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The 2021 summer transfer window has been one of the greatest and craziest in recent history.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both changed clubs. Messi will now partner Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in attack, but Mbappe could still complete a move to Real Madrid!
Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos have both left Real Madrid, Harry Kane has come close to leaving Tottenham Hotspur and Romelu Lukaku has joined Chelsea. The 2021 summer transfer window has sprung many surprises, and there is still time for more.
With such significant moves, there has been a shift in power. Here's a look at the five strongest starting XIs in club football right now.
#5 Manchester United
A few days ago, Manchester United looked happy with their signings. Centre-back Raphael Varane and forward Jadon Sancho had joined the squad and there were suggestions that potential outgoings could fund a move for a midfielder.
However, things soon took a dramatic turn. Manchester City's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo saw Manchester United move quickly to sign the Portuguese superstar. His addition makes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men serious contenders in the league.
While midfielder is desperately needed, it is unlikely to happen now. Last night's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers once again highlighted Manchester United's midfield weakness. And any links to Rennes' Eduardo Camavinga and West Ham United's Declan Rice have died out. Having said that, Manchester United's attack should have little problem in outscoring their opponents.
Manchester United predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo
#4 Manchester City
While not signing a midfielder could cause Manchester United problems, not signing a striker could prove to be an issue for Manchester City.
Sergio Aguero has left the club and City have yet to replace their legend. Jack Grealish adds creativity and guile in attack, but it was not surprising to see the Sky Blues go after Cristiano Ronaldo. Especially after primary transfer target Harry Kane announced his decision to stay with Tottenham Hotspur.
Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling can all operate as strikers, but they are not prolific goalscorers. German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, better known for his technical quality and passing ability than his finishing, was the top goalscorer for Manchester City in the Premier League last season.
Manchester City predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Ederson Moraes, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres, Raheem Sterling
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#3 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have a new manager at the helm in the form of Julian Nagelsmann. The 34-year-old German is regarded by many as one of the best young managers in the world.
The club released long-serving defenders Jerome Boateng and David Alaba this summer, and have signed Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig and Omar Richards from Reading. Die Roten Bullen's versatile midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is expected to come onboard soon as well.
In Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich boast the best striker in world football. Thomas Muller continues to do what he does best, while Leroy Sane and Lucas Hernandez will be hoping for a better season this time around.
Bayern Munich predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer, Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Niklas Sule, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Robert Lewandowski
#2 Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel is arguably the best manager in the world right now. Chelsea's decision to go for the German after sacking Frank Lampard midway through last season paid off.
The Blues won the Champions League despite not having a regular goalscorer in the squad. They have now addressed that issue by signing Belgian superstar Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan. To have Timo Werner as a backup striker is a true luxury.
Kai Havertz is still developing, while academy graduates like Mason Mount and Reece James have become important first XI members. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, and they have Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic as attacking options.
Chelsea predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1): Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Reece James, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain comfortably have the best squad in Europe right now and manager Mauricio Pochettino is spoilt for choice in every position.
The attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi is the best in the world. And even if Mbappe leaves for Real Madrid, Angel Di Maria is an excellent replacement to have. In midfield, Paris Saint-Germain can choose from Marco Verratti, Georginio Wijnaldum, Leandro Paredes, Danilo Pereira, Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye.
Gianluigi Donnarumma and Keylor Navas are two of the best goalkeepers in the world, while Sergio Ramos is an excellent option at centre-back. Les Parisiens are the favorites to win the Champions League, and it's clear why.
Paris Saint-Germain predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Abdou Diallo, Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Georginio Wijnaldum, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar
Honorable Mentions
Liverpool
Liverpool do have an excellent first XI, but questions have been raised about the quality of the squad.
The performances of Naby Keita, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi since joining the club have not been noteworthy. An injury to an important first-team member has the potential to derail their season.
Liverpool predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid cannot be discounted under the management of Diego Simeone, and have often sprung surprises when least expected.
Simeone has done well to transform the team after the departure of long-serving players like Diego Godin, Filipe Luis, Juanfran and Gabi. Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez's exits were also big blows, but Atletico Madrid have reinvested well.
Atletico Madrid predicted starting XI (3-5-2): Jan Oblak, Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez, Mario Hermoso, Kieran Trippier, Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Thomas Lemar, Luis Suarez, Joao Felix
Also Read: 5 best attacks in the Premier League
