With the European football season hitting the home stretch there is still lot to play for. I find myself taking stock of a few sides that I think can flip the switch next year and either do something in Europe or challenge for their league.
We all know the traditional powers will be loaded for bare, but what I'm interested in the teams that are on the rise. Last year those teams would have been sides like PSG and Juventas. This season I think a lot of the focus has to go back to the EPL sides. Here are the five teams I think we all need to keep an eye on next season.
Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers has tried to bring the tikki takky football to Liverpool, or at least his version of it. Early on Liverpool appeared to be struggling to make the changes in their style. They also lacked the player depth to get it done. Sterling was a refreshing surprise in the first half of the season, but it was the first half of the season that is likely going to keep Liverpool out of the European spots this season.
Since adding Sturridge and Coutinho Liverpool have looked even better going forward and have taken some of the burden off of Luis Saurez who has been probably the third best striker in the world this season. They still need to address some midfield and backline issues, but honestly what team doesn't. Still I feel like if they can keep the core of this squad together and some B+ depth players, Liverpool could challenge for the title next year. I at least see them back in the UCL spots for sure.
Spurs
Will he or won't he. That's the question that Spurs need to get answered about their superstar Gaerth Bale this summer. If they can get him to stay just one more season I think the sky's the limit for Spurs. They for sure have enough attacking options, but they would improve with some midfield help. (Go figure!) If they lose Bale it's going to be hard to replace the chaos he causes. I'm not sure they could add a player to make up for it.
The coach has done a wonderful job restoring his reputation and has built confidence in his side. They look poised to land in third in the league and get back to the UCL. Still they could be back to mid table should they lose Bale. This is an important summer for Spurs.
AC Milan
Remember when AC Milan were too young and looked to be on their way out of the UCL spots in Italy? Remember when they pulled off the transfer that they themselves said they weren't interested in? Something about bad apples! Well now AC are the hottest team in the league. They probably won't get the title this year, but they look poised to be a solid second. They had Barcelona on the ropes in the UCL and have Super Mario looking like the player we all thought he could be.
Max Allegri has rebuilt his side so fast I think he should be considered for coach of the year. Milan could be a force in the Serie A and Europe next season if their side continues to develop as they should. I look for them to get off to a shaky start because of the high expectations, but they will quickly be a major power in Europe by midseason. Everyone should beware.
Aletico Madrid
Another will he or won't he situation. Madrid face the Falcao question this summer. If he stays then the sky is the limit, but if he goes then it's back to the outside looking in. Rumor has it they may go to for a swap with Fernando Torres returning home, but he's nowhere near the level of Falcao at this point.
Their coach has done a wonderful job and that's a common theme on this list. I think again they just need some B+ players and they could be a danger. A striker that could give them a few more goals would be ideal. It doesn't have to be a pick of the liter kind of guy either. Just another 10 to 15 goals.
It's a very tough time to challenge for a La Liga title during the Messi Ronaldo era, but next season might be their best shot. Real face more questions than any team in Europe. Barcelona look poised to make changes on the back line and upfront. This could be the year to catch those two sides changing and a good early run might open the door.
That German Side
Everyone keeps talking about how good the German league is and how this is the NOW league. I've been puzzled by this all season. Bayern have crushed the league. They've been a stone cold run away. Dortmund did well to win their UCL group, but they look to be sellers in the offseason as they have the last two years. Shalke had a decent UCL run, but their sellers and they didn't have any notable wins over quality sides.
I believe the Bundesliga is a mirage. For sure Bayern is a top five side in Europe loaded with talented players, a great incoming coach, a great current coach, and good upper management, but the rest of the league just doesn't match up. Bayern also benefits from the fact that they play four less league games a year. They get a huge break in the winter. For most of their players it a longer vacation than the summer offers.
I'll be watching for the squad that steps up this season out of Germany. I just don't see it happening, but the outcry has been so loud for the Germans I must be wrong. Right?
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