5 new potential 2015/16 title challengers in Europe's top leagues
The new football season brings new hope for clubs across Europe, but in the continent’s top five leagues each country’s respective champions can often be predictable. England has the potential for the most competitive title race, with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City all in the running for a shot at Chelsea’s crown. In Spain it’s the usual two - Barcelona and Real Madrid, and in France (PSG), Germany (Bayern Munich), and Italy (Juventus) the league can often be a one-horse race.However, there are other teams in these leagues who are able to mount a challenge if everything falls into place. They will need new signings to gel quickly, and the stars of previous seasons to maintain their form. Add a bit of luck to the mix, and there could be a new name on a league trophy next season. Here’s a look at some of the clubs looking to cause upsets in the European leagues.
#5 La Liga - Atletico Madrid
Since 2001, only two teams have been able to break up Barcelona and Real Madrid’s dominance of La Liga: Valencia and Atlético Madrid. A combination of shrewd signings and Diego Simeone’s supreme management means that Atlético will be the team most likely to crash the party at the top of the table this time around.
In attack, they boast two of the most exciting players to come from Argentina in recent years. Former San Lorenzo youth player Ángel Correa has recovered after undergoing heart surgery last year and looked bright in the 2015 South American Youth Championships, scoring four goals as his side won the tournament.
21-year-old striker Luciano Vietto joins the club from Villarreal after impressing in La Liga during the last two seasons. Both players have been compared to former Atlético star Sergio Aguero. If one of the pair can emulate the world-class Argentine then the club’s striking department will be in safe hands.
Just in case they don’t, the club have also spent big on Colombian Jackson Martinez from Porto. The dynamic forward scored 67 goals in 90 league appearances for the Portuguese club, and a productive season from him will help them challenge the big two.
In defence, the side have lost their Brazilian stalwart Miranda but have José Giménez and new signing Stefan Savi waiting in the wings to partner captain Diego Godin in the middle.
But the main force driving Atlético on to a title challenge will be their manager Diego Simeone. Their boss could probably walk into most managerial jobs in Europe should he wish to, but for now he remains in Madrid and is the main reason they will be the side pushing Real and Barca at the top this season.