5 Things We Learned From The Past Week’s Fixtures

The past week has provided a masterclass in the unpredictable nature of global football, spanning the tactical rigors of the Premier League, the flair of Serie A, and the high-stakes drama of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). As we cross the threshold of January 5th, 2026, the narratives defining the season have shifted from speculation to concrete reality. From the resurgence of defensive stalwarts in North London to the ageless brilliance of a Croatian maestro in Milan, the stories emerging from the pitch are as diverse as they are compelling. This week was not just about results; it was about identity, resilience, and the emergence of new icons on the international stage. Here are the 5 things we learned

1. Brahim Diaz Has Settled Seamlessly Into AFCON

In the heat of the AFCON 2025 tournament, a new king is being crowned in Morocco. Brahim Díaz has transitioned from a high-level club contributor to the a focal point of the Atlas Lions. His integration into African football has been seamless, marked by a technical sophistication that few can match. On January 4th, Díaz cemented his status by scoring a spectacular 64th-minute winner against Tanzania, a goal that secured Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals. This performance was more than just a match-winning moment; it was a record-breaking achievement. By finding the back of the net, Díaz became the first Moroccan player in history to score in four consecutive AFCON matches—a testament to his consistency under immense pressure. In a tournament where many European-based stars struggle against organized, low-block defenses, Díaz’s “Real Madrid DNA” has provided the creative spark necessary to unlock opponents. He is currently the frontrunner for the Player of the Tournament award, embodying the flair and clinical edge that Morocco hopes will lead them to continental glory.

2. The Return of the Saliba-Gabriel Partnership Has Regalvanized Arsenal

In the Premier League, the narrative surrounding Arsenal’s title aspirations has often focused on their attacking fluidity, but this week proved that their true strength lies in the heart of their defense. The “brick wall” partnership of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba has long been considered the foundation of Mikel Arteta’s project, and their reunion this week has regalvanized the squad. Following a difficult December where Gabriel’s absence through injury saw the Gunners drop crucial points, his return has immediately restored a sense of invincibility. The impact was most visible in their recent triumphs over Aston Villa and Bournemouth. Gabriel did not merely perform his defensive duties vs Bournemouth; he proved his value in both boxes by netting the opening goal of the match. The sheer dominance of the duo has led pundits like Gary Lineker to label Gabriel as the premier defender in world football at this moment. With both center-backs fit and firing, Arsenal has climbed back to the top of the Premier League table, signaling to their rivals that they possess the defensive “cheat code” required to sustain a title charge through the grueling second half of the season.

3. Real Madrid Can Win Without Kylian Mbappe

There were concerns at the Santiago Bernabéu that the absence of Kylian Mbappé would leave a void too large to fill, but Sunday’s 5-1 demolition of Real Betis offered a resounding rebuttal. While Mbappé watched from the stands nursing a knee sprain, manager Xabi Alonso demonstrated the terrifying depth of the Madrid squad. The spotlight shifted to 21-year-old academy graduate Gonzalo García, who seized his opportunity with a performance for the ages. García’s sensational perfect hat-trick silenced any whispers of “Mbappé dependency”. The result underscored a vital lesson learned this week: Real Madrid’s success is built on a robust system that transcends individual superstars. Whether it is a Ballon d’Or contender or a rising star from the academy, the tactical framework established by Alonso ensures that the team remains a devastating force. Madrid proved that while Mbappé is a luxury, the collective machine is what will ultimately win trophies.

4. Mali Are Defiant

Perhaps the most statistically improbable story of the week comes from the AFCON quarter-finals, where Mali has emerged as the ultimate “draw specialists”. In an anomaly that has fascinated analysts, Mali has reached the final eight of the competition without winning a single game within the traditional 90 minutes of regulation time. Their journey has been defined by grit and an unwavering refusal to be beaten. After playing out 1-1 draws with Zambia and Morocco and a stalemate with Comoros in the group stages, Mali faced their sternest test against Tunisia on January 3rd. Despite being reduced to 10 men for the majority of the encounter, they battled to another 1-1 draw. Their resilience was finally rewarded in a tense penalty shootout, which they won 3-2 to advance. Mali is becoming the hardest team to overcome in Africa, proving that in tournament football, stability and psychological toughness can be just as effective as high-scoring victories.

5. Luka Modrić Still Oozes Football

Finally, we turn to Italy, where Luka Modrić continues to defy the biological constraints of professional football. At 40 years old, many expected his move to AC Milan to be a ceremonial conclusion to a legendary career, but the Croatian midfielder has instead turned the San Siro into his personal theatre. Modrić does not just participate in matches; he orchestrates them with an effortless elegance that remains unmatched. Statistically, Modrić is still operating at a world-class level, currently leading Serie A in successful passes while maintaining a 90% completion rate. In Milan’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari this week, he was the architect of every attacking move, showcasing the same “ooze” and vision that defined his iconic decade in Madrid. In one of the most tactically demanding leagues in the world, Modrić remains the best midfielder on the pitch, proving that class is indeed permanent.

As the first week of 2026 concludes, the footballing world is left with a clear picture of the current landscape. We have seen that defensive stability can transform a title race, that a well-drilled system can survive the loss of its brightest star, and that experience and resilience remain the ultimate currencies in high-pressure tournaments. Whether it is the youthful exuberance of Brahim Díaz or the timeless brilliance of Luka Modrić, the week has reminded us why this sport continues to captivate the global imagination. As these competitions move into their decisive phases, the lessons learned this week will undoubtedly shape the champions of tomorrow.