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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
Making predictions is a mugs game and that is never more true than this term. If anyone claims they predicted back in August that Nottingham Forest would be above Manchester City going into the final stretch of the season, theyre a liar. Just like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur being in the bottom half of the table, its been an unpredictable campaign.
So, as we run the rule over the best players in the Premier League for 2024-25, there are undoubtedly some names who wouldnt have been in the conversation at all last summer. Players from Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Forest and Fulham make the grade, whereas theres little room for Manchester United and Spurs representatives. As with all these sorts of rankings, theyre open to debate, so let us know what you think on social media using #FFTPL50.
Elsewhere, David Beckham turns 50 this month we talked to former team-mates and people in the game, Harry Kane included, to offer their thoughts on Golden Balls as he morphs from footballer to owner.
Duncan Ferguson cut a rather intimidating figure on the pitch, but FFT plucked up the courage to speak to him and pass on readers questions.
Plus, 20 years on from that famous night in Istanbul, we relive Liverpools Champions League final triumph over Milan with Stevie G, Carra & Co. Enjoy.
Top 50 Premier League players
From warhorses to Wor History-Makers, FFT ranks a half-century of talent from 2024-25 has your leading man made the cut?
Elliot Anderson: Geordie Maradona
The midfield maestro reflects on Nottingham Forests incredulous campaign after swapping St James Park for the City Ground last July.
Bruno Guimaraes talks Toon triumph
Newcastles Brazilian skipper reveals how Eddie Howe masterminded the Magpies historic League Cup final victory to end their trophy drought.
Goodbye to Goodison Park
Just shy of its 133rd birthday, Merseysides Grand Old Lady hosts its final Everton match this month English footballs last link to a bygone era will go with it
Demba Bas Dunkerque spirit
The minnows have been a sensation this season, pursuing promotion to Ligue 1 and facing the mighty Paris Saint-Germain in a Coupe de France semi-final. FFT went along to see it along with supporters from, er, Grimsby?!
Miracle of Istanbul, relived
Liverpools victory over Milan remains the most remarkable final in Champions League history in the 20 years since, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and plenty more key protagonists have reminisced to FFT
Pro ballers turned whistle-blowers
FFT headed to Warwick to meet the 10 ex-professional footballers aiming to make it as match officials via a World Cup and a stint as a US Open golf caddy.
Happy 50th birthday, Becks
As Golden Balls hits the Big 5-0, FFT talks to old team-mates, and Harry Kane, to hear untold tales, from busting bleep tests to white-tie-and-diamond parties...
Duncan Ferguson answers YOUR questions
The former Everton marksman tackles your questions about prison stints, headed hat-tricks, climate change and his tips to deter burglars. It's a cracker.
Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland
Exeter gaffer and ex-Scotland defender Gary Caldwell discusses spooking Forest, Sir Bobby Robsons advice and getting the better of David Trezeguet
Stennys Norse support: Thirty years after taking Stenhousemuir to their hearts, nutty Norwegians are crossing the North Sea to cheer on a promotion quest.
In Best & Worst, lifelong Rochdale diehard Dean Smith remembers Keith Hills pink pants, vanishing hair tricks and the legendary Craig Dawson.
Football Pools relaunched: The staple of British football culture once turned fans into millionaires now the Pools are benefiting from a digital reboot.
Wringing the Belles: Red tape has put Doncaster Belles on the brink of the fifth tier. What next for the womens games former giants?
The Mixer
AC Milans in-house vodka, New Balances fruity Furon footwear, the latest Jude Bellingham boots, a neat initiative from Swedish side AIK and a delightful San Diego Loyal shirt make the latest showreel of footballs most sought-after stuff.
Want to get something in The Mixer? DM Deputy Editor Matt Ketchell
Upfront
Ex-Blackburn captain Tim Sherwood names the games that changed his life, while Jules Breach reveals her successes of the Premier League season.
Put your football knowledge to the test with our quiz about beach balls, monkeys and Lionesees, then peruse My Football where Geordie singer-songwriter and Newcastle fan Andrew Cushin recalls offering Shay Given a job.
Elsewhere, two of the team debate whether Trent Alexander-Arnold should be cherished as Liverpool royalty if he leaves Anfield for Real Madrid on a free.
In the Players Lounge this month
Ludovic Giuly explains what it was like watching Lionel Messi emerge at Barcelona and toppling Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League Final, while Ben Foster describes winning the League Cup with Manchester United and Birmingham, and Roberto Sensini opens up about clinching the Scudetto at Lazio and losing Diego Maradona to a drugs ban at the 1994 World Cup.
Perfect XI
Thomas Der Hammer Hitzlsperger fuses a whos who of Premier League all-stars with some favourites from his Germany and Bundesliga days.
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