Liverpool, Man Utd, Barca or Madrid? Who has the best B team in Europe?

Robin Bairner

Updated: 21 Apr 2022 08:19 BST
5 min read

Luis Diaz, Liverpool, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Liverpool moved through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 6-4 victory over Benfica, but the second leg of that encounter proved to be something of a procession for them.

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Although it ultimately ended 3-3 on the night, the Reds had held a 3-1 advantage before it was pegged back late on.

It was, however, an evening that underlined the Reds’ strength in depth. In a Champions League quarter-final encounter – supposedly one of the toughest games on their calendar - they were able to field a team that was largely comprised of backup players.

This was a further reminder of the dominance that the very best clubs have in Europe, not just because of the power they possess in their first XI but in reserve, too.

But which club has the best reserve XI in European football?

Which club has the best B team in Europe?

Manchester City19%

Liverpool42%

Manchester United10%

Chelsea8%

Barcelona9%

Real Madrid10%

Other2%

998 votes

Liverpool

Liverpool flexed their muscles in midweek by leaving virtually of their starting players out. The depth that they possess in reserve is formidable, including the likes of Moussa Konate, Joe Gomez, January signing Luis Diaz and arguably Roberto Firmino, who has dropped behind Diogo Jota in the pecking order.

Manchester City

Manchester City, similarly, have formidable strength in reserve. This is particularly the case offensively. During their tie with Atletico Madrid in midweek, they might have called on Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling. Fernandinho was available in midfield from the bench while Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko were the backup defensive options – an impressive trio.

Perhaps the difference is with City is, though, that they do not need so many players in reserve as those in their ranks are so flexible. They only have three available full-backs at present in the form of Joao Cancelo, Kyle Walker and Oleksandr Zinchenko, for instance. Giving a definitive 'B' team player is difficult in so flexible a team.

Chelsea

Chelsea also have remarkable options among their replacements. Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic are regularly among their substitutes along with Hakim Ziyech, while in midfield they boast Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek among others.

The Blues’ have tremendous defensive options, but these could be eaten away in the summer, when Andreas Christensen will move to Barcelona and Antonio Rudiger also seems destined to depart. These players are starters, pushing Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr closer to regular action.

Man Utd

Even the much-maligned Manchester United have some impressive depth in their squad. The Red Devils can call upon the likes of Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly, Paul Pogna, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and the up-and-coming star Anthony Elanga.

Real Madrid, Barca and the best of the rest

Premier League clubs boast the greatest depth, although Real Madrid have a ‘B’ team that boasts some leading players. Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, for example, are strong options.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are strong offensively, with Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore, but lacking more defensively.

PSG also boast a relatively strong second string, but in Italy, leading club Juventus are not so strong in reserve. Similarly, Bayern Munich's strength in depth is not fitting of a club of their stature.