Harry De Cosemo

A freelance European football journalist who has worked for a variety of outlets including the Press Association, MARCA in English, FourFourTwo and SportsKeeda

Stories By Harry De Cosemo

• Sport

  Despite El Clasico win, Barcelona aren’t “back” yet

  Gerard Pique’s Twitter feed should always be taken with a pinch of salt. It has been four-and-a-half years since he posted a photograph with Barcelona teammate Neymar captioned ‘he’s staying’ mere days before the Brazilian signed for Paris Saint-Germain.

• Sport

  Vieira pushing Crystal Palace to new heights

  Following Crystal Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Everton on Sunday, Patrick Vieira said his side were going through an ‘exciting period’. He was speaking after a comprehensive 4-0 victory at Selhurst Park, and although the big story may well have been the Toffees’ latest collapse after a positive start to the game, Palace’s ability to stay calm and gradually assume control while playing a brand of football nobody thought would have thought possible a year ago is testament to their development under the Frenchman.

• Sport

  Criticism of Newcastle United’s Saint-Maximin undeserved

  The gap between Newcastle United’s two Premier League encounters with Everton was just over five weeks, but for Allan Saint-Maximin, they were worlds apart. On the evening of February 8, the Frenchman stood in the centre of the St James’ Park pitch, arms outstretched, singing along to ‘Hey Jude’ by the Beatles as he was serenaded by 52,000 people having inspired a season-turning victory.

• Sport

  Enjoy understated Thiago Silva while you can

  During the Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Liverpool and Chelsea late last month, there was a noticeable pattern that ran through the entire 120 minutes of football. It was the reason only a missed penalty by substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga gave the Reds victory under the arch.

• Sport

  Real Madrid vs. PSG subplots make for a fascinating encounter

  In a strange way, Kylian Mbappe’s injury and potential absence from Wednesday night’s Champions League last 16 second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu is bad news for everybody, including Real Madrid.

• Sport

  Could Dusan Vlahovic put Juventus back on top?

  For Juventus, defeat in the 2017 Champions League final was a bitter blow. It was their second appearance in the showpiece event in three years, but this one felt different to the last. Against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona in 2015, the Bianconeri were simply outclassed by a better side; a team worthy of a second treble in just six years.

• Sport

  Tough times could follow Bielsa departure

  Marcelo Bielsa was the loveable eccentric who couldn’t be harnessed, stepping into the fire pit of bombastic instability. It was 2018 and the Argentine, known affectionately as ‘El Loco’, turned up in West Yorkshire as the poetically uncharacteristic choice to resurrect Leeds United, English football’s greatest basket case of the 21st century.

• Sport

  Brilliant Jarrod Bowen deserves an England chance

  There are so many reasons to love the current England team. Obviously, and most importantly, their talent is key; this is the first generation of players in many a year that look like they could actually deliver on their incredible potential.

• Sport

  Could Felix decide intriguing Atletico vs. Man Utd clash?

  There are so many similarities between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United this season, and not in a good way. Struggles to match expectation with their league form have called into question the long-term direction of both, but it was a specific difference that made their Champions League last-16 meeting so enticing when the draw was made.

• Sport

  Summer transfer window could be make or break for Spurs

  Angel Di Maria’s words in 2014 cut Tottenham deep. They revealed how, despite years of attempting to become a member of the elite, they have never quite managed to bridge the gap. It was in the aftermath of Madrid’s tenth Champions League triumph, the coveted ‘Decima’.

• Sport

  Newcastle are finally united and should now push on

  Finally, at the third time of asking, it happened for Newcastle United. Since the Saudi Arabian-led takeover in October, everybody has been waiting for a moment where the future could begin, only to be met with a frustrating false dawn.