Author: Alec Cordolcini

Jeremy Perbet has been on fire since joining Belgian Jupiler Pro League side RAEC Mons. The 27-year-old scored 40 goals in 40 games in 2011 and is going from strength to strength.

Switzerland has seen a rollercoaster 2011 with Basel scoring a famous Champions League victory over Manchester United, but the country’s national team failing to qualify for Euro 2012. The future is surely bright at international level too though.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Stijn Schaars are powering Sporting’s bid for the Portuguese title. And supremo Carlos Freitas, along with coach Domingos Paciencia, spy bright times ahead.

Rodney Sneijder was always destined to be compared to his older brother Wesley, the Holland and Inter star, as he took his first steps into the game. But the midfielder is focusing on his own career and not feeling the pressure.

Finnish football has struggled with match fixing, but the unearthing of wrongdoing at little RoPS still caused surprise. The side had seemed to be in the grip of a beautiful fairy tale.

Swiss Super League side FC Thun are threatening to turn back time this season. Challenging once again on the domestic front and making progress in Europe, Thun are reviving memories of their Champions League run six years ago.

Udinese are one of the most intriguing clubs in Serie A, punching above their weight and unearthing future stars. We spoke to Sporting Director Fabrizio Larini about their approach.

Holland’s Eredivisie was won by Ajax last season and the 2011/12 season looks set to be dominated by the country’s big three once again. And with talents galore, the Dutch top flight will be as exciting as ever.

Jari Litmanen is a legend in Finnish football and the creative forward continues to light up the game even at 40 years old. Litmanen has attained legendary status and is not finished yet.

Switzerland’s Super League is returning for its new season and there is enough talent on display, combined with the return of Servette and Lausanne to the top flight, to suggest the 2011/12 campaign could be a classic. We preview it.