A publication focused on telling football stories with skill and authenticity.
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Delighted to share that I’ve written a book.
It’s called Rise of the Underdogs and it will be released later this year.
It’s about the changing landscape of modern football and about players and teams who have overcome the odds to make it.
It includes interviews with players and coaches from 24 countries and 6 continents.
🗣”Fifteen years ago someone like Dani Olmo would never come to Dinamo.”
🔵Dinamo Zagreb are one of Europe’s biggest talent factories.
FTF spoke to Romeo Jozak, the man behind the club’s success, about his methods, Modric and the key to player development.
When it comes to player development, Dinamo Zagreb are among Europe’s elite. FTF spoke to Dinamo’s former technical director Romeo Jozak to find out why. To Romeo’s left, to Romeo…
“He was more strict to be honest, sometimes he could get angry easily.”
🇧🇦 Dal Varešanović exclusive about working under Steven Gerrard, his time at Liverpool and returning back to FK Sarajevo.
📝 Bence Bocsak
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2021/04/16/dal-varesanovic-liverpool-steven-gerrard-fk-sarajevo-ftf/
From being coached by Steven Gerrard at Liverpool to carrying the legacy of his forefathers at FK Sarajevo. This is the story of Dal Varešanovič. In a new country, away from home, Dal Varešanovič s…
🇧🇬 Diamond in Chicago
🇷🇴 Jewel in Columbus
🇬🇭 Speedster in Cincinnati
🇬🇳 African made in the USA
🇭🇺 Star on his way to Dallas
Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have made some exciting additions in 2021.
FTF takes a look at five under the radar signings to watch | Bence Bocsak
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2021/04/15/brenner-mls-2021/
The arrival of Brenner has created a seismic shift in Major League Soccer. FTF explores five new MLS stars to watch. America is no longer just for Europe’s ageing stars looking to play out th…
💫 Club captain at 22
🔑 Versatile deep playmaker
↕️ Sensational long passer
🇳🇱 The future of the Netherlands
With exclusive insight from Koen Stam, this is the inside story of Teun Koopmeiners. From academy player to AZ Alkmaar captain
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2021/01/29/the-inside-story-of-teun-koopmeiners-fearless-midfielder-fearless-leader/
Teun Koopmeiners is a midfielder for both the tactical enthusiast, and for those that revel in the aesthetic. For all his technical ability, his character sets him apart as a potential superstar. T…
🔔EXCLUSIVE 🔔
Sewing his own boots 👟
World Champion 🥇
Inside details of Liverpool move 📩
Never giving up ⚽️
Liverpool plan and future 🔴⚪️
This is the story of Taiwo Awoniyi. Told by his academy coach and advisor, Atiba Bankole.
Taiwo Awoniyi has had a remarkable journey in the game. But his journey has only just begun. FTF spoke with Awoniyi’s former coach, Atiba Bankole. Only six players remain from the disjointed …
Rodrigo de Paul has been churning out world class performances for a long time now. Few can boast such vast statistical dominance, nor be so aesthetically joyous. This is Tom Underhill's eulogy to a sublime midfielder
https://t.co/faDju5naLZ
Rodrigo de Paul has carried his Udinese side to the point that he is now a league leading midfielder. One that Europe should take good notice of.
Jadon Sancho is one of South London’s finest.
We spoke to Sancho’s ex-coach, Norman Dawkins, about the BVB star’s fascinating South London roots, his formative years shaped by Rio Ferdinand’s legacy and it’s sad fate.
South London has produced a plethora of stars, but perhaps none bigger than Jadon Sancho. This is the story of his roots in the sport and the city. London’s utopian mirage is painted by shimm…
A 5-1 win against Dortmund shone light on the brilliant work going on at VfB Stuttgart. Constantin Eckner spoke to Tom Underhill to delve deeper into the roots and tactics of this fascinating attacking team
https://t.co/SE8ep0Cf4I
VfB Stuttgart’s 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund turned heads across Europe. However their recent success goes beyond this one result, and has come after years of short sightedness.
Enock Mwepu has enjoyed a splendid UCL campaign. He’s one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe. Ben Bocsak spoke to KafuebCeltics FC’s Lee Kawanu who helped launch the midfielder’s career about Mwepu’s inspiring journey to the top -
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2020/12/22/inside-story-of-enock-mwepu-from-chambishi-to-the-champions-league/
Enock Mwepu’s steady rise has often gone under the radar. But the 22 year old midfielder is developing into one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe. In 2017, Lee Kawanu sat down with h…
EXCLUSIVE: Han Kwang Song is a super-talent from North Korea who has the potential to play for Europe’s elite.
Sadly he has become a political pawn and now finds his path stifled.
Bocsak Bence spoke to Han’s former coach and friend Mauro Costorella -
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2020/12/01/the-inside-story-of-north-korea-super-talent-han-kwang-song/
Football is hardly synonymous with North Korea, yet in Han Kwang Song the country has a super talent embroiled in his nation’s political crisis. In a conference room in Perugia, Liverpool& #82…
Italy are back. A strong Euro qualification showed Roberto Mancini has his machine oiled and ready to strike. analysed their plethora of options across the pitch, plus the changes undertaken off it to the the Azzurri back at the elite table.
Italy are one of the traditional forces in international football. After a trying decade for the four time world champions, they are back and rejuvenated.
EXCLUSIVE: Matheus Cunha is one of Europe's and Brazil's brightest talents. Flair, panache, he has it all. Tom Underhill spoke to his former coach Maurizio Jacobacci (now of FC Lugano) for further insight into this brilliant individual
https://t.co/K9hQn0RMMp
Matheus Cunha is ripping through Germany and soon will be the attention of Europe’s biggest powers. His former coach Maurizio Jacobacci spoke to First Time Finish about this brilliant forward…
Ronaldo and Romario Vieira are no ordinary twins. Together they have played at the finest academies and overcome remarkable challenges. Tom Underhill spoke to Romario in an exclusive interview about early breakthroughs, injury set backs, and playing in Europe
https://t.co/IvmhUzIYj4
Twins are a rarity in football. When they possess the ability and personality of the Vieira twins, there are none that come close.
🇭🇺📝Exclusive: Dominik Szoboszlai is one Europe’s most coveted stars. This is his story of hard-work and diligence told by with exclusive insight from his father, Zsolt, and Red Bull Salzburg’s Sporting Director, Christoph Freund.
Dominik Szoboszlai has worked his way to the top. The Hungarian has a bright future and one an entire nations holds its breath for. In 2019 January, a piece of paper torn to smithereens lay scatter…
Bruno Fernandes has taken England by storm. His story began at Novara, where he showed glimpses of the special player he would become. Tom Underhill spoke to Novara captain, Daniele Buzzegoli, in an exclusive interview about his Italian journey.
Before becoming one of Europe’s best playmakers, Bruno Fernandes had to learn his trade in Italy. It was at Novara Calcio that he made his professional debut, and where many remember him fond…
Best. Charlton. Law. The Manchester United Holy Trinity. Yet the latter receives little of the adulation given to the other two. This is his story, and how he became 'The King'. By Tom Underhill
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2020/10/29/law-ballon-door/
Between 1964 and 1968, three Manchester United players won the Ballon D’Or. Denis Law was the first, yet receives little of the acclaim of Best and Charlton. this is the story of ‘The K…
Darko Pancev is a Macedonian legend. Most remember for Red Star’s brilliant journey in the Champions League during 1991, his legacy endures to this day.
Check out his inspiring story here:
There are few who can compare to Darko Pancev’s ability to score, the Macedonian was one of a kind. This is the story of his success for Red Star. There are but a few occasions when a plan co…
After decisive goals for Serbia, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is finally showing his class in the national colours. We spoke to Sergej’s youth coach at FK Vojvodina - ФК Војводина, Milan Kosanovic, to get an insight into the Serbian’s background and why he can become the best in the world.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is one of the brightest talents of our age. The midfielder has always stood out from the rest. As the rain pattered down in Oslo, the time for Serbia and Sergej Milinkovic-S…
The Iberian peninsula has produced some of football’s finest talents in recent years. These stars could soon follow suit.
The Iberian Peninsula has been the birth place of some of football’s biggest names. These are the next to follow their steps. The Spanish national team dominated world football throughout the…
Linked with big clubs and already excelling in Europe, Dayot Upemacano has a bright future. His talent is unique. With exclusive insight from Red Bull Salzburg’s sporting director, we take a closer look at RB Leipzig’s outstanding French centre-back.
Upamecano and his rise through the ranks at the Red Bull empire is a story of hard work and genuine talent. RB Leipzig reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last year. Of all the sta…
Dundalk are about to embark on their second European season. Drawn in the same group as Arsenal, this will be the club’s opportunity to turn a season mired by sadness into one of hope.
We explore the club’s journey to the group stages in our latest piece.
Dundalk begin their Europa League adventure at home to Molde next week. FTF spoke to Dundalk writer James Rogers about this most remarkable of seasons.
Berlin has been crying out for a side worthy of its city's status. This newer, younger breed of Hertha player has potential to give the city just that. Tom Underhill takes a tactical dive into this fascinating young team.
https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2020/10/16/unlocking-hertha-berlins-potential/
Hertha Berlin have assembled a young and exciting side. This tactical breakdown looks at the trends of this fascinating team.
🇲🇱Football in Mali is on the rise. The country’s latest generation is looking to make a mark in senior football after impressing at youth level. With exclusive insight from an academy administrator in Mali, we take a look at the country’s rise.
Mali’s current football team could become one of the best African teams in recent memory. Here’s why. In 1972, on the turf of the newly built Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Congo and Mali played…
Matthew Briggs became the youngest Premier League player in 2007. His record stood for 12 years. His journey since has been ups and downs. Having overcome major odds, Matthew has fought back and his career is on the ascendancy once more. We spoke exclusively to the Guyanese international about his fascinating career: https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2020/10/09/matthew-briggs-talks-premier-league-record-working-on-a-building-site-and-fighting-back-from-nothing/
Son Heung Min is a pioneer and his career is a testament to his incredible talent. In South Korea he’s an icon and the teams he has represents are ardently followed. This is the story of his incredible career.
Son Heung-min is a modern superstar. It is often forgotten just what a rise he has had, to become one of the best in Europe. This is his story, with insight from Steve Price.
A small little club from Finland stand on the cusp of history. KuPS are one game away from playing in the Europa League group stages. This is their story told by experts from Finland and KuPS captain, Petteri Pennanen.
The Finnish side from Kuopio are one match away from qualifying for the UEFA Europa League, for the first time. They play CFR Cluj on Oct 1.
Football culture is evolving in Norway. The latest crop of talent are looking to better the achievements of the previous golden generation.
Find out why Norway are one of the most exciting team in the world right now 👇
The boys from the Land of the Midnight Sun are not out to change the course of history, but make one of their own. This is Norway.
From playing in his father’s World Cup final boots to Bundesliga stardom. This is the story of Marcus Thuram with exclusive insight from his youth coach.
Great work by Tom Underhill. Check it out 👇
Marcus Thuram is one of Europe's most exciting young forwards, with a talent and smile to forge a legacy. This is his story, with exclusive insght from his youth coach.
Are the Netherlands looking at another golden generation? Can Van Van Dijk and co emulate the total football of the 1970s?
Find out here:
From ‘Total Football’ to ‘Total Failure’ and back again? A new generation of Dutch footballers look set to write a new chapter in the country’s illustrious football history.
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