It just isn’t fair. La Masia, soccer’s foremost player production line, looks loaded with the next generation of talent that will ensure Barcelona’s dominance for years to come. Barcelona’s academy is renowned for its philosophy of play, dictating an emphasis on technical ability and one-touch play.
One of the most talented young forwards in the history of the American game has officially joined Schalke 04, bringing a close to a deal that had been in the works since January.
Haji Wright, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles, California, has been on Schalke’s radar for years. However, he was unable to sign with the club, or any club abroad, until his 18th birthday, a milestone he reached on March 27. Wright and Schalke had agreed to terms earlier this year but he's finally been allowed to put pen to paper.
There are tackles, and then there are TACKLES. This one from Pine Forest (N.C.) High School goalkeeper Cassie Sturtz falls into the latter bucket.
Watching this video, it's hard not to assume that Sturtz momentarily blacked out and awoke as office linebacker Terry Tate:
In Mexico, soccer is considered a religion. Everyone has their own colors, but underneath it all, the green, white and red unites us all.
Colorado-based fast-food juggernaut Chipotle has been making a name for itself over the past couple of years. Despite the recent E. Coli scare last year, the mexican food chain is still going strong and has been one of America’s most beloved places to snag a quick burrito. It puts out some fire tweets every once in awhile, as well.
Purp by the pound. pic.twitter.com/qNRD4NqrMd
Arsene Wenger knows his way around a youth prospect. He is the man responsible for bringing along Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Hector Bellerin, just to name a few. Most of those players are no longer at Arsenal, but it was under Wenger that they developed into the players they became. Wenger has made youth development the calling card of Arsenal, and this weekend the latest product of that was on full display.
To see the goal fast forward to the 2:20 mark.
Let's check in on our young friend Pietro Tomaselli, shall we?
The hype machine cranked up when Roma signed the then-nine years old Belgian prodigy (we are obligated as members of the media to refer to him as a "Belgian prodigy" at least once per article) and then it cranked even more when a video surfaced in September of Tomaselli enjoying a nice game of keepy-uppy.
One of those players is still with AS Roma. The other is Ashley Cole.
Today, we take a look at three kids who broke the rules and had an absolutely amazing time because of it. Apparently these three boys snuck into Barcelona’s training ground (how they did it, we have no idea) and literally got to hang out with the entire Barcelona squad as if they were one of the boys. They will be talking about this for the rest of their lives.
Barcelona is apparently extending its search for the next Messi deep into the United States, according to a statement made by the club.
The club is has reached agreements to open several FCBEscolas across Japan and the United states, in cities like Orlando and Chicago.