Ryan Baldi is a sports writer with more than a decade of experience for The Guardian, the BBC, The Athletic, DAZN, FourFourTwo and World Soccer. He writes tactical and statistical analysis, reported features and long-form interviews. He is the author of four books, including The Dream Factory: Inside the Make-or-Break World of Football’s Academies, shortlisted for the 2022 Football Book of the Year.
Words by Ryan Baldi
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Football, Explained: Why Are Wingers Playing on the ‘Wrong’ Side?
Ever wondered why left-footed wingers are played on the right, and vice-versa? Dragon Football has the answer.
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Football, Explained: What is the record for most goals scored in a single season?
Which player has scored the most goals in a single season?
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Football, Explained: What Is Expected Goals (xG)?
For most of its existence, football has had a peculiar relationship with numbers. Thorough records were kept to track who scored, who…
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The Scouting Report: Why Andrey Santos is more than a £50m consolation prize for Manchester United
Andrey Santos is more than a consolation prize for Manchester United, he's a future Premier League star.
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Football, Explained: What Is the Longest Penalty Shootout Ever Recorded?
Ever wondered what the longest penalty shootout ever recorded was? Dragon Football has you covered.
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Football, Explained: Why Are Transfers Paid In Instalments?
Ever wondered why football transfers are paid in instalments and never all at once? We've explained the process behind some of the…
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The Academy Beat: Inside Football’s EFL Exit Trials
Thousands of footballers face the axe from professional academies every year, but the EFL Exit Trials offer players one last chance of…
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Phoenix Clubs: The Fall and Rebirth of AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon's story is one of the most remarkable tales in football. Discover their rise from the ashes and rebirth, told from…
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Football, Explained: What is the role of a False 9?
The false 9 is one of football's most under appreciated revelations, but what does the position actually mean?