Potter may now be gone, but given the quality in the squad, the Blues are a dangerous prospect.Ĭoach: Frank Lampard A Chelsea midfield great, and the club's manager from 2019-21, Lampard was appointed as the club's coach until the end of the season on 6 April. How do Chelsea play? Former coach Graham Potter built on the foundations of Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea at their best, typically playing with a robust back three and the double No6 pairing in front. At their best, Chelsea can trouble anyone. The process received a huge boost from the win against Dortmund, which felt like it brought the fans firmly back on side following domestic disappointment. Why they can go all the way The quality throughout Chelsea's squad is undeniable the question was always whether they could get all this attacking talent to gel, especially with so many new signings in January. But when a coach of Ancelotti's savoir-faire, experience and judgement declares that in his No20 he possesses 'the most decisive player in the world' who could possibly argue against the idea that Vinícius, this wonderful, mercurial Brazilian forward, is Madrid's key player? Key player: Vinícius Júnior Benzema, not to mention Thibaut Courtois, remain crucial.

Cruised to the Liga title last season as well for good measure, making him the first coach to win championships in Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain. Late goals and impact performances off the bench have become signature.Ĭoach: Carlo Ancelotti The man who led Madrid to 'La Décima' in 2014 came back for a second spell in charge in summer 2021 and rewrote the history books by becoming the first coach to win the European Cup/UEFA Champions League four times. However, the integration of Aurélien Tchouaméni has been pretty spectacular, Eduardo Camavinga's acceleration has really counted and although Benzema hasn't racked up as many matches this term, his partnership with Vinícius Júnior remains world class. Valverde often plays 'in' a front three, particularly in matches where Carlo Ancelotti wants extra help for midfield and at right-back. How do Real Madrid play? There really hasn't been any change of system or idea this season. No club has a more explosive mix of desire, talent, know-how, expectation and 'been here, seen this, done that' than Madrid. Because this is 'what we do', as everybody – from the groundskeepers to the president via some of the most exciting footballers in the world – would tell you. Why they can go all the way Because that's what the club exists for. Every Real Madrid goal so far this season

Number one on the hit list now winger