Adam Wharton's meteoric climb from Blackburn Rovers academy graduate to Crystal Palace's midfield dynamo has become one of English football's most gripping stories. Wharton, 21, has already won the FA Cup and played a key role in an Eagles team that is rewriting the club's history. His mix of technical proficiency, vision, and mental maturity has drew the notice of Europe's elite, establishing him as one of the continent's most sought-after young talents. This blog delves into Wharton's rise to prominence, the characteristics that have contributed to his success, his tactical role, and why he has become a target for the world's biggest clubs. Foundations: Blackburn Roots and Early Breakthrough Adam James Wharton’s footballing journey started at Blackburn Rovers, where he joined the academy at just six years old. Growing up supporting the club, Wharton rapidly ascended their youth ranks, making his professional debut in an EFL Cup match at 18. His c...
Spain has announced a new contract for Luis de la Fuente, two years after he took over from Luis Enrique. After nearly a decade of coaching in the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) youth ranks, de la Fuente assumed control of the senior team in January 2023, following the 2022 World Cup.
During his first six months in charge, his hiring was heavily questioned due to his lack of senior football experience and a crushing defeat to Scotland in his second game. However, a Nations League victory that summer silenced critics and sent La Roja on a journey that would culminate in a European Championship.
During his first six months in charge, his hiring was heavily questioned due to his lack of senior football experience and a crushing defeat to Scotland in his second game. However, a Nations League victory that summer silenced critics and sent La Roja on a journey that would culminate in a European Championship.
Last summer in Germany, fueled by a passionate dressing room culture and a surge of fresh talent entering the club, de la Fuente's side outperformed every opponent, winning the trophy in the final against England with a late Mikel Oyarzabal goal. The Basque forward, like many of the senior team's current players, is someone de la Fuente knows from his experience coaching the under-19s and under-21s.
His contract will last until 2028, including the Euro 2028 campaign next summer, perhaps extending his tenure to 5.5 years. It has been a source of contention between the RFEF and de la Fuente, who believes he is underpaid. According to Diario AS, his new contract will pay him roughly €2 million per year as he aims to win the World Cup in 2026.
Rafael Louzan, the new President of the RFEF, had made de la Fuente's contract a priority, as former temporary President Pedro Rocha was unable to renew it due to constraints on his authority. Spain's next match is against the Netherlands in the Nations League quarterfinals in March.
His contract will last until 2028, including the Euro 2028 campaign next summer, perhaps extending his tenure to 5.5 years. It has been a source of contention between the RFEF and de la Fuente, who believes he is underpaid. According to Diario AS, his new contract will pay him roughly €2 million per year as he aims to win the World Cup in 2026.
Rafael Louzan, the new President of the RFEF, had made de la Fuente's contract a priority, as former temporary President Pedro Rocha was unable to renew it due to constraints on his authority. Spain's next match is against the Netherlands in the Nations League quarterfinals in March.
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