Pitch #10 - Stories of Modern Sport

Pitch #10

"Maybe it’s just me, but I can think of any number of revered attacking partnerships in football, but no famous midfield pairings whatsoever. Not a one.

For every Harry Kane & Heung-min Son, Sutton & Shearer, or Saint & Greavsie (one for the kids) I can think of no duos sharing the bossing of the middle of the park.

By contrast, there are any number of revered three-and- four-man midfields. From Spain and Barcelona’s all-conquering Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets to United’s Giggs, Keane, Scholes and Beckham. But not one hunting pair. Unless you think different, obviously?

Maybe that will change in the emergence of Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham? In these young. men England have two players that break the mould in nearly every respect. Be sure to read Paul Simpson’s thought-provoking cover feature on page 36. It’s particularly insightful, especially in the context of yours truly drawing a blank for references.

On the wider ‘stuff’, make sure you give Kabaddi a read (page 74). Was fun to write. And also, please make your way in the direction of Sam Cooper’s interview with F1 Drive to Survive TV series’ breakout star, Guenther Steiner (page 46). Disappointingly, not as much swearing as you might expect from the Italian team principal. But it’s still good, nonetheless.

Enjoy your magazine."