5 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season

#3 Jorginho to win the Ballon d'Or

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Italian midfielder Jorginho is still in with just an outside chance of winning the Ballon d'Or. But no footballer has had as good a summer as the Chelsea man. He has won the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2020 and the UEFA Super Cup.

He has also played a starring role in all three triumphs. Jorginho has a compelling case which could get even better if Italy go on to win the UEFA Nations League. As things stand, Italy will take on Spain in the semi-final of the Nations League. If they win the semi, they will take on either Belgium or France in the final.

If Italy go on to win the UEFA Nations League with Jorginho playing an important role, it would be criminal to deny him the Ballon d'Or.

Jorginho is some player 😎#EURO2020 #ITA pic.twitter.com/3svrfY5l4S

— Goal (@goal) July 3, 2021

#2 Paris Saint-Germain won't win the Champions League

Lionel Messi - Presentation at Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain's attacking line is the stuff of nightmares for defenders. Imagine squaring off against a team that features Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. PSG look like an all-star side.

Having all these stars in the team is one thing, getting them to play well together is a whole different ordeal. Neymar has played a deeper role in recent times and likes to carry the ball forward from a more central position. Mbappe loves bombing down either flank. Lionel Messi operates in the role of an attacking midfielder or a false nine.

It's difficult to find a system where PSG can use the creativity of Messi, Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria. They also have Marco Verratti and Wijnaldum behind them. Achraf Hakimi and Sergio Ramos are world-class additions as well.

Despite having some of the best players in the world, it remains to be seen just how much the side has improved over the course of the summer. They have had some brilliant players all across the field for several years. Ability has not been the problem. It's their propensity to bottle it when it matters the most that has held them back.

There are also plenty of European teams that are strong enough to be challenging for the Champions League title this time around.

Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the signing of Leo Messi on a two-year contract with an option of a third year.https://t.co/D5Qjq7PJfF#PSGxMESSI ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/msJAnW01V5

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021

#1 Barcelona to win La Liga

FC Barcelona v Juventus - Joan Gamper Trophy

It's easy to dismiss this opinion as an edgy, attention-seeking argument proferred by Twitter football scientists. But hear us out. Barcelona have a great squad even after Messi's departure. Memphis Depay is a great addition to the frontline. Eric Garcia's return will strengthen Barcelona's defence as well.

Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong and Pedri make for a great midfield. With Griezmann, Depay, Sergio Aguero and Ousmane Dembele vying for a starting berth uptop, they have no shortage of world-class talent.

Neither Real Madrid nor Atletico Madrid have a squad that's considerably better than Barcelona's. Without Messi, the Catalans can finally focus more on playing more as a team and this might bring out the best in several of their players.

Ronald Koeman has a strong side with an array of promising young individuals waiting to break onto the first-team setup. We wouldn't put winning the La Liga title past them.