Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised young star Paul Pogba following his brilliant performance in their 2-0 win over Chievo.
In the world of sport, periods of increased or decreased form from an individual or team are quick to be jumped upon. The "purple patch" is a phrase oft-used to describe an individual's improved performances over a short period of time, and the "in-form" player is heralded for this upturn in fortunes.
When, though, does a player stop being "in-form" and his performances reflect the norm? When does he stop "playing out of his skin" and instead perform exceptionally within it?
The ESPN FC crew debate whom they believe is the best defender in the English Premier League, and settle on Chelsea as the best defensive unit in the league with John Terry at the helm.
This weekend the Premier League is preparing for a showdown between the division's best two clubs, as Manchester City travel to Chelsea for Saturday's late kickoff. It's a meeting between the top two, and while not realistically a true title decider, it's probably the biggest game of the season.
It's difficult, however, for the majority of other clubs to learn lessons from the Premier League's two title contenders. While Chelsea and Manchester City have performed well over the past half-decade...
The ESPN FC crew discuss potential moves before the end of the transfer window, whether or not Mario Balotelli will leave Liverpool and Diego Costa's diving.
How do you build for the future in January?
The pressures of the midseason transfer window are largely focused on the here and now. Teams buy in the winter in order to strengthen for the next five months, whether it be for a title race, European push or relegation battle; they don't generally spend with the next five years in mind. But this season has seen several intriguing transfer stories in which the needs of the present and the future overlap.
David Trezeguet experienced several highs and lows with France as he won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, but he also missed a crucial penalty in the 2006 World Cup.
Football is a game of fine margins, and few understand this better than French striker David Trezeguet, whose retirement from football was widely reported this week.
There's a tremendous symmetry about Trezeguet's high and low points of his career. Both came in major international finals, both came against the Italy national team -- the country where he spent his best years at Juventus during 2000-10 -- and both were utterly decisive.
One was a thumping drive into the top of the net, the other was...
Charlie Austin is the Premier League Player of the Month after scoring an impressive five goals in five matches.
The sight of Phil Jones backing toward the Queens Park Rangers crowd, arms raised to signal the plan to his Manchester United teammates, was rightly met with utter bemusement. It wasn't even, as many would have presumed upon seeing him do so once, a matter of mere coincidence; he wasn't taking a corner kick just because he was the nearest man when the ball went out. Shortly after, he was taking another one.
As centre-backs go, Jones is certainly one of the more technical. Comfortable in possession...
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Christian Eriksen (88') Tottenham 2-1 Sunderland
You can never entirely judge a player upon highlights alone, but a showreel of that individual's goals often summarises their footballing personality.
Watch Thierry Henry's 228 Arsenal goals and you'll find his cool, composed finishes epitomise his grace and nonchalance. View Cristiano Ronaldo's and you'll witness his sheer power. Observe Lionel Messi's collection and you'll marvel at his immaculate precision.
Tottenham's Christian Eriksen is a fine example, because the Danish playmaker scores...
