We put down five more clubs in the list that are spicing up things in their respective leagues. Their performance on the pitch has welcomed praise in achieving something spectacular this campaign. Others have missed out simply because they are financially capable to be in their place or have been doing well in recent seasons. Here we take a look.
As Monaco:
When Niko Kovac was made AS Monaco manager in July 2020, everyone expected fireworks. And it happened. Despite some bumps on the road, the principality club has steadied itself to be a title contender again. After seasons of disarray languishing in the bottom half of the table, they can breathe a sigh of relief. Since their defeat to Strasbourg, they have gone eight games without a conceding goal and remaining unbeaten in all of them in all competitions. Kovac's management has shown a real sign of maturity with lessons learned from his time at Bayern Munich. Monaco also defeated the likes of PSG twice to put them into title contention. The likes of Kevin Volland and Ben Yedder have produced an appropriate number of goals. Youngster Aurelien Tchouameni has been a midfielder of great promise. In short, Monaco is well prepared to enjoy Champions League football again.
Union Berlin:
The side from Berlin has been a mind-blowing outfit in the German top flight. Promoted only two seasons ago, their climb to the top eight of the Bundesliga table has been nothing short of a meteoric rise. In that period they have also managed to upset some biggies of Bundesliga. Last year they were flying and were confident of a Champions League place. The pace has broken since but they are a still difficult side to beat down. They are positioned at eighth with 46 pts, four points adrift of a possible Conference League qualification for next season. Their overachieving season is mainly down to veteran striker Max Kruse. His ten-goal haul in the league has helped them to big and better ambition this season. They have a difficult end to the season though but hope to conclude it on a high.
Sevilla:
If winning the Europa League for a record 6th time last season wasn't enough, Julien Lopetuigi has doubled up his managerial experience by making Sevilla a title challenger this time. Trailing Atletico Madrid, on top of the table, for just three points the side from Seville is ready to create the upset of the season. Although they are yet to play title rivals Real Madrid next weekend, they are well placed to crown themselves champions for the first time since 1946. With Barcelona and Atletico inconsistent in their stride, they can be the most unthinkable champions this season. If it is to happen, Sevilla has their manager to thank at first. Under his stewardship, they are a great side to watch. Youssef En Nesyri and Lucas Ocampos provided the charge of the team with 22 goals between them. Sevilla are also unbeaten in the last two months.
Leicester City:
Even though Leicester have established themselves as a top-four side over two seasons, it is still worth mentioning them in the list. With decent finance and a pool of talent in their squad, they are evolving into a ferocious side. Brendan Rodgers deserves plenty of plaudits for everything he has done at the King Power. After the frustration of losing out CL football on the very last day of last season, they have reconfirmed their spot. Sitting on third with 62 points, they have made the place on the Premier League chart very much their own. Courtesy of rising defender like Fofana, a great signing in Timothy Castagne, a midfield beast in Wilfred Ndidi and a changed Iheanacho in a scoring spree, the Foxes believe they have it now to fulfill their unfinished business.
Rangers:
And who can leave out Rangers? The Gaur played the most magnificent season in the Scottish Premiership to win the league title. By doing so, they ended Celtic's decade of dominance in the country. They claim the crown since winning in it last in 2010/11. After bankruptcy, relegation, promotion, anger, tears, joy and above all the urge to be the best for this giant came to fruitful terms in the 2020/21 campaign. Liverpool legend-turned manager Steven Gerrard is the advocate of their success both domestically and continental. Steve G's defensively astute and attacking potent style of play aided Rangers to unleash total dominance in the Premiership. As a case, they have not lost a single game in the league till now. Add to that 78 goals scored and merely 10 goals conceded. No word is enough to define their achievement in this campaign. The squad has also produced some unveiling stars like James Tavanier, Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent to name a few. It is also fair to say at this moment that this squad is more than a one-season wonder and that by such a high calibre. We are expected to have more of Gerrard and Rangers.
