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Football is an unpredictable sport. A team that performed below expectations the previous season could magically improve the next season if the right adjustments are made. Signing top new players, adopting new tactics, and appointing new world-class managers are some adjustments that could change the fortunes of a team for good.
Even though we are just a few matches into the 2023–24 season, we have seen a lot of improvement from teams that are playing some exciting football across Europe. Some of these teams, who had a rough outing last season, have now found form and are presently challenging for major trophies in their respective leagues.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at three teams that have improved so far this season:
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3. Bayer Leverkusen
Over the years, we have seen Bayern Munich dominate the Bundesliga. It seems like there are no teams to challenge them for the league title, but this season, Bayer Leverkusen might just be that team.
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen are running riot in Germany. They have gone against some of the top teams in the league, but they are to taste defeat. They have played eight league games, won seven, and drawn one. They currently occupy first place on the league table with 22 points. In the Europa League, the situation is still the same; they are yet to lose.
They have beaten top teams like RB Leipzig in a thrilling 3-2 encounter, defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in a 3-0 win, and also earned a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. They just seem unstoppable so far. Bayer Leverkusen’s surprising form this season is due to the performance of players like Victor Boniface. Signed in the summer for €20.5 million, the Nigerian striker has adapted well.
Boniface looks in his element at the German top flight. He has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 11 games for the club. It might still be early, but if there is any team that could stop Bayern Munich from winning the Bundesliga title this season, it’s Bayer Leverkusen.
2. Aston Villa
Towards the end of last season, after a series of poor performances, Aston Villa appointed Unai Emery as the new manager. He took over the team and transformed their fortunes. The Villans finished in seventth place and it was a testament to the work being done by Emery, despite being at the club for a short time.
Ahead of the new season, Aston Villa were also busy in the transfer window. Moussa Diaby was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for €55 million, while Pau Torres was signed from Villarreal for €33.00 million. With these new additions coupled with the fact that major key players at the club are now playing at a top level, Aston Villa are flying this season.
They currently occupy fifth place on the Premier League table with 19 points; four points separate them from Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently topping the league. The Villans are playing an attacking style of football this season, and with their attacking-minded players like Ollie Watkins in hot form, it makes it easier for them.
They have played nine league games, won six of them, drawn one, and lost two. Some of their impressive performances this season include a 6-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and a 4-1 win over West Ham United. Though they are yet to go against the big guns in the league, it would be an interesting battle to watch as Aston Villa are a team to beat this season.
1. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams that have shown a surprising improvement so far this season. They had a disappointing 2022–23 campaign as they struggled in the Premier League. They failed to get a top-four finish last season and are not playing in any European competitions.
Antonio Conte, a reputable manager whom many had thought would change the fortunes of the club, was also fired from his job. With all these not-so-good facts, coupled with the fact that they lost their key player in the person of Harry Kane, no one knew what to expect from Tottenham this season.
Ange Postecoglou was appointed as the new manager. This decision raised questions about the club’s ambition, as he wasn’t considered a top coach. Postecoglou was heavily backed during the transfer window, and strong players like Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, and James Maddison were signed.
A team that we initially thought would pose no threat whatsoever are doing just that and is also playing some nice football so far. They have beaten both Manchester United and Liverpool, and they have also earned themselves a comfortable draw against Arsenal. They currently occupy first place in the Premier League table with 23 points.
Everything seems to be working out just fine for Postecoglou at Tottenham. His new signings are already performing, and he has already impacted his style of play at the club. If they maintain this tempo, Tottenham could challenge for the Premier League title this season, and who knows, they might just end up winning it.
