Ben Welch

London

Head of Social at ESPN UK

Head of social @ESPNUK | Writer | Producer | Gooner | Host of @iokfootball

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Articles

Women's footballers urge FIFA end Saudi Aramco partnership

Oct 20, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Ben Welch

A group of over 100 professional women's footballers on Monday sent an open letter to FIFA urging the world governing body to end its partnership with oil and gas conglomerate Saudi Aramco. In April, FIFA signed a four-year deal which will see Aramco become a worldwide partner, including in major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and the Women's World Cup the following year.
Liverpool vs Chelsea preview: How to watch, stats, news, FPL

Oct 17, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Gabriele Marcotti |Ben Welch

There is plenty to play for when Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday as Arne Slot's side hope to remain top of the table, while Chelsea seek to further establish themselves in the race for Champions League qualification. Chelsea haven't won in this fixture since March 2021, although there will be hope at the club that Enzo Maresca's team can break that streak. Both sides have new managers this season, and Chelsea have finally enjoyed a promising start to the campaign.
Transfer Talk: Madrid's pursuit of Alexander-Arnold heats up

Oct 16, 2024 | espn.in | Tom Fenton |Graham Hunter |Ben Welch |Connor O'Halloran

The winter transfer window won't reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around.
Paris Saint-Germain name Yohan Cabaye to lead youth academy

Oct 15, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Rob Dawson |Ben Welch

Former France international Yohan Cabaye has been named as the sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Cabaye made 48 appearances for France, including at the 2014 World Cup and the European Championship in 2016. He played 57 times for PSG from 2013-15, between spells in the Premier League with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
Goals are not enough: How data created the modern striker

Oct 15, 2024 | owensbororadio.com | Ben Welch

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Goals are not enough: How data created the modern striker

Oct 15, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Ben Welch |Graham Hunter

"We don't see goals like that anymore." That was former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher's reaction having just seen Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán unleash a ferocious strike from 35 yards that slammed into the back of the net, sealing a 3-2 win over Everton last month. It's not entirely true, but almost. In the 2006-07 Premier League season, 22.3% of non-penalty goals were scored from outside the box. By 2023-24, that had nearly halved to 12.4%.
Goals are not enough: How data created the modern striker

Oct 14, 2024 | thepress.net | Ben Welch

Strikers were once judged by a single metric. Today, their overall contribution is more valuable. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry Welcome! We hope that you enjoy our free content. Not a subscriber? Click here to add your comment to the story!
Rehab, setbacks and long-buried grief: Press' transformative journey back from injury

Aug 22, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Ben Welch

Christen Press once believed she was indestructible, immune to the injuries that had sidelined teammates and ended careers. But in 2022, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear shattered not only her knee but also the carefully constructed armor she had relied on throughout her career. What followed wasn't just a physical struggle to return to the field but a profound journey of emotional recovery. Initially, Press saw rehabilitation as purely physical -- a means to heal her body.
Chelseas Jess Carter seals transfer to NWSL side Gotham

Jul 29, 2024 | espn.co.uk | Emily Keogh |Ben Welch |Sophie Lawson

Gotham FC have signed England defender Jess Carter for an undisclosed fee from Women's Super League (WSL) side Chelsea,Despite penning a three-year contract extension with Chelsea in 2022, Carter has opted to move to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side on a one-year-deal. "I cannot wait to join Gotham FC," Carter said in a statement. "The club is playing at an incredible level right now in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
How meditation helps soccer stars like Haaland get in the zone - ESPN

Jul 27, 2024 | espn.com | Ben Welch

In a sport dominated by muscle and mettle, an increasing number of soccer players use meditation to help them find focus in their game and in life.