5 teams that could win the Champions League
We are nearly halfway through the campaign and as the Champions League group stages came to a close, the number of clubs in contention for glory has become much slimmer. These are the strongest sides in with a chance.
1. Real Madrid
No team has ever won Europe’s most prestigious football competition two seasons in a row. This fact maybe threaten as the competition’s most successful team in securing glory once again this coming May.
However, just five months after replacing Rafa Benitez as Real’s head coach, Zinedine Zidane became the seventh man to win the European Cup as both a player and a manager. Clearly a terrific manager, for one so inexperienced.
Forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the competitions current top scorer… Could he help them defy history and win the trophy for a second consecutive season?
Embed from Getty Images2. Juventus
In this current campaign, the Italian giants have some of the lowest possession statistics in the competition. Highly anticipated for a team with such a defensive background.
Their typical defensive style is perfect for knockout football and has brought many sides success in the past. They’re certainly used to this style as it is prominent in Italy’s Serie A.
A world record transfer fee of £89m sale of their midfield maestro Paul Pogba has helped Juventus build a side with much more quality and depth all round.
Despite spending most of that Pogba cash on striker Gonzalo Higuain, the Italians spent big in summer. Signing names such as Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves permanently and Medhi Benatia and Juan Cuadrado on loan. Could this be their year?
3. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have reached the competition’s semi-final in the last five consecutive years and hunger levels must be incredibly high after recent failures with Pep Guardiola at the helm.
Their new boss, Carlo Anchelotti is the most successful coach around in Champions League terms. He has definitely been brought in to win this title. He was successful in the competition as a player, and he has won as a coach three times – which is a champions league record; twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid,
The German giants have truly unbelievable depth, especially in midfield where the majority of their qualities originate. This midfield has pushed them to the highest possession stats in Europe this campaign, just ahead of Barcelona. As well as this, world-class striker Robert Lewondowski has helped them to being the highest scorers in the competition so far.
Is it their year? Statistics say they’ll be there, or thereabouts.
Embed from Getty Images4. Barcelona
Barcelona have undoubtedly the best front three in world football; Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. They all shine with different qualities, which could turn over any side.
The Spaniards have added quality throughout in summer, especially through the spine of the team. Signings like Paco Alcacer, Andre Gomes and Samuel Umtiti will help bring a fresh approach both mentally and physically with younger, more energetic teams like Atletico Madrid causing problems for big sides in recent seasons.
The four time champions faced an early exit last campaign and will be hungry for success this time around after finishing top of their group, a huge six points ahead of Guardiola’s Manchester City.
5. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have superb ability in cup competitions, making them my favourite outsider. Led by Diego Godin, the defensive resilience they show is second to none. Atletico play with unmatched high press and as their squad is young, they can keep up this pressure for the full 90 minutes.
Atletico only conceded two goals in the group stages, one of which came away at Bayern Munich in the final match, having already topped the group in style. With arguably their strongest squad to date, Atletico will strongly believe they’re in contention for the cup this time around.
What does the top four need to do to for Premier League glory?
This time last season Leicester City were already sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League. Who’s going to be successful this time around…?
Liverpool
The Reds’ form has been nothing short of sensational under Jurgen Klopp this campaign. Liverpool’s recent unbeaten run was impressive. However, after the 4-3 loss away to Bournemouth, questions have been asked about their leaky defence. Statistics show Loris Karius’ performance in goal has been good since his return from injury, so I don’t think Liverpool need to panic buy in order to solidify their back four.
It’s almost common knowledge that Liverpool need to invest in a central defender, especially with Mamadou Sakho being left out the squad. Virgil van Dijk’s £25m release clause may be very tempting as Liverpool looked uncertain without Joel Matip against Bournmouth. James Milner being the number one choice left back must worry some supporters and supporters are still calling for a quality left-back to be signed. Philippe Coutinho’s recent injury has sparked discussion to whether Liverpool can cope without him, with Roberto Fimino having to play out wide to cover for him. However, I think they will cope and can mount a challenge.
Arsenal
It is debatable whether Arsenal’s squad has it in them to win the title this year, but their recent form suggests otherwise. Big wins against West Ham, Bournemouth and Sunderland and draws against rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prove they aren’t here just to take part. Once the Gunners gets the likes of Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker back fighting fit, it is essential they keep them fit if they’re seriously considering going for the title.
In terms of transfers, I think Arsenal are ok. If they sell, they need to replace, with title winning quality. It seemed the transfers of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez were rush buys due to supporter pressure to spend money but they’ve certainly helped arsenal in a spell of numerous injuries.
Chelsea
Currently top of the league, Chelsea look like favourites going into 2017. Since their September defeat to Liverpool, Antonio Conte’s side are unbeaten in nine Premier League matches. Chelsea’s style of counter attacking play appears to be paying off with the likes of Diego Costa and N’golo Kante performing fantastically in their roles.
In order to be champions come May, Chelsea need to continue to focus on keeping clean sheets which they’ve been superb at this season. As well as this, Costa is key to their title chances. Chelsea may need to spend on another striker in January as their second-choice striker Michy Batshuayi has found the net just three times since his £33m move.
Manchester City
Before the start of the season, Manchester City were firm favourites to go on to win the title for a third time. In order to do so they need to find and maintain good home form, which may prove difficult as their schedule is about to become incredibly hectic after progressing in the Champions League.
Having recruited coach Pep Guardiola, Man City are hopeful for plenty of silverware in the near future. Guardiola struggled to win the European Cup in Germany so he will be keen for success in that competition in England. Yaya Toure is back in the team having been left out and signings like Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gündogan are showing strong signs of proving their value. Individuals like Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero could be key in their title push.
Many fans have called for the goalkeeping problem to be completely solved after numerous shaky moments from Claudio Bravo. It seems their goalkeeping issues continue with Joe Hart reportedly returning from his loan in Italy, so it could be a busy January for them.
Top 5 wonderkids in football right now
There are some incredible young footballers emerging. The majority of major clubs in Europe aren’t holding back on releasing their talents into the senior game, far too many to name. Here’s my choices to who will make it to the big stage:
Gianluigi Donnarumma
At the age of 14, Gianluigi Donnarumma was signed for €250,000 by AC Milan, the team his elder brother Antonio had already played for. Standing tall at 6ft 4in, he is an incredible goalkeeping talent who has already secured his place as Milan’s number one.
The 17 year old has been long considered one of Italy’s most exciting prospects, Donnarumma is widely regarded as the successor to Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon praised the teenager’s physical and technical abilities, mental composure and decision making. He communicates with great authority to his defensive line and is particularly agile for his huge frame.
“A youth system produces one goalkeeper in a million like Donnarumma.” Former Milan defender Filippo Galli, head of the Rossoneri’s youth system.
Unbelievable potential.
Breel Embolo
In June 2016, Breel Embolo was described by FourFourTwo as “one of Europe’s hottest prospects”.
Not many 19 year old footballers have around 100 club career appearance, Embolo is certainly one of them. The left footed, Swiss international has 15 caps and two goals for his country. The youngster signed for German side Schalke for 20m euros plus add ons, after performing for Basel and the Swiss national team for a number of seasons.
UEFA.com writer, Steffen Potter, praised Embolo as a complete striker: “He is powerful, technically strong and decisive. He has explosive pace and is a composed finisher”. He likes to lurk between defenders using his physical prowess to get the ball under and play. Embolo can also play roles in midfield and on the wing, proving he’s very much an excellent all-round footballer.
Certainly one to watch.
Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaad joined Real Madrid at the start of 2015, just after turning 16. He became a world renowned phenomenon just a year earlier with Strømsgodset in his native Norway. Unsurprisingly, before his multimillion euro deal, Ødegaard trained with first teams at Bayern Munich and the top four in England.
Nearly two years after he signed for a reported fee of 4-8.5m euros, he made his first professional ever start for Real Madrid playing a full 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey. The 17 year old attacking midfielder who can dribble, pass and shoot, already has eight caps for his country.
Lee Seung-woo
Dubbed as the new Lionel Messi, the South Korean forward was just 13 when he scored 39 goals in 29 games for Barcelona’s Infantil A team, breaking a record set by Messi himself.
Due to his La Masia upbringing, the 18 year old plays with freedom and flair just like the Barcelona legend. The attacker decided to stay at Barca during their transfer ban, when Real Madrid were prepared to snap up the youngster for big money.
Embed from Getty ImagesYouri Tielemans
At just 19, Youri Tielemans is already a household name in European football having made over 150 career appearances for Anderlecht, many of which have been made in the Champions League. He’s the third youngest player to play in the competition at the age of 16 years and 148 days, when he featured against Olympiakos.
Tielemans is two-footed, which is important for an all-round midfielder like himself. His passing range is second to none and he is blessed with pace meaning he can just about cover every role in his department.
He has been at his boyhood club since the age of 12 and this along with his fantastic leadership skills means he’s next in line for the captaincy at Anderlecht, unless of course he gets snapped up by a European super club.
Huge talent.
Liverpool (LFC) International Soccer School
Liverpool Football Club Academy is considered to be one of the world’s finest. It boasts the production of numerous European Cup winners in both past and recent times, these include the likes of Phil Thompson and Steven Gerrard.
The famous academy also holds a long-term partnership with Liverpool International Academy, which coaches youngsters both domestically – at The Academy – and abroad. The International Academy, which has only grown, hosts training camps in over 20 different nations worldwide.
The International Soccer School intends on giving young players around the world an opportunity to play ‘The Liverpool Way’. According to Jurgen Klopp, “it offers something different and something unique by developing players both on and off the pitch, educating them through experiences that will shape their progression into young adults and giving those skills that can be used throughout their lives.”
Having these International Soccer Schools can help to maintain the Liverpool FC brand image abroad, allowing it to grow and expand in order to earn more global recognition which it deserves. According to its website, the Premier League is broadcast in 212 territories around the world, working with 80 different broadcasters.
FA and Nike sign 12-year contract extension
Despite the England team’s early exit from Euro 2016, and the sport being rocked by the sexual abuse scandal, the FA have announced a kit deal extension with Nike. The American brand first sponsored England in 2013, which will see the global sports brand supply kits to all 24 England teams based at St. George’s Park. It is understood the deal is worth in the region of £400m – a baseline figure that could be added to significantly should any performance-related bonuses be achieved.
FA group commercial and marketing director, Mark Bullingham, said in a statement: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Nike until 2030. It was always important for us to secure such a long-term commitment to allow both parties to build an even stronger partnership together. With The FA striving to be a world-class organisation, it’s vital for us to partner with innovative global leaders such as Nike and look to the future together. As well as supplying all of our England teams with state-of-the-art apparel, Nike is a huge supporter of our technical division’s work and of grassroots football across the country. It’s fantastic that this support will not only continue but increase from now until 2030.”
FA chief executive Martin Glenn added: “This is another hugely significant deal for The FA and closely follows the landmark Emirates FA Cup broadcast rights announcement last October.” This deal is the most lucrative kit sponsorship deal in its history and much of the investment will be reinvested by the FA back into the game, especially in grassroots football. This is incredibly important in the light of recent news surrounding the child sex abuse allegations made by hundreds. It shows that one of the FA’s key stakeholders has backed them both financially and morally in such times.
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