
Michael Yokhin
Michael Yokhin is a European football writer. In addition to FourFourTwo, he wrote for Guardian, BBC, ESPN, Blizzard, New York Times, Independent, 11Freunde, Josimar and others. He takes keen interest in leagues, teams and players that might be a bit out of the main focus in the mainstream media, and loves football history as well.
Latest articles by Michael Yokhin

Pione Sisto: the Uganda-born Dane who gunned down Man United and dreams of Barcelona
By Michael Yokhin published
Talentspotter Michael Yokhin introduces the speedy, unpredictable winger who's been linked with a move to a host of top European clubs this summer...

7 reasons to get excited about the Europa League knockouts
By Michael Yokhin published
UEFA Europa League With both a trophy and a place in the Champions League on the line, Michael Yokhin reveals the reasons for cheer as Europe's secondary club competition gets set to resume...

Oumar Niasse: Meet the hard-working Senegalese striker wanted in England
By Michael Yokhin published
Lokomotiv Moskva Premier League clubs are monitoring the Lokomotiv star after a superb season so far, and Michael Yokhin thinks he deserves the chance to play at the top level...

The strange curse of Louis van Gaal and ex-Man United target Hector Moreno
By Michael Yokhin published
Héctor Moreno Ahead of their sides' Champions League meeting at Old Trafford, Michael Yokhin charts the curious jinx that has shadowed the Manchester United manager and PSV defender in recent years...

Why CSKA Moscow and their brilliant coach can give Manchester United grief
By Michael Yokhin published
CSKA Moskva Michael Yokhin introduces the tight-knit troop on a high, and gunning for Louis van Gaal’s side with their speedy frontmen...

Ranked! The 10 players most likely to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Real Madrid Cristiano is gone at Real Madrid, and the search is on for the hapless sap who'll be tasked with trying to fill his boots. Send in the candidates...

RB Leipzig: Widely reviled in Germany, here's how one of the most exciting projects in Europe is being built
By Michael Yokhin published
RB Leipzig Tottenham’s Champions League opponents are not your typical story of big bucks owners – they could actually be a model for sustainable success

Wilfried Van Moer: football's greatest comeback story you've never heard
By Michael Yokhin last updated
European Championship Some feared the Belgium midfielder would never be the same again after breaking his leg against Italy at Euro 1972, explains Michael Yokhin – but he bounced back to take his revenge eight years later

10 potential breakout stars of World Cup 2018 we can't wait to see
By Michael Yokhin published
World Cup 2018 From the 'Iranian Ronaldo' to the flying Peruvian wing-back who helped upset Brazil, Michael Yokhin picks out these relatively low-profile talents who could become superstars by the end of Russia 2018

The 8 big stories to look out for in football this weekend
By Michael Yokhin published
FourFourTwo History to be made in Mexico, a personal feud for Mario Balotelli, and Jadon Sancho’s birthday brother out to stop him: don’t miss anything with Michael Yokhin’s weekly world preview

16 Champions League newcomers we can't wait to see this season
By Michael Yokhin published
UEFA Champions League It’s back – and with plenty of fresh faces in tow. Michael Yokhin picks out a selection of exciting stars making their first forays into the group stage

10 Premier League rejects who are having great times elsewhere
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Premier League So they didn’t make it in England’s top flight. So what? Michael Yokhin profiles a clutch of stars whose moves away proved their making

How the world fell back in love with Borussia Dortmund – and what awaits Tottenham
By Michael Yokhin published
Borussia Dortmund The Bundesliga leaders have thrilled the continent this season under Lucien Favre, and now meet Spurs in a standout last-16 tussle. Michael Yokhin charts the mighty comeback of BVB

Introducing Kepa Arrizabalaga: Chelsea’s world-record goalkeeper with magnificent reflexes – but still a lot to learn
By Michael Yokhin published
Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta Chelsea have gambled on the potential of a 23-year-old Spain international who, like David de Gea before him, may take time to adjust to the Premier League, writes Michael Yokhin

Remembered: The moment that changed Portuguese football forever
By Michael Yokhin published
Primeira Liga Once upon a time, Porto were huge underdogs. And, as they prepare to face rivals Benfica desperately needing victory, Michael Yokhin remembers when it all came together for them – and changed a footballing landscape…

8 intriguing things to look out for in football this weekend
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Premier League Three fierce derbies, an in-form goalkeeper, an under-pressure goalkeeper and a Celtic legend's last stand all feature in Michael Yokhin's preview

Gianluca Lapadula: Italy’s Jamie Vardy linked with Spurs, Leicester, Juve and... Barça?!
By Michael Yokhin published
Talentspotter It’s taken him until the age of 26 to get noticed by bigger clubs, but the Pescara man’s story is about to have another chapter written, writes Michael Yokhin...

Rubin Kazan: The former Barça slayers who could get a pummelling from Liverpool
By Michael Yokhin published
Rubin Kazan' The Russian side have been European competitors for six seasons now, but they're a shadow of their former selves, writes Michael Yokhin...

19 teenagers you won't be able to ignore over the next year
By Michael Yokhin published
FFT Wonderkids 2016 Close, but no cigar. Michael Yokhin introduces the next wave of dazzling under-21s raising eyebrows around the globe

Pep Idol: the Anti-Lobanovsky who inspired a generation – inside and outside Russia
By Michael Yokhin last updated
Spartak Moskva On the 25th anniversary of Konstantin Beskov's exit from Spartak Moscow, Michael Yokhin examines the career and ethos of the coach who confronted Lobanovsky and influenced a generation...

Sead Kolasinac to Arsenal: Meet the "nasty" defender who flourished in 2016/17
By Michael Yokhin published
Sead Kolasinac Michael Yokhin provides the lowdown on the Emirates Stadium-bound full-back

FourFourTwo’s 100 Best Teenagers in the World 2017: No.7, Douglas Luiz
By Michael Yokhin published
100 Best Teenagers He's currently plying his trade on loan at Girona, but Douglas Luiz is being watched closely by parent club Manchester City – who have high hopes indeed for the Brazilian
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