O n May 11 2020, the crypto world experienced the phenomena knows as Bitcoin halving . For those who are still a little looney-toons regarding this phenomena, here's the lowdown . Moral of the story is that, as the Bitcoin supply decreased and it's 21 million market cap slowly approached, it was widely accepted that the low supply and high demand will increase the price of the cryptocurrency back to its previous highs. Basic business right? Wrong! Source: Equity Trust Company BTC prices actually fell and after briefly holding steady, are only just rising above the 10000 USD range. Surprise eh? Well, we are not done yet. Because while the most valuable crypto coin wasn't showing it's expected gains, some other cryptocurrencies shot to outer space. There was no SpaceX rocket nor a Tesla Roadster involved. These "altcoins" bumped up in their market value thanks to the entire underlying system of cryptocurrency: investor speculation. But what exactly are these ...
1. Liverpool
Liverpool has had a stunning renaissance of late, what with Jurgen Klopp finally establishing his gengenpressing and with Fenway Sports Group ( owners of Liverpool) finally buying great players. Mohammad Salah is a class act and Van Dijk is an expensive towering menace but has done his part solidly. While they failed to realistically challenge Man City for the EPL title, they have had an exciting run to the Champions League finals ( beating Man City in the process) only to horrendously lose against a decidedly lucky Real Madrid. You feel if it wasn't for Ramos and his cheap antics Liverpool wouldn't have lost both their star player and a decent goalkeeper on the same day. But Kopites must not feel disheartened, as Salah is alive and scoring, Alisson is an improved version of Karius and in Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri, they now have the depth to challenge on more than just one front. And the Fab Three haven't even hit their stride yet. This could be an exciting year for the Kop.
2. Atletico Madrid
A somewhat Spanish version of Juventus, this 'other club from Madrid' has also reached 2 finals, losing both to their cross-town rivals Real Madrid. If that doesn't make them angry or jealous, I don't what does. In a sense they are also like Liverpool, losing their final matches after beating world-class teams on their way to the finals. In one season they beat Barca, Bayern and other league winners only to lose against the 'pearly whites' in penalties. Diego Simeone is one sad coach, but he is nothing if not innovative and will surely have learnt his way through the depths of sadness. In Griezmann they have a player who has not only won the World Cup but is also consistently ranked among the top 10 players in the world. In Diego Costa, they have a merciless forward, bullying defences and burying shots at the back of the net. And in Thomas Lemar, they have their own midfield powerhouse. Atletico should ideally make it deep into the tournament unless they meet Real and the referee somehow ( but usually) screws the whole game over.
3. Tottenham
One of two surprise additions to this list is Tottenham, in the sense that they are perennial 'nearly men'. Last season, they topped their group beating Real and Dortmund. But once again Pochettino's men dropped out at the knockout stages. This season they have Barca as well as PSV in their group, both league champions, both raring to reach the knockouts. Tottenham have had the tougher side of the draw and with a big fat zero signings, they have a lack of depth. But they are a young side, who now have had regular Champions league endeavours and with a very good coach in the dugout. Who knows, with some luck or skullduggery they might just make it deeper than ever before? After all, they do have Kane, and now Son is back in the squad.
4. Man United
Most of you are like ' What the flying f**k?" since when did United become Champions League contenders? But for some reason, I have this unmistakable feeling that United will do well this year. They won't win it, but for some reason..call it intuition or maybe my mind is just degrading...they will do much better than expected of this sorry squad. They have probably one of the best squads in the tournament and a coach who has tasted champions league success twice. Yes they have been thrashed by a Tottenham side who have had exactly zero signings, their loss against Brighton would probably be the sorriest defeat of any top 6 side this entire season, and yes Mourinho has complained of a lack of signings and demanded a shitload of 'Respect'. But no one can deny that when Sanchez and Pogba click, United go from laughable losers to grudgingly acceptable winners. In Lukaku, they have a Belgian version of Diego Costa, and while Lukaku might be missing some decisive shots, his power and work ethic is almost second to none in the squad. In David De Gea, they have the best goalkeeper in the league and in Marcus Rashford and Martial they have strong, pacy finishers. And Luke Shaw has seen a stunning turnaround. You sense the feeling that Mourinho wouldn't make United as exciting as in the Ferguson era, but then again wins are wins.
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