The new season of UEFA competitions is about to kick off, and the excitement this time around is on a scale we have not seen in a long time.
A decade ago, a certain 21-year-old had a debut season so remarkable that many refused to believe he could replicate or out-do it. “One season wonder” was already the assumption before the season was even over. Some bookmakers even shared free betting tips about a second season slump for him.
The transfer window - one of the most exciting times for football fans and the online betting community - is hours away from being shut. Fans are glued to their phones, eagerly awaiting that iconic 'here we go' from Fabrizio Romano, while others furiously type away on social media about their dream signings.
When the Chinese Super League embarked on a spending spree that shook European football back in 2011, it was soon apparent to everyone that there was a fundamental flaw in their strategy. They were not trying to position the league as a top league in world football that could attract the best players in the years to come.