RYAN BENSON
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Data Journalist for @OptaAnalyst ⚽️📝 | Once of @StatsPerform News | @RBenson92.bsky.social on Blue Sky
Articles by RYAN BENSON
Kane, Yamal, Mbappé or Messi: Who Should Win the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or?
Thirty players are on the shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, but who’s actually in contention for the award? Who will win the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or? Well, we don’t have to wait much longer to find out. The ceremony will take place on Monday, crowning one player as the best in the world based on their performances between 3 August 2025 and 19 July 2026.
Bruno Fernandes Blamed Michael Carrick, But His One-Man Press Played into Como’s Hands
Bruno Fernandes criticised Manchester United’s tactics in the 4-1 Champions League humiliation by Como, but he was arguably one of their biggest problems. Another week, another crisis for Manchester United. This time last week it was comments from Lisandro Martínez dominating headlines; now the United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has joined the choir of discontent after publicly questioning head coach Michael Carrick’s tactics.
From Serie D to the Champions League: Como’s Rise Has Been Remarkable But Not Universally Appreciated
It wasn’t so long ago that Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia was hosting Serie D matches; on Wednesday, it hosts to Manchester United in the Champions League. It’s been a rapid rise for Como. San Siro, Delle Alpi, Olimpico, Artemio Franchi; Manchester United have played in some of Italy’s most iconic stadiums over the years in European competition. On Wednesday, they’ll add another to the list.
Man Utd Defence Showed Some Fight at Leeds, But Its Makeup Supports Martínez Rant
It was nowhere near perfect, but Manchester United’s draw at Leeds in the Premier League on Sunday saw them show some fight at the end of a taxing week. At the end of a long week for Manchester United, a trip to Leeds United and Elland Road was the last thing many would think they needed. Or maybe it was exactly what their situation required? Last weekend’s dismal draw with struggling 10-man Tottenham was followed in midweek by a 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid.
Do Premier League Teams Really Need to Run More to Win?
These days, running stats are regularly wheeled out and portrayed as key identifiers of underperforming teams, but there’s little evidence to suggest covering more ground means you’re a better team in the long run. It was like clockwork. Manchester United dropped points again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham and critics were quick to question their effort and application, using the team’s physical stats to make certain points.
Late Goals, Struggles Versus 10 Men, Unable to Hold a Lead: Do Man Utd Have a Mentality Problem?
Manchester United once again failed to make the most of their opposition having a man sent off on Saturday, but that’s not the only reason some critics might question their mentality. It hadn’t been pretty, but Manchester United were practically there; just their second win of the Premier League season was within touching distance as they entered the final 10 minutes of regulation time against Tottenham 1-0 up and with a man advantage at Old Trafford.
Liverpool vs Man City: Six Key Subplots Ahead of Sunday’s Charged Anfield Encounter
All eyes will be on Anfield this Sunday when Liverpool host Manchester City in the Premier League. Leading into the game, we identify the key narratives to look out for. Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is one of the most fascinating Premier League matches for years. While there will be the usual intrigue of a heavyweight duel, the heat for this one has been dialled up by off-field matters that developed significantly during the international break.
Man Utd Are Better Than Results Suggest, But Michael Carrick’s Side Are Having an Identity Crisis
After guiding Manchester United to a third-place finish last season, Michael Carrick has overseen a difficult start to 2026-27. Should he be worried? When Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick on a permanent two-year deal in the summer, for most it seemed like the only logical choice after he’d taken over halfway through the 2025-26 campaign and steered a side who were unspectacular under Ruben Amorim to a third-place finish. It was a just reward for his impact.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina Farewell Match Brings Curtain Down on a Golden Era that Almost Wasn’t
Lionel Messi will represent Argentina for the last time in a farewell match on Tuesday, closing out a glorious international career that ultimately rewarded his patience. Not for the first time, Lionel Messi is returning to the Argentina national team. This occasion, however, will be accompanied by a sense of completion and celebration rather than obligation, as the Albiceleste bid farewell to probably the greatest footballer ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal: An Avoidably Fractious End to One of International Football’s Greatest Careers?
After leaving Portugal’s training camp, it would seem Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career has come to a tense end. It didn’t need to be like this. Cristiano Ronaldo was – surprisingly to some – philosophical, realistic about his standing in the Portuguese national team.
Premier League Fixture Difficulty vs Results: Which Teams Have Defied Expectations?
We look back at pre-season expectations for Premier League clubs’ first five matches and assess how well they’ve done relative to the supposed difficulty of their fixture schedules. Five matchdays is all it takes to dramatically alter perspectives and expectations in the Premier League. Think back to pre-season, that fantastical time of renewal, hope and excitement. Intrusive thoughts about the campaign ahead barely register for most.
Spain Built the Youth Development Pathway England Still Crave
Spain have won successive major international men’s tournaments. The pathways from academy football to senior teams at La Liga clubs has undoubtedly helped. Drastic, nationwide reviews of football development in specific countries are ordinarily associated with prolonged fallow periods or short spells of extreme underperformance. Two relatively recent high-profile examples would be Germany and England.
Brighton’s Pressing Is a Hot Topic – Arsenal Will Be the Next to Feel the Heat
Brighton’s pressing numbers have been off the charts in the Premier League this season. Will they continue to earn plaudits this weekend, or will Arsenal knock them down a peg or two? There was a brief moment in time when Fabian Hürzeler’s position at Brighton was beginning to look insecure. On Valentine’s Day this year, a 3-0 FA Cup defeat away to Liverpool made it four defeats in five games across all competitions and just two wins in 14, a run stretching back to the start of December.
How a Year as Championship Underdogs Prepared Hull City for Unexpected Premier League Start
Few gave Hull City much hope of staying up in the Premier League this season, but they’ve taken eight points from their first four games. They appear to be thriving. Hull City were widely written off before a ball was kicked in the 2026-27 Premier League season. In fact, as soon as their promotion was confirmed by success in the Championship play-offs, some were already predicting them to threaten Derby County’s record for the lowest points total in Premier League history.
No Home Wins? 26-Year Premier League Wait Could End on Monday Night
So far, no home team has won in Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. Leeds are the final team standing between this matchday’s games and a rare place in history. Newcastle have the opportunity to make Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Premier League season a pretty rare one when they travel to Leeds United on Monday. With nine matches played and just one remaining, we are yet to see a home team win in MD4.
Man Utd vs Man City: Six Subplots That Could Decide the Manchester Derby
Ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford in the Premier League, we identify six elements that could be decisive. Sunday’s Manchester derby will have a slightly different feel. For the first time in over 10 years, Pep Guardiola won’t be in the Manchester City dugout for it, with this to be Enzo Maresca’s bow in the derby.
Counter-Attacks, Courtois and Chaos: Real Madrid’s Win Over Inter Was Anything But Vintage Mourinho
Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 on Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League. Some stats suggested it was classic José Mourinho, but he seemed far from happy at full-time. José Mourinho has never needed his team to dominate the ball to win a football match.
Ballon d’Or 2026: The Best Stats For All 30 Nominees
With the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees all revealed, we look at the key stats behind the 30 players who will be in contention for the men’s award on Monday 26 October. The 2025-26 club season wasn’t especially successful for Jude Bellingham, as Real Madrid went trophyless for the first time since 2009-10. But he took centre stage for England as they finished third at the World Cup, making it their best showing at that level since winning it in 1966.
Champions League 2026-27 Narratives: Rodri Impact, Mourinho’s Return, Slow-Burning PSG
Ahead of the return of the UEFA Champions League for the 2026-27 season, we pick out some key storylines to look out for in the league phase and beyond. When the UEFA Champions League was reformatted a few years ago, some felt it developed a catch-22 situation. While there was certainly a perception it teed up more games between top teams, the fact there were a greater number of matches in general meant some argued jeopardy was lacking. So, how important, truly, are the biggest games?
Chelsea Asked Questions; Arsenal Answered Them All
Arsenal had the first test of their Premier League title defence on Sunday. The manner of their win over Chelsea will stand them in good stead. Pre-match billing suggested Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League duel between Arsenal and Chelsea would be a tale of defence vs attack; the reigning champions vs the potential challengers to the crown.
Should Man Utd Have Signed Another Left-Back?
Manchester United didn’t sign a left-back in the summer, meaning Luke Shaw remains their only recognised senior option. Will they come to regret that decision? Manchester United bolstered their midfield this summer to the tune of three new signings in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. But there are still plenty of supporters and pundits who feel their attentions shouldn’t have been solely focused on that area of the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo’s New Edge Suggests He Can Be Man Utd’s Midfield ‘Monster’
Kobbie Mainoo is a classy player, but in Manchester United‘s win over Ipswich he impressed in new ways. Could this be the season he takes his all-round game to another level? A few eyebrows were raised when, in November 2023, with pressure growing having seen his Manchester United side lose nine of their first 18 games of the season in all competitions, Erik ten Hag started an 18-year-old in central midfield away to Everton.
Deadline-Day Deals: Our Seven Favourite Premier League Transfers
It was a typically busy transfer deadline day for Premier League clubs. Here, we pick out seven deals that we think could work out very well for the buying club. The transfer window is closed again for another few months following an action-packed deadline day. Premier League clubs spent well over £400 million on Tuesday alone, plus plenty more on loan and undisclosed fees, but not all of those signings are certain to work out.
Doku, Cherki, and Now Ndiaye? Man City’s Penchant for Dribblers Is No Coincidence
Manchester City are loading up on players known for their dribbling ability, with Iliman Ndiaye seemingly their next new face. For a while, a fairly popular theory suggested Manchester City was a place that suffocated individual creativity in favour of focus on positional football and “the system”. It was a theory (myth?) that led to some believing Pep Guardiola simply didn’t value dribblers.
Mikel Arteta to Join Exclusive Club in 250th Premier League Game as Arsenal Boss
Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Monday will see Mikel Arteta become just the 10th manager to preside over 250 Premier League matches at a single club. Mikel Arteta will join an exclusive club on Monday when he takes his Arsenal side to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, marking 250 Premier League games in charge.
Overshadowed by Endrick and Estevão, Man City-Bound Allan Found His Own Path to the Top
Manchester City are reportedly close to signing 22-year-old Brazilian winger Allan from Palmeiras for £34 million. Here, we look at what might have caught their eye. Palmeiras looked doomed. A 3-0 defeat away to LDU Quito in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final last October had seemingly destroyed any hope of reaching the final. A massive turnaround would be required in the return leg.
Newcastle Predictions: Opta Supercomputer Projections for Premier League 2026-27
It’s been a summer of change at Newcastle, but could they still challenge for Champions League qualification? We look at the Opta supercomputer’s Premier League predictions. Newcastle are in a moment of transition. Eddie Howe has gone and they’ve lost their two best players in Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. Howe spent nearly five years in charge and enjoyed considerable success.
Carlos Baleba Can Be the Final Piece of Man Utd’s Midfield Rebuild
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and now Carlos Baleba? The Brighton midfielder could be joining Manchester United. If he does, he’ll be a popular arrival. It would appear Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is almost complete. Having already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, Carlos Baleba is reportedly close to becoming their third midfield reinforcement.
Tzolis, Touré, Manzambi and the Premier League Newcomers We’re Excited to Watch in 2026-27
With just two days until the 2026-27 Premier League season begins, we’ve identified 10 newcomers you should look out for over the coming months. Rayan Cherki, Adrien Truffert, Senne Lammens and Hugo Ekitiké were just some of last summer’s Premier League newcomers who went on to enjoy encouraging first seasons in England’s top flight.
Man Utd’s Latest Reset and the Key Questions Facing Them Ahead of 2026-27
The Premier League returns this weekend for the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Before it begins, we look at some of the key questions facing Manchester United. Another new season, another new era for Manchester United. Sure, Michael Carrick was initially hired in January, but he was then given the job on a two-year deal after leading United to a third-place finish, now giving him a mandate going forward. He did little wrong during his first few months in charge.
Yan Diomande, Robbie Ure, Yeremay, and the Players to Watch in La Liga 2026-27
Ahead of La Liga‘s return this weekend, we have chosen nine players we’re looking forward to keeping an eye out for in 2026-27. Yan Diomande’s one season with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga was electric, earning him the Rookie of the Season award for his dazzling performances.
La Liga 2026-27 Preview: Mourinho’s Return, Barcelona’s Three-Peat Ambition, and Promoting Romance
La Liga returns for the 2026-27 season this weekend. Ahead of the action, we identify some key narratives to observe over the coming months. José Mourinho must not have believed his luck. After several years away from clubs at Europe’s very top table (with all due respect to Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica), Mourinho is back at Real Madrid for a second stint in charge. His was an appointment that likely caught most casual observers by surprise.
La Liga Predictions 2026-27: The Opta Supercomputer Projections
Who will win La Liga in 2026-27? Who will secure Champions League football? And who will suffer relegation? We answer all the key questions with our La Liga 2026-27 season predictions via the Opta supercomputer. Top-flight football returns this weekend as La Liga 2026-27 gets under way. Barcelona go into the campaign as reigning champions, but a familiar nemesis has taken over their rivals Real Madrid in a move that will surely add even more spice to Clásico battles and their inevitable title tussle.
One Potential Breakout Star for Each 2026-27 Premier League Club
Ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season, we have identified one player from each club who could potentially have a breakout season. Every season has its own crop of young players who make a name for themselves or emerge as first-team options, and the 2026-27 Premier League season will be no different.
The Meteoric Rise of Yan Diomande: From Nomadic Triallist to Bundesliga Superstar and a €135m Real Madrid Transfer
Yan Diomande is close to becoming the most expensive player in Real Madrid‘s history. This is the story of his journey from a US high school to Los Blancos in two years. For young African footballers dreaming of building a career in the sport, the most well-trodden paths go north to Europe. That’s where most of the money and opportunities are, while there are already numerous well-established routes via specific clubs and specialist academies. But Yan Diomande’s story is different.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle Reign a Story of Transformation, Ambition and Ultimately Frustration
Eddie Howe is leaving Newcastle United, according to widespread reports. But the fact he’ll depart on his own terms speaks volumes for the job he’s done at St. James’ Park. Newcastle United find themselves at the end of an era. After just under five years in charge, Eddie Howe has reportedly called it quits and will leave Newcastle with immediate effect, roughly three weeks before the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Scottish Premiership 2026-27: Opta Supercomputer Season Predictions
Ahead of the Scottish Premiership returning for the 2026-27 season on Friday, the Opta supercomputer has run 10,000 simulations of the campaign. Who won most often? It might feel like something of a jump scare amid this sleepy post-World Cup recovery period, but top-flight football is back this week. The Scottish Premiership returns for the 2026-27 season on Friday just over two months on from Celtic winning a record-setting 56th title by pipping Hearts on the final day of 2025-26.
Man Utd 2026-27 Squad Audit: Where Michael Carrick Still Needs Reinforcements
Manchester United will be back in the Champions League next season, but what areas do they still need to bolster to challenge for major honours? After a troubling 2024-25 season, 2025-26 restored a semblance of optimism at Manchester United, especially after January saw Michael Carrick replace the much-maligned Ruben Amorim in the dugout.
One Position Each Premier League Team Needs to Make a Signing This Summer
Which single position is the biggest priority for your Premier League team to sign during this summer’s transfer window? We pick out one for each club. With the transfer window open until 1 September, there is plenty of time for more work to be done by each Premier League club. However, with the start of the 2026-27 season fast approaching, some needs are becoming increasingly urgent and will need addressing sooner rather than later. But where is your team’s biggest priority?
Morgan Rogers Doesn’t Need to Be Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to Succeed at Chelsea
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. It quickly became apparent after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season that Aston Villa were unlikely to hold on to Morgan Rogers beyond the summer.
Bouaddi, Vite, Nakamura and the Breakout Players Who Could Be on the Move After Impressing at the 2026 World Cup Original
With the 2026 World Cup concluded, we look back by identifying seven players who saw their stock increase considerably thanks to their performances. After 39 days and 104 matches, the 2026 World Cup is over. It was a tournament that often came to be defined by the performances of the superstar players; at least, it was until the best team, Spain, left with the trophy, just as the Opta supercomputer had suggested was most likely before a ball was kicked.
The ‘Real Rodri’ Returns Just in Time For World Cup Final Date With Lionel Messi
It was no secret that Rodri didn’t return to his best in 2025-26 after a lengthy injury absence. But after exercising restraint and patience, he has led Spain to a second World Cup final. It’s been a long road back for Rodri. He missed about eight months of football after rupturing his ACL in September 2024, but really, his recovery went on significantly longer. In fact, there’s an argument we are only now – at the 2026 World Cup – seeing the best of him once more.
Youri Tielemans Could Be Man Utd’s Smartest Post-Ferguson Signing
Youri Tielemans signed for Manchester United on Monday for a reported £35 million. So much points to it being a very shrewd investment. If Manchester United’s swift acquisition of Andrey Santos yielded utterances of mild surprise, their capture of Youri Tielemans for a reported £35 million will have had eyebrows dancing with joyful abandon. For some, Tielemans – now 29 – may have passed the point where a move to a ‘super club’ was realistic.
Spain’s Off-Ball Intensity Crushes Hype of France Attack En Route to World Cup Final
France were outfought and outthought in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final, as Spain booked their place in the final to face England or Argentina. They were the darlings of most at the 2026 World Cup; France could do little wrong and their exceptional – unrivalled? – attack capture the imagination of neutrals across the globe.
Andrey Santos: Why Man Utd Are Taking a Chance on a Chelsea Backup Player
Manchester United‘s first signing under Michael Carrick is Andrey Santos from Chelsea. A surprise, to be sure, but it’s not a transfer without its merits. Andrey Santos to Manchester United from Chelsea certainly wasn’t on our transfer window bingo card for this summer, but the Brazilian has become Michael Carrick’s first signing in charge at Old Trafford.
Bellingham or Bust: England’s Man of the Moment Delivers Yet Again
England haven’t been entirely convincing despite reaching the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, but in Jude Bellingham they have a player capable of tipping the scales, as he proved again. Harry Kane, or Erling Haaland. Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane. The build-up to the World Cup quarter-final between Norway and England was dominated by discourse pitting two of the globe’s greatest centre-forwards against each other. Harry Kane, or Erling Haaland. Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane.
If You’re Good Enough, You’re Young Enough: How the 2026 World Cup Became the Oldest on Record
Has it felt like there have been a lot of older players featuring at the 2026 World Cup? Well, we’re happy to confirm it’s not just your imagination. Rewind three and a half years. Qatar 2022 was widely expected to be World Cup swansong of several modern greats. That narrative was especially tied to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream to Remain Unfulfilled, with Portugal Ready to Move On
Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Spain on Monday in a 1-0 defeat. It brought down the curtain on Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. As the cameras closed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s face, pure emotion spilling from every pore, there was a sense of inevitability in the air. Ronaldo’s 2026 World Cup was always going to end with such an image, we just couldn’t be sure whether he’d be crying happy tears or not.
Mexico vs England: Six Key Players Who Could Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash
Ahead of Mexico vs England at the Azteca, we look at six players whose performances could play a big part in deciding whether the World Cup co-hosts or the Three Lions advance to the quarter-finals. We are getting into the really interesting part of the World Cup as the round of 16 begins this weekend, including a particularly intriguing game between Mexico and England at the Estadio Azteca. If you’re based in Europe, this game will come in the wee hours of Monday morning.
2026 World Cup Bracket: Opta Supercomputer Knockout-Stage Predictions
Use our 2026 FIFA World Cup bracket to plot your team’s progress to World Cup glory and get the latest Opta supercomputer predictions for each stage. The 2026 World Cup final is coming into view. After a group stage that felt like it lasted an eternity, we are well and truly into the nitty gritty of the knockouts.
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