Even football-haters who don't know their elbow from their Arsenal can't fail to be entertained by Finland's greatest ever export,

http://www.akiriihilahti.com.

Crystal Palace's strapping midfielder is getting more plaudits for his battle with English culture than his tussles on the pitch, and with some good reason.

For Aki's wacky take on all things on and off the pitch - including sandwiches, table tennis and out-of-body experiences - has brought him worldwide acclaim. And his "This week I recommend" section is an instant classic, containing such gems as "Devon, warm breath, paleness and library cards."

The web is awash with words about the beautiful game, from fans' handcrafted dedications about their favourite players to the merchandise-heavy official club sites, from the Manchester Uniteds of Soccernet (www.soccernet.com) to the Rushden & Diamonds of, well, The Diamonds (www.thediamondsfc.co.uk).

So it's refreshing to see a profit-free perspective on the sport from within, by someone who is not only deliciously deadpan at playing the nave foreigner, but who can also write in English more effectively than most native footballers (and quite a lot of sportswriters too).

Riihilahti is the new Alastair Cooke, mailing his meandering dispatches every week to an army of fans in Finland, Norway and England. And just like the ageless BBC correspondent, the thrill of his work lies in the knowledge that he can at any moment lead you up the garden path and confound your expectations.

On haircuts, he writes: "It was a good week. Really good week. Belgium game was more than good. Stockport game was good. This apple pie is quite good.

"In total there has been good football, good results, good fun, good food, good air hostesses and a good feeling. Good."

This week, we recommend Aki.

November 23, 2001 12:30