Power Rankings: The best teams in Europe – Week 1
The 2023/24 season is just over a month old, so it’s time to bring back out 90min’s European power rankings.
Europe’s big-hitters that aren’t in full-blown crisis mode have started well and have burgeoning ambitions for the year ahead.
So who makes the first top ten of the season? Let’s dive in.
10. Juventus
Juve have started brightly / Chris Ricco/GettyImages
Juventus have had quite the ride in 2023. Their financial mismanagement saw them deducted points in last season’s Serie A, then they were tacked back on again, before finally being taken away for good.
With UEFA banning them from European competition, the Bianconeri have a better shot at winning back the Scudetto and have made a fine start to the campaign, taking 10 points from a possible 12.
9. Bayer Leverkusen
Sliding into the rankings like / Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/GettyImages
You always need to be wary when annointing new contenders for the Bundesliga title, but Bayer Leverkusen have passed the early tests.
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, they salvaged a last-gasp draw away at Bayern Munich last Friday to keep their place atop the standings. Impressive.
8. Girona
The unlikeliest of entrants / Fran Santiago/GettyImages
They’re part of the City Football Group and are only down the road from Barcelona. It’s only fitting that Girona should have their day in the sun, too.
Los Blanquivermells are unbeaten in their opening five games and sit third in La Liga.
7. Liverpool
Liverpool left it late against Wolves / Naomi Baker/GettyImages
So long as they keep up their remarkable unbeaten run which has stretched to 16 games, you’ll be hearing a lot about ‘Liverpool 2.0’.
Jurgen Klopp’s men seem more gung-ho than ever and have a wealth of attacking options to spread goals across. The scary part is you feel like they could still hugely improve as well.
6. Arsenal
Arsenal are back in the Champions League / Julian Finney/GettyImages
Just as was the case last season, Arsenal have come racing out of the blocks and look worthy contenders for the Premier League title again.
They made their long awaited return to the Champions League this week, tearing PSV Eindhoven limb from limb.
5. Inter
Inter look strong again / Marco Luzzani/GettyImages
Despite losing key players in Edin Dzeko, Romelu Lukaku, Andre Onana and Milan Skriniar, Inter have once more found a way to pick themselves up off the canvas and come back stronger.
They ripped apart Milan in the Derby della Madonnina at the weekend to maintain their perfect start to the Serie A season, with their late smash-and-grab draw at Real Sociedad in the Champions League a bit of a surprise considering how excellent they’ve looked back in Italy.
4. Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are loving Big Ange instead / Stephen Pond/GettyImages
If these rankings were based purely off vibes, then Tottenham would be top and it wouldn’t even be close.
Ange Postecoglou has quickly revolutionised Spurs, who face their biggest challenge yet this weekend – a trip to Arsenal in the north London derby.
3. Barcelona
Barcelona are sporting a youthful look this season / Alex Caparros/GettyImages
The locals may be mad that they’re not at Camp Nou anymore, but Barcelona are continuing to impress regardless of where they play their football.
Xavi has quickly managed to integrate marquee summer signing Joao Felix and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal to maintain a fresh Blaugrana look.
2. Real Madrid
A legend in the making / Florencia Tan Jun/GettyImages
Real Madrid have a new hero, and it’s a teenager from Stourbridge.
Jude Bellingham has led Los Blancos so far this season, already grabbing six goals – including three late winners – for the Spanish giants.
1. Manchester City
Man City are still on top / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Even with injury problems piling up, Manchester City remain the team to beat in Europe.
With a Champions League title finally under their belts, Pep Guardiola’s men have developed a new and improved steely resilience – they are simply the best team until there’s undeniable proof otherwise.
Source: 90mins
