If you’ve paid attention to internet trends over the past few days or so, you will notice something known as the #10YearChallenge. The basic premise of it is that people post pictures of themselves from 2009 and another from 2019 to show the world how much they’ve changed — in appearance or otherwise.
Granted this isn’t much, but there’s nothing else we can do until the Bundesliga returns from its winter break on Friday, Jan. 18, so these friendly matches will have to tide us over.
We can’t wait to see how Josh Sargent carries on with Werder Bremen after scoring two goals in his first three appearances, as well as how Christian Pulisic fares for Borussia Dortmund during his final four months at the club, but we’re equally as excited for the debuts of Canadian international Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams at RB Leipzig.
Talk about dropping the mic on your way out.
Robert Huth, a German footballer who won the Premier League title three times over his career, decided to announce his retirement viaTwitter on Friday. In doing so, he took some hilarious shots at a misinformed agent and retiring British tennis star Andy Murray.
Bayern Munich has only just returned from winter break training in Doha, Qatar, where 18-year-old Alphonso Davies got his first taste of action with the Bavarian giants. The $22 million Canadian international had a breakthrough 2018 with the Vancouver Whitecaps — scoring eight goals, being named to the MLS All-Star Game and receiving Vancouver’s Player of the Year award — and his immense talent has already impressed the likes of Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Niklas Sule and, most importantly, boss Niko Kovac.
Bayern Munich is by far the most successful club in Germany and one of the richest. Its power in the transfer market is hard to contend with, evidenced by its constant trophy haul every year.
Munich’s big club (sorry 1860 Munich fans) doesn’t seem to be letting up in its chase for trophies, although this season the club has struggled under new manager Niko Kovac.
Christian Pulisic had a difficult year. From missing out on the World Cup to dealing with injury to not being a consistent starter for Borussia Dortmund, you can’t blame the 20-year old for wanting a little change of scenery. Pulisic has been on the radar of big European clubs for quite some time now, and a summer move seems inevitable.
A Japanese club going on a preseason tour of California wouldn’t usually set the pulse racing, but Vissel Kobe is no ordinary J1 League side. After signing former NYCFC striker David Villa back on Dec. 1, the Ushi (Cows) now boast a lineup that also includes former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta and German legend Lukas Podolski.
Yesterday, Hoffenheim hosted Mainz in the final Bundesliga match before the winter break (the league doesn’t recommence play until the weekend of Jan. 18-20). Hoffenheim took the lead through Kerem Demirbay in the 11th minute, but Mainz equalized five minutes later via Jean-Philippe Mateta.
In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, the match ended in a draw and the spoils were shared. However, the game's true highlight was the visiting Mainz supporters serenading the Rhein-Neckar-Arena with this lovely rendition of “Last Christmas” by English pop duo Wham!.
The winter-break period separating the first half and the second half of the season in Europe’s top five leagues is a great time for clubs to reflect on a club's season (although winter break doesn’t exist in England). Even before Christmas, but Europe’s top clubs are preparing for their second half of the season push. Here are some New Year's resolutions for Europe’s top clubs in the big five leagues.
America is going to be OK after all.
Forget all the talk of a growing political divide in this country, increasing climate change or an impending cold war with China. Josh Sargent is going to make everything alright.
Sargent, an 18-year-old native of O’Fallon, Missouri, made his Bundesliga debut with Werder Bremen on Friday against Düsseldorf. He scored moments later — on his very first touch as a professional footballer.