'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It's fascinating to take a look at the starting XIs of some big clubs in Europe at the moment. Seeing some of the world's finest attackers running riot in front of a group of intelligent midfielders and a pack of rock-solid defenders is indeed a huge thrill. Moreso when they click together as a unit and strike fear into the hearts of opposition teams.
Last summer's transfer window afforded clubs the opportunity to strengthen their squads, with many outfits making major additions to their starting XIs. The same was the case this winter as multiple high-profile transfers were recorded during the January transfer window.
As it stands, it is indeed a herculean task ranking the best starting XIs in world football this season, considering the numerous options that come to mind. But we've managed to compile a list of five such clubs who stand out from the rest with regards to the quality of players and overall output on the pitch.
#5 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have, over the last couple of years, ranked among the scariest teams in European football and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon. The Parisians had an unbelievable transfer window last summer, luring multiple world-class players to the Parc des Princes.
Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Giorginio Wijnaldum all switched to the French capital. As it stands, the Ligue 1 giants have the most terrifying attack in the world on paper, featuring Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Behind the trio come Marco Verratti, Wijnaldum and Leandro Paredes running riot in the middle of the park. The backline features Ramos and Marquinhos at centre-back with Hakimi and Juan Bernat on either side and Keylor Navas in goal.
#4 Real Madrid
Real Madrid's starting XI features Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio running riot in attack. The trio have been quite impressive this season, bagging a combined tally of 46 goals and 20 assists between them across all competitions so far.
Los Blancos have managed to keep their favored three-man midfield over the last couple of years and that is proving to be quite a great feat. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro's connection in the center makes it easy for the team to tick properly.
Thanks to the presence of David Alaba and Eder Militao, Los Blancos aren't feeling the absence of Ramos at the heart of the defense. With Ferland Mendy on the left and Nacho on the right, the Spanish giants complete their backline with class.
#3 Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is known for assembling formidable teams at every club he manages and Manchester City is no exception. The Spaniard has a built a terrifying starting XI at the Etihad Stadium that opponents hate going up against.
The Cityzens are still the most prolific team in the Premier League with 57 goals scored so far, thanks to the efforts of the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
Kevin De Bruyne continues to act as the team's engine in the center, dictating the pace of the game while bursting forward to score and create chances for his teammates. The Belgian has been supported by Bernado Silva and Rodri, who have also been nothing short of brilliant.
In defense, Manchester City have Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte to count on at centre-back, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo manning the right and left sides respectively. Sweeper keeper Ederson rounds off a starting XI that appears to have no real weakness on paper.
#2 Liverpool
Diogo Jota's impressive rise, which has seen him bag 14 goals and two assists so far this season, has helped him displace Roberto Firmino as Liverpool's number nine. With the Portuguese lining up alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Reds have one of the best attacking trios in the football world right now.
Jurgen Klopp's starting XI at Anfield also features Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner in midfield. While the trio may not be prolific in front of goal, they're quite effective in the center and provide the platform for the team to thrive.
Liverpool's defense, meanwhile, is incredible. Virgil van Dijk leads the backline, with Joel Matip joining him at centre-back. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnorld occupy the left and right-back spots respectively. Brazil's first-choice keeper Alisson Becker continues to do an excellent job between the sticks.
#1 Bayern Munich
There's simply no scarier team in the football world right now than Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants have been one of the best squads in recent seasons and have only gotten better in the 2021-22 campaign.
Their attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and supported by Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Thomas Mueller, has proven to be too much for opposition teams to handle. The Bavarians' record of 65 goals is the highest across Europe's top-five leagues so far this season.
Bayern Munich have Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich pulling the strings in the center. Their defense is also well-manned, with Dayot Upamecano and Niklas Sule taking the center-back spots while Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies play to their right and left respectively. Veteran keeper Manuel Neuer continues to defy age with his sensational displays in goal.
