as his club Barcelona (3^rd) finished 21 Points behind the two-time champions Real Madrid, whose star these days has become Joan Aliaga (36 Apps, 10 Gls, 8 Asts, 5 PoMs, 88% PC, 7.60 AR)….Aliaga has led his club to the title in both seasons he has been with them since moving from Chelsea for £88M and was crowned its Player of the Year….Real Sociedad (2^nd) finished as Runners-Up for the second time in three years as 27-year-old Gerard Julia (36 Apps, 23 Gls, 7.35 AR), who had never scored more than 8 Goals in a season, led the league with 23 Goals….The last CL spot went to Atletico Madrid, bringing back familiarity to the top four….That makes it two titles for Real Madrid manager Paolo Fonseca in the two years he has been in charge at the club as he won his first La Liga Manager of the Year award.

 

 

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Winner: BAYERN MUNICH

An incredible 25 Bundesliga titles in a row for Bayern Munich, who continue to dominate Germany like no team ever did before them….Patrick Weissmann (32 Apps, 8 Gls, 22 Asts, 4 PoMs, 7.82 AR) won a record 6^th Bundesliga Player of the Year while setting a league record for assists….It is not too early to start talking about the two-time European Championship and two-time Champions League winner’s place in club, league, and world football history as he is also the current and now two-time World Golden Ball winner….Leipzig (2^nd) were Runners-Up for the third straight year, while Borussia M’Gladbach (3^rd) and Borussia Dortmund (4^th) took the last two Champions League spots.

 

 

ITALIAN SERIE A

Winner: INTER MILAN

Ten years after their last title, Inter Milan have won the Serie A and can finally give the three-time Serie A Player of the Year Warren Bondo (34 Apps, 9 Gls, 12 Asts, 8 PoMs, 7.55 AR), 33, the second title he has been so desperately after….His first title came during his first season with Inter Milan in 2027/28…Despite their disappointing finish, AC Milan’s (4^th) Yannick Rousseau (36 Apps, 13 Gls, 9 Asts, 10 PoMs, 7.66 AR) captured his 3^rd Serie A Best Player of the Season award, confirming his status as the Milan club’s best player this decade….Juventus (2^nd) gave up the title after 5 consecutive wins – they won 7 titles in the 2020s and have won 5 out of the 8 seasons in the 2030s….Roma (3^rd), who made the Champions League Finals this year only to be beaten by Newcastle United, grabbed the other CL spot left.  

 

 

FRENCH LIGUE 1

Winner: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Paris Saint-Germain are still going strong with their 16^th French Ligue 1 title in a row….Making his £85M move from Manchester United to PSG last summer, Charalabos Zaradoukas (30 Apps, 11 Gls, 9 Asts, 8 PoMs, 7.61 AR) won the French Ligue 1 Best Player award in his first season in France….The 24-year-old Greek ‘Elite Winger’ played wonderfully alongside PSG and Spain legend Ansu Fati (27 Apps, 11 Gls, 5 Asts, 5 PoMs, 7.53 AR), who turned 34 this past season is now only 7 PoMs away from joining the 250+Goals/100+Assists/100+PoMs club, and his 7.60 AR career average is ridiculous….Lyon (2^nd) had their strongest finish in 10 years, led then and now by 35-year-old Greek left winger and club legend Christos Tzolis (31 Apps, 5 Gls, 9 Asts, 2 PoMs, 7.19 AR)….Rennes (3^rd) took the last Champions League spot, beating out Lorient (4^th) only by Goal Difference.

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL - Extra Edition

SECOND GENERATION UPDATE (2033 - Current)

The accomplishments for the First Generation (G1) are plenty - known for its brash, in your face, never-say-die style on the pitch and exceptionally professional behavior off of it, the First Generation (G1) are the foundation on which this club was built on. Lasting from 2021 to 2033, the First Generation Era was highlighted by the team's romp up the leagues and into the Premier League in shockingly fast fashion, going from the League Two to the top in just five years. Sophara United's rise was unprecedented, and when football in the 2020s is mentioned anytime in history, one of the main happenings of the decade will always be recorded as the club's ascend to the Premier League in 2026. 

The Second Generation has yet to be given a nickname, a 'Generation of....' that defines it. The First Generation (G1) is just that - the first - and is in no need of any additional definition. But there was always talk about who and when, a bit of which was decided when the official year of conclusion for the First Generation (G1) was announced as 2033. That meant that the Second Generation (G2) started in 2033 and has been in effect for the past 4 years. Thus far, they have finished in 6th Place in the Premier League, the club's highest ever finish, gotten to the Semi-Finals of the Europa League in their first trip to the continent, and won the FA Cup in 2036 - their biggest accomplishment thus far by far. 

The Second Generation (G2) is highlighted by three players - Jakub Berkovec, Akim Lawrence, and Bekir Celik, although some might add Darren Allen to that mix. Berkovec was sold to Chelsea for £94M and is a star in the Czech Republic, Celik is perhaps Turkey's most famous footballer, and Lawrence is an English international DC, the club captain and its all-time appearance record holder. The secondary tier of Darren Allen, Ahmed Razak, Mohammed Adu, Patrick Bola, and Tommy Sullivan - starters that are all still with the club except for Irish international Sullivan - have all played significant roles in the accomplishments of the G2 so far.  Ousman Samba, Joseph Doumbia, and Aaron Woodward - and perhaps also Nyron Minton-Collis - have all been meaningful rotational players for G2. Lawrence, Celik, and Bola were the bridges between the eras, playing meaningful minutes in both. 

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20 hours ago, deez0r said:

Congrats. That's a great season! 

Best one yet! Very excited about watching Yule and Hunter's careers play out. 

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THE SOPHARA JOURNAL

SEASON REVIEW 2037/2038

TEAM REVIEW

The hottest player under the age of 20 plays in London for Sophara United – and he’s Scottish. In the last few years, the SYA has produced the likes of Akim Lawrence, Jakub Berkovec, Bekir Celik, Richie Hunter, and George Adamu, but all of them might be eclipsed by the developing footballing genius that is Dougal Yule. Bekir Celik and Richie Hunter might be the biggest names on the team, but this was most definitely the 18-year-old Yule’s year. He won the World U21 Player of the Year and the 2037 NxGn awards before capturing the English Premier League Top Goalscorer award with 28 Goals – the first Sophara United player to ever win it. His exceptional season led to Sophara United’s highest ever finish of 6^th Place, qualifying to Europe through placement for the first time. We are in the initial stages of the second generation of Sophara United football, and although not much is known about it yet – identity, characteristics, ceiling/floor, etc. – what is becoming clear is that Yule is emerging as perhaps its best player.

Speaking of Europe, the club’s first adventure on the continent was, by all means, a quantified success. They reached the Semi-Finals of the competition, falling at the last hurdle of their Italian challenge – in the previous two rounds, they had defeated AC Milan and Juventus, respectively. The Second Round matchup against AC Milan was an especially outstanding affair – they lost 5-1 away from home in the second leg but even that could not overcome the 6-1 win the club recorded in their very first European knockout round game thanks to a couple of braces from young stars Dougal Yule and Stacy Whiteside. Against Juventus, a 3-1 loss in Turin was overturned by a 3-0 victory in London – it was only Inter Milan that managed to get anything out of their match in London, drawing 2-2 after beating the Lions 2-1 in Milan. Yule scored 10 Goals in 12 Games to come in 3^rd Place in the Europa League Golden Boot award, a competition which Inter Milan ended up winning after beating Tottenham 2-0 in Sevilla, Spain.

A fantastic first showing in Europe was thanks to their FA Cup win last year, but next season the club’s presence in Europe will be because of their best-ever 6^th Place finish in their 11^th season in the Premier League. Their 20 Wins was also a club-best, and it came thanks to a much-improved defense and the outstanding attacking play of Yule and Celik. Although the 70 Goals scored were one less than last season, they moved up one spot and now rank as the 4^th best offense in the Premier League. The big improvement came in their defense – they went from being second worst and 67 Goals Conceded to 11^th best and 50 Goals Conceded. The team finished 11 Points from 4^th Place, the closest they have come to the Champions League yet, the competition that manager Abul Ezz has openly admitted is the ‘Holy Grail’ of club football. They had a best ever season in the Premier League but they were not able to defend their FA Cup title, losing to Chelsea in the Quarter-Finals. The club was also a Fourth Round disaster in the Carabao Cup, losing at the hands of Bournemouth.

Sophara United is in its best state since its creation in 2021 in any way you look at it. They are coming a season where they have achieved the owner/manager’s objective for the decade – qualify to Europe. They technically achieved it last year, but that was through winning the club’s first ever major trophy in the FA Cup and not through the league. This season, however, there was no question about the mission being accomplished – the 6^th Place finish is good enough to send the club back to the Europa League for another crack. Their first try in the competition was a success – can they build on it? With over £450M in the bank, will they look to expand and develop more branches for the SYA, with the latest being in Uruguay, in order to get a better foothold at international prospects? Can they push for Champions League qualification before the 2030s are over?

 

 

GOALKEEPERS

DARREN ALLEN (England: 1 Cap) – Age: 25 ('28 Youth Class) – Position: GK

He might not have the same buzz around him as in the early 2030s when he was the Premier League’s youngest starter at GK – still a teenager, Darren Allen made his debut in 2028 and become the club’s starter in 2029. The drama that ensued between him and Elvis Kozic – the fight that brought about the fall of the First Generation, according to the club’s fans – after he was named starter lasted over two years, ending only when Kozic was finally sold to Brighton for c was finally sold to Brighton for £2.4M in 2032. Since then, Allen has won the PL Young Player of the Year (2033), the Sophara United Player of the Year (2035), and his first England Cap (2035). Now considered a veteran despite his young age, Allen has become a familiar face around the league – he no longer is the hotshot young prospect but the mature, steady, and reliable hand that gets the job done properly, even if it is unspectacular.

 

 

FULLBACKS

PATRICK BOLA (DRC: 41 Caps) – Age: 27 ('25 Youth Class) – Position: DL

Like 2035 in Nigeria, Bola and the D.R.C. got knocked out of AFCON 2037 in Algeria in the Second Round, but the left-back managed to eclipse 40 Caps for his nation. He is star back in Kinshasa and is one is the most recognizable Congolese strikers, only recently becomes the second most valuable player from D.R.C. after the emergence of Saint-Etienne’s winger Francis Ilunga. He did better this year in terms of form than the previous two but remains at a level that below what is expected. Bola spent the late 2020s and early 2030s teasing with his potential, but he never hit the ceiling some thought he might and now is considered a mediocre Premier League full-back. He is the best DL in club history, however, finishing just ahead of the first ever club captain Drew Dowell in the ranking. The AFCON tournament held Bola to only 27 Games this year, as he registered 2.83 T/90, 90% PC, 61.53 PC/90, 71 Tackles Won, and 6.81 AR. He is one of those players that has played a role in both the First Generation era and the current one, carving a long career at the game’s top level.

 

 

MOHAMMED ADU (England: 23 U21 Caps) – Age: 25 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: DR (DC)

This was the best season of Mohammed Adu’s career – in 35 Games, he registered 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 1 PoM, 2.01 T/90, 90% PC, 65 Tackles Won, 138 Interceptions, and 6.99 AR. His 138 Interceptions were the best in the Premier League, making it the first time Adu top the PL in a statistic.This was his 8^th season as the starter at DR for the club, and it was only this season that he scored the first goal of his career. Many still rank Ger Lennon and even James Burgess ahead of him in the race for the best DR in club history, but if he keeps playing at this pace with this form, he should overtake at least one of them by the end of the decade. Like Ahmed Razak, he has remained committed to England despite having Ghanaian eligibility and the high probability of becoming a main member for the Ghana national team. A consistent performer in an improving defense.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Finishing his 16^th and likely final season with the club, Ger Lennon (8 Apps (1 Start), 6.47 AR), 32, will see off the rest of his career elsewhere. After 390 League Games, spanning two decades, it is safe to say that Lennon has placed himself in the club’s history. He was the team’s starting DR throughout the 2020s, giving up the spot but maintaining his presence in the rotation as the 2030s began……Perhaps for the first time in its history, the club now has an official back-up behind both full-back positions. Joseph Doumbia (24 years old, ’29 Youth Class – 17 Apps (9 Starts), 2.21 T/90, 92% PC, 6.93 AR) is the DL back-up and had the best season of his career thus far. The French defender registered a career-high 6.93 AR backing up Bola, stepping up and delivering during AFCON 2037 when Bola was with his nation of DRC at the competition..….Chris Bolland (20 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 9 Apps (4 Starts), 1.05 T/90, 93% PC, 6.68 AR) is part of the famed ’32 Youth Class, but has not developed the way some of his other class comrades have. There was hope during his teenage years that he could be something special, but those were quickly dashed after a couple of seasons. Still, he has been a serviceable member of the rotation and even has played in 4 U21 Caps for England.

 

 

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

AKIM LAWRENCE (England: 6 Caps) – Age: 29 (’23 Youth Class) – Position: DC

When his career is all said and done, Akim Lawrence will go down as one of the finest DCs in the Premier League in the 2020s and 2030s. The first top tier-level player the SYA ever turned out, he is also the finest defender in the history of the club and perhaps top five of all-time when it comes to greatest players of Sophara United. In 36 Games, he registered a career-high 3 Goals, 37 Shots Blocked (Best in PL), 387 Clearances (5^th in PL), 119 Interceptions (4^th), 470 Possessions Won (3^rd), 40 Key Headers (11^th), 9 Key Tackles (8^th), 1.22 T/90, and 7.23 AR, which equaled his career high. The club captain is now also its record holder for all-time League Appearances with 522 Games, in which he has registered 7.12 AR. He never did become an England regular but Lawrence has become one of the most respected players in the nation thanks to his football IQ and professionalism.  

 

 

GEORGE ADAMU (Nigeria: 37 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 21 (’32 Youth Class) – Position: DC

One of the four players worth over £100M on the squad, George Adamu has become one of the SYA’s success stories. He claimed 2^nd Place in the 2036 NxGn Top 50 list just over a year ago and has generally been considered one of the best young DCs on the planet. His AFCON adventures with Nigeria have not gone well – they got knocked out in the Second Round this year at Algeria 2037, unable to help return his nation to its glory days of the 2020s. His Sophara United career, however, has gone fantastic – in 27 Games this season, he registered 79.34 PC/90 (Best on team), 97% PC, 103 Interceptions, and 7.11 AR, down slightly from 7.15 AR last season. He is a star player for his nation and has been for a couple of years now as he has become the highest valued Nigerian footballer in the world today, but he has also become a star player for the club. His defensive skills are approaching an elite level, he is a tough and a brave player, and he has one of the highest football IQs around. His manager has tipped him to be in the running as a future captain of the club – at 21, he already has four years of starting in the Premier League under his belt.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Alfie Williams (20 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 23 Apps (14 Starts), 1.57 T/90, 94% PC, 7.10 AR) continues to prove himself more than capable of being part of a successful rotation in the Premier League, playing in a career-high 23 Games this year. He has never averaged below 7.10 AR in a season and is now a full-fledged Wales international, having won 2 Caps with his nation thus far. The 1.91m defender is a strong the air and is known to be tough and brave, first coming into the first team as part of the fabled ’32 Youth Class……Behind Williams were no other potential prospects, only club legend Tom Horgan (32 years old – 6 Apps (3 Starts), 6.96 AR). The veteran, whose contract expires next summer, was last a starter in 2033 but the ‘Heart of the First Generation’ has stuck around and played his role a leader for the younger players coming in over the past few years. He has stated his want for more playing time as he enters the last few years of his career, so next season could be his last with the club.

 

 

CENTRAL/ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

SEAN TRAVIS (England: 7 U21 Caps) – Age: 20 (’33 Youth Class) – Position: MC

The last couple of years have killed the ‘next Paul Gascaoigne’ talk and has even got Sean Travis labeled the ‘wrong’ to Dougal Yule’s ‘right’ in the Abul Ezz ‘Shake-Up’ experiment. Clearly, the ‘Resolute’ midfielder – who has a fantastic attitude and maturity level – is not the nation’s next big answer in the middle of the pitch, nor is he likely to be his club’s most talented or best player at any point. Abul Ezz should have stuck with Joe Sheppard at MC and kept Travis on the bench – the thought of Sheppard connecting with Yule this season had many fans feeling nostalgic and asking what if. The England U21 international did not actually have a bad year – in fact, it was probably the best of his career. In 31 Games, he registered 5 Goals, 2 Assists, and a career-high 6.97 AR, up from 6.82 AR – in all respects, he was a decent Premier League CM this season. If he was 16 and displaying this level of skills, it would be fantastic – the problem is, the difference between 16-year-old Sean Travis and the 20-year-old one is not that much skill-wise. Unless there is something that clicks and he develops an insane amount in the next couple of years, it does not look like Sean Travis will be the player Abul Ezz hoped he will be.

 

 

RICHIE HUNTER (England: 21 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 21 (’31 Youth Class) – Position: MC

The most valuable player on the team and the second most valuable English player today, Richie Hunter remains both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain’s main target this summer. His form has not been up to standard – in 34 Games, he registered 1 Goal, 3 Assists, 83% PC, 39 Key Passes, and 6.86 AR, the same as last season. There is no denying that he is the most talented player on the team skill-wise, and not that far off from being a world-class midfielder. His size (1.67m height) will always be a disadvantage but one of the most frequent things said about him is that he plays much bigger than his size. He is resolute and extremely smart, rarely not making the best call – not just a right one – on the pitch. He is only 21 years old but is already approaching 200 League Games played for the club as he gets himself comfortable with being one of England’s most important players.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

The sale of several MCs over the past couple of years left plenty of playing time open and Teriq Saimovici (19 years old, ’34 Youth Class – 14 Apps (8 Starts), 1 Assist, 86% PC, 6.80 AR) took advantage, making his debut for the club after spending the last two years out on loan. The English/Barbadian midfielder is defensive-minded but with good ball technique, adding a twist to the otherwise conventional anchorman-ish roles, similar to N’Golo Kante in the 2010s……One of Gambia’s biggest stars, the 24-year-old Ousman Samba (25 years old, ’28 Youth Class – 17 Apps (4 Starts), 3 Assists, 83% PC, 6.68 AR) was an unlikely survivor of the culling that happened at the MC position over the past couple of years with the departures of Nyren Minton-Collis, Joe Sheppard, Ronnie Flood, and Tommy Sullivan. Abul Ezz kept hold of the physical midfielder as he believed him best suited for the rotational role required and of the adequate age, and he has continued to develop and has rounded out as a decent Premier League CM.  

 

 

WINGERS

TED BAAH (England: 22 U21 Caps/7 U21 Goals) – Age: 21 (’32 Youth Class) – Position: RW

The ‘Driven’ right winger is not far from earning his first Cap for England if he continues down this path of development – Ted Baah is considered a star player for the club and has the English media calling for his call-up, claiming he merits one based on his talent and form. This is one that turned out right for Abul Ezz – after Berkovec was sold, Ezz started Woodward for just a year before turning to Baah, which was an unpopular move at the time. He stayed patient with him and now it looks like the winger is on the verge of a breakout season. This year, he played in 31 Games and registered 3 Goals, 11 Assists (career-high), 2.95 D/90, and 6.95 AR, up from 6.89 AR last season. He might be the highest valued English player (approx. £100M) that is not on the national team, although that looks like it will change soon. He has become one of his manager’s favorite players, one that Ezz thinks could one day be a potential candidate for captain. He is part of the fabled ’32 Youth Class that also includes George Adamu, Alfie Williams, and Stacy Whiteside, potentially being the best of a talented bunch.

 

 

AHMED RAZAK (England: 17 U21 Caps/11 U21 Goals) – Age: 25 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: LW

Over three months of missed action thanks to four injuries, including a season-ending torn groin muscle, limited Razak to just 25 Games, of which he started 18 of them. He registered 3 Goals, 9 Assists, 1.49 D/90, and 7.11 AR, up from 7.00 AR last season and a career-high, but this was the first season in the past five that he didn’t get at least 10 Assists. With Whiteside impressing during Razak’s absence, he might have to contend with some competition next season. He was named in the PL Team of the Week twice this season but the Premier League leader in Assists and Clear-Cut Chances last season dropped in both. Nevertheless, his overall play has seen a noticeable improvement despite a drop in some of his numbers and he is capable of big things on any given day.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Aaron Woodward (23 years old, ’29 Youth Class – 12 Apps (3 Starts), 1 Asts, 2.12 D/90, 6.70 AR) has not scored in two years and has only one in the past three – not a good look for someone who claims he is naturally a striker. Still, Woodward – who served as the club’s starter at right wing a few years ago – has become a regular part of the rotation, even if he is not the starter he once was. The fact that he is only 23 feel unusual as it seems the player has been around a lot longer than that….Someone who literally has been around that long is Stan Drummond (33 years old – 14 Apps (0 Starts), 1 Asts, 3.36 D/90, 6.77 AR), who had a change of heart at the last minute and decided to accept Abul Ezz and Sophara United’s contract. He will stay with the club until 2040, so most likely he will end his career as a one-club man. In 490 Games, he has 120 Assists and 7.01 AR, as well as 67 Goals.

 

 

FORWARDS

BEKIR CELIK (Turkey: 59 Caps/31 Goals) – Age: 27 (’25 Youth Class) – Position: SC

Sick of the talk that he is a leader of a failed generation of Turkish footballers, Celik scored 4 of Turkey’s 5 Goals at Portugal 2036 and had a sublime – albeit short – tournament that still could not get his nation to the Second Round of the Euros. What his performance did do, however, is erase the talk that Turkey’s failure was in big part because of his inability to show up in the major tournaments – he showed up in a big way even though it was not enough. He then went on to win his 6^th Sophara United Player of the Year award, equaling Joe Reardon’s record, and breaking the record with his 5^th Footballer of the Year in Turkey award. He played in his second lowest amount of Games (30) in the past 10 years, registering 18 Goals, 9 Assists, 6 PoMs, 55% ST, and 7.37 AR, the second highest mark of his career. He is now Sophara United’s all-time leading scorer with 230 Goals, done in 391 Games while registering 84 Assists, 54 PoMs, and 7.20 AR. Still, while he is unarguably amongst the greatest players in the history of the club thus far, not many would put Celik on top of the list – yet. He has reached ‘Icon’ level at the club and his shirt was the top selling for the first time this season. Who knows, in a few years, Celik might indeed have replaced Joe Reardon as the club’s GOAT.

 

 

DOUGAL YULE (Scotland: 9 Caps/5 Goals) – Age: 18 (’34 Youth Class) – Position: SC

The hottest player on the planet under the age of 18 and the current NxGn and World U21 Player of the Year winner, Dougal Yule has now become the youngest player of all-time to win the Premier League Top Goalscorer award. Sensational pass after unbelievable goal, he was an ongoing highlight reel throughout the season – he played in all 38 Games, registering a league-league 28 Goals, 6 Assists, 5 PoMs, 50% ST, and 7.27, a new career-high and up significantly from the 6.79 AR of last season. If anyone is old enough to remember a young Michael Owen, then they will have an idea of who Dougal Yule currently plays like except with more flair and tricks. The initial doubt and frustration at Yule taking Reardon’s place has subsided – there is no one with any knowledge of the game that will not tell you that Yule is the much better player. His potential could be world-class, even better than the SYA’s most skilled product of all-time, Jakub Berkovec.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Stacy Whiteside (21 years old, ’32 Youth Class – 35 Apps (27 Starts), 7 Gls, 10 Asts, 2 PoMs, 2.52 D/90, 7.08 AR) has impressed so much that there have been loud calls for his call-up to the English national team. This was his finest season to date in his career, setting career-highs in nearly every meaningful statistic. He made the PL Team of the Week three times this season, covering the forward and left winger positions. Also part of the fabled ’32 Youth Class, Whiteside was part of the English U19 team that lifted the Euro U19 Championship title in 2033……Other than Whiteside, the only other prospect of note is rookie Victor Ofosu. The left-footed 17-year-old already has impressive speed but still needs to work on his overall game.

 

 

END OF SEASON REVIEW