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No football club worth their salt are content with competing in a single competition. Winning the domestic league or cup is just not enough. Continental success is at the top of everyone’s wishlist. Unfortunately, signing the best players for a particular position does not guarantee success. Teams must also prepare a plan B, C, and D, especially for the unforgiving spells at the end of the season.
To counter fatigue, luck, and gritty opposition, it is important to have a deep enough squad. It allows the coach to be more adventurous and dynamic, to win even in the unlikeliest of situations. Of course, the top European clubs are more equipped on this front, as they have both the pedigree and money to sign more players in the same positions.
Today, we will take a look at the most well-equipped squads in the world - at teams who look prepared to go the distance.
6 European teams with the best bench strength
#6 Bayern Munich
German champions Bayern Munich are a force to be reckoned with in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and the Champions League. The Bavarians banked on their squad depth to win the 2019-20 Champions League and are looking to snatch their crown back this year. Bayern Munich have let defender Jerome Boateng go but have brought in Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig as his capable replacement.
In midfield, too, Bayern Munich have acquired the services of Marcel Sabitzer from RB Leipzig. He is a capable deputy to Thomas Muller and can play in a number of positions. Leroy Sane is also recovering from his poor patch and is expected to sub in for Serge Gnabry when needed. All in all, Bayern have a squad capable of fighting for the treble, which is no mean feat in this day and age.
#5 Atletico Madrid
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid have managed to fight off the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. Los Rojiblancos are currently a force to be reckoned with in the Spanish league and are the reigning champions of the division. Unlike Barcelona, Atletico do not think about playing the “right kind” of football. Atletico play to win and they have been pretty successful at that.
Atletico Madrid improved last season with the signing of Luis Suarez from Barcelona. Not only have they raided Barcelona to get back Antoine Griezmann, but they have also signed Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese this summer. Yes, Saul Niguez has joined Chelsea, but De Paul is more than a worthy replacement for the Spaniard.
#4 Manchester United
Premier League giants Manchester United have not won big since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League triumph in 2012-13. They have been poor in the Champions League and have been outplayed by Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Leicester City in the league. Now, with the additions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane over the summer, they will look to plant a firm foot forward.
The Red Devils have respectable cover in almost every single position on the pitch. A capable central defensive midfielder would have been the final piece of the puzzle. However, that does not mean they are not equipped to give other Premier League aspirants a run for their money.
#3 Chelsea
Reigning European champions Chelsea are easily one of the most well-stacked teams on the continent right now. This Chelsea side has an exceptional blend of youth and experience, and we believe they have the potential to be Manchester City’s primary league rivals. Last season, Chelsea lacked a sharpshooter up top, but the €115m acquisition of Romelu Lukaku is bound to solve that problem.
Saul Niguez, who has joined the club on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, is also an excellent addition to the Chelsea midfield. Thanks to the Spaniard, Chelsea will not be overly dependent on Ngolo Kante or Jorginho anymore and will be able to rest them when needed.
#2 Manchester City
Premier League holders Manchester City are undoubtedly the most well-equipped team in English football. Pep Guardiola is a man obsessed with perfection, which has led to the creation of one of the most dominant teams in the world.
After the departure of Sergio Aguero, City went all out for Tottenham Hotspur man Harry Kane. However, they had to return empty-handed thanks to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Even without Kane, Manchester City have more than a capable squad, featuring backups in every important position.
The €117m signing of Jack Grealish has given Guardiola more freedom to implement a false nine system. And given how successful last season was, we refuse to bet against the Sky Blues for yet another Premier League title. Keeping Kevin De Bruyne fit will be key for Guardiola, as the Belgian is undoubtedly the most important cog in this well-oiled machine.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have arguably had the most impressive transfer window of the century. So, seeing them right at the top of this list is hardly a surprise. PSG already had the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria leading the charge. This season, they have signed the great Lionel Messi, hoping to be even more formidable in France and Europe.
That is not all! PSG have also signed Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, Porto defender Danilo Pereira (permanently) and Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi.
Four of their top six transfers have come for free, saving the club millions in transfer fees. The 2019-20 finalists PSG are desperate to take the final step and win the Champions League. With this squad, they have an obligation to give themselves a real shot at continental glory.
