My Personal European Power Rankings

This is just my personal list, based on gut-instinct more than anything else. Fans of the Rossoneri may feel aggrieved not to see their club in this lineup (AC Milan do trail Inter by just three points). But they are also out of every cup competition and aren’t competing in Europe. Anyway, here goes nothing.

10. Liverpool

The 10th spot is always the hardest in a list like this. Milan looked rejuvenated under Allegri and are currently in the hunt for a Scudetto. Dortmund have also improved dramatically under Niko Kovac, leapfrogging Leverkusen as German’s 2nd best club. But I think I’m still going to go with Liverpool. Yes, the reigning Premier League champs are stumbling poorly in the league. But here’s the thing: they could still win the Champions League. That’s just the type of team they are. They have already beaten Inter and Real this year and must be respected.

9. Napoli

This will be a slightly controversial pick for some. Napoli have endured a disastrous European campaign (especially for the champions of a major European league). But they have still looked solid in Italy, winning silverware in the Suppercoppa while trailing just the Milan giants in the league. The reigning Scudetto champs have endured plenty of key injuries but are still grinding out results in Serie A.

8. Atletico Madrid

The perennial nearly-men of Spanish football, Atletico are doing great under-the-radar work this year. Simeone’s side currently sit 4th in La Liga and occupy the final automatic qualification spot in the Champions League standings. They completely outplayed Real in their recent Spanish Supercopa semifinal, with Courtois producing some worldies to keep their city rivals out. Underestimate Atletico at your peril.

7. Manchester City

This looks a bit low for a side who are technically still in four competitions. But that derby drubbing at the hands of United made it three points in four league games for Guardiola’s Citizens. Something is just not right with this side. They have crippling injury issues in defensive areas, and I just predict a big tail off. City are safely ensconced in the top four of both the Premier and Champions League. But it just feels like momentum is against them.

6. Real Madrid

Following the shock dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are at a major inflection point in their campaign. However, there is still a plausible shot at glory this season. In Kylian Mbappe, they have arguably the world’s best player in their ranks. They are also now within spitting distance of eternal rivals Barcelona. Currently 7th in the Champions League standings, Real possess the ‘heritage’- I hate that term-to parlay that into simple progression.

5. Inter Milan

Cristian Chivu’s Inter revolution has been a joy to behold. He has totally upended Inzaghi’s possession-based style, switching to a high-octane, high-pressing style (think Gasperini-ball). They are scoring goals for fun and are shining on both the domestic and European fronts. They have shown a slight lack of BMT in massive domestic fixtures. Still, they have a plausible treble opportunity and are playing exciting football, with captain fantastic Lautaro Martinez in irresistible form.

4. Barcelona

Hansi Flick’s Barca lost in comical fashion at Real Sociedad yesterday, with the xG enthusiasts left bemoaning their outrageous misfortune (they had three goals chalked off and hit the woodwork five times). Still, it’s a minor miracle that Barca are where they are right now. People throw around the term ‘injury crisis’ all the time. Barcelona went through the real deal earlier this season, with virtually every key member of the side sidelined at one point on another. But they still lead La Liga and already have the Spanish Supercopa in their cabinet. Sure, they have a bit of room to make up in the Champions League. But they played some otherworldly football in that Supercopa final, and I can see them rampaging through their final few European matches.

3. PSG

Reigning European and Club World Cup champs PSG are going through a bit of a bumpy patch, knocked out of the French Cup by neighbours Paris FC while trailing Lens in Ligue 1. But they are still sitting pretty in Europe, trailing only Arsenal and Bayern as they look to become the first club- not named Real Madrid- to defend the Champions League since AC Milan in 1990. PSG have already won a slew of smaller trophies and are well positioned for a late-season push.

2. Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are surely on the brink of ending their long trophy drought. With City and Villa losing this weekend, Arsenal extended their Premier League lead to seven points (this despite a tepid draw at Forest). They have one foot in the League Cup final and are still going strong the FA Cup. And they are still the only unbeaten side in Europe. Arsenal could very easily be top of this list. I just think that their recent lack of trophies- coupled with unconvincing performances- puts them just slightly behind my current pick.

1. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich look imperious at this moment in time, thrashing every side in Germany, home or away. Die Roten look primed for invincible status: they currently have a goal difference of +57 after 18 games! They have lost one match in all competitions, brought down to earth in October’s trip to the Emirates. Be that as it may, there is no side in Europe that is currently playing great football as consistently as Bayern. Their embarrassment of attacking riches is the thing that gives them the edge over the Gunners at this point in time.