Just over a third of the way through the domestic campaigns in Europe this season , it is rather befitting to reflect and take stock of who have been the surprise teams thus far.
SEVILLA - 1st in La Liga
Pablo Machin's side top La Liga after thirteen league games. Their rise to the summit has been steady. Cynics could point to an out of sorts Barcelona, a goal shy Atleti or a massively underwhelming Real Madrid side. However it would be remiss not to give the Andulucians credit where due. Having witnessed their 2-0 home defeat to Getafe in September I can vocalize of my massive astonishment at how big the upturn in form Machin and Sevilla have provided since. It is all the more remarkable given the constrained set of resources Machin was dispensed with after his summer move from Girona. The change in playing style from the earlier 3-4-2-1 to a 3-5-2 has been paramount to their success. Since Machin's Spanish Super Cup final debut defeat to Barcelona the team have gone from strength to strength. Central to its success has been Pablo Sarabia and AC Milan laonee, Andre Silva. The latter having only scored two league goals last season for AC Milan has already netted eight times for his side thus far. Wissam Ben Yedder and Silva provide quite the potent attacking duo. Goals are aplenty throughout with Luis Muriel, Nolito, Franco Vazquez and summer recruit; Quincy Promes all contributing. Ever Banega is an integral part of the Sevilla side and dictates play from a holding position in the midfield three. Behind the Argentine lies a back three who have gone flourished under their new boss. The hardy defensive structure Machin has implemented is the framework for all good Sevilla do. Tomas Vaclik in goal has impressed and at just £6.3m provides quite the value for money. To date at Numancia, Girona and now Sevilla Machin has demonstrated how effective his leadership style has been. From the transformation of Middlesbrough flop Christian Stuani into a "Pichichi" contender at lowly Girona to the cohesive approach he cultivated in the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan it is clear that the 43 year old is in the top bracket of young managers to look out for.
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH - 2nd in Bundesliga
Dietmar Hecking's Gladbach side have kickstarted their campaign in fantastic style and sit just behind Lucien Favre's Dortmund in the league standings. Save for their 5-0 humiliation at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal their season has been a success. "Die Fohlen" have played scintillating stuff in the process and possess an eclectic mix between their usual possession centred game and the explosive counter attacking style no better evidenced than the 3-0 demolition of Bayern Munich. Their early league form perhaps has been some of the finest football witnessed in the North Rhine-Westphalia district since the glorious 1970's in which they achieved five German titles, one DFB-Pokal and two UEFA cups. At the forefront of their good form to date has been the attacking duo of Thorgan Hazard and Alassane Plea who have contributed eight goals each. The former has certainly stepped out of the shadow of his elder brother in recent years and has etched himself on the lips of many football fans. With his low centre of gravity and inherent technical ability he has enthralled Gladbach fans and many neutrals with his dazzling displays. New summer signing, Plea proves a competent ally in attack. The former Nice man has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in Gladbach colours scoring eight and most recently making his French debut. Florian Neuhas and Jonas Hoffman have contributed to their fine start also with the perfect blend of creativity and industry from the middle of the field. Decking and co however approaching the second half of the season will be looking to improve defensively. They have looked vulnerable at the back several teams this season and should they wish to maintain their form they will need to solidify the defence.
PARMA - 6th in Serie A
Newly promoted Parma conceivably out of all provide us with the biggest surprise. The club's return to the Italian top flight has been a story in itself. Led by Roberto D'Aversa the side from the Emilia-Romagna province have achieved two consecutive promotions. (promoted year before his arrival also) In the club's glory days in the late 90's they were supported by a cast of household names such as Buffon, Thuram and Crespo whereas now they are spearheaded by none other than Premier League cult hero ; Gervinho. The former Gunner has five league goals thus far since his summer move from China. The Ivorian with his sizzling pace is definitely most suited indeed to D'Aversa's playing style. With just over 39% Parma average the lowest possession in Serie A and with an average of 10 shots per game, only lowly Frosinone and Chievo record worse (WhoScored). They also on average give up more than 20 shots on goal per game. While their style is not eye catching it certainly is effective. Napoli loanee; Luigi Sepe has impressed in goal and there have been murmurings of a return to Naples soon to aid Ancelotti's assault on Juventus. In defence they have been led by 37 year old ex-Rangers and Portuguese international, Bruno Alves who at such an age is producing some of his finest performances for many a year. Left back, Riccardo Gagliolo has also impressed while more will be expected of Roberto Inglese up front. Inglese who received a call up to the Italy setup last season while at Chievo is a confidence player. Should D'Aversa's men continue to execute their manager's gameplan to a tee and Inglese get among the goals the "Crociati" will have every chance of cementing themselves in the top half.