France Football have today unveiled a rather interesting list- rating teams by their “mythical status”. The best way we understand this is for teams that had their heyday in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, or influenced the game in a manner that saw them write their names into the annals of history.

It probably explains why Ajax, with ex legends both on and off the pitch, like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, and their Total Football concept, are first on this list. And also explains why teams that have obtained success in more recent times, like Manchester City and PSG, are not on it.

Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona occupy spots 2-5. Other teams that certainly fit into this category (in our opinion!) are the likes of Santos, Benfica, River Plate, New York Cosmos and Budapest Honved. There is a sense of nostalgia about the past greatness of these teams in the current generation, which explains their mythical status.

Interesting list though- here it is below in full (countries on the side in French)

Crystal Palace have completed the loan signing of Mitchy Batshuayi from Chelsea till the end of the season. The Belgian had been linked with a variety of clubs on transfer deadline day, with potential moves to West Ham, Real Betis, Everton and even Tottenham Hotspur being touted in the press, but eventually opted to move to Selhurst Park.

Palace, managed by Roy Hodgson, are currently 15th in the table and will take on Fulham this weekend. Batshuayi should make his debut against the Cottagers and will be key to their chances of winning, especially in the absence of Wilfried Zaha, who is suspended for this clash after his red card in their 1-1 draw against Southampton.

(via Twitter)

The Palace loan spell is the 25 year old Belgian’s third since joining Chelsea from Marseille in 2016- the previous two being with Dortmund in Germany and Valencia in Spain. The BVB spell was a successful one; the VCF one not so much, and Palace fans will be hoping that it is the Dortmund version of Batshuayi who turns up for them.