B/R Football Ranks

This is the end of the road for B/R Football Ranks, but if you've enjoyed these episodes, please come subscribe over at our new home: Ranks FC.   fc57t4sx See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2020

The chapter has come to an end, ladies and gentlemen, and this is Episode 106, the last ever episode of B/R Football Ranks. It's been real. Thank you so much for sticking by us, and remember that whilst our time here is done, you can now find us over at Ranks FC.  This is our best bits. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did reminiscing. Poet's Prince, Transfer Titan and Rank God out. Rank Squad Forever.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2020

The European transfer window is over and the biggest deals are all done and dusted until January, so we thought it was only right to talk about the biggest deals and which clubs had done the best business. Sam picks the five teams who won the window, but we talk across Europe with some honourable mentions from across the continent too.  Hot Takes sees Sam discussing Liverpool's need to evolve if they're to keep their dominant streak alive, Dean talking about Edinson Cavani's move to United being a sensible move (whilst not the one they needed), and Jack picks Cadiz' 41 year old goalkeeper Alberto Cifuentes' retirement as his 'I Loved This Week'. There's also some talk about Adrian vs. Loris Karius, as well as which players might work for Mauricio Pochettino if he was to take over at Manchester United - there's a melon of the week from that vein, and Sam's nonsense rankings take an aggressively real-world turn. It really is Ranks FC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2020

We're into Dean Jones' favourite week of the year—transfer deadline week! With that comes the end of all the sagas that have been running on all summer: will they, won't they, what happens now? With that, we thought we'd take a peek at the biggest stories left to come this window and see how they might turn out.  Before that though, there's Hot Takes, where Sam shows some love to Ronald Koeman's new-look Barcelona; Dean tells the cautionary tale of Antonio Rudiger and why his future may lie elsewhere; and Jack talk about the Suarez-led, swashbuckling new Atleti side which demolished Granada on the weekend.  Of course there's also discussions of City's new man Ruben Dias, and the Klassiker-Super Cup in Germany, whether Dortmund can halt the Bayern machine; a Melon of the Week for an Arsenal full-back; and a Royal Rumble-themed Nonsense Ranking.  It's Ranks! Enjoy it whilst you can!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2020

It’s Golden Boy season and that’s an excuse to talk around some of our favourite young players in Europe. And to do so, we brought in one of the biggest and best voices in football podcasting: co-host of the mighty Stadio, Mr. Musa Okwonga, to help us whittle a shortlist of 40 down to 10, and pick a top three. We talk Fati to Foden, Davies to the Dortmund crew, and everyone in between as we try to crown the Prince Regent of European football for 2020. There's also Hot Takes, where Dean addresses what's going on at Manchester United, Sam talks a new-look Juventus under Andrea Pirlo, and Jack discusses a record-breaking Premier League weekend. And of course, there's Roulette and Nonsense, where we take a peek at the stadiums we're most looking forward to when fans are allowed back fully, the questions we get asked most as football journalists, and the best mountain ranges in the world. It's Ranks! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2020

We saw La Liga leap into action last weekend, albeit missing a few of its biggest names, and this coming weekend sees the full cohort return in Europe's Big Five, with Germany and Italy joining the party - so we thought we'd take a look at what you can expect from them this season.  We talk title winners, Champions League spots, Europa League places and VERY IMPORTANTLY, the Europa Conference League inaugural contestants for each of Spain, Italy and Germany; as well as looking at our tips for Golden Boot winners and Breakout stars in each league.  Hot Takes see Sam singing the praises of Tariq Lamptey; Dean discussing why Tottenham are trying to sign Danny Ings (or any number nine really) and Jack waxing lyrical about the pitched battle that was this week's Le Classique. Oh, and there's a very special Melon of the Week. It's all-new Ranks!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2020

The Premier League is back, baby! And we're back with a bumper episode to look at everything you need to know before the big kick-off. We start with Hot Takes looking at best signings, breakthrough stars and golden boot predictions, before Sam walks us through every team and where he thinks they'll finish the season.  Then it's on to Fantasy FPL for Roulette, where we discuss wing-backs, Wolves and Sheffield United; must-have Chelsea new boys and the players you simply can't go without. And because, we treat you here at Ranks, Dean gives a Melon of the Week and there's even a Nonsense Ranking. We love you, Rank Squad.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2020

It's episode No. 100 for B/R Football Ranks and we complete the ton with a 'back to basics' vintage which includes Hot Takes, Predictions and a glorious return of the Roulette wheel.  Sam gets back on the predictions train for the new season, but only after we take a look back at what he predicted last season - which, to be fair to him, included the incredible shout that 'Lyon will do an Ajax in the Champions League'. This year's predictions include shouts for Benfica, AC Milan, Manchester City, Aubameyang and Inter.  Hot Takes sees Dean talking All or Nothing and Spurs's transfer business; Sam ranting about Valencia having the single worst transfer window of all-time; and Jack giving some love to Sandro Tonali joining Milan - the team he supported as a boy.  And the Roulette wheel throws up questions on who Barcelona need to sign in their crisis period, Donny van de Beek's proposed move to Manchester United and how Leeds United will fare on their return to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.  Thanks for sticking with us through 100 Rank Squad. Here's to 100 more!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2020

The season is over, long live the season. With 2019/20 wrapping up this weekend after Bayern were crowned Champions of Europe for the sixth time, we took precisely ten minutes off and launched ourselves into 2020/21, which is already underway in France, Scotland and beyond. No rest for the wicked!  To get ourselves into gear, we took a look at the teams we're most excited to watch over the coming year, because of their signings, setups and systems; so that you can have the heads up on who you should be keeping an eye on. To do so, we brought in Behind the Lines co-founder and legend of Football Twitter, Mr. Zach Lowy - who went toe-to-toe with Sam in his selections, pitting two footballing heavyweights against each other.  Before that, Sam and Jack break down the UCL final and how Kingsley Coman's goal should be a wakeup for PSG letting their youth leave on the cheap and discuss Thomas Tuchel's substitutions; before flicking to the UEL where Sam touches on Diego Carlos' strange couple of games and Jack surprises everyone by picking a Sevilla moment as his 'Thing I Loved'.  It's B/R Football Ranks, and the football keeps coming.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2020

Even writing that title felt weird. But the biggest transfer saga of the summer is underway, and it's one we never thought we'd even consider. After Barcelona were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, rumours abound that Lionel Messi has finally had enough of life in Blaugrana, and fancies a new challenge.  Now, we've heard these rumours before. So we thought we'd bring in someone who had a deep insight into the workings of big transfers at Barcelona. Cue Marcelo Bechler, the man who first broke the news that Neymar was off to PSG, and who on Sunday night, wrote the first article that Messi could do the same, setting the football world ablaze. We got Marcelo on to separate fact from fiction, and work out what Messi's thoughts really are.  And then onto the club as a whole, a bloated mess from top to bottom. Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent for ESPN and Sport, joined us to talk what the next steps are to trying to steady a sinking ship, and what can be achieved ahead of the planned elections next year.  Oh and we take a deep dive into the appointment of Ronald Koeman, and how he might fare in the hot seat at the Nou Camp. Enjoy, Rank Squad.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2020

The Champions League is back, returning in a fever dream of a month which includes a World Cup-esque knockout round in both the big one and it's much beloved little brother, the Europa League. We take the bull by the horns, ranking all eight of the contenders left in the competition by how likely they are to win it.  Given that it all feels a bit like an international tournament, Sam also gives each team an international comparison to really drill home just how they play. It's a whole lot of fun.  And in Hot Takes there's room for a big discussion on Andrea Pirlo's appointment at Juventus, succeeding the unfortunate Maurizio Sarri after just one season at the helm in Turin; and of course the lowdown on Jadon Sancho's potential move to Manchester United from Dortmund where Dean explains the PR war going on between the two clubs, in the press. There's some big love for Leverkusen-Inter and United-Copenhagen (shouts out Karl-Johan Johnsson) in the Europa League as well! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2020

It's back! For a second year running, the Rankies return - the Oscars of football - to hand out trophies to those most deserving; and this year, we've gone all Continental: it's pan-European. We rank Europe's MVP, Standout Individual Performance, Signing of the Season, Kit of the Season, Breakthrough Player, Surprise Package and Melon of the Year, talking everything from Liverpool to Granada, Haaland to Joelinton and Ilicic to Danny Drinkwater. We've got it all.  There's also some big praise for Maurizio Sarri's Juventus, a breakdown of a thoroughly entertaining FA Cup Final and Jack rhymes the entire campaign. Strap in.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2020

Cup Fever grips the Rank Squad as we look forward to the final game of the English domestic season—The Heads Up FA Cup Final, with our pals over at Deliveroo. To give you the full lowdown, we brought in two friends of the Squad to give the lowdown on each side. In the red corner, CheekySport's Joel Beya representing Arsenal, gave us his thoughts on how the Gunners' new-found confidence and workrate under Mikel Arteta would be the key to them lifting the famous old trophy. And in the blue corner, Neets of Goal Diggers Podcast and the FLWN channel told us that it'll be royal blue ribbons on the Cup, because, in her own words, "it's Arsenal". Of course, there's all the trimmings too - this is Ranks. Hot Takes see Sam suggesting penalties should only count for half a goal in Golden Boot races; Dean giving the latest on Thiago's proposed move to Liverpool and Jack waxing lyrical about David Silva; before we give you everything you need to know on the transfers and tactics of both sides in this Cup Final.  There's talk about Werner, Ziyech, Havertz, Chilwell, Rice, Pope, how Lampard fits them all in next season and where the Blues need further reinforcements. In terms of the Gunners, we discuss Thomas Partey, Luka Jovic, Willian, Ryan Fraser, Thiago Silva, and why fans should be excited by the return of William Saliba.  For your matchday munch, make sure you get on the Deliveroo app for the game, where you'll find up to 25% off with football meal deals!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2020

Real Madrid are La Liga champions, and worthy ones at that, after winning 10 games in a row after the restart to see off perennial rivals Barcelona and claim the crown. We break down how Los Blancos have recovered from the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to overcome Leo Messi's Blaugrana and reinstall themselves at the top seat of the Spanish table.  To do so, we wanted to talk to Spanish media royalty, and so we brought in Phil Kitromilides of The Spanish Football Podcast to give his views on the most important players this season for Real, and how high this ranks in the pantheon of Zinedine Zidane trophies.  To play both sides of the table, we got the view from Barcelona's perspective from Rik Sharma, one of Barcelona's most highly respected journalists, and find out just where it went wrong from a Blaugrana perspective.  B/R Football Ranks takes on El Clasico.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2020

Dean and Jack are joined by Christian Falk, Head of Sport at German newspaper Bild and one of the most trusted transfer sources in the game to talk about the biggest deals going down in the Bundesliga and beyond this summer.  We talk Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, Kai Havertz to Chelsea, Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool, Sergino Dest to Bayern and David Alaba to Man City; alongside the latest on Lautaro Martinez, Neymar, Thomas Partey, Kalidou Koulibaly, Jorginho and of course, what's going on in the Cauldron of Galacticos, the Bernabeu of Real Madrid.  In Hot Takes we discuss the overturning of Manchester City's FFP suspension which allows them back into the Champions League next season, and lavish praise on an unlikely goalscoring hero in La Liga - Athletic Club's Raul Garcia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2020

This week, Ranks met the most successful American coach in the game right now, Mr Jesse Marsch of RB Salzburg, double winner and Coach of the Year over in Austria, to talk about almost everything. There's discussions about his successes this season; why Erling Haaland can be the best No. 9 in the world; how Timo Werner, who he coached at Leipzig, will thrive at Chelsea; if Takumi Minamino is best played in Firmino's position at Liverpool; the cult of Jurgen Klopp; the next talents off the Salzburg production line; and if he'll coach the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.  There's also Hot Takes, where we discuss Man United'd front three and how they're electric, but still need Jadon Sancho; and Barcelona's scintillating return to form on Monday night against Villarreal. Dean names one of the boys from the Lane as Melon of the Week and in a special nonsense, Sam ranks the letters of the alphabet.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2020

With the title all wrapped up on Merseyside and the two leading lights of English football clashing this week, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to unleash the second in our 'VERSUS' series that takes on the biggest debates in the game. Following on from facing off Messi and CR7 in every category, we took the debate to the dugout to pit Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp against each other.  We talked tactical style, variation, trophies, transfers, player development, youth, media handling, longevity and legacy to square these two modern powerhouses of the game off, and the winner is for you to decide.  There's also hot takes, including a discussion of the Pjanic/Arthur swap deal between Barcelona and Juventus; the lowdown on Achraf Hakimi's move to Inter Milan; and of course some more love for 'Mercedes' Benzema. Plus we crown TWO Melons of the Week and Sam ranks ideas he's pitched in this week's nonsense.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2020

On Leo Messi's 33rd birthday, it felt only right to celebrate a man who has brought football fans the world over bucketloads of joy and happiness throughout his entire career. We thought we'd give that the Ranks spin, by ranking his most breathtaking moments from years of pure genius.  With football back, we brought back the formula - Hot Takes 2.0 sees Sam talking Real Madrid and Karim Benzema's influence, Dean giving the latest on what you need to know about Sergino Dest's future destinations and Jack discussing post-match interviews—from Neal Maupay's outburst to Ben Mee's eloquence.  Then there's the return of Roulette, where we talk Cristiano and the fifth penalty conundrum, as well as which leagues we've enjoyed being back most, before Sam rounds things off with a long-awaited nonsense ranking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2020

Yes you read that right, it's another preview special, but this time with an added twist. We're off to Italy for the Calcio climax, the Serie A summit; rife with races for European escapades and a six-way survival scrap.  And alongside Jack is Marco Messina, of Italian Football TV - the NYC boys making big waves in the world of Calcio - who comes to give us his in-depth knowledge of what's going on in Italy as the season starts once again; before Dean joins us to talk the big transfer stories happening across the division.  Oh and there's the interviews: JC and Sam meet Justin Kluivert, Roma winger, who tells us what three-course meal he'd cook for Francesco Totti and what tunes he's playing in the dressing room. And the incredibly talented Juventus and Turkey starlet Merih Demiral gives us his first ever English-language interview about his teammates and the Juve squad.  How's that for a bonus episode? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2020

The Premier League becomes the latest league to restart, meaning there's a whole new set of mini-rankings to look at - no title fight to speak of, but there's exceptionally exciting races for the Champions League and Europa League places, as well as a relegation battle with six teams scrapping for their lives at the bottom.  On top of that, we know you're gasping for some FPL tips to save your season, so we brought in the brilliant FPL Family, Lee and Sam, to give us their best advice for the rest of the season.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2020

This week B/R Football played host to a round table on racism in the game and beyond with some friends, colleagues and heroes of the Rank Squad. We wanted to give you a chance to listen to that discussion, in full, here on the podcast.  Hosted by Kate Abdo, the conversation features the USMNT and Schalke’s Weston McKennie, World Cup winning USWNT star Crystal Dunn, and former players and B/R broadcasters Tim Howard and Maurice Edu talking about the experiences they’ve had in the game and further afield. There is no place for racism, in football or beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2020

La Liga becomes the second of Europe's big five leagues to return this week, following in the footsteps of the Bundesliga and there's plenty to be excited about in Spain: a title race, a Champions League race, a Europa League race and a relegation scrap all in the balance. We discuss all of it in a La Liga special, alongside the three players you need to watch outside of the top two, and the games we're most looking forward to—starting with the Seville Derby that kicks us off on Thursday.  There's also a chat with our friend Stu Holden, who's a part-owner of relegation-threatened Real Mallorca. He talks about what it's been like owning a club in this weird time, and how the club is looking to avoid the drop back into the Segunda.  If you want more Ranks content, make sure you're locked in as Sam and Jack commentate on Sevilla-Real Betis on Thursday night (9pm UK/4pm ET/1pm PT) on the HotMic app - sign up using the code RANKS! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2020

Alex Inglethorpe is the Academy Manager at Liverpool and former Youth Coach at Tottenham, one of the most highly regarded youth coaches on the planet, and has helped bring through talents such as Harry Kane and Trent-Alexander Arnold among many more. He joins the Rank Squad to talk about what elite players such as these have in common, and how they rise above the rest in a field full of talent.  We talk mentality, love of the game, attitude and much more, and with the added benefit that Alex used to coach our very own Dean Jones at semi-pro level many years ago, there's a fair bit of reminiscing too.  And, of course, we talk about the horrific events that have rocked the planet this weekend and the response in football. There is no place for racism, in football or anywhere beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2020

This Saturday should have been the 2020 Champions League Final, with thousands descending on the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, 15 years after the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005 took place on the same turf. Other circumstances mean that can't be the case, but we thought it was a good time to look back on the last 20 finals and rank them in terms of entertainment, drama and footballing quality.  Would the last visit to the Ataturk top the list? Or could it be topped by La Decima, or the Madness in Moscow, or one of the Wembley wonders? Only one way to find out... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2020

So says Charlie Stillitano, perhaps the best connected man in the US soccer sphere. We were lucky enough to be joined by Charlie, Executive Chairman of Relevent Sports, the company that hosts the International Champions Cup, and host on The Football Show on SiriusXM FC. We cover everything from across the world of football, from La Liga to the Champions League, the idea of a Super League to robots in football. There's a lot to cover, but it's a ride through some of the most contentious ideas in the modern game with one of its most interesting and thoughtful characters.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2020

Yes it was a bit strange. No it wasn't perfect. But it was a damn sight better than nothing and we loved having football back on our screens! Jack and Sam are joined by Bundesliga commentator James Thorogood to talk through the weekend's action and see what we can glean from it, not only just for Germany, but for the rest of the world too. We talk empty stadiums, the benefits of home advantage, explosive fullbacks, Achraf Hakimi's impending return to Real Madrid and Kai Havertz's next move, alongside much more.  Join us for Gladbach vs. Leverkusen on Saturday on HotMic! Keep an eye on @jackjcollins and @stighefootball on Twitter for all the details.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2020

USMNT and Schalke star Weston McKennie joins the Rank Squad to talk the return of the Bundesliga, the Revierderby against Dortmund the future of the USMNT, and chilling with Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, as well as ranking all the Harry Potter films and much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2020

The Bundesliga is coming back this weekend, as our friend Alphonso Davies starts off by telling us and Ranks is here to tell you everything that you need to know to make sure you're on the ball and ahead of your friends when football returns to our stadiums and screens.  Who do you need to be keeping an eye on? Who is going to be a superstar? Which teams are the most fun to watch? Who should you support? And which games should you be watching? All this and more locked up in true Ranks style, as Sam and Jack are joined by Bundesliga commentator Rob Daly to talk through the league from top to bottom. Football's back, and we're more excited than ever.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2020

There might be a pause on football, but there's no pause on the rumours linking Europe's future stars to the elite clubs coveting them. In this episode we look at future superstar hotbed Ligue 1, talking the players you need to know before the summer window, why you need to know about them, and where they look to be headed. We talk Ibrahim Sangare, Victor Osimhen, Moussa Dembele, Houssem Aouar and Eduardo Camavinga, as well as a few more star names on their way to the top; before Sam brings back nonsense rankings - the skills he's learned in Quarantine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2020

Marcus Rashford talked to Ranks' Sam Tighe about what he's been up to in quarantine, the possibility of Jadon Sancho coming to Manchester United, his dream six-a-side team and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2020

Newcastle United are in the middle of a takeover which, if completed, will see them become the richest club in England, by some distance. But you can't just wave a magic wand and create a brand new club in one go, so we thought we'd put together a blueprint-not just for Newcastle, but for any club who suddenly find themselves mega rich, and want to spend it wisely. This is what the #RankSquad came up with...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2020

It's NFL Draft week and we wanted to get involved in the fun, so we thought we'd set up the inaugural #RanksDraft. We got an old friend of the Rank Squad, Jimmy Conrad, on the phone; and we got ourselves a draft order and picked our World XI's to face off against each other when football resumes. It's chaos, and it's all sorts of fun-and you should play with your mates too. If you do, let us know using #RanksDraft on Twitter and Instagram!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2020

There are great players, and then there are the greatest players ever. Loads of them have never won football's most prestigious individual award, however. We look at five of those greats who never held up that Golden Ball, look at why it never happened for them and consider when it might have done. This is B/R Football Ranks, putting football back in the right order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2020

There have been 10 transfers in football history that have cost more than €100 million. You know the names. Neymar. Ronaldo. Griezmann. Hazard. Pogba. Dembele. Coutinho. Mbappe. Bale. Felix. There's discussion, disagreements and drama, as we take Sam's ranking to task over his placements. This is B/R Football Ranks, doing what we do best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2020

Gianni Infantino dropped us a message this morning asking us to play out what we thought would happen in this year's UCL. Not wanting to let the big boys down, we obliged, talking through every tie left, including a live draw for the quarter and semi-finals, to work out who should be crowned Champions of Europe right now. It wasn't easy. There's tough decisions to be made about the fate of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, we discuss whether Atalanta's fairytale sparkle could take them all the way, two German powerhouses stake their claim for glory, and both Manchester City and PSG's ultimate ambitions are put to the test. There's arguments, drama and decisions. This is B/R Football Ranks, Champions League edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2020

Lockdown and isolation meant one thing-the chance to sit down and forensically analyse the biggest football debate of our time. The Rank Squad looked at ten categories to compare the two men who have dominated the stage at the Ballon d'Or and beyond for 12 years and counting: Aesthetics, Physicality, Skill, Finishing, Creativity, Teamwork, Penalties, Free Kicks, Adaptability and Clutch Moments. From there, it's up to you. With no football taking place, we threw Hot Takes to you, and you told us some of the most controversial football opinions that you hold dearest - and we took them on for a quick debate. Shouts out to everyone who got involved on the B/R Football Twitter channel. We talked Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sergio Ramos, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Christian Eriksen, Phil Foden, Mo Salah and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2020

These are strange times, and without football to comment on every hour of every day, what do you do as a football fan with your waking hours? Luckily, the #RankSquad are here to help, with an episode that promises to highlight the best of football books, films, documentaries, classic games, video games, and podcasts to keep you occupied during this barren spell. There's also some words of advice from some old friends of the Rank Squad - Alexis from The Cooligans, comedian Rhys James, former USMNT stars Jimmy Conrad and Mike Magee, and Connor Rodgers from our brothers at Stick to Football, on how they're staying sane with no football to speak of; whilst Jack, Dean and Sam discuss their first weekends in quarantine. The most important thing right now though is that you stay safe, Rank Squad. Sending thoughts and love to every single one of you-we're with you every step of the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2020

The Premier League Hall of Fame inducts its first two members later this month and ahead of that celebration, we decided to try and work out exactly who those players should be. The Rank Squad were joined by Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at The Independent, to work through the top 10 players he would place into the Hall of Fame - the only caveats were that only their PL games counted, and that they had to have retired. It made for some interesting results... Need, Want, Love gave us a discussion of where Harry Kane's future lies should he decide to leave Tottenham this summer; who Dortmund should sign as the replacement for Jadon Sancho if he makes his long-mooted return to the Premier League; and which game you need to be watching this weekend (if it goes ahead!) There was also a return to Roulette, where we talked the favourites for a really hard-to-predict Champions League and why every team left in the competition should be absolutely licking their lips, as well as whether Billy Gilmour should retain his place in Chelsea's lineup even when their other midfielders return to fitness; before Sam ranks the worst types of people who abuse him on Twitter in this week's nonsense rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2020

Change can be a good thing, especially in the world of football. The Rank Squad were joined by Harry Brooks, football coach at Round World Royals, to talk about the professional players he coaches, and the superstars-in-waiting who could do with a change of position or system to really unlock their potential. We talk about some of the most exciting wonderkids coming through, why he thinks Liverpool selling Mo Salah might be a sensible option this summer and a host of other tactical bits. Hot Takes revolves around Sancho and Grealish possibly heading to United this summer, how Wolves could be a good bet for a Champions League spot in two separate ways, and why the opening weekend of MLS was lit!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2020

It's one of the biggest games on the planet and it takes place this weekend - El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, Castilia vs. Catalunya, at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. Not only that, but it's got a title in the balance - before it kicks off, Barcelona sit two points clear of their great rivals at the summit of La Liga, but will they open up the gap under new boss Quique Setien or will Los Blancos swing things back in their favour. The Rank Squad, including Sam Tighe live and direct from Atlanta, Georgia, answer all these questions and more. Dean and Jack then talk a host of more general Clasico questions, from which goalkeeper we'd prefer, to which players from each side would best strengthen the other, to our favourite players ever from Real Madrid and Barcelona. Then, we're joined by MLS Expert Ranker Matt Doyle, of MLSSoccer.com, to talk about the MLS campaign that begins this weekend, including how Galaxy will replace Ibra, how Becks' Inter Miami will get on, and who he thinks will win the whole thing. As ever, we go back to Sam to round things off, and this week's nonsense involves all the things that he just doesn't get about the good old United States of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2020

Knockout competitions are one thing, but it's league titles that show a team's supremacy best over the course of a longer period. Football writer Tom Williams joined Dean and Sam to talk through how Europe's finest teams this season would get on if they were in a 20-team, 38-game season; and who would come out on top. There's plenty of debate and disagreement as Sam places teams from across the continent from 1 to 20, and who doesn't even make the cut. It's another 10-minute special for Roulette-we talk we talk football tech, Sam's influence on actual match outcomes and how to get into football journalism; before Sam finishes things off with his nonsense rankings of which reality TV shows he'd be best and worst on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2020

Fantasy PL is one of our favourite things, but it provides some real pain to us all on a regular basis. The latest member of the Rank Squad is Rambo, host of the Premier League's official FPL YouTube show, 'FPL FYI', who joins us to discuss some of the worst things that can happen to you as an FPL manager. We start, as ever, with Hot Takes. We discuss Manchester City's rebuild as Dean gives us the lowdown on City's transfer targets for the summer; revisit our interview with Bayern's Alphonso Davies as Sam names him one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe right now; and give some love to the Serie A Title Race as Jack names Lazio-Inter as the game you absolutely cannot miss this weekend. We name a special Melon of the Week, and answer Roulette Questions about Neymar's birthday and the best upcoming managers in the game; before Sam ranks meat and booze combinations in an especially weird version of Nonsense Rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2020

Liverpool have taken 100 points out of the last 102 available in the Premier League. They have lost 2 games this season, one of which was whilst playing a youth team. This team, frankly, looks unstoppable. But can they be halted in their tracks by a team who they have still to play? We take a look at how teams should set up to try and best the Champions-in-waiting. We start, as ever, with Hot Takes. We discuss whether Real Madrid are potentially the most long-term prepared team in Europe, if Spurs' victory over Man City papers over some deeper issues between club and manager; as well as talking just how good Erling Haaland's start at Dortmund has been We hit a special number on Roulette which triggers a new game - how many listener questions we can answer in 10 minutes. We talk All-Star games, NBA style-penalties, new Premier League signings and half-time shows; before Dean takes over nonsense for the week to talk the best and worst jobs he's ever had.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2020

Which clubs are in trouble as the window draws to a close? The Rank Squad take a look at some of the teams across Europe who look right now that they might have some real problems going into the second half of the season, from those desperately in need of signings, to those desperately in need of some leadership, to those desperately in need of a soul. Hot Takes includes a discussion on Josip Ilicic, the man on fire in Europe right now; where Krzysztof Piątek could end up if he leaves the red and black half of Milan this window; and a debate on if Jurgen Klopp is right to not be in attendance for Liverpool's FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury, including a Reds view from John Gibbons of the Anfield Wrap. Deano gives out another Melon, we talk the most exciting leagues in Europe and the wildest moments of the window in Roulette, and Sam talks the most difficult everyday tasks in this week's Nonsense Rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2020

It's the January Transfer Window and to many that means wasted money, desperate bids, and deadline day madness - but it doesn't have to be so! Jack, Dean and Sam take a look at some of the best January transfers to go down in recent years, from those who have flipped a huge profit on sensible recruits, to the players who have gone on to be the bedrock of their teams, leading them to new heights and glories. We start with a good old game of Who Am I? Before launching into Hot Takes, where we discuss Ole's future at Manchester United and how the club are planning to go about their business in this window and the next, Riqui Puig's introduction in Setien's first Barca game and what that means for both fans and for other La Masia graduates, and some of the chaotic storylines across Europe that you might have missed - namely Theo Hernandez and Leon Bailey. Roulette contains a discussion of whether it would be better for Liverpool to go Invincible or smash the PL Points Record, who we'd vote for as our PFA Player of the Year and which club are the favourites for the title in the newly returned Bundesliga, before Sam talks football rules that he would add to spice up the season in his Nonsense Rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2020

Barcelona have themselves a new manager, Quique Setien, and he's a man well liked around these parts. Sam Tighe and Jack Collins give you the lowdown on what to expect from the new man in the Nou Camp hot seat and how he'll impose his style of play on a side who many feel have not reached their potential under Erneste Valverde. Our favourite comedian, Rhys James, joins us for his hat-trick appearance on the show, and as a Tottenham fan, we give him a therapy session on how he has coped with adjusting to life under Jose Mourinho and the absence of Mauricio Pochettino in his life. With that done, we move onto Rhys' main ranking-things he doesn't understand about the modern game, ranging from VAR decisions to how new football chants get off the ground in the terraces. As you'd expect, there's a lot of laughs. Dean rings in from Michigan with his Melon of the Week, before Sam rounds things off by ranking his favourite numbers. It's raucous. It's rough and ready. It's Ranks. To get involved, follow @brfootball on Twitter and Instagram, and use the hashtag #BRFootballRanks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2020

New Year, New Predictions. With a new calendar on the go, Sam Tighe, Dean Jones and Jack Collins take a look to the 12 months ahead to see what the big stories are going to be. We talk Gabriel Martinelli's rise to stardom, whether Leeds can return to the big time in England, Kylian Mbappe's goalscoring feats, Kalidou Koulibaly's future and who will be lifting the Champions League trophy in May. In a revamped Hot Takes, we discuss James Maddison's future amid speculation Manchester United have made an offer for him, new Juventus man Dejan Kulusevski and how he'll get on in Turin next season, and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal after their win over Bielsa's Leeds in the FA Cup. Roulette returns with a discussion of Soyuncu and Maguire, the most disrespected player in the Premier League and the worst transfers from the summer transfer window, before a certain Portuguese manager is named Melon of the Week and Sam talks New Year's Resolutions in his Nonsense Rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2020

Happy New Year Rank Squad! We're back for 2020 with a corker, a Dean Jones special ranking of the five biggest transfer storylines that you'll hear in this January Window. We discuss Christian Eriksen, Gareth Bale, Lucas Paqueta, Edinson Cavani, Wilfried Zaha and Jadon Sancho and where their respective futures may lie. Hot Takes are renamed Haaland Takes for one week only as we look at Dortmund's new signing, working out whether he's made the right move, if the price tags add up and if his arrival makes Dortmund Bundesliga title favourites. The Roulette Wheel returns, bringing us questions about if Mikel Arteta will improve Arsenal and who United should be looking at signing this month, before Dean names his melon of the decade and Sam ranks his best and worst Christmas presents. To get involved, hit us up on Twitter or Instagram, and use #BRFootballRanksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2020

We're at the half-way point in the Italian season, the famous Winter Break, and it couldn't be any tighter at the top-with Maurizio Sarri's Juventus and Antonio Conte's Inter locked in a two-way tussle for the Scudetto, inseparable on 42 points. We decided it was a good time to look back at the season so far, and to do so, we brought back our Calcio expert, Bleacher Report's very own Alex McGovern, to talk all things Italian football. We discussed the ups and downs of 2019/20 so far, including the teams and players who had both impressed and disappointed us over the last few months, banged on for a bit about how much we love Cagliari, revelled in Atalanta's Champions League fairytale, and all things considered, had a very nice time. We hope you enjoy our trip to La Repubblica, and as ever, you can get involved by hitting us up on social media or using the hashtag #BRFootballRanks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2019

Meet David Olaoye, the 23-year-old from London who is writing his name into the history books in a way different to any other. Leaving the English lower leagues at just 17, David has travelled a career path all his own, that has taken him from Greece to Slovakia to Norway, via Argentina, where he became the first Englishmen to ever play professionally in the country. David talks us through his maddest stories, his career so far, and his hopes for the future; as well as the experiences he's had across the world. To get involved, join the Rank Squad by using the hashtag #BRFootballRanks or hitting us up on social media!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2019