Defending

Fresh Off The Plane In Spain, Messi Sent Francis Coquelin Back To London

Here’s an idea: a book or film chronicling the moments when various footballers were first introduced to the otherworldly enigma that is Lionel Messi. It’d be a hugely enjoyable, albeit largely repetitive, piece.

Man City Breaks Club Record Transfer Fee For La Liga’s Most Promising Defender

Dismayed over Virgil van Dijk’s decision to join Liverpool, Manchester City have gone and broken their own club transfer record (the $77 million paid to Wolfsburg for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015) by signing La Liga’s most promising young defender, 23-year-old center back Aymeric Laporte, from Athletic Bilbao for $80 million.

Samuel Umtiti Turns Defense Into Attack With Absurd Interception-Turned-Backheel

The narrative of FC Barcelona always highlights their attack, and we all know the reason for that (Paulinho). But this season, Barcelona boast the joint-best defense in La Liga with only nine goals conceded after 20 matches (0.45 per game). The impressive nature of the balance they’ve struck is demonstrated by the fact that they’ve scored 28 more goals than their defensive rivals, Atletico Madrid (57 bulges of the ol’ onion bag versus 29).

Messi Dribbles Past So Many Real Betis Players, Even Betis Fans Applaud

We already know that Lionel Messi's ball control is second to none.

Apparently the folks at Masterclass.com have hired him to teach Real Betis how it's done. During Barcelona's 5-0 thrashing of Betis on Sunday, Messi dribbled at one point past so many Real Betis players that the even the Betis fans started applauding. This must feel really, really good if you're a Betis player. We're just guessing.

Vancouver Whitecaps Acquire Mexican International Efrain Juarez From Monterrey

In 29-year-old Mexican midfielder/right back Efrain Juarez, the Vancouver Whitecaps have acquired one of the greatest prospective films of all-time. Like any great movie, Juarez’s story starts at the beginning. 

The native of Mexico City won the 2005 U-17 World Championship with El Tri (alongside the likes of Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela) while on the books at Pumas, facilitating an ill-fated stint with Barcelona’s B team. He then resurrected his young career by returning to Mexico to play for Pumas, helping his club to the 2009 Clausura championship.

Barca Sign Mascherano Replacement, Bringing An End To His Anus-Tearing Days In Catalonia

According to the latest reports, Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune and FC Barcelona have finally agreed to terms on the transfer of 33-year-old Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano, bringing a close to seven-and-a-half illustrious seasons at the Camp Nou.

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