#but still culturally greater manchester
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i do think there are various ways in which (esp middle to upper class coded) southern english deviates from american english more than some other english dialects and this means that there are uses that sound weird to americans that don’t sound weird to me but which i don’t personally use
#‘pants’ for trousers is not uncommon in northern english dialects for instance#and is the primary term in eg the Bolton dialect#(a region within Greater Manchester)#i don’t recall if it’s in the historic county of Lancashire or Cheshire#for reference the borough of Manchester itself is in the historic county of Lancashire#but Wigan of Wigan Kebab/ smack pey wet fame is historical county of Cheshire#but still culturally greater manchester#if you are from yorkshire the Cheshire people are more weird than the lancashire people#bc lancashire borders yorkshire and i am from the bordering side of yorkshire#so yes the smack pey wet guys are bizzare to me too#if you are american it might be entertaining to look up the geographical distances involved here#my country dense bro
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There was a brief kerfuffle on WoSo Twitter a few days ago when someone commented on how many of the Hammarby ultra fans who traveled for the Manchester City vs Hammarby game were men.
The whole thing tied into a topic I think about a lot (more below the cut).
Most of the responses dog-piled the account in the replies and quote tweets, seeming to assume the comment was a criticism of there being so many men. I don't know what the person running the account meant — I've no idea who they are — but I am interested in the related question:
Why were there fewer women than people might expect for a group of traveling women's football ultras?
Because one response that came up more than a few times amidst the backlash was some variation of "it's not men's fault women don't like football!".
Except, we don't really know how many women would like football if there was an even societal playing ground for getting into hobbies and some of that is the fault of some men (especially those who had the power to exclude women) and a lot of it is society at large. Similarly, we don't know how many more men might like netball without the societal biases of certain hobbies. Women and girls have been told for decades that certain sports, like football, are not for them; so it's not always easy to unpick whether more women and girls would like football if there hadn't been that societal push-back and exclusion.
There are also other barriers to traveling to follow your football team, such as:
women being more likely to be responsible for a greater proportion of care duties (children, relatives who are ill or require support),
women on average earn less money so may have less disposable income,
women who play sports themselves often have their own games at times that professional games are played (e.g. most amateur football and rugby matches are on Sundays, when a notable proportion of professional matches are also scheduled)
It's also complicated by the fact that any group of very passionate traveling fans gets called 'ultras' and that single term applies to the entire continuum of ultra fan culture. At one end, you have inclusive groups who just LOVE their team and want to support them through everything and help others to do the same. As far as I can tell, this is the end the Hammarby ultra fans who came to the Manchester City game are on. There have been some incidents involving Hammarby ultras for the men's teams in the past, but they didn't seem to be the same groups.
Then at the other end of the ultra culture continuum, you have the groups of violent fascists who will fight with opposing fans and throw projectiles at the players when they don't play well and whose groups are heavily tied up with with far-right ideology. If you have the misfortune of being at any kind of sports game when that kind of group kicks off... it can get scary, fast.
And everything in between.
So, the reputation and not knowing what you might be facing with a group of ultras might also be a contributing factor. There are definitely ultra groups who are not exactly welcoming to women. The entire culture of football, though, hasn't exactly been a welcoming place for women and that in itself can be off-putting.
I know a number of WoSo fans, big social media accounts, and journalists seem to be focused on how to attract fans of the men's game, and in making the women's game more like the men's game, but that's not the angle I'm most interested in. I'd like to know why there are fewer women involved even in the inclusive ultras groups, because I think the answers would be interesting and perhaps help improve access for more people to women's football.
Dismantling centuries of societal stigma and biases is probably not something that can be resolved by women's football (though, WPLL or whatever you end up calling yourself, you can always aim for the moon and land amongst the stars), but I think it's still worth trying to look beyond "women just don't like football".
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I still think I should have asked her.
Would it have been rude? Could I have taken her aside?
I ask these questions when I recall the nights before she gave birth. She had an uneasy smile about her. It was winter, and night fell quickly. She was sitting on the couch, centred against the backdrop of the upstairs front windows. She glowed without daylight, as she always does… did. She did.
She mocked herself for her swollen, golem feet. I remember the hens gathered around her on the floor, trying to keep everything light and airy. We were suspended in that moment above a terrifying reality that had not been actualised, but one which was inevitable.
My cousin N was murdered last summer. It is genuinely difficult to say that. I have said things are difficult to say before without knowing what that saying meant. The words do not form easily. I cannot dwell for long periods of time on the subject. It hurts me to try and feel what that means.
The last time I saw her was in my parent’s backyard, two summers prior. She had a knack for making everyone feel blanketed by the warmth of her compliments. She seemed better. We knew she had stayed in Vancouver for a while. We spoke about men: our shitty exes, stalkers, and horrifying experiences as women. We sat on the wooden bench next to the out-dated glass table. We rested our feet on cool concrete, surrounded by the afterglow of a sunset and the sound of intermittent traffic.
Admittedly, the attention was focused on my first cousin, M. She was stunning, but her ostensibly cold exterior hides the anxious heart of someone who has known how to be one of the ugliest versions of herself. M was now someone who knew they could not go back.
I knew during my year abroad she had been in a terrifyingly abusive relationship with that guy. That guy who thinks of nothing but his next high and his own feelings - because his family taught him nothing else is important. His mother, betrayer of her own sex, belittled M’s claims. Her neighbours, strangers to her pleas and witness to the precursor of a potential fate, did not. I am grateful to these strangers, and it made me feel guilty I did not do more. How I despised those Italian-Canadian wives who spoilt their sons and ignored their daughters.
Growing up in a traditional Italian diaspora of Toronto has challenges. Family image is paramount. We are all told without telling how we must be at home, contrary to what is taught by our Anglo, mangiacake schools.
I was lucky to be born into a family without that ‘sacred’ family structure. I was raised in the more diverse areas of the city. I was exposed to many cultures and freedoms: some of which my suburban high school colleagues were not afforded.
However, instilled in me was a virus that was planted in my early adolescence: the belief that silence is of better measure than truth.
And silent I was, thinking about the phone call I received early morning in Manchester from Costa Rica while M took her first trip with that scumbag, low life, slug. My texts were frantic, and I panicked thinking my cousin was stuck in a foreign country. She never mentioned him. I had no knowledge of this relationship starting. You can imagine the surprise when he texted me from her phone to admit defeat. Foreign numbers, unsaved, sending her “I love you” apparently warrants a test call from a paranoid abuser. One who is currently not where he should be: behind bars and removed from any society or greater opportunity.
My rage. How could she let this happen? Didn’t I tell her? Did I tell her… ?
I texted her. I gave her my cursory opinion. Never direct. We must never be direct - lest it is your fault. They have to realise it on their own, K.
Silly me. Remember what others do.
Sitting in the dark and being ‘eaten alive’ by pests, we continued hearing her stories. I couldn’t help but feel if I had called her incessantly she might have saved herself.
N was usually quiet when she was high. Always giggling. She felt, off? After M was finished her story, holding her leg close to her chest, we all froze. It was as if our shared experiences closed around us, and we collectively understood. It was eerie - as if a cloud of heavy armour had been shed. That is when N started to speak.
It was surface level speak. The speak women speak like to other women in our culture when they cannot or will not divulge too much directly. Who else runs away to the other side of one of the largest countries in the world to get away from their son’s father? And why else?
I told her how she should find herself someone like my husband out there. Was this to break the tension? Did I feel awkward and not want to press her? I remember feeling I wanted to know more. I can see myself now screaming at the shadowy memory of who I was before for not asking.
Would she have told me? I don’t think she would. She told the cops, or so she said. She had “no faith in them. They’re useless.”
And they were. The courts were less than useless.
Looking back, we should have seen the signs. I struggle with that guilt. I am asked, “did she not tell you because she didn’t know if anyone would want to listen?”
The day it happened, I found the news articles from that year prior to the pandemic. He had been charged with uttering death threats, and breaking into her home where she had continued to rent. He had been charged with possessing a weapon, and potentially assault.
Why weren’t we told, Mom?
Everything has a habit of coming out after it is too late. When the time for proper actions has passed.
Global News took hours and several reposts to get the story right, but they were the only ones that cared. She shared a headline with another woman who was killed by her ex-partner. I manically flicked through all the coverage I could find.
It is hard to accept that I will not see her again.
I found a video of N recently from D’s baby shower where she won a prize. The last shower she had been to involved her hiding a pregnancy.
She nearly chokes on all the water during the game. She walks back to our table, struggling through laughter and correcting her breathing. You can hear my trademark, inherited laugh:
“Don’t die.”
#domestic violent relationships#assault#feminism#toronto#me too movement#trauma#women’s issues#crime#stop the violence#powerless
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In this interview as part of Channel Four's 'Ways To Change The World' DJ, writer and radio host Annie Mac talks to Krishnan Guru-Murphy about subjects such as club culture, the changing face of hip-hop and the dance industry, the impacts of instagram on club life and young people, the role of the DJ, and her experiences, pride and disillusionment at being an Irish immigrant in London.
Initially in the interview she describes the art of DJ-ing as an ability 'to move a crowd of people in a creative way' and says 'there is no better feeling than being a conduit for new music for people'.
Later in the interview she does go on to express a bemusement at the adulation people have for DJ's, saying that whilst having a respect for the craft and the value it can provide to the culture, that it is very achievable with practice and a good access to music.
One of the most interesting parts of the interview for me was her passionate description of her discovery of club culture when coming to Britain and having a personal awakening on club dance floors. She spoke of the joy of people coming together on these space, something which she feels is now being pushed out and replaced by festival culture.
'People now prefer to go to festivals and escape the world for several days instead of going to 5 or 6 club nights in the winter.'
She now observes that where as there were several clubs in one town, there may only be one now and events aren't the same as they once were with the emergence of smart phones, 'so you can't quite lose yourself like you once could'. In her lament she makes a salient point in looking to Germany and the Netherlands as examples of how club culture can still be embraced as part of national culture whilst fuelling the economy, saying that she believes the British government is missing a trick.
'Nightclubs are very precious things.'
As the interview goes on she touches on issues of the limited collaboration of Female music artists with each other, which is largely down to the amount of men in charge of how the industry is structured and talks about how instagram is influencing people's obsession with becoming photogenic and placing every element of their lives through the lens of a camera.
Towards the end of the interview Krishnan asks Annie about whether she thinks the radio industry is dishonest in it's reluctance to acknowledge and address the use of drugs and drink in music and dance culture, and she agrees that honesty can only be a good thing, going on to praise the drugs testing schemes in Manchester which are at least making an effort to take action and raise awareness and safety rather than blindly ignoring drug taking at events.
In the final section of the interview she expressed pride at the success Ireland her mother nation, has had at breaking away from religious shackles, at having a gay president and also at the ignorance she feels Britain has to it's background, history and culture.
Finally, she talks at how she longs for greater gender equality and how she is bringing up her two young sons to push towards this by having 'awesome women' as friends and encouraging them to read books about 'amazing women'.
There are several great take aways from this interview that are worth exploring more..
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Euro anon is back! Ok, so first of all - I know about the electoral college (how about actually forming a consistent movement to abolish that one, huh?), about gerrymandering, about Hillary losing the pop vote, about RBG not wanting to quit and all that *because* americans constantly stuff it down our throats. SInce 2016 it has been impossible to exist in “international” online spaces without running into a yank complaining about their own political system. I also used to work in news media and have interviewed a few mid-level american politicians. I know that your democracy is not fair. When I talk about *voters* I mean all voters - also the republicans who made poor choices because they were too stupid and blinded by Fox News/OAN/Murdoc propaganda. And how is me criticising the USA "punching down"? It is literally the greatest cultural and military super power in the history of the world.
I am tired of “feeling sorry” for the USA, and I think that is true for many other europeans. It does nothing, and we get very little in return. Things like the attacks on Krudttønden, Barcelona, Utøya, the Manchester bombings, all of this barely registers on the american radar for more than a week and still you demand our sympathy whenever the Republicans are on their bullshit or when yet another white dude shoots up a school. It’s giving us all compassion fatigue, especially considering the war in Ukraine and how the russian blockade on ukrainian foodstuffs might cause a famine in the “global south” part of afro-euroasia; leading to new waves of immigration (and those refugees are not gonna swim to the USA, they’re going to be our responsibility).
And yes - America has been terrible from the get go! I did however not know this until I got on an american social media platform (when I was well into my teen years), because american history and culture isn’t widely taught where I live. In my country we learn about the American revolution as a precursor to the revolutions that actually matters to us, meaning the French and the Haitain, and we learn the basics about the civil war and the civil rights movement. I didn’t learn about the black panthers in school in the same way that you probably don’t learn about the Count’s Feud or the Singing Revolution - it is not important to you, even though those things are important to the Danes and the people of the Baltic States. What reason does a person from Greece or Belgium have to know that the USA has the highest maternal mortality of the “developed” world if it isn’t relevant to their every day life?
Also, I do not think that americans know how big an influence your politics have on us. If Trump managed to pull out of NATO as he wanted, we would all be fucked! Remember how he wanted to buy Greenland? Imagine how that would have rocked the power balance of the North Atlantic! International politics are about cooperation, and when the idiot citizens of one of your most important allies have put a mega-idiot in a position of leadership, you rightly start to get fucking worried!
When I talk about the past 8 years or so, yeah, I should probably have gone for a greater age range, but I mean how you went from Obama, a somewhat alright guy (if you look away from the war crimes, his financial policy failures, the ACA and so much else…) who was in somewhat in tune with the politics of my (liberal) home country (I won’t way where I’m from, but it’s a Nordic country) and a general movement of hope and unity, to Trump and his outright divisive, idiotic retoric. In short: We thought you guys were moving forward with us but you didn’t. That, in part, is why we make fun of you. And yes, americans get super triggered when that happens, and yes, it’s often the conservatives who are the worst, but why whould that matter to us? We make fun of all countries and their problems.
Your first ask was incredibly disrespectful so I'm letting you know I didn't read a single word of this because why would I be any kind of understanding towards someone who came out the gate like that?
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You Oughta “Get Carter”
Another old Night Flight piece, tied to a Turner Classic Movies airing, about a movie I never tire of watching. (Unfortunately, the Krays film “Legend” turned out to be not so good.) ********** The English gangster movie has proven an enduring genre to this day. The 1971 picture that jumpstarted the long-lived cycle, Get Carter, Mike Hodges’ bracing, brutal tale of a mobster’s revenge, screens late Thursday on TCM as part of a day-long tribute to Michael Caine, who stars as the film’s titular anti-hero.
We won’t have to wait long for the next high-profile Brit-mob saga: October will see the premiere of Brian Helgeland’s Legend, a new feature starring Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, Locke) in a tour de force dual role as Ronnie and Reggie Kray, the legendarily murderous identical twin gangleaders who terrorized London in the ‘60s. The violent exploits of the Krays mesmerized Fleet Street’s journalists and the British populace until the brothers and most of the top members of their “firm” were arrested in 1968.
The siblings both died in prison after receiving life sentences. They’ve been the subjects of several English TV documentaries and a 1990 feature starring Martin and Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet. However, the Krays and their seamy milieu may have had their greatest impact in fictional form, via the durable figure of Jack Carter, the creation of a shy, alcoholic graphic artist, animator, and fiction writer named Ted Lewis, the man now recognized by many as “the father of British noir.”
Born in 1940 in a Manchester suburb, Lewis was raised in the small town of Barton-upon-Humber in the dank English midlands. A sickly child, he became engrossed with art, the movies, and writing. The product of an English art school in nearby Hull, he wrote his first, unsuccessful novel, a semi-autobiographical piece of “kitchen sink” realism called All the Way Home and All the Night Through, in 1965.
He soon moved sideways into movie animation, serving as clean-up supervisor on George Dunning’s Beatles feature Yellow Submarine (1968). However, now married with a couple of children, he decided to return to writing with an eye to crafting a commercial hit, and in 1970 he published a startling, ultra-hardboiled novel titled Jack’s Return Home.
British fiction had never produced anything quite like the book’s protagonist Jack Carter. He is the enforcer for a pair of London gangsters, Gerald and Les Fletcher, who bear more than a passing resemblance to the Krays. At the outset of the book, recounted in the first person, Carter travels by train to an unnamed city in the British midlands (modeled after the city of Scunthorpe near Lewis’ hometown) to bury his brother Frank, who has died in an alleged drunk driving accident.
Carter instantly susses that his brother was murdered, and he sets about sorting out a hierarchy of low-end midlands criminals (all of whom he knew in his early days as a budding hoodlum) responsible for the crime, investigating the act with a gun in his hand and a heart filled with hate. He’s no Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe bound by a moral code – in fact, he once bedded Frank’s wife, and is now sleeping with his boss Gerald’s spouse. He’s a sociopathic career criminal and professional killer – a “villain,” in the English term -- who will use any means at his disposal to secure his revenge.
Carter’s pursuit of rough justice for his brother, and for a despoiled niece, attracts the attention of the Fletchers, whose business relationships with the Northern mob are being disrupted by their lieutenant’s campaign of vengeance. As Carter leaves behind a trail of corpses and homes in on the last of his quarry, the hunter has become the hunted, and Jack’s Return Home climaxes with scenes of bloodletting worthy of a Jacobean tragedy, or of Grand Guignol.
Before its publication, Lewis’ grimy, violent book attracted the attention of Michael Klinger, who had produced Roman Polanski’s stunning ‘60s features Repulsion and Cul-de-Sac. Klinger acquired film rights to the novel before its publication in 1970, and sent a galley copy to Mike Hodges, then a U.K. TV director with no feature credits.
Hodges, who immediately signed on as director and screenwriter of Klinger’s feature – which was retitled Get Carter -- was not only drawn to the taut, fierce action, but also by the opportunity to peel away the veneer of propriety that still lingered in British society and culture. As he noted in his 2000 commentary for the U.S. DVD release of the film, “You cannot deny that [in England], like anywhere else, corruption is endemic.”
Casting was key to the potential box office prospects of the feature, and Klinger and Hodges’ masterstroke was securing Michael Caine to play Jack Carter. By 1970, Caine had become an international star, portraying spy novelist Len Deighton’s agent Harry Palmer in three pictures and garnering raves as the eponymous philanderer in Alfie.
Caine had himself known some hard cases in his London neighborhood; in his own DVD commentary, he says that his dead-eyed, terrifyingly reserved Carter was “an amalgam of people I grew up with – I’d known them all my life.” Hodges notes of Caine’s Carter, “There’s a ruthlessness about him, and I would have been foolish not to use it to the advantage of the film.”
Playing what he knew, Caine gave the performance of a lifetime – a study in steely cool, punctuated by sudden outbursts of unfettered fury. The actor summarizes his character on the DVD: “Here was a dastardly man coming as the savior of a lady’s honor. It’s the knight saving the damsel in distress, except this knight is not a very noble or gallant one. It’s the villain as hero.”
The supporting players were cast with equal skill. Ian Hendry, who was originally considered for the role of Carter, ultimately portrayed the hit man’s principal nemesis and target Eric Paice. Caine and Hendry’s first faceoff in the film, an economical conversation at a local racetrack, seethes with unfeigned tension and unease – Caine was wary of Hendry, whose deep alcoholism made the production a difficult one, while Hendry was jealous of the leading man’s greater success.
For Northern mob kingpin Cyril Kinnear, Hodges recruited John Osborne, then best known in Great Britain as the writer of the hugely successfully 1956 play Look Back in Anger, Laurence Olivier’s screen and stage triumph The Entertainer, and Tony Richardson’s period comedy Tom Jones, for which he won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay. Osborne, a skilled actor before he found fame as a writer, brings subdued, purring menace to the part.
Though her part was far smaller than those of such other supporting actresses as Geraldine Moffat, Rosemarie Dunham, and Dorothy White, Brit sex bomb Britt Ekland received third billing as Anna, Gerald Fletcher’s wife and Carter’s mistress. Her marquee prominence is somewhat justified by an eye-popping sequence in which she engages in a few minutes of steamy phone sex with Caine.
Some small roles were populated by real British villains. George Sewell, who plays the Fletchers’ minion Con McCarty, was a familiar of the Krays’ older brother Charlie, and introduced the elder mobster to Carry On comedy series actress Barbara Windsor, who subsequently married another member of the Kray firm. John Bindon, who appears briefly as the younger Fletcher sibling, was a hood and racketeer who later stood trial for murder; a notorious womanizer, he romanced Princess Margaret, whose clandestine relationship with Bindon later became a key plot turn in the 2008 Jason Strathan gangster vehicle The Bank Job.
Verisimilitude was everything for Hodges, who shot nearly all of the film on grimly realistic locations in Newcastle, the down-at-the-heel coal-mining town on England’s northeastern coast. The director vibrantly employs interiors of the city’s seedy pubs, rooming houses, nightclubs and betting parlors. In one inspired bit of local color, he uses an appearance by a local girl’s marching band, the Pelaw Hussars, to drolly enliven a scene in which a nude, shotgun-toting Carter backs down the Fletchers’ gunmen.
The film’s relentless action was perfectly framed by director of photography Wolfgang Suchitzky, whose experience as a cameraman for documentarian Paul Rotha is put to excellent use. Some sequences are masterfully shot with available light; the movie’s most brutal murder plays out at night by a car’s headlights. The breathtakingly staged final showdown between Carter and Paice is shot under lowering skies against the grey backdrop of a North Sea coal slag dump.
Tough, uncompromising, and utterly unprecedented in English cinema, Get Carter was a hit in the U.K. It fared poorly in the U.S., where its distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer dumped it on the market as the lower half of a double bill with the Frank Sinatra Western spoof Dirty Dingus Magee. In his DVD commentary, Caine notes that it was only after Ted Turner acquired MGM’s catalog and broadcast the film on his cable networks that the movie developed a cult audience in the States.
Get Carter has received two American remakes. The first, George Armitage’s oft-risible 1972 blaxploitation adaptation Hit Man, starred Bernie Casey as Carter’s African-American counterpart Tyrone Tackett. It is notable for a spectacularly undraped appearance by Pam Grier, whose character meets a hilarious demise that is somewhat spoiled by the picture’s amusing trailer. (Casey and Keenan Ivory Wayans later lampooned the film in the 1988 blaxploitation parody I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.)
Hodges’ film was drearily Americanized and relocated to Seattle in Stephen Kay’s like-titled 2000 Sylvester Stallone vehicle. It’s a sluggish, misbegotten venture, about which the less that is said the better. Michael Caine’s presence in the cast as villain Cliff Brumby (played in the original by Brian Mosley) only serves to remind viewers that they are watching a vastly inferior rendering of a classic.
Ted Lewis wrote seven more novels after Jack’s Return Home, and returned to Jack Carter for two prequels. The first of them, Jack Carter’s Law (1970), an almost equally intense installment in which Carter ferrets out a “grass” – an informer – in the Fletchers’ organization, is a deep passage through the London underworld of the ‘60s, full of warring gangsters and venal, dishonest coppers.
The final episode in the trilogy, Jack Carter and the Mafia Pigeon (1977), was a sad swan song for British noir’s most memorable bad man. In it, Carter travels to the Mediterranean island of Majorca on a Fletchers-funded “holiday,” only to discover that he has actually been dispatched to guard a jittery American mobster hiding out at the gang’s villa. It’s a flabby, obvious, and needlessly discursive book; Lewis’ exhaustion is apparent in his desperate re-use of a plot point central to the action of the first Carter novel.
Curiously, the locale and setup of Mafia Pigeon appear to be derived from Pulp, the 1975 film that reunited director Hodges and actor Caine. In it, the actor plays a writer of sleazy paperback thrillers who travels to the Mediterranean isle of Malta to pen the memoirs of Preston Gilbert (Mickey Rooney), a Hollywood actor with gangland connections. Hilarity and mayhem ensue.
All of Lewis’ characters consume enough alcohol to put down an elephant, and Lewis himself succumbed to alcoholism in 1982, at the age of 42. Virtually unemployable, he had moved back home to Barton-upon-Humber, where lived with his parents.
He went out with a bang, however: In 1980, he published his final and finest book, the truly explosive mob thriller GBH (the British abbreviation for “grievous bodily harm”). The novel focuses on the last days of vice lord George Fowler, a sadist in the grand Krays manner, whose empire is being toppled by internal treachery. Using a unique time-shifting structure that darts back and forth between “the smoke” (London) and “the sea” (Fowler’s oceanside hideout), it reaches a finale of infernal, hallucinatory intensity.
After Lewis’ death, his work fell into obscurity, and his novels were unavailable in America for decades. Happily, Soho Press reissued the Carter trilogy in paperback in 2014 and republished GBH in hardback earlier this year. Now U.S. readers have the opportunity to read the books that influenced an entire school of English noir writers, including such Lewis disciples and venerators as Derek Raymond, David Peace, and Jake Arnott.
Echoes of GBH can be heard in The Long Good Friday, another esteemed English gangster film starring Bob Hoskins as the arrogant and impetuous chief of a collapsing London firm. Released the same year as Lewis’ last novel, the John Mackenzie-directed feature is only one of a succession of outstanding movies – The Limey, The Hit, Layer Cake, Sexy Beast, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels among them – that owe a debt to Get Carter, the daddy of them all.
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Black People’s Contributions To The UK: A Very Small Sample
Women
Phillis Wheatley
From West Africa.Sold as a slave to a family called the Wheatleys. Named after the family to whom she was sold and the vessel that transported her to America–‘the Phillis’.Wrote her first poem at 14 years old.First volume of poetry published in 1773.Moved to England at 20. Contributed to the anti-slavery movement. Read: Poems by Phillis Wheatley
Mary Seacole
From Jamaica.Traveled to England in 1854 with the intention of an onward journey to Balaclava, Ukraineto assist the soldiers fighting in the Crimean War (1853-1856). War Office denied her request. Made her own way and established a boarding houseto successfullylook after the wounded British soldiers using traditional medicines.She then traveled relentlessly.Returned to England and is now buried at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, London.
Fanny Eaton
From Jamaica. A model for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their circle between 1859–1867.Public debut was in Simeon Solomon's painting ‘The Mother of Moses’, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1860.
The Mother of Moses - Simeon Solomon (1840-1905)
1860 Oil on canvas
Lilian Bader
From Liverpool.The first black woman to join the British Armed Forces where she was: Canteen Assistant, Instrument repairer, Leading aircraft woman, and a Corporal. On receiving her degree from the University of London, she became a teacher.
olive Morris
From Jamaica.A member of the Black Panther Movement.Campaigned for rights of black people in Manchester and South London.Whilst at university expanded her activism to an international stage, visiting China and publishing an article from that visit. Founding member of Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD) and,the Brixton Black Women's Group.
Margaret Busby
From Ghana. Youngest and first black female book publisher.Founded the publishing company Allison& Busby in 1967, alongside Clive Allison.A campaigner for diversity in publishing –co-founded Greater Access to Publishing (GAP).
Malorie Blackman
From London of Barbadian parents.Qualified as a computer scientist. Writer of children and young adult novels.Author of the Noughts&Crosses series.Eight Children’s Laureate–first black person in that role.Awarded an OBE in 2008.
Dr. Shirley Thompson
From London of Jamaican parents.Professor of Music at the University of Westminster.Recently named "one of the most inspirational Black British women" by the newspaper Metro.The first woman in Europe to conduct and compose a symphony within the last 40 years,composed to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002, -New Nation Rising.A 21st Century Symphony.Named on the Evening Standard's Power List of Britain's Top 100 Most Influential Black People in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
From Jamaica. Barbara Blake-Hannah was the first ever black person to appear in a news role on British television in 1968. She paved the way for Moira Stuart, Trevor McDonald, and others.She was an on-camera reporter and interviewer on Thames Television’s Today programme. Since returning to Jamaica she has had a career in film making and written five books, including one in 1982 about the Rastafarian religion, which is her faith.
Dr. Youmna Mouhammed
From Mayotte, a small island off the coast of Southeast Africa. Dr Mouhamad has a PhD in polymer physics and is currently a Technology Transfer Fellow at SPECIFIC in Swansea University and is working on industrial coatings.She is pushing to improve the representation of black women within STEM, the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.She is the leader of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students in Engineering Network, formed in 2019. This network aims to progress racial equality by raising awareness of the challenges that BAME students and staff experience, then suggest interventions or strategies that investigate how to overcome the challenges.
Men
Ignatius Sancho
Born on a slave ship. Ignatius Sancho was an influential figure in the arts and is the first known black British voter. He is known for his plays, poetry,and music, and had a shop in London, where other creative people like him would meet up. He spoke out against the slave trade. Read: Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho: An African
Oluada Equiano
From Southern Nigeria. He was a slave but managed to buy his freedom and moved to London.Became very involved in the abolition movement. His book about slavery is one of the earliest accounts about what it was like to be a slave and it is one of the best-selling books on the topic. His autobiography (1789) ‘The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa, the African’ was a seminal piece to those working to abolish slavery and its sales made him a wealthy man.
George Bridgetower
From Biala Podlaska, Poland-Lived in England for much of his life. Virtuoso Violinist Year of birth vary between 1778, 1779 or 1780.The son of an African father and a Polish mother. Said to be the older of two brothers, with his younger brother being a cellist. George was a student of composer Joseph Haydn and (once) a friend of Beethoven. Whilst friends, Beethoven dedicated a violin sonata to him, which was so hard to play many gave up.
Ira Aldridge
From New York – moved to the UK. Believed he stood a better chance of accomplishing his ambitions to become a brilliant and recognised actor.He became an important actor in plays at the theatre and was one of the highest paid actors in the world.He also became well known across Europe as a brilliant Shakespearean actor. Aldridge first toured to continental Europe in 1852, with successes in Germany, where he was presented to the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and performed for Frederick William IV of Prussia; he also performed in Budapest. An 1858 tour took him to Serbia and to Imperial Russia, where he became acquainted with Count Fyodor Tolstoy, Mikhail Shchepkin and the Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko, who did his portrait in pastel.
John Edmonstone
From British Guiana. He was born into slavery but gained his freedom. Becoming skilled in taxidermy John Edmonstone was a very important figure in the world of scientific research.He taught at Edinburgh University in the 19th century with Charles Darwin as one of his students. It is said that Darwin’s theories on how humans have developed throughout time resulted from the teaching of John Edmonstone.
Samuel Coleridge Taylor
From London. Studied at the Royal College of Music in London.He partnered with several talented musicians, worked across continents and wrote many beautiful pieces of music enjoyed all over the world and still being enjoyed today. He died at the age of 37 from pneumonia. Compositions included: The Song of Hiawatha, Hiawatha Overture, Violin Concerto in G Minor. Read:The complete poems of Samuel Coleridge Taylor
Sir Learie Constantine
From Trinidad.A member of West Indian Cricket team who settled in Lancashire. Became England’s first black peer due to his political work which included relentlessly fighting for racial equality. Described as a cricketer, statesman and advocate of racial equality. Read: Colour Bar (1954) and, Learie Constantine and Race Relations in Britain and the Empire By Jeffrey Hill (Author)
From Grenada.The second peer of African descent to sit in the House of Lords, He was the longest serving Black Parliamentarian. He was described as a revolutionary politician. He was a medical practitioner in Trinidad on completion of his studies (Edinburgh University). His involvement in politics was twinned with his medical practice. He was a funding member and leader of the West Indian National Party. He returned to the UK and lived in London. As a member of the House of Lords, he played a leading role in campaigning for the Race Relations Act 1976. He was outspoken on issues such as immigration policy, and in a debate on 24 June 1976 he noted, in part: "...it is a myth, that the fewer the numbers [of black immigrants] the better the quality of race relations. That is a myth, and it is a myth that has inspired the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act, the Immigration White Paper of August 1965 and the Immigration Acts of 1968 and 1971. It is designed to placate the racialists, but it is a fallacy; for to the racialist or the anti-semite the only acceptable number is nought....(Immigration Policy debate, Hansard, vol. 372, 24 June 1976.)
Stuart Hall
From Jamaica. One of the Windrush generation and an Oxford graduate he was responsible for pioneering theories of multiculturalism and the first cultural studies course in Britain, which was offered by the University of Birmingham. The Observer referred to him as “one of the country's leading cultural theorists". His ideas and books, which included The Hard Road to Renewal: Thatcherism and the Crisis of the Left (1988), Formations of Modernity (1992), Questions of Cultural Identity (1996), and Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices (1997), inspired a whole new generation of multicultural academics and advocates.
Paul Stephenson
From Essex. Paul was Bristol’s first black social worker. As an equal rights campaigner he worked for the Commission for Racial Equality and the Press Council to ensure minorities were both working in newspapers and being covered fairly by them.He spent his life leading campaigns to change the way black people were being treated and it is said that his work played a part in Britain’s first Race Relations Act in 1965.
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Day 5- Benchmarks
It has been remarkable that at almost every point throughout my placement, the Learning and Engagement Team have been ready and expecting another Lockdown. When I was optimistic at the beginning of the year that we were on an upward trajectory, Ross was carefully considerate of the fact that Covid cases were still rising, that at any moment we may be sent into tighter restrictions and even more Lockdowns. At this point in March we had been in two Lockdowns. The culture and heritage sector were affected at every point in the Covid Pandemic. Never did the Learning and Engagement Team at Durham University waver in their optimism. By the meeting on the 1st March I had done most of my placement online and it had been in various ways, disappointing. Not achieving tangibly what I had hoped; growing in confidence in communicating with children and the team, planning and handling artifacts for community outreach events, even being at such events. Of course the disappointment for the team whose work had changed so much was even greater. Yet they were positive and supportive of one another consistently. On this particular placement day one team member was unwell, and in the morning planning meeting, she was treated with such kindness and patience.
This was the day that Ross assigned me the task of Twitter Benchmarking. He asked me, in a meeting with himself and Kirsten who is in charge of publicity for the Museum, to do some research on similar teams around the country and inquire what they do well and so how the Learning and Engagement Team might improve in their use of social media. Social media, especially in a year such as this where word of mouth and physical communication was near impossible, hold great significance. The meeting involved advice as to the kind of museums to research, namely Preston Park Museum, Beamish and then University teams like Birmingham and Manchester. This seemed initially to be a daunting prospect because I didn’t know much about such organizations but the calm and cheer of the team reassured me. The rest of my placement day involved beginning such research and casting the findings into a table. I learnt a lot on this day which I hadn’t expected to discover during my placement. This has been perhaps the most exciting thing about my placement experience. Just as I was attracted to such a placement because of the curiosity of the pupils who would receive heritage focussed lessons, I ended up being involved in the curiosity. The Learning and Engagement Team are thoroughly convincing in the emphasis they place on the importance of asking questions, attempting challenges and smiling along the way. These things suit me well. I enjoyed realizing these things on this day.
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'Same sport, different game' has long been the unofficial tagline of women's football. But as it continues to grow and in doing so moves closer in proximity to men's football it is inevitable that some distinctions between the two sides of the sport will begin to blur.
The question of how the women's game can ensure the preservation of its elements worth holding on to, whilst simultaneously needing to attract fans outside of its bubble, is one which it has been asking itself for some time now. There is no simple answer, as demonstrated when those with the task of balancing the scales openly admit they are not sure of the best approach to take.
For the sake of its prosperity the women's game must tap into an audience which is more accustomed to the starkly contrasting culture of men's football; something so established and ingrained it permeates through to the very society we live in as society itself filters the other way. The nearer the women's game is positioned to something so influential the more likely its norms will change as a result, but there is still opportunity to control to what degree its customs are altered. If managed correctly it should one day be possible to look back and see a positive evolution as opposed to the loss of better days. There is, however, little time to decide how the game intends to achieve the former if events of Manchester United vs Liverpool on Saturday afternoon are anything to go by.
Many things were said about Manchester United's vocal fan base in the days before they hosted Liverpool in Leigh. Many more things have been said in the aftermath.
The commentary during the opening minutes of the match was dominated with talk of the club's ‘Barmy Army’ fan group. It echoed the positive sentiments of a BBC article published the day before detailing the group's origin, their song book and growing attendances. A particularly audible chant during the eighth minute prompted the commentator to again commend the group and their efforts creating an atmosphere. He was seemingly completely unaware that they had in fact just finishing singing about the visiting fans being so poor they resort to eating rats.
The chant in question was that of Park Ji-sung; once a player for Manchester United's men's team. Seven years after departing the club his chant was sung at a women's team match, all due to its punchline about Scousers and poverty. It is, therefore, the perfect example of the two most likely things to be brought into the stands on the back of importing too much of a fan base from the men's game and too soon - those two being, things which are unrelated to the women's game and things which should not be present in either. Park Ji-sung's irrelevancy to a Women's Super League match is not negated just because the final line of the chant referenced the opposition, and the nature of that reference ought to mean the chant be considered unwelcome at any match at all. It is hard for Barmy Army members to justify singing this particular chant on them not yet having material more suited to the women's team when they pride themselves so much on the existence of their women's team centred song book.
The point that new fans won't initially know the inner workings of a women's football crowd is a valid one, however. It has to be expected that their contribution will likely be what they do know, which is men's football. Often perceived to be the default in any case. A common argument being made in reaction to events at Leigh this weekend by those on the outside looking in has been that if women's football wishes to be treated equally it must be prepared to have the same elements as the men's game - warts and all. Many comments read like they had been left by people resigned to accepting that abuse is part and parcel now and you can't have football without it. It is easy to understand why somebody would resign themselves to that when also in amongst the reaction were comments from others carrying the disturbing notion that the sort of chants from the Manchester United fans are not even warts but are in fact enhancing a match day experience. Mocking destitution and death (as referenced in their chant related to the Hillsborough Disaster) is not an enhancer of anything.
It is difficult to find fault in the principle behind the argument that women's football must adopt things from men's football, when it is an argument being made in the general sense. But when made in the context of fan base attitudes and behaviours, it does not in fact need to adopt what are warts. It is impossible to convince fans not to cross a line or to come back on the correct side of a line when they do not acknowledge the existence of one. It is critical therefore that the women’s game establish exactly where the line is as early as possible.
Preventing the adoption of the worst elements of men’s football will require a robust, zero tolerance approach with input from all sides. Including the existing fan base who must play a role and be prepared to police both themselves and new arrivals. It is likely not a coincidence that the one set of fans failing to read the room, or outright ignoring it, happen to also be the set with no grounding in women's football culture because their team is only just over a year old. Whilst it is not possible to force new match goers to adapt to the differences of a women's match, a club stands a much greater chance of their fan base growing into a positive asset if new match goers can at least enter a ground and see women's football culture on display. Recognising and then taking on board the differences will largely be an education achieved through good example.
It is a shame then that the FA spent so many years catering to children and families rather than to the young adult and adult demographic who have been responsible for setting the crowd tone to date, and so are therefore the subsection who would be most likely to successfully set that necessary example moving forward. Had more of this type of fan been targetted earlier and more assistance been given for the establishment of fan groups then perhaps there would be enough of a vocal presence at matches to offset the introduction of anybody wired to make distasteful contributions.
It would be a continued shame if that demographic were now overlooked for a second time in favour of bussing in 'ready made' fans from men's matches, when it is the case that had this demographic instead been the target audience they could by now have developed into exactly what those bussed in fans will be, but crucially minus the problematic tendencies. The ‘source from elsewhere’ approach may shortcut to higher attendances, but, just as targetting children now so there is a fan for tomorrow came at the expense of building up the fan of today, an influx of fans too contrasting with the present will come at the expense of having a desirable culture in the future.
The young adult and adult demographic who have been part of the league are also key to establishing rivalry. The more seasoned the fan and the older they are the more able they are to recount previous meetings between their team and another. One argument made for bringing in fans from outside of the bubble is that it is a step towards lively atmospheres with needle, but the fact that we so often highlight the times such an atmosphere is present proves the women's game does in fact already have the ability to create such thing - the issue is that it isn't created often enough. This is not because there is something wrong with the current fans and their methods, it is because there isn't yet enough narrative and history which are two things vital to cultivating a partisan crowd.
The Women's Super League is only nine years old. It has also been through multiple restructures and re-licencings at the same time clubs and squads have been becoming unrecognisable from one season to the next, meaning you can divide those nine years into three or four completely different and practically unrelated eras. Going back further than a season or two takes you into a time of little relevancy to what is happening on the pitch nowadays. It is an unfair and unrealistic expectation that fans regularly create an atmosphere to rival those seen in men's football when those men's football fans are often doing so with a lifetime of meaningful past meetings to reflect on.
Of the eight founding Women's Super League clubs, only one fixture between them could really be considered a local derby but for the first two years it did not feel like one. Only in 2013, once some of Everton's better players had 'crossed the park' to join Liverpool who had finally become competitive and the power started to swing to the red half of the city, did the Merseyside Derby have the fitting significance. Almost 1500 fans travelled to Widnes on a freezing cold March night despite inches of snow on the ground to watch a Continental Cup match. The atmosphere whenever they faced each other during that period was exactly what is required and requested. Two seasons after the derby found its feet Everton were then playing in the second division and little of the Liverpool team which leapfrogged them into being best in the city remained, causing the few meetings between the sides in the years since to not manage to spark anywhere near the same level of passion in a crowd.
If we are affording ourselves time to grow the size crowds then we must also afford the crowd time to develop an identity, practices, stories and traditions. Such things can not be manufactured or come as a byproduct of transferring fans from men's stadiums because context is what makes the occasion.
Much is said about women's football being reluctant to the culture of the game changing with the introduction of new approaches but the fans being accused of having this attitude are the same fans wishing others would join in with their singing and bemoaning when an attendance is down from the week before. They are ones doing the utmost to create an atmosphere. The are the ones most open to changes which would benefit that goal. Their perfectly reasonable hope that change come with the respected condition that lines not yet crossed remain uncrossed should not be confused with a reluctance to welcome new people. Because to confuse the two will leave the door open for new people to cross the line and justify doing so on it being unreasonable to ask that they don't.
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Paige Michel - 5 DJS on Instagram Live that bring the party to your house! - Dancehall & Soca Edition
For those of you that don’t know I am an Afro-Caribbean girl, my family originate from Jamaica, St. Lucia and Dominica. I am a care leaver, and my foster carer was from Barbados. I appreciate the beauty, arts and culture from the Caribbean. I love the music - I am a huge Bashment/Dancehall and Soca fan! Woi Yoii!
For two years, I was radio presenter and producer of a show I created with my two closest mates, Albert and Kaira, called URBAN P.A.K, at Surge – The University of Southampton’s official radio station. Together, we celebrated and showcased Black Music, Artists, DJs and Producers all over the world. Of course, I played all my favourite Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats tunes, we played games live on air and I even hosted some quizzes too. We went to the R.U.M (Real Urban Music) events in our free time, to see the hottest artists and DJs live in clubs. It was such a lit experience!
The 5 DJs that are killing it on Instagram live right now are - DJ Supa Nytro, DJ Larni, DJ Nate, DJ Nassen and DJ Private Ryan! They are my Greater Londoners, because they have brought me and thousands of others so much joy, through Dancehall and Soca music, during lockdown. This Covid-19 crisis, has proven very difficult for self-employed creatives, like DJs, so please go check them out, show some love, book them for future events, and wuk up your waist lol!
1. DJ Supa Nytro :
Instagram: @SupaNytro
Twitter: @SupaNytro
I went to Manchester Carnival for the first time in August ��19. Not gonna lie, it didn’t compare to Notting Hill Carnival, but I still had a brilliant time. My makeup was on point, purple glitter on my water line to match my purple ombre hair. I was palancing, jumping up, and throwing colourful powder everywhere like it was jouvert! The rum punch was sweet (and cheap... not overpriced like London lol)! The patties were delicious too. I watched the showcase of Manchester’s mas bands, their local musicians, and dancers. I was dancing with my cousin Bertha, to all the DJ sets. This is when I came across DJ Supa Nytro – and OMG, his set was everythingggg, playing all my favourite songs! He had his dancers with him - Miss Rose was my favourite. Lol, I like how he’s always wearing his customised hats and tops with his name on it – I see you! I loved DJ Supa Nytro’s set so much, I just had to get a pic with him! (Go check it out on my insta!) I’ve been going to see him play at Dancehall events in London ever since.
I tuned in to DJ Supa Nytro’s Instagram Live one Friday Night, and I am so glad I did! I realised he is not only a DJ, he is a host too. He has no filter, which makes him absolutely hilarious. He initiated conversation like ‘who are your Top 5 Dancehall artists?’. I was definitely engaged in his conversations, and intrigued to see others opinions on the Instagram Live chat. I said my favourites right now are:
1. Vybz Kartel A.K.A ‘THE WORL’ BOSS!’
2. Popcaan
3. Alkaline
4. Aidonia
5. Dexta Daps
I also mentioned there’s a difference between my top favourite Dancehall artists right now and of all time. What we could all agree on was the fact that Vybz Kartel is the King of Dancehall – Awaoh! As a Dancehall music lover, and a history student - I really appreciated Supa Nytro’s Dancehall History quiz. He really got me thinking. I was singing along to all the bangers he was playing. His Movado set was excellent, bringing back some old tunes, and bringing back some old memories lol! You know how a song has the power to remind you of a person, a place or time in your life. I can’t wait for Supa Nytro’s next live!
2. DJ Larni – ‘Him nuh normal!’:
Instagram: @Dj_Larni
Twitter: @Dj_Larni
I have been to quite a few Dancehall events with my friends Channon, Aisha, Mercedes and Tiana, like Bashment Central. It was here I heard DJ Larni’s set and yasss he was superb! I’ve since, followed him on Soundcloud, so I can hear his mixes in my day-to-day life, like when I’m doing my makeup looks or travelling on the tube etc. Sometimes I feel to just bruck out on the train, because woii the tunes are too lit!
It was a dry quarantine Friday night and I was scrolling through my Insta, as you do. I was checking who was on live and I saw DJ Larni was online. The energy he was giving through the phone was madddd! He’s an amazing host, and knows how to entertain his audience. He’s hella funny too – just freee and crazyyy, I love it. I like how his room was dark, lit with blue party lights, giving us that club feel. DJ Larni is innovative – he requested ladies who love to dance to dancehall music, to join his Instagram live. Seeing the ladies skin out and bruck out really gave us that dancehall experience! He also engages with his listeners, telling everyone to bring their flag to rep their country, just like you would at a Caribbean carnival. DJ Larni’s liveliness is a vibe, really contagious. His Insta live party was tun up!
3. DJ Nate:
Instagram: @DjNateUK
Twitter: @DjNateUK
I have been listening to DJ Nate’s mixes on Soundcloud for a long time. I love his ‘Dancehall and Chill’ mixes. I like that some of his mixes specifically focus on one Dancehall artist at a time i.e his 100% Dexta Daps, Popcaan and Alkaline mixes– some of my favourite artists. Last year, I attended DJ Nate’s Caribbean Rocks Festival with my cousin Bertha and it was amazing! I wasn’t feeling too well at this time, but I said nahhh, there’s no way I’m missing it. Never that! I had the pleasure of seeing so many artists perform live like The Rara, Alicai Harley and Dexta Daps. I was gutted when I found out Shensea could not make it, but I had a fantastic time, nevertheless! Dancehall a mi everything!
I saw DJ Nate’s Instagram Live and I was really feeling it! It was the day he was wearing his Vans vest lol. He was doing a Soca special and the tunes were fireee. The comment section on his live was going off. Bare girls putting the gyal on headtop emoji lool! People were absolutely loving the music he was playing. People from all over the world were tuned in and having a lovely time. DJ Nate was telling us to go get a drink, to give it that party vibe. I think something a little stronger than orange juice lol. Then, he put on a Soca song called Party Bad – Mr Killa and Legz. Woiiiii, I really enjoyed myself!
4. DJ Nassen:
Instagram: @NassenUK
Twitter: @NassenUK
Back in Summer ‘19, when we could actually leave the house and live our best lives, I went on a couple dates lol! There was one fineee assss guy I met up with, and we had some good conversations, like our music interests. We discovered we both liked Soca and woiii that made my day. Anyway, the point is he told me to check out his cousin, DJ Nassen, for the hottest new soca tracks - and the rest was history! I love DJ Nassen’s Notting Hill Carnival 2019 Soca Mix on Soundcloud. I’ve been getting hype to all the jab jab music! Bringing back some good memories of my time with my friends at Dreamland Jouvert ’19 and Notting Hill Carnival ’19. Woii!
I was checking out DJ Nassen’s Instagram Live one Friday Night and it was poppin! He calls it Lockdown Fridays, with his host Mist Hooli. Mista Hooli was his hype man, making the party lit! I appreciate when creatives join forces to make magic – so thank you to them both. I was really whining on my sofa lol, I had that Jamish feeling! I was putting hella fire emojis in his Instagram Live comment section. DJ Nassen was really moving them hips lol, when he was playing his set, really grooving to the music. Some of my favourite soca songs, DJ Nassen played were:
Head or Tail - Lavaman ft Mr Legz
Famalay – Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano & Bunji Garlin
Run Wid It – Mr Killa
Wet It Up – Zeek ft Shal Marshall
Bend Dong For Di Hmm – Krome ft Nassis
If you haven’t heard of these songs, go have a listen - I’m sure you’ll enjoy them…(unless your anti-Soca like Marv Abbey looool)!
5. DJ Private Ryan:
Instagram: @DjPrivateRyan
Twitter: @DjPrivateRyan
One day I just typed in Soca Mixes on Youtube, and DJ Private Ryan came up. I listened to his Soca Starter mixes, and loved them. When I went to my friend’s sleepover a few months back, we were dancing like crazy to Private Ryan’s mixes, having the time of our life. Lol, I’m so unfit, I was out of breath. Dancing to Soca music is really a workout and a half, which is great for your daily exercise intake. I followed Dj Private Ryan on Instagram not too long ago, and my guy is verified, a whole blue tick you know. Big up yourself, a great achievement!
I saw DJ Private Ryan’s live on Instagram and it was great! He calls it Freestyle Friday! He was playing a range of music from old school to new school, and a mixture of Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats and RnB – The listeners were loving the versatility! In his comment section, many people thanked him for his mixes, as it was helping them pass time during quarantine. What I love about Private Ryan’s live is the inclusivity. He asks his listeners to send him song requests, which he plays, which makes it that much more personalised and special. You’ll definitely have a Fete in your house, tuning in to DJ Private Ryan’s Instagram live!
Many Dancehall and Soca events, like carnivals, have been postponed or put on hold due to the outbreak of Covid-19. So, this has left many of us feeling down in the dumps and disappointed. DJs using the Live feature on Instagram has been a great alternative, to bring the good music, and positive vibes to us. I have noticed, that some of these DJs Instagram live’s overlap with each other on Friday nights. But not to worry, if you do miss it, you can always listen back the next morning when they post it on their story or feed. So, go check out the 5 Djs that will bring the party to your house! – Dancehall and Soca edition. What are you waiting for!
If you know any other amazing DJs you think I should check out on Instagram Live, please feel free to hit me up. Apart from Soca and Dancehall, I like Reggae, Afro-beats, Neo-soul, RnB, and Hip hop. Thanks!
By Paige Michel:
Insta: @ItsPaigeMichel
Twitter: @ItsPaigeMichel
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Racism in British Football: Does the British media help promote racism and show a ‘blind eye’?
This blog will focus on racism within British football and the impacts the media toward this area. This will allow us to look at ways we could help eradicate this problem. The British media recently criticised Bulgaria for the racist actions and abuse from their fans during the Euro 2020 qualifier match between Bulgaria and England. This shows that they don’t condone this behaviour and agree that there is no room for it in football. However, this leaves many questions such as Why is there still racism in Britain? , Why do the media attack people of colour by publishing unbiased articles compared to English individuals coming from a ‘white’ background?
In relation to the Bulgaria President’s statement where he mentioned that the British media shouldn’t just criticise Bulgaria, as racism is still far greater in Britain. In my opinion I believe this is not completely true as racism is less visible in Britain compared to Bulgaria due to the individuals knowing the consequences and repercussions that would follow from their actions. Therefore, it leads to individuals controlling their ideologies. However, in situations where tempers and emotions rise some football fans tend to use this as an excuse to show their racial attitudes towards other races, cultures or ethnicity. With this being said, in terms of whether racism still exists in Britain? Yes it does, which is the sad truth!
Furthermore, the British media plays a big part when it comes to influencing the public and fuelling racism due to the huge publicity it receives. This is demonstrated in the two articles below.
The first article shows how the media portrays its message when promoting an English born youngster coming from a white background after buying his mum a house. However, the second article shows the same message of a young player who also plays for the same team buying his mum a house. However, the way the article is worded and the way the headline is displayed it shows a huge inequality gap between the two different races. Even though both players play for the same team and both done a positive thing for their families, one of the players is treated far more superior compared to the other. Phil Foden is described as a “starlet” and Tosin Adarabioyo is described as a footballer who “splashed out his money despite having never started a Premier League match”. For a young ‘black’ individual or player growing up in Britain who is looking for inspiration this is demoralising to read. Whereas, for a ‘white’ individual since the article is more positive it is more appealing and more motivating to read (white superiority). This is because, even though what Tosin accomplished was positive it is portrayed in a negative way and is negative publicity. Raheem Sterling (a senior Manchester City Player) also supported this and criticised the media for ‘fuelling racism’.
Next, I will present a recent clip from the Premier League match between two London teams Tottenham and Chelsea. The clip shows Antony Rudiger who is a Chelsea centre-back initiating that racists remarks were expressed from the opposition fan or fans. This is the most recent incident in English top tier football and demonstrates that there is still racism in modern football. Even though anti-racism campaigns such as “Show Racism the Red Card” or “Kick It Out” work tirelessly to help eradicate these explicit views and ideologies, evidence shows that new ways need to be introduced in the hope of removing the problem.
youtube
Discrimination Reporting Statistics 2018/2019
Racism still exists in modern age, but it is arguably more subtle and less overt now. This is supported by research by Goffman who stated “individuals as actors” which indicates how individuals have a front stage (how they act in front of people” and back stage “how they act at home”. This is exemplified through the examples above which looked at how the journalist worded the two news articles between the two Manchester City players which showed them being in favour of one player over the other. Furthermore, in relation to how the racist individuals have acted towards Antonio Rudiger shows how they’ve accepted/normalised these racist ideologies so therefore seeing it as not an issue. This could be a result of the punishment not being subsequent enough or a lack of education to understand the impacts these behaviours have on individuals’ lives. In addition, institutional racism plays a big part for the ongoing racism due to the lack of power spread through the different races. Examples could be amount of BAME football managers in the higher English leagues (25% of players are black but only 4 black managers working in the 92 clubs).
What to do?
First the main way to overcome these issues is to Educate the individuals within and outside the football family. This is because once people learn to understand about different cultures and how we are all different in our own ways then we will be going to the right direction.
Secondly, harsher punishments need to be introduced to clubs whose fans are caught for performing racists actions could get punished such as getting points deducted and for fans who are racist would get a life ban. This would encourage both the club and the fans to be more considerate with their actions. Alongside this for fans who are caught for being racists they should attend community service and attend compulsory educational classes with campaigns aiming to remove racism.
Lastly, we need more influential people coming out and talking about this issue. This is because it helps increase publicity about this topic and since these public figures are looked up to by many individuals and are inspirational it could help cut down these racial stereotypes. Furthermore, by doing this it also helps show that racism is still common in modern age and avoids us from hiding from it. In return, this will help us get closer to the problem as our aim is to not go away from the issue but to look closely and find solutions.
N0732810
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On Ariana Grande @ Manchester Pride
So I’m sure y’all have seen this news, and if anyone has just heard about it and doesn’t know what’s going down...
So pretty much, at Manchester Pride in the UK, tickets for the Manchester Live, which is the event for which Ariana will be performing, are 70 pound sterling (or about 92 USD). And that’s just the base, not counting that apparently ‘second release’ tickets and such will be more than that.
On top of this, this main event of Manchester Pride will be 18+ only.
The problems with this? Let’s take a look.
1. People who are under 18 won’t be able to attend. There has been a LONG and hard-fought battle to get LGBT+ content on television, especially primetime TV, because people think that LGBT+ content is inherently sexual and NSFW in nature. By having an 18+ event be the main event of this Pride, they are both feeding into that and creating a space not welcome for younger LGBT+ folks. Speaking as someone under 21 in the US, there is a HUGE issue already of there not being any spaces for LGBT+ teens that aren’t: parties, bars, clubs, etc. that have age limits. It’s incredibly difficult and hard to meet other LGBT+ teens aside from the internet (which can be dangerous) and this is incredibly isolating. I’m going to guess most bars & clubs in the UK are mainly for over 18, and even if for everyone will have alcohol present. So where’s the support for our most vulnerable family? Who is thinking of the children? The teens who want to go, maybe this is the first year they are able to go? Maybe they need a huge event like this to get word on resources and learn more about themselves? Or even still, what about LGBT+ PARENTS who want to bring their children? Originally the TicketMaster T&C said that 17 & under can be admitted w/ a parent, and now the website says 18+ only.
2. The price is absolutely deplorable. 70 pounds, truly, Manchester? This feeds into an argument I saw a while back: there truly are no places you can exist or attend for free. There are already so few places, really only certain parks and libraries, where you can go without any money and just exist. This is absolutely isolating to any LGBT+ folks who are low-income (or again: parents who need to pay for themselves and also their children, if they don’t want to or can’t find a baby sitter). Pride started as a PROTEST, not a party. Manchester Pride should be doing way more to find sponsors to cover the event costs, with an optional donation to charity from people at the gates. Offer free tickets online to help with crowd control, but 70 really?
3. Ariana is not a “gay icon”. She absolutely should not be welcome in our community. She has queer baited in her song “thank u, next” and in the music video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”. Not to mention, anyone that so blatantly appropriates minority’s cultures for bank doesn’t deserve to be a “gay icon”: the LGBT+ community includes all racial & ethnic minorities and we need to do more to support those intersections of identity. By saying she’s welcome at Pride, that she’s an icon- that’s erasing the pain she’s caused to ethnic/racial minorities and by extent queer poc. Ariana really shouldn’t be given the same term that other (actually decent) gay icons, such as Judy Garland and Donna Summer, have been given. 4. There are other big-name musicians who actually are LGBT+ to give support. Halsey, Troye Sivan, Hayley Kiyoko, Brendon Urie, Kehlani, Sia, etc. These are all HUGE names in the music industry right now, and would have drawn just as big a crowd as Ariana Grande. Of course, most if not all of these musicians have had their own controversies- I’m not trying to say any of these folks are perfect. But they’re at least LGBT+ options, many of whom are listed are actually POC (unlike Ariana). This would give more support to musicians who actually should be at Pride and are more representative of the communities who need that representation and support. Why not give that whopping 250,000 pounds check to someone in your own community, Manchester Pride?
5. Ariana is a huge name and she will draw unwanted people to the concert. There have already been posts on Twitter and elsewhere either by people themselves or by people who have overheard others saying that they are homophobic but will go to Pride for Ariana to have a “cheap” way to see her. Fans of her who are not friendly to LGBT+ people will definitely be going. This may not be all of the people buying tickets, but that doesn’t change the fact that because they got such a huge name for a musician, a safe space for LGBT people will be THAT much less safe. I saw some posts from much older members of the LGBT+ community saying that “well, whatever. We’ve been facing homophobia our entire lives.” But do y’all not get it? At the one place that’s supposed to be for celebrating our lives and protesting against homophobes? Do you truly want there to be that much more hatred in what should be a safe and supportive environment? Again, this loops back to my point about younger LGBT+ folks not feeling welcome: just because a 50 year old, wealthy, white person who has the resources to find community and the experience to handle the emotions of facing homophobia doesn’t have a problem with homophobes potentially being at pride, that doesn’t mean a 17 year old who maybe can’t escape a homophobic home and is still young and new to the world, still emotional and easily vulnerable, can handle that level of pain. Besides, NO ONE should have to face that pain. - Mod S 6. Ariana is racist. She’s done blackface here she is literally darker than a Black woman look below the cut for the evidence if you haven’t seen it yet. Ariana has also culturally appropriated. Manchester is a very diverse area. According to the statistics here http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/manchester-population/ and as we all know the LGBT+ community is usually less white than the rest of population.
- Mod M
Ariana’s natural skin color
[Image description: Ariana Grande in two headshot photographs for Nickelodeon. In both photographs, she is smiling. She has the signature dark, maroon-red hair of her character Cat from Victorious and has pale skin.]
Ariana’s blackface
[Image description: Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj standing side-by-side on a stage and singing. Ariana’s skin color is darker than Nicki Minaj, a black woman.]
Manchester Demographics
The City of Manchester has the highest proportion of non-white people of any district in Greater Manchester. The 2011 census found the racial and ethnic composition of Manchester was:
White: 66.7% (59.3% White British, 2.4% White Irish, 0.1% Irish Traveller or g-slur, 4.9% other white) (note: the official census uses the g-slur grouped with Irish Traveler, likely referring to just this group and not Romani people)
Mixed race: 4.7% (1.8% white and black Caribbean, 0.9% white and black African, 1.0% white and Asian, 1.0% other mixed race)
Asian: 17.1% (8.5% Pakistani, 2.7% Chinese, 2.3% Indian, 1.3% Bangladeshi, 2.3% other Asian)
Black: 8.6% (5.1% African, 1.6% other black)
1.9% Arab 1.2% other ethnicity
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Mbappe, Sancho, Alexander-Arnold lead soccer’s 36 best players age 21 or under
Editor’s note: With the past four Ballon d’Or winners — Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo (twice) — all over the age of 30 at the time of their victory, and other would-be winners such as Antoine Griezmann, Neymar and Eden Hazard well on the way to veteran status, there has never been a better time for the next generation to take over. So step forward, Kylian Mbappe, Jadon Sancho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and others!
For the second straight year (read the 2019 edition here), ESPN brings you the game’s next generation. Some of tomorrow’s stars have already made their mark on the big stage — you might remember what Mbappe did to help France win the World Cup two years ago — but all of them have one thing in common: They are the top talents aged 21 or under. So who makes the grade, what are their particular qualities and how can they get even better?
Compiling this year’s list is Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has worked as a scout and executive for clubs across Europe, including Monaco, Zenit and Watford. He explains his methodology, before revealing the list.
Why 36?
From an initial “long list” of 75 players, those remaining are the ones who satisfied my two main criteria: appearances at the highest level and confirmed performance level over a sustained period. Chelsea’s Reece James, for example, was a contender, but the 20-year-old has made only 12 Premier League starts.
Meanwhile, only the absolute top players born in 2002, such as Ansu Fati and Eduardo Camavinga, were considered, whereas exceptional 2003-born talents — Rayan Cherki and Jude Bellingham among them — were noted for future reference.
What types of research were undertaken?
I used a sounding board consisting of professional scouts and sporting directors from several top European clubs before compiling the final ranking, as well as online scouting platforms such as WyScout and InStat. Personal preference also played a significant role.
Is there a reason that attacking players dominate the list?
In general, forwards get more playing time at a younger age than, say, central defenders, who tend to need more time to develop tactical awareness, positioning and understanding of the game. Beyond those who did make it, other defenders considered included Dan-Axel Zagadou, Boubacar Kamara, Jules Kounde, Ozan Kabak and Ibrahima Konate.
Notes: – Players included must be age 21 or under on May 1. The top 10 have been ranked, with the rest listed in alphabetical order. – With uncertainty about the coronavirus‘ effect on the transfer market, valuations are based on the writer’s pre-COVID-19 estimations.
– ESPN FC on YouTube: Tor-Kristian Karlsen talks to Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens – Stream ESPN FC TV, 30 for 30 soccer stories on ESPN+ (U.S.)
Presenting the best players on planet football, age 21 or under ESPN
Jump to: The top 10 | Aouar | Alexander-Arnold | Camavinga | David | Davies | De Ligt | Donnarumma | Fati | Felix | Foden | Greenwood | Guendouzi | Haaland | Hakimi | Havertz | Hudson-Odoi | Isak | Kulusevski | Malen | Martinelli | Mbappe | Mount | Odegaard | Osimhen | Pulisic | Rice | Rodrygo | Saka | Sancho | Soumare | Tonali | Torres | Upamecano | Valverde | Vinicius | Zaniolo
The top 10
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains why Joao Felix is amongst the top ten players under 21.
10. Joao Felix (FW; Atletico Madrid / Portugal) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €95m
In terms of culture changes, going from a free-flowing Benfica side to the tactical discipline instilled by Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid is about as stark as it gets in European football. So it is no surprise that Felix got off to a slow start after arriving in Spain last year, with four goals and one assist in La Liga. However, the talent that saw him cost €126m has not gone away, and he remains a top prospect.
Strengths: As a second striker, he erupts in creativity when on the ball, and when dropping deeper, he is an inventive playmaker. Although Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons are premature and imprecise, it would be a surprise if Felix did not establish himself as a leading performer at the top level. His refined touch excites fans, who also appreciate his fluid, intelligent movements, as well as his dangerous shot and finishing abilities.
How he can improve: Even though his undisputed talent is on show in patches during every game, as with many young talents the search for consistency is his main challenge.
– Kundert: Meet ‘new Ronaldo’ Joao Felix
Federico Valverde won the Silver Ball at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup. Xaume Olleros/Getty Images
9. Federico Valverde (MF; Real Madrid / Uruguay) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €75m
Valverde arrived in Madrid at age 18 and played for the club’s B-team before going on loan to Deportivo for a season that ended in relegation. More disappointment followed when he missed Uruguay’s 2018 World Cup squad, but since then he has established himself for club and country. With Luka Modric in the twilight of his career and Toni Kroos very much a veteran himself, Valverde is set to run Madrid’s midfield for the foreseeable future.
Strengths: Not only does Valverde possess the technical ability and passing skills to seamlessly slot into one of the world’s best midfield units, but he also has the pace and agility to escape crowds and the determination to pose a goal threat. In addition, a tenacity and whatever-it-takes attitude — as shown by his sending off in the Spanish Supercopa final — gives his game an edge. Potentially one of the world’s top box-to-box midfielders.
How he can improve: Poor decision-making and youthful enthusiasm can tempt him to try audacious attacking runs with the ball, when a more experienced player would keep possession and build from the back.
– Marsden: Valverde decisive as Madrid hold off Atletico
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains why Erling Haaland still has room for improvement despite his fine form.
8. Erling Haaland (FW; Borussia Dortmund / Norway) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €90m
This time last year, Haaland was known best as the son of former Premier League midfielder Alfie and had barely featured for Red Bull Salzburg. Many goals later — he scored nine in one game at the Under-20 World Cup — he is a star striker for Borussia Dortmund, who signed him in January after activating his €20m buyout clause, and is already being linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and a host of other guests every day as football plots a path through the coronavirus crisis. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only).
Strengths: Haaland plays the centre-forward role with intensity, chasing every ball and showing great speed over medium and long distances. He is very strong and possesses a powerful shot with his left foot. His finishing skills are impressive, too, and give him an end product in front of goal that belies his age.
How he can improve: At 6-foot-4 and over 190 pounds, Haaland should pose a greater aerial threat — in 11 games for Dortmund, he has not scored a header — while there is also room for improvement in his hold-up game. If he progresses in those areas and can deal with mounting expectation and non-scoring spells, he could become the most dominant centre-forward of the next decade.
– Karlsen: How Haaland became soccer’s most-wanted teenager
Gianluigi Donnarumma was just 17 years and 189 days old when he made his Italy debut in 2017. Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images
7. Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK; Milan / Italy) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €60m
While outfield players might expect to get chances to play in their late teens, the specialized nature of their position means opportunities can be harder to come by for goalkeepers. As such, the fact that Donnarumma debuted for Milan at 16 and has since played more than 200 times for club and country, where he inherited icon Gigi Buffon’s position, shows just how good he is.
Strengths: Whereas the physical aspect has never been an issue for a goalkeeper who stands 6-foot-4, Donnarumma has also developed technically; quick to get down and make saves, his distribution is precise and, without being extravagant, he takes an extra touch, when under pressure in possession, to make the right pass. He has also stood out during a period for Milan that has featured on-pitch underachievement and off-field controversy.
How he can improve: His aggressive style works to his advantage most of the time, but he can be prone to overestimating his own reach when dealing with crosses.
– Miller: Donnarumma among the best homegrown stars
Matthijs de Ligt was 17 on his international debut in March 2017, the youngest Netherlands debutant since 1931. Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
6. Matthijs de Ligt (DF; Juventus / Netherlands) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €85m
After playing so well in Ajax’s impressive Champions League semifinal run last season, De Ligt had his pick of Europe’s top clubs and chose to join Juventus. Life in Italy has not been smooth sailing for the centre-back and his early games featured several errors, but he has started 17 of 26 Serie A matches and will benefit from the guidance of central defensive legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
Strengths: At his best, De Ligt displays presence and leadership qualities beyond his years. His distribution is excellent, and he is able to dominate both boxes; scoring the derby winner against Torino showed his prowess. He has worked to win doubters over after moving from Netherlands to Italy, and an assured display in the 2-0 win against Inter further showed his progress.
How he can improve: Perhaps too keen to impress at his new club, De Ligt has been uncharacteristically rash in tackles and committed himself too early. When he is composed, though, he is the same defender who made such an impression in the Champions League last season.
– Kuper: Why ambitious De Ligt chose Juventus
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains what makes Kai Havertz so exciting and discusses where his future lies.
5. Kai Havertz (MF; Bayer Leverkusen / Germany) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €95m
Among Havertz’s claims to fame is missing a Champions League game in 2017 because of a school exam, but he has done plenty before and since on the pitch — including becoming the youngest player to make 100 Bundesliga appearances — to show the talent that will surely see him move to one of Europe’s top clubs soon. He has 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season.
Strengths: An elegant attacking midfielder, capable of touches that wrong-foot opponents and creating space to play a penetrating pass, Havertz plays with an ease and confidence that almost borders on arrogance. Left-footed, but very comfortable with his right, he never seems hurried and has vision and ability to pick a pass, combined with the stamina to make well-timed runs into the box.
How he can improve: To fulfill his enormous potential, you could argue that Havertz needs to add aggression to his game, especially in terms of winning challenges and recovering balls in midfield.
– Schoenfeld: Everyone knows Havertz is destined for the top
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains why Vinicius Jr. has impressed him enough to secure a top 5 ranking.
4. Vinicius Junior (FW; Real Madrid / Brazil) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €80m
Given he signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world as a 16-year-old and cost almost $50m in May 2017, Vinicius Junior has been known as a promising youngster for several years and made his Brazil debut in September. He has not yet reached double figures for league starts in a season, but scored the opening goal in El Clasico against Barcelona in early March.
• When does the transfer window reopen? • Karlsen: Possible coronavirus impact • Best ever transfers: 100-51 | 50-1 • This summer’s top free agents • January transfer grades • Latest completed major transfers
Strengths: His change of pace, balance and rapid movements make him next to impossible to read and stop; many right-backs look silly when they allow too much space. Although Vinicius is not a regular in the Real Madrid starting lineup, his playing time has increased and his display against Barcelona proved he can handle the grandest of occasions. The fact that he is starting to understand that back-heels and trickery are often of little use is another sign of maturity.
How he can improve: Decision-making still remains an issue, as the opening goal against Barcelona showed. Whereas he should have cut the ball back for a better-placed teammate, he instead went for the near-post finish that — fortunately for him — was deflected in.
– Hunter: How Vinicius turned the title race in Madrid’s favour
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his international debut in June 2018 and was included in England’s squad for the World Cup. John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (DF; Liverpool / England) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €100m
Alexander-Arnold combines effective defending with an ability to set up goals that is unmatched by any other Premier League full-back. He has assisted on 24 goals in the Premier League since the start of 2018-19, and only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances than his 75 this season, although Alexander-Arnold’s most famous assist was surely a quickly taken corner against Barcelona in last season’s Champions League.
Strengths: Alexander-Arnold is a gifted all-around footballer, to the extent that he could do an excellent job as a box-to-box midfielder. Not only does he have a good touch on the ball, he can also pass, strike set pieces, cross and shoot with a range and variety of techniques normally reserved for players further up the pitch; his precisely executed switch-of-play ball to Andy Robertson on the opposite flank is a fine example of what he can do.
How he can improve: While full-backs are often singled out for having lost the fine art of defending in one-on-one situations, Alexander-Arnold has made steady progress in this area over the past year.
– Reddy: Why Alexander-Arnold will not stop
Jadon Sancho came through the youth ranks at Watford and Manchester City before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2017. Getty
2. Jadon Sancho (FW; Borussia Dortmund / England) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €125m
Over the past 12 months, Sancho’s form and progress have been so impressive that he is being linked with a $125 million move away from Dortmund, with Manchester United the reported favourites for his signature. He has scored 26 times and assisted 29 other goals in the Bundesliga alone since the start of 2018-19, and the winger’s outstanding form has made him a regular in the England team.
Strengths: From mainly playing in bursts, Sancho has grown close to the finished article and capable of influencing throughout a game. Quick, technically proficient and able to score and create goals, he can play on either flank but is even more of a threat when he moves centrally. The ease with which he lays off passes to overlapping full-backs and dinks weighted through balls behind opposing defences make him a joy to watch. Sancho loves playing football, and it shows.
How he can improve: Previously criticised for a lack of tactical discipline, Sancho is becoming more diligent in his defensive work.
– Schoenfeld: Sancho will be a star, on his own terms
Before joining PSG in 2017, Kylian Mbappe scored 27 goals in 60 games for Monaco. Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
1. Kylian Mbappe (FW; Paris Saint-Germain / France) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €175m
That last year’s No. 1 retains the top spot shows that Mbappe has been so good for so long at such a young age. In the two years since helping France win the World Cup at 19, he has scored more than 70 goals for club and country and arguably usurped Neymar as PSG’s main man. But with Real Madrid rumours ongoing, how much longer will he remain in Paris?
Strengths: Is there anything he cannot do? Every bit the complete forward — Mbappe tends to play wide on the right for France and in a more central role for PSG — he is exceptionally strong and quick. He can finish with power or with skill, he can head the ball, he is tactically disciplined and he reads the game better than most. His movements are smooth, smart and incisive.
How he can improve: There are no sides of his game worth trading, at the risk of ending up with a lesser player.
– Laurens: PSG is Mbappe’s team, not Neymar’s
The next 26 (in alphabetical order)
Houssem Aouar has nine goals and seven assists in all competitions this season. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Houssem Aouar (MF; Lyon / France) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €55m
Inheriting the No. 8 shirt at Lyon might be considered daunting enough, given the distinction with which Juninho Pernambucano wore it for almost a decade, but to take it as a teenager is even more noteworthy. But the jersey has not proven too heavy for Aouar. He has played more than 130 games for the club in all competitions and, in the Champions League, has assisted six goals in 12 matches.
Strengths: Most of Lyon’s attacking flow goes through Aouar, who plays with the panache of someone five years his senior and links everything together once he gets on the ball. Though not overly physical, his solid frame makes him hard to knock off the ball. He has an excellent first touch, is never in a hurry, is hard to dispossess and hardly ever gives possession away. He is also adept at finding space in and around the opposing penalty area.
How he can improve: He’s 5-foot-9, which is average height for an attacking midfielder and playmaker, and the development of his heading ability has never been a top priority.
Eduardo Camavinga’s first senior goal came in December 2019 when he scored for Rennes at Lyon. Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Eduardo Camavinga (MF; Stade Rennes / France) Age: 17 Estimated transfer value: €55m
Born in Angola before moving to France as an infant, Camavinga has burst onto the scene in the past year with a string of impressive displays that has earned him admiring looks from big clubs, not to mention a France Under-21 call-up. Rennes’ fine season — they are third in Ligue 1 — has been due in no small part to their teenage sensation, who has started 24 of his side’s 28 league games.
Strengths: A once-in-a-generation talent who could easily have found a place among the Top 10 despite not turning 18 until November, Camavinga plays with ease and can fill every role in the centre of midfield, though he is mainly used in a defensive role. Never in a rush, he plays mainly with one or two touches and sets off on ball-carrying duties only when necessary. The attention has not gone to Camavinga’s head, either, because he remains hardworking and disciplined.
How he can improve: The left-footed teenager is ahead of the normal curve of development even for a top talent; until now, he has done more than can be expected of him.
– Laurens: Camavinga’s form has top scouts circling
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains why Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David have impressed him.
Jonathan David (FW, Gent / Canada) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €35m
David was born in New York, grew up in Ottawa and has played all his professional club football in Belgium since signing for Gent in 2018. He starred for Canada at last summer’s Gold Cup, leading all scorers with six goals and being named in the tournament best XI, and has since netted 18 goals in 27 games in the Belgian first division.
Strengths: Initially seen as a threat on counterattacks for his pace and direct style, David has developed his game over the past six months and boasts impressive finishing ability. While he is liveliest with smart movements when the ball enters the last third — in which he often finds pockets of space — he has also improved his ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play.
How he can improve: While David has hardly put a foot wrong and has impressed in the Europa League, his next logical step is a move to a higher competitive level.
Alphonso Davies became the third-youngest player in MLS history when he made his Vancouver debut in July 2016. Getty
Alphonso Davies (DF; Bayern Munich / Canada) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €45m
The former Vancouver Whitecap moved to Germany only in January 2019 and did not make his first Bundesliga start until the end of October, two weeks after he opened the scoring for Canada in a shock win against the United States. Davies’ rise as a dynamic left-back for Bayern has been meteoric and a fine performance at Chelsea in the Champions League announced him on the big stage.
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Strengths: Converting the onetime winger into a left-back has been a huge success for Bayern, for whom Davies is no less of a threat when he begins offensive surges from a deeper position. Thanks to his pace and athleticism, it is easy to forget that he is also a fine footballer, who comfortably fits into Bayern’s possession game with neat close control and quick feet to get out of tight corners.
How he can improve: Davies is learning fast and shows no lack of willingness adapting to the ins and outs of his new role. That said, he is very much reliant on pace to resolve defensive situations, rather than conventional defending.
– Marshall, Bell: Is Davies the best player in CONCACAF?
Ansu Fati scored his first Barcelona goal against Osasuna in August 2019. Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ansu Fati (FW; Barcelona / Spain) Age: 17 Estimated transfer value: €50m
Fati was the second-youngest player in Barcelona history when he made his debut at age 16 years and 298 days last August, and just 23 days later, he became the third-youngest in competition history to make a Champions League appearance. Spanish Under-21 honours followed, while no less a judge than Lionel Messi has said that Fati “is a fantastic player and has what it takes to succeed.”
Strengths: Equipped with exceptional pace and close control, he is almost impossible to stop when there’s space to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. Though mostly recognised for his qualities on the ball, he has already scored a headed goal, and his movement when not in possession is remarkably developed for a player of his age. He does not seem fazed by expectation or the attention he has attracted.
How he can improve: Because he has such faith in his quick feet and ability to take on opponents, he can be caught in possession and give away the ball unnecessarily.
– Lowe: Is Fati the answer for Barcelona, post-Messi?
In December 2017, 17-year-old Phil Foden became the youngest Englishman to start a Champions League game. Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
Phil Foden (MF; Manchester City / England) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €30m
Foden has been a future star since he was named best player at the 2017 Under-17 World Cup and broke into Man City’s first-team squad. He has been used sparingly by Pep Guardiola but has Premier League and cup winners’ medals. With David Silva leaving the club, Foden should be set for an integral role at the Etihad Stadium. He might come to be equally important for England.
Strengths: Blessed with a highly advanced footballing brain and wonderful abilities on the ball, Foden is perfectly suited to the patient, sophisticated possession game favoured by Guardiola and most other top European clubs. He might have featured more regularly, but starting at Manchester United in the Premier League was a sign of the regard in which he is held.
How he can improve: Foden’s next challenge is to make the permanent transition from an outstanding talent to a fully fledged senior player who can make a 90-minute impact on games.
Mason Greenwood scored his first Manchester United goal 12 days before his 18th birthday. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images
Mason Greenwood (FW; Manchester United / England) Age: 18 Estimated transfer value: €30m
When Man United’s incredible Champions League win at Paris Saint-Germain is recalled, it might be most significant as Greenwood’s debut. In the year since, he has hit double digits for goals, made his England under-21 debut and been called a more natural finisher than Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial by United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who compared the teenager to Robin van Persie.
Strengths: In a short sample size, Greenwood, who can play as a central striker or on the right wing, has demonstrated the force and venom of his left foot by scoring some outstanding efforts in the Premier League and in Europe. He is a natural, instinctive footballer, not just for his nonchalant finishing skills but also for his remarkable balance and sublime ball skills.
How he can improve: He has hardly put a foot wrong, but when being played as a centre-forward — and especially considering his size and athleticism — he will be expected to pose a greater threat in the air.
Matteo Guendouzi was eligible to represent Morocco, but has pledged his future to France. Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
Matteo Guendouzi (MF; Arsenal / France) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €30m
It was a baptism of fire for Guendouzi at the Emirates Stadium, where he made his Arsenal debut against Manchester City a month after arriving at the club. Since then, the former Lorient player has featured in 55 of 66 Premier League games for the Gunners, scored his first senior goal in a Europa League tie and been called into the full France squad, although he has yet to debut.
Strengths: Guendouzi has found things challenging under Mikel Arteta’s management, but his potential is still evident. Good at recovering balls from defensive midfield, he takes up smart positions and has a relatively high pass-completion rate: 88% overall in the Premier League, and 81% in the opposition defensive third. At his best, he is an efficient player who is physically strong and covers a lot of midfield ground.
How he can improve: He could benefit from breaking forward from midfield more often and being even more assertive in his pressing game.
At age 19, Achraf Hakimi started all three of Morocco’s games at the 2018 World Cup. Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Achraf Hakimi (DF; Borussia Dortmund, on loan from Real Madrid / Morocco) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €50m
He came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and remains on the Bernabeu books, but it has been in Dortmund that Hakimi established himself over the past two seasons. A regular creator of chances from his position at right-back, the Moroccan international has 10 assists in 25 Bundesliga games this season, while his four Champions League goals have shown his finishing prowess.
Strengths: His forward runs are full of pace, timing and conviction; indeed, there are few more productive right-backs in European football. During a season in which he has established himself as one of the most exciting players in his position, plenty of top clubs are monitoring Hakimi and wondering whether he will get playing time at Real Madrid.
How he can improve: His tremendous attacking potential means he can leave too much space when charging forward and get caught high up the pitch against teams playing on the break.
At 18 years and 135 days, Callum Hudson-Odoi set a record as the youngest Englishman to play a competitive international. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Callum Hudson-Odoi (FW; Chelsea / England) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €45m
Not 20 until November, Hudson-Odoi has packed plenty in to his career. He was part of England’s Under-17 World Cup-winning squad in 2017 and has since risen through the ranks to represent the senior side. At Chelsea, meanwhile, he impressed to the extent that Bayern Munich tried to sign him, only for him to suffer an Achilles injury before committing his future to the Stamford Bridge club.
Top players under 21: Nationality
England 8 France 6 Brazil 3 Italy 3 Canada 2 Netherlands 2 Norway 2 Spain 2 Sweden 2 Six countries 1
Strengths: The unpredictable winger, who loves setting off down the left before cutting inside on his favoured right foot, is one of the game’s most exciting wide players. Beyond striking characteristics that include a change of pace, quick footwork and being hard to mark in one-on-one situations, he also understands and reads the game, often working out opposing defenders as games develop.
How he can improve: Hudson-Odoi must learn to be more consistent, rather than showing his undeniable ability in patches. He should also add more goals, assists and chances created to his game.
– Williams: Hudson-Odoi repays Chelsea’s faith
In a January Copa del Rey win against Real Madrid, Alexander Isak scored two goals and assisted another. Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Alexander Isak (FW; Real Sociedad / Sweden) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €20m
Isak’s story is an example of a next big thing who bounced back after overcoming challenges early in his professional career. Success in Sweden led to a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, but Isak struggled to make an impact. After a goal-laden loan spell at Willem II, he joined Real Sociedad, where he has impressed, often as a substitute.
Strengths: Standing at almost 6-foot-3, the powerful centre-forward is deceptively quick, can finish with both feet and is hard to stop in one-on-one situations. Only 20, he is fast becoming indispensable for Sweden and is finally beginning to realise the undoubted potential that was evident when he emerged several years ago.
How he can improve: Isak tends to score in streaks, and his great runs of form are often followed by lean spells. Though not uncommon for a young forward, it might be a sign that he needs to develop more confidence in his abilities.
Dejan Kulusevski made his Sweden debut in a European Championship qualifier against Faroe Islands in November. Andrea Staccioli/LightRocket via Getty Images
Dejan Kulusevski (MF; Parma, on loan from Juventus / Sweden) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €35m
On loan at Parma from Atalanta during the first half of this season, Kulusevski’s form was so impressive that Juventus signed him in January, less than a year after his Serie A debut. He has since been sent back to Parma, where he has five goals and seven assists in 22 league games. That form also saw him earn his first cap for Sweden, against the Faroe Islands in November.
Strengths: A strong-running wide midfielder or forward with power, an intense pressing game and pace to match an excellent left foot, Kulusevski has been compared to Arjen Robben. However, in contrast to the Dutchman, who was initially more of an out-and-out winger with the ability to turn opposing full-backs inside out, the Swede is more about work ethic and strength than finesse, though he does enjoy a touch off his heel and a perfectly weighted through ball.
How he can improve: Not unlike other supremely talented left-footed players, developing his right foot is on his to-do list. Kulusevski also needs to work on how to keep possession in tight spaces.
Last September, Donyell Malen scored all of PSV’s goals in a 5-0 win against Vitesse. Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Donyell Malen (FW; PSV Eindhoven / Netherlands) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €35m
One that got away for Arsenal? Malen was on the Gunners’ books as a teenager, but moved to PSV in 2017 and has been a prolific scorer ever since; he hit double figures last season and has 17 goals in 25 games in 2019-20. He has also broken into Ronald Koeman’s promising Netherlands squad, marking his international debut with the winning goal against Germany.
Strengths: Malen’s development over the past year has made many scouts believe he is in the process of outgrowing the Eredivisie. His profile certainly fits the bill for a top European club: He is direct, always looking for the shortest way to goal and quick off the mark. Additionally, he has a sharp finishing technique, possesses excellent dribbling skills and makes incisive runs.
How he can improve: As a confident and goal-fixated striker, he often looks for a hopeful finish rather than showing more selflessness and passing to a better-placed teammate.
As well as Brazil, Gabriel Martinelli is eligible to play for Italy. Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli (FW; Arsenal / Brazil) Age: 18 Estimated transfer value: €20m
The past year has been a whirlwind for Martinelli, who has gone from the lower tiers in Brazil with Ituano to starting for Arsenal in the Premier League. He was a regular in squads under Unai Emery before the Spaniard was sacked, and has continued to feature for Mikel Arteta. Playing mainly as a left-sided forward, Martinelli has scored 10 goals in 26 games in all competitions.
Strengths: Martinelli’s improbable jump from Ituano to Arsenal is credit to him and the English club’s scouting department. His pace, unpredictability and intensity have seen him make a real impression, but you wonder whether the energetic forward, who doesn’t mind doing a shift defensively, can maintain this speed of development.
How he can improve: Still rough around the edges, he must improve his passing to reach the next level. His ability in the air also leaves a lot to be desired.
Mason Mount has six goals and four assists in the Premier League this season. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mason Mount (MF; Chelsea / England) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €35m
After a year on loan at Dutch club Vitesse, Mount impressed last season at Derby under Frank Lampard and has since made the breakthrough at Chelsea — he first joined the club as a 6-year-old — after Lampard took over at Stamford Bridge. Mount has also become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, scoring his first international goal against Kosovo in November.
Strengths: The busy, mobile central midfielder is never afraid to ask for the ball and thinks ahead for his next move before receiving it. Mount is creative, plays with intuition and can spot an early switch of play. He has repaid Lampard’s confidence with some stunning performances and is one of the most impressive Premier League newcomers this season.
How he can improve: While he does appear very bright and full of spark early on in games, his impact can drop toward the end of the 90 minutes.
– Marcotti: Mount among Chelsea’s impressive kids
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Tor-Kristian Karlsen explains why Martin Odegaard nearly didn’t make it into the top 30 players under 21.
Martin Odegaard (FW; Real Sociedad, on loan from Real Madrid / Norway) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €50m
It looked as if the promise that led Odegaard to earn his professional debut at 15 might go unfulfilled, but while he has not done enough to feature regularly for Real Madrid, loans in Netherlands brought valuable playing time and this season has seen him play a key role in La Real’s quest for Champions League qualification. He also scored against his parent club in a surprise Copa del Rey win.
Top players under 21: League
Premier League (England) 10 La Liga (Spain) 8 Bundesliga (Germany) 6 Ligue 1 (France) 5 Serie A (Italy) 5 Eredivisie (Netherlands) 1 First Division A (Belgium) 1
Strengths: The silky touch, the high football intelligence, the brilliant left foot, the ability to weight a defence-splitting pass and the elegant turns have always been in Odegaard’s toolkit, but this season he has added greater consistency, end product in front of goal and maturity. Though sometimes fielded on the right wing, he is arguably more efficient as a typical No. 10.
How he can improve: To make it in Madrid, Odegaard must demonstrate more presence on the pitch and ensure the breaks between his constructive involvements become even shorter. He still appears slightly less concerned about the nuts and bolts of the game than its art and beauty.
– Hamilton, Fernandez-Abascal: Odegaard is more than a trivia answer
Victor Osimhen’s club career began with Wolfsburg in Germany, before he moved to Charleroi in Belgium, then Lille in France. Getty
Victor Osimhen (FW; Lille / Nigeria) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €30m
Osimhen was one of the stars of Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup triumph in 2015, when he was top scorer with 10 goals — including the winner against Mali in the final — and won the tournament’s Silver Ball. His subsequent club form was inconsistent, but a move last year to Lille proved a catalyst; only three players have scored more than his 13 goals in Ligue 1 this season.
Strengths: Osimhen is a no-frills centre-forward, who will run and chase a lost cause knowing that his impressive pace, intense pressing and alert mind often give him the chance to make something out of nothing. At a time when many strikers want the ball to their feet, he prefers running behind defences. He is direct, sharp and clinical in his finishing.
How he can improve: At times, he is so eager to make runs behind opposing defenders that he does not even consider the option of retaining possession to allow his team to move higher up the pitch.
Christian Pulisic is one of only two Americans to score a Premier League hat trick. Getty
Christian Pulisic (FW; Chelsea / U.S.) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €55m
Pulisic has been a U.S. international for four years and made more than 120 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, but in the past year has taken the next step in his career with a $70 million move to Chelsea. Early returns included a hat trick at Burnley before injury slowed his progress. The face of his national team, the Pennsylvania native remains a top prospect.
Strengths: Though he tends to look most comfortable as an inverted winger on the left, Pulisic can comfortably slot into any position behind a striker. An intelligent, modern player with excellent close control and a magnificent first touch, his low centre of gravity and ability to turn either way with the ball mean one thing: He is a nightmare to mark.
How he can improve: Very similar to other young, creative players, he mainly comes to life when he gets on the ball, giving room for improvement when he is not in possession.
– Burley: Pulisic has shown Lampard he is good enough
Declan Rice scored his first West Ham goal in a January 2019 win against Arsenal. Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Declan Rice (MF; West Ham / England) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €65m
After being released by Chelsea at 14, Rice broke through across London at West Ham, where he has played in central defence but predominantly as a midfielder. He earned international honours initially for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance to England in 2019, a year in which he was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Strengths: In modern football, there are few disciplined, tidy defensive midfielders who enjoy mopping up loose balls and keeping things simple in possession. Rice, though, does just that, and very well; he is the kind of reliable linchpin that most teams could use. He is a dependable, efficient performer who can play with both feet and has a range of passing that keeps improving.
How he can improve: The beauty of Rice is that he just does his job. You do not necessarily want him to be more adventurous going forward or to try stuff he has not yet mastered; his role is to keep things solid, so more creative teammates can benefit.
Rodrygo made his debut for Brazil against Argentina in November 2019. Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Rodrygo (FW; Real Madrid / Brazil) Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €50m
Six months younger than his fellow countryman and Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo is another young player to have followed the well-trodden path from Brazil to the Bernabeu. His early impressions have been positive for Los Blancos: Rodrygo scored within a minute after coming on for his debut in September, and then notched a Champions League hat trick six weeks later.
Strengths: If solely down to natural talent and potential, Rodrygo would be near the top of the ranked section. However, he remains a work in progress, and despite flashes of brilliance, his Real Madrid career has yet to properly take off. At his best, this is an incredibly talented forward who is probably most efficient when cutting in from the left — he does it pretty well from the right, too — utilising close control, technical skills and speed on the break.
How he can improve: After a promising spell in the first team at the end of 2019, he was demoted to Real Madrid Castilla. That leads to the question of whether manager Zinedine Zidane has been unimpressed with his attitude in training. Rodrygo also needs to build his upper-body strength to cope better with the European game’s physicality.
Bukayo Saka was a substitute for the 2019 Europa League final at the age of 17. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Bukayo Saka (DF; Arsenal / England) Age: 18 Estimated transfer value: €50m
Since debuting in November 2018 for Arsenal, Saka has made a meteoric rise and this season has seen him established as a regular in the Gunners’ starting lineup under Mikel Arteta. He has begun to chip in with goals, but his most consistent threat comes with the quality and precision of his crosses from the left side, which have led to nine assists in all competitions in the 2019-20 campaign.
Strengths: Already a hit at the youth level for England, Saka has become one of Arteta’s most trusted performers. Reinvented as a left-back from an out-and-out winger, the pacy and tricky Saka is Arsenal’s main outlet on the left, offering width and a constant option to switch play. Never short of effort, he catches the eyes with his eagerness to run at defenders and wholehearted application to defending and attacking.
How he can improve: Saka is still a learner when it comes to direct defending against an opponent and taking up the right positions. There is also work to be done on his upper-body strength — he can get brushed off the ball too easily — while his crossing game also needs to improve.
Boubakary Soumare’s first professional club game was for Lille against Metz in November 2017. David Aliaga/MB Media/Getty Images
Boubakary Soumare (MF; Lille / France) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €30m
After coming through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, Soumare opted to leave the Ligue 1 giants at 18 in order to find more playing opportunities with Lille. The move worked out for the 6-foot-2 midfielder, whose displays this season at home and in the Champions League have earned him France under-21 honours and drawn attention from clubs across Europe.
Strengths: Through his outstanding physique, agility and work ethic, Soumare has developed spatial understanding and, matched with fine tactical sense, is often well positioned to pick up second balls. He also features two good feet, from which he is able to execute a wide variety of passing.
How he can improve: Given his strength and excellent progression in possession, he could become more of a goal-scoring threat if given the license to roam.
Sandro Tonali was part of the Italy squad that reached the 2018 European Under-19 Championship final. Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali (MF; Brescia / Italy) Age: Estimated transfer value: €40m
When Andrea Pirlo says a 19-year-old is the best player in Serie A, you know you are watching a serious talent. Tonali has been a key player for Brescia for several years, but after helping his club win promotion last season he has taken his game to a new level in Italy’s top flight. He is a full Italian international and will surely be snapped up by one of the big clubs very soon.
Read all of the columns written by former scout and sporting director Tor-Kristian Karlsen.
Strengths: He combines playmaking abilities with an energetic, all-action style of play; one minute he can be organising from a deep regista role, while the next he is rolling up his sleeves to do some dirty work. Because of his club allegiance, comparisons have been drawn to Pirlo, but while there are similarities, Tonali is more of a grinder. What they have in common, however, is an excellent right foot, with which they can pick a pinpoint forward pass, almost without looking.
How he can improve: One criticism is that he sometimes tries too hard and, instead of letting the game settle, is prone to forcing the forward pass when more caution is needed. And though not fundamental to his position, there is room for improvement in his aerial game.
Ferran Torres collected his first winners’ medal in club football when Valencia won the 2019 Copa del Rey. Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Ferran Torres (FW; Valencia / Spain) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €55m
Previous Valencia youth players to reach the highest level include David Silva and Isco, and Torres might also have what it takes. He was the first player born in the 2000s to play in La Liga, and among the club records he owns is youngest Champions League goal scorer. He was part of Spain’s Under-17 and Under-19 European Championship-winning teams in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Strengths: Extraordinarily these days, Torres is a right-footed forward who prefers playing on the right wing. He is one of the best crossers in Europe, and when being doubled up by defenders, his favourite move involves evading two markers by going right between them while nutmegging one! Atypically for an easy-on-the-eye wide forward, he has the physique and size to go with delightful skills. His superb technique also means he brings first-class playmaking abilities when moving infield.
How he can improve: One scout I spoke to recently, who is a big fan, pointed out that he would like to see Torres be a bit more “aggressive” and “cynical” in his style of play.
Dayot Upamecano was named to the team of the tournament at the 2015 European Under-17 Championship. Oliver Hardt/Bongarts/Getty Images
Dayot Upamecano (DF; RB Leipzig / France) Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €40m
A key part of Leipzig’s impressive form in the Bundesliga and Champions League, Upamecano has logged consistent displays in central defence and been linked with Europe’s biggest clubs. He has played at every age group level since under-16 for France and, with the European Championship delayed by 12 months, has extra time to force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans for next summer.
Strengths: Few players stir up more debate within the scouting community than Upamecano, who emerged at Leipzig after Ibrahima Konate — another candidate for this list — was injured. Those defending him point to presence beyond his age, willingness to sacrifice in duels and eye-catching physical attributes, whereas those unconvinced refer to a catalogue of costly errors, a tendency to play aimless long balls and his propensity to give away unnecessary fouls.
How he can improve: With understanding of the game such an important component of the role, centre-backs peak later than those in other positions, so Upamecano has time on his side to become more consistent and less reckless.
Nicolo Zaniolo was included in a senior Italy squad before he had played in Serie A. Andrea Staccioli/LightRocket via Getty Images
Nicolo Zaniolo (MF; Roma / Italy) Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €50m
After moving to Roma from Inter in the summer of 2018, Zaniolo was thrust into the limelight when he made his Giallorossi debut at Real Madrid in the Champions League. His Serie A bow followed and consistently good performances resulted in a call-up to the Italian national team. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in January, slowing his progress.
Strengths: He can seem deceptively uncoordinated and gangly at first glance, but behind the lanky appearance hides a near-complete, modern footballer. The versatile attacking midfielder with a sweet left foot has the intelligence and playmaking brain to be fielded as a trequartista — linking midfield or attack — as well as the smooth one-on-one skills to drive opposing full-backs dizzy from a wide-right position.
How he can improve: The immediate priority is for Zaniolo to completely recover from injury, then it is a matter of fine-tuning his physical attributes to become more explosive and resistant to heavy challenges.
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Why Satanism?
By The English Satanist
Firstly, I am not a Bible scholar so there will be points of debate and possibly accuracy in this brief account. The key thing here is that I want to introduce the origins of the concept of the Devil and the people who chose to embrace it and how that links to the black mass.
*Origin of the idea of Satan or the Devil in stories*
The idea of the devil begins to appear in second and first centuries B.C.E. Jewish texts. The Old Testament (including Isaiah) outlines God’s battle with the serpent/dragon Leviathan ahead of creation. In Enoch, the “angel” who “led Eve astray” and “showed the weapons of death to the children of men” was called Gadriel (not Satan). About the same time, Solomon taught that “through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who are on his side suffer it.” It is possible that this may be the earliest reference to Eden’s serpent as the devil. To my knowledge, in neither text, nor in any document until after the New Testament, is satan then clearly identified as the serpent in Eden. At Qumran, though, Satan is said to be the leader of the forces of darkness; his power is said to threaten humanity.
By the first century C.E., Satan was adopted into the nascent Christian movement, as ruler over a kingdom of darkness, an opponent and deceiver of Jesus (Mark 1:13), prince of the devils and opposing force to God (Luke 11:15–19; Matthew 12:24–27; Mark 3:22–23:26). The Christian view was that Jesus’s ministry put an end to Satan’s reign (Luke 10:18) and the conversion of the gentiles leads them from Satan to God (Acts 26:18). The danger, we are told, is not gone, as Satan will endanger the Christian communities in a final act, described in the book of Revelation. Although the author of Revelation describes Satan as “the ancient serpent” (Revelation 12:9; 20:2), there is no clear link anywhere in the Bible between Satan and Eden’s talking snake.
The power to enter and possess people is given to Satan and his demons in the New Testament. This is what is said to have happened to Judas (Luke 22:3; John 13:27; cf. Mark 5:12–13; Luke 8:30–32).However, there appears to be a bleed across from the Arabic magical traditions as Shaitan (a word with singular and plural forms) and the Djinn portray similar powers.
When Paul later re-tells the story of Adam and Eve, he places the blame on the humans (Romans 5:18; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:21–22) and not on fallen angels, or on the serpent as Satan. Still, the association was soon made, and later Christian authors—Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Cyprian, Irenaeus and Augustine, soon linked Satan association with Eden’s talking snake.
*Satan as a rallying point for ‘others’ *
The early Christian Church identified a need to ‘scapegoat’ other folk to achieve greater control. The Biblical ‘opposer’ was soon pressed to work as the primary infector of good people with evil. This led to numerous crusades against anyone who did not share the Roman Church’s views.
However, the early Christian Church used curses. The so-called Mass of the Dead (later reflected in the Mass of San Seclaire - an early but enduring form of the Black Mass) was said by a priest to cause the victim to waste away. When the church banned the practice (around the 8th Century: need to check) many priests continued to take rewards for working this ritual on behalf of rich or otherwise desirable members of their congregation. This was the origin of the idea of a renegade priest conducting magical rituals for evil (e.g. no longer permitted by the church) purposes. It was only a short step for those with an ‘outsiders disposition’ who had to try and fit in, in a claustrophobic and cruel environment to identify those who ‘bat for the other side’ and find an unconventional point to rally around.
At the same time the Christian church was hypervigilant in regards to pagan traditions and through their hatred of Jews (as the slayers of Christ) began to use Hebrew words like Sabbath when referring to pagan and magical practices, citing Jewish alchemical and magical traditions to demonstrate similarities. The old gods were identified with either Satan or his legions of demons, and from an occult standpoint, the old gods began to operate through new names, just as they always had.
The magical aspect was soon combined with a long tradition of mocking the liturgy (especially among drinkers and gamblers) and lurid stories of untrammeled sexuality complemented an explosive mix.
The hyped atmosphere of the forbidden, hated, fun and licentious other became a rallying point for the secret kinksters of history. Nor were some of the Popes and senior clergy immune to these antinomian ways.
What evolved, allowed fetishes and kinks to thrive in relative safety, albeit with serious risk of torture, imprisonment or death if identified. This remained true until the fifties and sixties in the United States where a more liberal spirit was flourishing, and Anton Le Vay saw an opportunity to rev things up.
In England a more discrete atmosphere remained, reflected in the black magical work of the late Charles Pace (who corresponded with Anton Le Vay) and other groups like Manchester’s Lodge of the Black Prince, active in the 50s and 60s. A more political and less kinky stream emerged with the Order of the Nine Angles in the 80s.
Why is Satanism important?
The whole of modern Western culture has grown out of the Christian Church and it views and accepted behaviours. So much so, that most people do not even question the patterns of thinking of the society they live in, or, recognise their origin. Occultists know the powers of the old gods. However, Satanism actually provides a key for the individual that accepts their cultural heritage while allowing them to become liberated from it. Satan or Pan or Baal or any of these names are undoubtedly powerful energies. But if you don’t understand where you come from, you will never have choices that free you to do what you want to, properly.
Satanism, for me, is the path that acknowledges Western cultural roots (good and bad) and liberates you from them in the service of natural desires.
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Academic Book Review
Writing the Welsh Borderlands of Anglo-Saxon England by Lindy Brady. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2017. Pp. 216. $35.89.
Argument: This is the first study of the Anglo-Welsh border region in the period before the Norman arrival in England, from the fifth to the twelfth centuries. Its conclusions significantly alter our current picture of Anglo/Welsh relations before the Norman Conquest by overturning the longstanding critical belief that relations between these two peoples during this period were predominately contentious. Writing the Welsh borderlands in Anglo-Saxon England demonstrates that the region which would later become the March of Wales was not a military frontier in Anglo-Saxon England, but a distinctively mixed Anglo-Welsh cultural zone which was depicted as a singular place in contemporary Welsh and Anglo-Saxon texts. This study reveals that the region of the Welsh borderlands was much more culturally coherent, and the impact of the Norman Conquest on it much greater, than has been previously realized.
***Full review under the cut.***
Chapter Breakdown
Chapter One: Argues that the borderland between England and Wales had a distinct Anglo-Welsh culture and identity through a study of Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica. Contains sections on the Battle of Hatfield Chase, Anglo-Welsh names, political structures, battle tactics, and the Battle of Winwaed.
Chapter Two: Argues that Latin and Old English texts of St. Guthlac have roots in Anglo-Welsh borderlands and that literature depicting his life is more ambivalent about a strict English-Welsh divide. Contains sections of multi-ethnic warbands, land dispute, and Guthlac’s beorg.
Chapter Three: Argues that the Welsh “captives” in Exeter Book riddles 52 and 72 are both humans and cattle, and that the Welsh borderlands setting underscores the region’s reputation as a place of cattle raiding. Contains sections on Offa’s Dyke and slave and cattle trade/radis in early medieval Britain.
Chapter Four: Argues that the Welsh borderlands retained a distinct political and regional identity well into the eleventh century. Takes the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as its focus. Contains sections on tenth century historical background, English-Welsh relations before 1066, and the Welsh borderlands after 1066.
Chapter Five: Argues that a culture of outlawry became applied to the Welsh alone (rather than Anglo-Welsh) by the end of the eleventh century. Takes the Peterborough Chronicle as its primary focus. Contains sections on borderland terrain, the Ecclesiastical History of Orderic Vitalis, and Welsh rebellions.
Theories/Methodologies Used
historical approach
Reviewer Comments
The relationship between Wales and Anglo-Saxon England has been sorely understudied, and even when it is the focus of a scholarly piece, the assumption seems to be that the two regions were antagonistic. Brady’s intervention, then, is a necessary one - one that challenges us to view the relationship more complexly, and to pay attention to different cultures that share the same space.
The most convincing parts of the book, for me, are when Brady looks at chronicles. I found her analysis of personal names in chapter two (the first chapter after the introduction) to be very insightful, as well as her historical approach to interpreting the rebellions recorded in the Peterborough Chronicle. Her study of the Exeter Book riddles, too, was valuable for the way it corrected previous scholarly assumptions, as well as for how it talks about race and class working together.
My one major complaint with this book is that I wish it had provided more support for its claims. There were moments when I liked what Brady was saying, but I craved more close reading or perhaps evidence from Welsh sources (if they exist) to demonstrate the existence of a distinct Anglo-Welsh regional identity. There were also some things in footnotes that I think could have worked well in the body, but that could be my personal opinion rather than a fault of the book. Still, Brady’s arguments caused me to rethink how I understood Wales and Anglo-Saxon England, and this book serves as an excellent foundation for those who want to engage more with Anglo-Welsh relations in medieval studies.
Recommendations: This book might be useful if you’re working on
Anglo-Welsh relations, Anglo-Welsh identity and culture
medieval Chronicles
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