Ben McAleer

Ben McAleer

News writer & editor

📝 Bio: I am a freelance football expert with over 15 years’ experience in the industry. Having put the ‘free’ into freelance after graduating Bath Spa University with a degree in Media Communications in 2010, I was lucky enough to make the move into full-time work with football stats website WhoScored.com in 2013, progressing through the ranks until I became Head of Content in 2022 before leaving in 2025. I’ve been lucky enough to write about the sport I love for well over a decade, which includes the privilege of attending some of the biggest games in the Premier League and Champions League.

âšœ My Football Story: A frustrated Tottenham fan, I can recall my first ever match at White Hart Lane as my dad dragged me along to a drab 0-0 draw with Wimbledon in January 1999. While it hardly set the world alight, this was the match that remarkably made me fall in love with the beautiful game. Since then, I’ve been to countless games at home and abroad, as both a fan and as press, letting out a sound that no man should make as Dele Alli scored that goal at Crystal Palace. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the flesh.

🎯 Areas of Expertise:

  • Expert opinion & analysis
  • Sub-editing
  • Scout reports
  • News writing & editing
  • Premier League, Champions League, Europa League & European football
  • Betting

🌟 Favourite Footballing Memory: Travelling to Wembley for the 2008 Carling Cup final as Tottenham beat Chelsea thanks to Jonathan Woodgate’s face. It was the longest 120 minutes of my life but the relief as the full-time whistle blew
 gives me goosebumps to this day. Taking my son to his first ever Tottenham game, albeit a pre-season one, also fills me with a sense of pride, even if he does insist he now supports Arsenal


Articles by Ben McAleer
  1. Juventus appoint Luciano Spalletti with major clause

    Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Luciano Spalletti following Igor Tudor's dismissal earlier this week. Tudor succeeded Thiago Motta in Turin in March and was handed a three-year contract after guiding Juventus to the Champions League. Juventus currently sit seventh in Serie A following their midweek 3-1 win over Udinese, though they are just three points behind rivals Inter in third.

  2. Major Mohamed Salah transfer update issued

    Mohamed Salah put pen to paper on a new Liverpool contract earlier in the summer. However, the Reds hitman has made a dire start to the season having scored just three league goals as Liverpool's title defence lies in tatters. The decision to hand Salah a new deal has been criticised and heightened speculation that the champions could cut their losses on the 33-year-old.

  3. Saudi chief claims they turned down Messi

    A senior sports official claims that Saudi Arabia has turned down an offer to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term stint ahead of the World Cup. The MLS season is currently at its playoff stage and will run until early December, and is expected to return again next February for the 2026 season. The season will then go on a break next summer for the showpiece event before resuming in August.

  4. Maresca reveals how Postecoglou hated Forest's tactics

    Enzo Maresca has told his Chelsea players that they need to improve when they play five-man defences. The Blues came undone against Sunderland last weekend as the Black Cats secured a late 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge as Regis Le Bris opted to change his setup for the game in west London. And the Italian delivered a humorous anecdote about Ange Postecoglou's decision to use a five-man defence.

  1. Delap labelled a 'thug' as striker collects Chelsea's latest red card

    Chelsea booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night but they had to work hard to ease past Wolves. Indeed, the Blues were 3-0 up at the break and barely survived a late onslaught as they progressed following a 4-3 win at Molineux. However, supporters were quick to criticise Liam Delap, who was sent off on his first appearance since August.

  2. Truth behind Juventus' interest in Chelsea's Maresca - revealed

    Juventus are on the lookout for a new manager following Igor Tudor's sacking this week with Luciano Spalletti expected to take over. However, Enzo Maresca, who was on the Juventus books between 2000 and 2004, has been linked with the vacant managerial role in Turin. Chelsea, though, won't sanction his exit at this stage of the season as the Blues look to add to their recent silverware under the Italian.

  3. Dowman makes more Arsenal history in Carabao Cup vs Brighton

    Max Dowman made Arsenal history in their Carabao Cup clash with fellow Premier League side Brighton. Mikel Arteta made wholesale changes for their meeting with the Seagulls as the Gunners look to secure their place in the next round of the competition as the likes of Kepa, Ben White and Piero Hincapie come into the side. However, it's Dowman's inclusion that will go down in the record books.

  4. Ex-Barcelona star calls out Yamal's 'lack of maturity'

    Rafinha Alcantara called out Lamine Yamal's "lack of maturity" following Barcelona's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid. Yamal was involved in a war of words with Madrid pair Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal in the heated El Clasico encounter at the Bernabeu. Ex-Barca star Rafinha pointed the finger of blame at Yamal for the defeat, claiming he gave Los Blancos "extra motivation" with his comments in the build-up to the game.

  5. Alonso speaks out on Vinicius Jr's substitution strop

    Xabi Alonso has admitted that a "conversation" is forthcoming with Vinicius Junior after his angry reaction to being substituted in El Clasico on Sunday. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to go five points clear at the top of the Liga table. Vinicius' reaction to his withdrawal, however, dominated part of Alonso's post-match press conference.

  6. Guardiola addresses Haaland injury fears after sickening collision

    Pep Guardiola has moved to address Erling Haaland injury fears after Manchester City fired a blank at Aston Villa on Sunday. City saw a five-game unbeaten streak end at Villa Park as Matty Cash's first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides in the Midlands. Defeat saw City lose further ground in the title race, with leaders Arsenal picking up a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

  7. Arteta reveals Saka illness as Arsenal also dealt triple injury blow

    Bukayo Saka came off midway through the second half of Arsenal's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze's first half strike proved to be the difference at the Emirates as the summer signing scored his first goal since his summer arrival from the Eagles. However, head coach Mikel Arteta has revealed that Saka's early withdrawal on Sunday came due to the England international's struggles with an illness.