7 Biggest Myths In Modern Football 

Everybody knows biggest myth in football is that your team lost purely because you were to confident,or you didnt watch the game

"Paulo Dybala doesn't exist" really caught me off guard

Another pretty big myth is that Chelsea is just having a “rebuild season”

THAT Evra clip caught me off-guard.

Immobile has never scored a goal when tv is turned on

Alfie why don't you upload these as podcasts to Spotify? These talks are the perfect stuff to be listening to on your commute

Just as People in England call the defensive midfield role the “Makelele” role, People in Brazil call it “Volante”, also because of a player who mastered it, Carlos Volante. He, however, played in the 1930’s

One ridiculous myth that I’ve seen thrown around a bit too much is Juninho’s having a free kick conversion rate of 44% at Lyon. This comes from a misrepresentation of the stat that 44 of the 100 goals Juninho scored for Lyon were free kicks. An absolutely brilliant free kick taker but his conversion rate was definitely not 44%…

"2-0 up is the most dangerous score" isn't so much a myth but a good philosophical saying to keep your eye on the prize, ignore the score & focus on playing the game. Don't let that lead change the course of the match - if you're dominate continue pressurizing, if not continue taking calculated risks, if you're under the cosh & the lead is flattering continue weathering the storm. Another example of one of those is "the customer is always right". That's absolute bollox too, but the point of it is to remember the aim is to take their money, not get caught up in irrelevancies like who's more knowledgeable about whatever's being sold to them.

All I gotta say is 2-0 down is the most dangerous scoreline for the Mexican national team when they're facing the USMNT.

I can't unsee what Evra did to that raw chicken, thanks Alfie🥶

Myth seven: 2:46 Myth six: 5:52 Myth five: 11:31 Myth four: 14:14 Myth three: 16:42 Myth two: 19:39 The Myth King™: 22:36

With the 2-0 lead one, i think it makes more sense that its "The most important goal" is after 2-0. If the opponents score then its 2-1, they're back in the game. I'f it becomes 3-0, then the team is too far ahead. This is similar to tennis with 30-love being the most important point of the gamr

correctly flagging goals for offside? GAMES GONE SOFT🇬🇧👑

HITC, I am a goalkeeper coach, I strongly agree with everything you said about goalkeepers. The very idea of the near post myth actually makes me shoot near post when I play striker instead of keeper to much success😂. Nailed every aspect

Chelsea conceded only 15 premier league goals in Mourinho's first season, meanwhile my team (Sheffield United) have conceded more than that in our last 3 home games 😭😭

alfie exposing the average brit ball knowledge 💀

Definitely the “6 second rule” it’s never enforced

Here in Brasil, we have a internet myth that people and social media pages just love to believe It's true, involving Romário and Johan Cruyff at Barcelona. With a certain degree of variability, the story basically goes like this: Romário asked Cruyff if he could take a Holiday trip to Brasil, to celebrate Carnaval. Johan responded that If he score twice in the matchday, he would allow him to go. Romário then proceeded to score two goals in the First half, and then by the end of the initial 45min he would've asked Cruyff to sub him off (some versions say that he intentionally picked up a red card), saying "Mister, my flight leaves in an hour".

On the Maldini thing, as a Milanista, and an Italian, Maldini played 900 matches in club football, with 400 clean sheets during that period. But, that "record" I could never understand where people got those numbers from lol. remember Milan went undefeated for nearly 3 years, but it was nowhere near anything like that, during the 93/94 season we had an incredible defensive campaign, Sebastiano Rossi kept 32 clean sheets just during the 93/94 season conceding only 15 goals which includes the 4-0 champions league final destruction of Barcelona, but the record is wildly inaccurate.

Thank you for tackling one of the many damaging myths regarding goal keeping. Another ridiculous and damaging myths is goal keepers are responsible for clean sheets. For many years as a junior keeper i was to feel ashamed as i failed to achieve this goal ultimately putting myself under so much pressure i failed completely. Later in life and as a club keeper coach i would ask younger keepers "are you responsible for clean sheets" and inevitability one kid will say yes. So i put them in goals and asign 5 other players to be stikers. Usually the keeper will protest that thats not fair to have 5 vs 1 to which i point out that its a teams responsibility to keep clean sheets not a single player. Keepers are not there to keep clean sheets, their job is to make it as difficult as possible to score. An excellent goal is a complement to the keeper. If a team has to score a top goal then the keeper has successfully done their job. Another myth is keepers are over protected. Keepers have the most dangerous job on the field. Its not easy to take the ball from a striker feet by putting your body in harms way. The reason that you cant interfere with a keeper, or any other player in the air, is the heightened chance of landing in an uncontrolled way. This can and has led to spinal injuries. No game is worth that injury. Its also rich coming from strikers who only need to be brushed against who go down for penalty claims. Safety first surely ps that rule exists in other football codes too for the same reasons.

Mine would be that Brazil’s historic success is due to their attacking prowess alone. When Brazil have won the World Cup, they have always been a menace to score against. If you look at their team now with, Marquinhos, Eder Militao, Thiago Silva; and Allison, there’s an argument to be made they’re better at defending that going forward. I think the 2002 team with the three R’s is probably their most top-heavy WC Winning team, but even then they had Cafu, Lucio, and Roberto Carlos. The 1994 team had Cafu, Dunga, Aldair, Marcio Santos, and Taffarel, and they only gave conceded three times all tournament, two of which were vs the Dutch.

You are by far the best Football RU-vidr/Influencer. Maldini/Baresi is the perfect example for bad sport journalism in today's world. You just can write any stuff you will, and some people will believe you.

Had no idea that I'd be watching a video of Patrice Evra gently licking a raw chicken today, yet here I am 😂

Fun Fact: In his 900 match career for Milan, Maldini kept 400 clean sheets in all competitions, and 69 for the Azzurri, taking his total to 467 clean sheets in 1029 matches. When it comes to Paolo this is the record people should be talking about which is absolutely incredible.

"We play better with 10 instead of with 11" Helenio Herrera.

This is completely right, however minor addendum, that last point isnt true for my team. It is a myth for everyone else though. Good vid

You're missing out if you've never had Greggs in the Andromeda Galaxy

In the German speaking world there is a huge myth/saying that the fouled player shouldn't take the penalty (because he might be in the wrong state of mind). This has also been disproved from what I could find.

One of the biggest myths in football is that the "Miracle of Bern" was indeed that, a miracle. The Germans were not the plucky no-hopers they are portrayed as. Sure, they lost 8-3 to Hungary in the group stage, but that was with a second-string team. They went on to comfortably beat two very decent teams in Yugoslavia and Austria on their way to the final, hammering the Austrians 6-1. Meanwhile, Hungary had to survive a bruising quarter-final against Brazil, before being taken to extra-time by Uruguay. The final was played in heavy rain, which suited Germany far better. Also, the Germans had boots supplied by Adidas which featured previously unheard-of exchangeable screw-in studs. The Germans had the added advantage of being dosed with methamphetamine. The German equaliser should have been disallowed due to a foul on the keeper, and Puskas had a goal disallowed for offside, which by all accounts was a very close call. The Hungarians should have won the match, but calling the German victory a miracle is a bit of a stretch.

Day 4: 7 greatest seasons before Retirement (like Cruyff’s season with Feyenoord)

Also, the myth that it was easy for Dixie Dean to score as many goals as he did because the offside rule didn't exist

That Patrice Evra clip is deeply unsettling!

The most dangerous score in football is being 1-0 up against Uruguay

Can you make a video about African football leagues more specifically the South African and Egyptian football leagues, and how SA reached the semis of the recent Afcon despite majority of the squad playing in a domestic league.

Please do a vid on the 7 biggest teams that flopped. Teams that were expected to dominate and yet completely and utterly failed. I think of the galacticos and psg when I imagine this.

2-0 might be a myth, but as an Argentinian watching my team giving a football lesson to france in the world cup final until 78 minute i would reconsider

My favourite is when people say “it’s not VAR that’s the problem, it’s the people using it”. Like how did nobody think of that, you truly are a genius

Another myth is that the Brazilian teams were free to create without tactical obligations, when in reality the Brazilian teams have always been aristocratically organized between those who attack and those who defend.

The Maldini quote should actually be interpreted as "if i have to make a tackle then myself or someone else has already made a mistake". Which is much more accurate as CBs statistically make much fewer tackles than any other outfield player because they're the final line in defence and relying on them to make a challenge leaves you exposed.

you DID NOT need to include that Evra clip 😭😭

7 good teams who suffered huge defeats. Not necessarily big clubs, Barcelona weren't great when they lost 8-2 but sides that are actually good and consistent who conceded 5 or more

"I had someone try to convince me that the refs are conspiring against Rotherham I mean why?" That really caught me off guard

Brother I absolutely adore the tiney tiny bits of social commentary you season into you videos. That's peak political education and based as hell, keep up the great work

Thanks for including a picture of Ed de Goeij (the guy next to van der Sar) in the goalie bit. Made my day (not really, but you get what i mean)

The biggest myth is that finishing ability is the most important attribute of a striker, and that if they’re not getting any chances it’s their teammates’ fault

Day 22 of asking a "What Went Right for Stade Brestois?" Video This is currently, by far, the best season in club history, one which could result in their first ever qualification for Europe in over 70 years of existence. There's a fascinating story to tell, from going bankrupt and slowly climbing back, to various great names that played there such as Ribéry, Makélélé or José Luis Brown, to the story of the Brest president going up against the Colombian drug cartel. Plus, you can have a lot of Brest related puns. And hey would you look at that, you just talked about Makelele

Every video of yours I just keep waiting to see what you have to say about Freddy Adu and I'm never ever disappointed.

So the near post "truism" was taught to me when playing goalkeeper and I never questioned it but it passed the smell test for one reason: like Alfie says, your job is to make it as hard as possible to score. By positioning yourself solidly against your post you're forcing either a cross or a shot in a more complicated angle than just a straight shot into the bottom or top corners of your post. The difference is not enormous, but you're giving your defenders a chance to cover a cross and you're still giving yourself a chance to dive to the far post without conceding the easy angle. Not sure if any of this makes sense, but my point is, I don't think of this as a 100% myth, there's some truth to it, I feel.

In Czechia we have a "rule" called 'Csaplár's trap' which means that leading 2:0 at half time (not any other time, just after the first half) isn't going to win. Don't know how successful this theory is though, but I would say it is bigger percentage than which you presented.

That Evra clip….i….i dunno 😵‍💫

Apparently the hardest thing in football is to score a goal..personally I think keeping a clean sheet is much harder. The stats back that up.

Before Makalele there was The Diamond, Nobby Stiles behind Charlton and Kidd at 8 and 10 with Best and ashton on the wings. Souness anchoring Sammy Lee, Ian rush and Sir Kenny. Before Makale made it boring (developing ruthless talent to make up for zidane and figo refusing to jog back past halfway for Real) it was the Beckenbaur role, a free sweeper playmaker behind the back four, also favoured by Gullit and Moore and Baresi and Sammer, that only went out with the changes to offside tactics and better pitches and a lighter ball making length of the pitch moves more common moving the sweeper in front of the back four rather than behind (see also Pirlo destroying all before him).

Bob Holness of Blockbusters fame played the saxophone on Gerry Raffertey's Baker Street

Ref are definitely not against any singular team in particular. But there's a tendency of seeing a team getting a wrong decision either via referee or VAR, and proceed to wrongly get an advantageous decision for them the next game. And the cycle repeats for the next team.

It's good to know that Patrice Evra probably has spectacular diahorrea on the regular. Needed that knowledge.

Can’t believe this is how I learned that goldfish don’t have two second memories

I’ve heard that 2-0 nonsense from hockey commentators as well. Although, strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it said by a basketball person.

I want to know about the Syrian rebels to be honest

I just love all of the topics you have chosen so far and that is a rare feat, so:👍👌👏 and ❤! Please keep on doing your excellent work, enhancing the world of football, but so much more, with your incredibly funny, deep and intelligent comments.

Another one I see way too often is ball possession being a clear indication of which team were the better and/or deserved to win the game.

Great video (as always)! I don’t know if that would make for an interesting video, but I would love to hear your thoughts about the 7 (biggest/best) teams in which their captain was arguably their worst player, since (at least in my opinion) many teams seem to just give their best player the captaincy, especially recently.

Always great content man, keep up the good work!

Apart from the usual extraordinary video we are always treated to, I was shocked to hear at the end of the video that YT is trying to shut this channel down. I have 2 Theories: A: Alfie is making one of his remarkable sarcastic comments, would be a perfect fot for a consiparcy related video B: it is actually happening because Alfie talks about topics no one dares to talk about, but that is what makes this channel so unique. I would go with B, and if that's true then I call up on the community of this channel to continue watching the video's and liking them so they get recommended to other football fans.

You are my favorite channel on RU-vid. Thank you for your consistent, original, and phenomenal content. I root for Hull in their matches because of you ❤

Myth: David Bentley's restaurant/ pub never existed

Excellent content like most of you videos, keep up the good work Alfie 👏

A smaller myth but I think necessary to tell is UEFA welcoming membership based on human rights core and value, which is nothing more than a myth shattered. UEFA approved Kazakhstan to leave AFC to UEFA in 2002, only for later documents published by human right groups in Nordic countries accusing Kazakhstan of theft, bribery, imprisonment of dissidents and corruption to join UEFA and that Kazakhstan has become the 21st century's first sportswashing state. Sadly UEFA's blinded reactions enabled authoritarian regimes in the world to copy Kazakhstan playbook since, notably Russia, China and Saudi Arabia.

The 2-0 one might come from the times of away goals - you lead 2-0, and just 1 goal makes the difference between an awesome home result and a tough 2nd tie

On the goalkeeper bit "He made that save for the cameras" is one that does me. Utterly stupid and there's never another way the keeper could have saved it 🤦🏻‍♂️

Loved the video, and for some reason, the heart at the end gave me a smile 😊

Hi Alfie I’m a huge fan of your content and for that I thank you a lot. Are you planning on doing a video of the recent scandal of corruption by Benfica ? Big shout out from Portugal 😁

always love your vids, Alfie. Don't usually comment on vids but here's one to boost the algorithm .

What I freaking love about this channel is the unapologetically sarcastic tone of voice lmao

Top 7 best premier league teams to get relegated

Would love a full video on those daft conspiracies if you have the time, that Dybala one sounds like great fun!

Well that was aggressive mate, and I loved it 😂

Didn't need to see that patrice evra clip.

Surely the biggest myth is that clubs are more than just businesses and fans are more than just customers

#4 is a weird take to me because if you were to build the perfect soccer player in a lab, from a physical and athletic standpoint, you'd probably build someone that looks a whole lot like Cristiano Ronaldo

Absolute top tier video!

Your content is so enjoyable, and it's just still images for video. Testament to your writing.

I think the "2-0 is the most dangerous lead" thing is really more accurately phrased as "it's the most DECEPTIVELY dangerous lead." a 1-0 lead is obviously, blatantly precarious, to a point where it's a given that it is the most ACTUALLY dangerous lead, by far, and throwing away a 3-goal lead is a SUBSTANTIALLY rarer event than a 2 goal lead. meaning that 2-0 hits that sweet spot between not being OBVIOUSLY dangerous in the way that a 1-goal lead is, but not being statistically safe to anywhere near the degree that 3-goal-leads are. the key point being that it's disproportionately dangerous relative to HIGHER leads and not as comfortable as it might appear.

Well well, we can add Alfie to the list of corrupt public figures on the FA’s unstoppable quest to down the mighty Rotherham United

Alfie posts I watch, Alfie cries I cry, Alfie mad I'm mad. Love you bro keep it up.

One of your best to date, loving your snark

Great video Alfie!

The biggest myth is that Newcastle are a big club. Big clubs win trophies. The barcodes are a mid table team with a lot of (gullible?) supporters. No cups but lots of mugs!

In Bulgaria is getting damn mad over the referees helping Levski, CSKA and Ludogorets (especially Ludogorets) to reach the top 3 meanwhile Cherno More is fighting against the BFU, The referees and other thing, which is...

Despite the simple concept, this channel and Alphie just seem to get better and better with age, just like a fine wine! Unbelievable work Jeff!! 😂❤

The goalkeeper one that I hate the most is 'he has to clear everything up there', in other words the goalkeeper should recklessly knock anyone over in their way as long as they catch the ball. We've actually seen this attitude knock players out and put them in hospital - but by the actual rules this is dangerous play and shouldn't be allowed.

I will add two that I've seen plenty of times, and ridiculous to say the least. 1- Messi's childhood treatment turned him into a super human athlete, thus should be stripped off his awards. 2- The most powerful and obscure people from the football world and media are against Ronaldo, and he is battling them in the shadows. I mean, could you imagine? One of the most recognizable and marketingable faces in the world, that have spent most of his professional days playing for both the biggest club in England and the biggest club in Spain, and nowadays is the biggest name in Saudi Arabia's sportwashing apparatus, while enjoying benefits and commodities that no other of his colleagues has, that guy, somehow is being plotted against by "The powerful" ?

Great video mate!

The weird thing I learnt from this hat is that from 2-0 up you're more likely to lose than draw It probably won't go wrong but if it does it'll probably go really wrong

Good stuff. Done it again - started by critiquing the idea that goalkeepers shouldn't concede at their near post, before suddenly debunking trickle-down economics! If you do a part two, could you combine the incorrect theory that the economy works like a household budget, with the concept of the "[club X] way", i.e. that your team somehow has a different / unique / more attractive / classier style than others?

Thank you so much for mentioning the Ronaldo/Messi one. Drives me mad every time I hear it

One that always gets me is "right before half time is the worst time to concede" I don't even understand the logic. Surely conceding right before getting a 15 minute break to regroup isn't the worst time.

My team, Colo-Colo, lost twice to Universidad Católica 2-3 after leading 2-0 (I was at the stadium both times). I also remember the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth game and, of course, the 2-5 Liverpool loss to Real Madrid after leading 2-0 too. Also, this season in Spain, you have Real Madrid beating Almería and drawing to Valencia after being 2-0 down. While it's true that those results are a drop in the ocean, they do happen often enough to make question themselves if there's a reason why after leading a match 2-0 isn't always a win.

You finally uploaded! I resorted to watching Rory Jennings yesterday.

This might be the greatest video of all time. On my way to play the smart ass with my friends