The 'top two' are hardly paupers—but have spent their riches more wisely than other teams
IF FOOTBALL fans needed a reminder of how strong the Premier League’s top two teams are, they got a timely one on August 10th, the first day of the new season. Liverpool, who finished second in the division last time and won the Champions League, Europe’s top knockout competition, thumped Norwich 4-1 in the opening match of this campaign. The Reds accumulated a massive 97 points in the Premier League last season, and were pipped only by Manchester City on 98.
However, the two clubs have invested those riches wisely, by seeking players with two characteristics. First, they should be young, so that the club could enjoy most of their peak years between the ages of 24 and 28. Second, they should belong to clubs outside of Europe’s elite, who have less bargaining power to demand a fat transfer fee. Such a strategy might seem risky, because it is hard to know exactly how a young talent will develop, or whether he can step up to the highest level.
Arsenal have also rejuvenated themselves. The Gunners were once famous for nurturing callow foreigners but lost patience with that approach five years ago. The club has become increasingly reliant on older heads, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , Mesut Özil , Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Nacho Monreal . Last season only Burnley gave more minutes to players older than 28, estimates Mr Mayhew.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Shia LaBeouf Is a New Man: ‘I’ve Gotten Softer, Things Have Calmed Down’Shia LaBeouf is a changed man. The 33-year-old actor has a notorious history of bad behavior that has landed him in jail as well as court-ordered rehab. But those days may finally be over. He credi…
Baca lebih lajut »
Canada's point man in Washington, key Trudeau advisor, resignsCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unexpectedly announced on Thursday that t...
Baca lebih lajut »
Brazil police again arrest Eike Batista, once Brazil's richest manPolice in Brazil on Thursday arrested Eike Batista, the charismatic mining and o...
Baca lebih lajut »
Taylor Swift's New Song 'The Man' Already Has Big 'If I Were a Boy' VibesShe talked about the track in her Vogue cover story.
Baca lebih lajut »
Man and myth, Part II: A return to Brotherhood Raceway, and Big Willie Robinson's legacyTo achieve his goals, Willie Andrew Robinson III transformed himself into the larger-than-life figure of Big Willie. The character he cultivated—the peacemaker, the street statesman, the war hero—helped change a city. But there was more to his story.
Baca lebih lajut »
Montana man who assaulted boy over national anthem believed he was following Trump's orders, lawyer saysA Montana man charged with assaulting a 13-year-old boy for not taking his hat off during the national anthem believed he was acting on orders from President Donald Trump, his attorney said.
Baca lebih lajut »