From 2021 to 2026, Eva Olid took Hearts from relegation-threatened to title-winners 📈 Can the Spaniard have a similar impact at Manchester United?
Opta Analyst
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The prevailing narrative of Marc Skinner’s time at Manchester United was a failure to really turn the club into one of the Women's Super League’s powerhouses on the pitch. As it turned out, consistently competing with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City was a step too far for Skinner and Co.
Max Dowman grabbed the headlines as Arsenal's breakout star last season, but Marli Salmon was developing rapidly alongside him. The 16-year-old defender made four senior appearances for the Gunners last campaign and was a defensive colossus in the Premier League 2.
Since Marc Skinner became Manchester United manager, they have comfortably been the fourth best team in the Women's Super League. Unfortunately, fourth doesn't quite cut it for a team that wants to win the WSL title by 2028 😬
Mamadou Sangaré was a very effective ball winner for Lens in Ligue 1 last season. In 2026-27, Brentford will be hoping he translates that – among other qualities – to the Premier League. Could he be the latest masterstroke by Brentford? theanalyst.com/articles/mam...
Yan Diomande was one of the Bundesliga's best creators last season but it didn't translate to him coughing up possession on a regular basis. "I was particularly struck by how few passes he misplaced," his Leganés coach, Borja Jiménez, told Coaches' Voice about working with him.
Look away, Arsenal fans... 🫣 According to the Opta Power Rankings, Arsenal have the most difficult opening five fixtures of the 2026-27 Women's Super League season.
Manchester City had two of the most creative attacking midfielders in the Premier League at their disposal last season in the form of Rayan Cherki and Jérémy Doku. But do they have enough strength in depth in attacking positions?
Hannah Hampton has been one of the WSL's top-performing goalkeepers since joining Chelsea in 2023 🙌
London City Lionesses have had an exceptional summer so far, adding seven new players to their star-studded squad. Can they compete for the WSL title next season?
London City Lionesses' rise has been nothing short of remarkable. This summer, they have shown their ambition in the transfer market, signing big-name players like Alexia Putellas as well as the versatile Janni Thomsen, who has played in a plethora of positions for her country.
John Stones is reportedly close to joining Italian giants Internazionale. The 32-year-old struggled for fitness last season, but possesses immense quality on the ball and is an excellent box defender.
Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs De Ligt have struggled for fitness in recent years. Should Man Utd be looking to bring in an extra centre-back this summer?
Alex Scott has reportedly rejected a new contract at Bournemouth, seemingly alerting the Premier League's biggest clubs. Scott lit up the Vitality Stadium last campaign with his dribbling ability, which also helped him draw more fouls than most.
Tottenham didn't play like a Roberto De Zerbi team as he saved them from relegation last season. They have spent a lot of money this summer trying to become the team he wants them to be. And there will be more signings to come, too.
Tottenham's record signing Alice Sombath is one of Europe's most impressive young defenders. Since her OL Lyonnes debut in 2021, she's led all U23 defenders in various Champions League metrics.
Only 3 players tallied more carries ending in a shot/chance created in the Premier League last season than Morgan Rogers (46). Even if Xabi Alonso's system at Chelsea doesn't maximise that side of his game, he can find a way to be useful in pretty much any team. theanalyst.com/articles/mor...
Morgan Rogers Doesn’t Need to Be Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to Succeed at Chelsea | Opta Analyst
While Morgan Rogers' record move to Chelsea raised some eyebrows, there are plenty of reasons to expect he'll be a success at Stamford Bridge.
theanalyst.com
Ona Batlle managed more assists (16) than any other Liga F defender since she joined Barcelona in 2023. She will be playing her football for Arsenal next season.
Salah? Goretzka? Vlahovic? With around a month to go before the start the 2026-27 domestic season, there are some big names still without a club. We look at eight free agents still on the market: theanalyst.com/articles/fre...
Salah, Goretzka, Vlahovic, and Five More Free Agents Still Looking for a Club | Opta Analyst
With around a month to go before the start of 2026-27, there are some big names still without a club. We look at eight free agents still on the market.
theanalyst.com
Although he has struggled with injuries at times, John Stones is undoubtedly still one of the world's most talented central defenders when fit. After almost 10 years at Manchester City, he will be looking to find a new club this summer.
New Arsenal signing Géraldine Reuteler is one of women's football's most versatile players. How will Gunners manager Renée Slegers use her next season?
Opta's 2026 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament is here! Do you agree with our selections? What would you change?
Only Rodri (122) completed more line-breaking passes than 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí (104) at the 2026 World Cup.
🚨The Opta 2026 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament is here. The XI features four players from Spain's World Cup-winning side, and we have shuffled Kylian Mbappé out to the left wing to accommodate the excess of attacking talent present at the tournament.
Ayyoub Bouaddi came into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as somewhat of a wildcard. Then he started Morocco's opening game against Brazil and bossed the midfield. His performances in North America have meant he has left the tournament as one of the hottest prospects in world football.
The greatest Golden Boot race the World Cup has ever seen.
Emiliano Martínez has had more touches (62) and attempted more passes (46) than any other Argentina player #WorldCupFinal
Argentina have had just 1 touch in Spain's box so far. The last team to have fewer than that in a World Cup game was Saudi Arabia vs France in 1998 (0).
Argentina are only the second team ever to go through the first half of a World Cup final without attempting a shot. The first team? France in 2022. That final ended up being one of the greatest of all-time ... there's hope yet, right?!
Far from a classic, so far. Argentina have completed just two passes in Spain's third