Latest articles by Alex Hess
How belated replacements Kante, Xhaka and Pogba could usher in new era of dominance
N'Golo Kante Claude Makelele, Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane were the heartbeat of title-winning sides of yesteryear. Alex Hess explains why their former clubs' most recent engine-room acquisitions could have a similar impact...
Where did it all go wrong for Jack Wilshere?
Jack Wilshere The 24-year-old Arsenal midfielder’s loan move to Bournemouth caught everyone off guard, but perhaps it’s been a while coming. Alex Hess assesses the situation…
6 weekend talking points: Kane, Dyche, Phelan, Man Utd, Janmaat & English players' hangover
Premier League The third round of Premier League matches take place on Saturday and Sunday, and Alex Hess is on hand to examine some of the biggest questions that need answering...
Arsenal will continue to start behind – and Arsene Wenger has lost his disciples for it
Arsenal The Arsenal boss is driven by principle rather than stubbornness but, as Alex Hess explains, it's done him no favours with the Gunners' fanbase
FourFourTwo’s 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2016: No.4, Jose Mourinho
FFT 50 Managers He’s been knocked off top spot this year after a disastrous final campaign at Stamford Bridge, but Jose’s back with a vengeance – and who’s betting against him in Manchester?
5 big Premier League players facing make-or-break seasons at their current clubs
Premier League Alex Hess looks at a clutch of stars who'll need to prove their worth in 2016/17
So what comes next for Gary Neville?
Gary Neville Where does the former Manchester United captain go from here and does he even have a future in the dugout? Alex Hess discusses
Local boy Marcus Rashford is battling Manchester United’s club values, as well as Ibra
Marcus Rashford The 18-year-old might just be good enough to get into Jose’s team on merit alone, but his progress could be stunted by his club’s craving for attention, writes Alex Hess
Southampton feed England's bloated big boys, but how long can they dine fine themselves?
Southampton Southampton have seen their top talent snatched away by the Premier League's big guns far more than most clubs. Alex Hess explores the science behind the Saints' balancing act, and considers whether they can sustain their success
What happened to France’s lost ‘87 Generation? A tale of promise, bust-ups and bitterness
France In 2004, Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Jeremy Menez were dazzling with France’s under-17s, all braced for bigger things. Yet, in their nation’s big year, none of them are around – and never will play a minute together, writes Alex Hess...
What Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s current status says about English fandom’s culture shift
Zlatan Ibrahimovic The rent-a-quote beanpole was once degraded in British quarters for a lack of success against English clubs, but a social media boom has flipped coverage on its head. Alex Hess evaluates...
Why New York City really doesn't love Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard Alex Hess looks at what's going wrong for the ex-Chelsea goal-getter in the Big Apple - and how his saga affects the image of the MLS...
Rafa Benitez is one of football's most misunderstood figures – even if he's a walking contradiction
Rafael Benítez The apparently awkward and aloof tactician has opted to remain at St James' Park despite relegation, a decision that Alex Hess explains underlines his capacity for emotion...
What Adam Lallana’s Liverpool rebirth can teach us about football
Adam Lallana The Englishman struggled under Brendan Rodgers and his inability to last a match became notorious, but he’s now thriving under Jurgen Klopp against all expectations, writes Alex Hess…
What Leicester's title win really means for the Premier League
Premier League The Foxes hoisted aloft their Premier League trophy on Saturday, potentially paving the way for a new era in England's top flight. Alex Hess explores whether the division's newfound competitiveness is here to stay...
Arsenal’s ‘nice guy’ Brits are more Coldplay than Sex Pistols – but are they destined for mediocrity?
Arsenal The stuttering growth of the Gunners’ rising stars suggests that Arsene Wenger has lost his touch with developing youth, writes Alex Hess…
Behold, the return of the no-nonsense centre-back – but are they here to stay?
Premier League Alex Hess says the Premier League is a throwback to days gone by this season, as strength is in and style out when it comes to central defenders...
Why the Premier League's failure, not success, means it can attract top-class managers like no other
Premier League England's top flight is set to be awash with great managers next season, even if most of the very best players continue to congregate in Spain and Germany. Alex Hess investigates a seemingly contradictory phenomenon...
Klopp at Liverpool, five months on: how victory over United could kick-start a new Reds revolution
Jürgen Klopp Alex Hess evaluates the German’s Anfield adventure 35 games in, as his Merseysiders bid to topple their M62 rivals in Europe...
Why Arsene Wenger is standing at his most defining crossroads yet with Arsenal
Arsenal The Frenchman's football blueprint could still be vindicated this season, but his north London rivals are worryingly instilling it more successfully, argues Alex Hess...
Newcastle can never succeed with Mike Ashley's identity-draining ownership
Newcastle United The Magpies could be drifting towards a second relegation to the Championship in seven years. Alex Hess explains why all of the club's problems can be traced back to the boardroom...
Di Maria shines as United stutter: Is the player really to blame for Old Trafford nightmare?
Angel Di Maria The Argentina international is back to his brilliant best over in Ligue 1 this year. Alex Hess analyses why his big-money move to the Premier League in 2014 didn't work out...
