I have recently been reading a superb book on Spanish football called ‘Morbo’. The writer Phil Ball illustrates superbly the connection between politics and football in the country. His experience comes from living in San Sebastian, home to Real Sociedad.
Divide
In this excellent book Phil talks about how the Seleccion (Spanish national side) used to be divided by players being loyal to their particular regions.
The Basques, the Catalans and the Castilians all stuck together. Current Barca manager Pep Guardiola even championed the cause of Catalonia being acknowledged on the international stage.
They played the odd friendly but Guardiola and co. wanted them to play more international games and wanted to represent Catalonia, as a separate country from…
Market: Athletic Bilbao win
Odds: 1/2 @
Two sides who already find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the La Liga table, Athletic Bilbao will welcome Almeria to San Mamés on Friday night.
Starting with the hosts, heading into the international break with an action-packed display at home against Rayo Vallecano, Athletic Bilbao will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. Eventually picking up a 3-2 victory at San Mamés, Head Coach Ernesto Valverde will now have a European finish at the top of their agenda this season. Continuing to impress since opening the 2022/23 campaign, the ex-Barcelona boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Likewise, on a run that is highlighted by 4-0 and 4-1 wins against Cadiz and Elche, Bilbao have now wo…
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez’s England recall is fully deserved as the team’s popular utility man continues to impress.
It was not that long ago that speculation was linking the defender with a move away as he dropped down the pecking order at Anfield.
However, this season he has taken over the mantle of the veteran James Milner, who left for Brighton in the summer, in terms of being a reliable performer in a number of positions.
Joe Gomez has been called up to the England squad for two friendlies this month.
Well in, Joe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
His 40 appearances have come across the back four, with a couple as an emergency holding midfielder, as injuries piled up in February and that versatility is something…