The Best XI of what we’re reading this week

It’s all love here. Like the brute, unrefined relationship between Cavani and Lavezzi. These handpicked eleven pieces are all splendid reads…

Pitch Invasion on the District Ultras fan culture based around DC United.
Sid Lowe for The Guardian on how Rayo Vallecano is a model for how to lose with grace
Ryan O'Hanlon for The Run of Play (in exile) on Thomas Müller’s distinct German-ness
The Two Unfortunates discussing the irrefutable partnership between Unemployment and Football
Two Hundred Percent on how the Carling Cup was won
The Other 87 Minutes tackles the issue of how to develop elite soccer players in the United States
IBWM on the prospect of bringing MLS across the street from Disney World.
SpanishFootball.info following up with the effectiveness and opportunity costs of Early La Liga Kickoffs
Jack Lang for The Footy Blog on how third-party player investment is affecting futebol no Brasil
Ryan Rosenblatt imagines José Mourinho at the World Cup for SB Nation
Brian Phillips on why Napoli are the coolest club in Europe for Grantland

Remember, if there’s an article you enjoyed, feel free to send it our way @afootballreport so we can put it under our spotlight.Also, if you’re inspired to share your thoughts with the world, get involved with us at AFR.