Over the past, let's say seven or eight years, 'The Premier League,' has been widely considered to be the most elite of all European leagues, if not in the world... The standard of football in England's top division has certainly increased over the past ten years, in what was already a highly competitive and diverse division. However in recent times, due to certain clubs being lucky enough to be invested in heavily, the number of clubs vying for the top prize has increased. The 'Top Four', previously consisting of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and United, seems to have been eradicated somewhat, with Spurs becoming an ever improving force over the past few seasons, and Man City having the extreme fortune, of being the recipients of an extreme fortune.
This has lead to a huge influx of players from all over Europe, and the quality of English clubs becoming evermore healthier. Seemingly as a result, the Premier League has bulked itself up to become more than just a top four, with the rest of the pack on the brink, but a truly competitive league where any side can make an impact. However, there is one league in Europe that seems to not only be advancing as a federation, but as a force in Europe, and with an ever increasing market on a global scale: The Bundesliga.
Since the Bundesliga was formed in 1962, Bayern Munich have always been the predominant force, with a record twenty-three titles, and are a club who have always been a side reckoned with in Europe. The 2012/13 season was a huge success for Bayern, who came away with a phenomenal four trophy haul, and since winning their fifth Champions League title in May, their admiration around the globe has rocketed. Bayern have earned high recogntion, and reinstated themselves as a major power in Europe.
They are now considered to be one of the greatest followed clubs on the planet. Past players such as Franz Beckenbauer. Gerd Muller, Stefan Effenberg, and Oliver Khan, have helped provide the club with a rich history, yet it is the young, and old, experienced talent of present that is making Bayern Munich more of a global brand today. The likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have certainly made the club what it is today, and with them being among the best players in the world, all eyes are on them. However, it is not just Bayern Munich that has attracted all the interest.
Clubs such as Wolfsburg, Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen have all had trouble financially in the past, but are once again forming a solid top half of the table in the Bundesliga, and are starting to challenge the top two. The second of these of course being Borussia Dortmund. At the turn of the century, Dortmund became the first, (and so far, the only) club to be publicly traded on the German stock market. Since then, Borussia Dortmund have had a few good seasons in the Bundesliga after almost fading into obscurity within the league. Since this dip in form however they have created a fortress at the Westfalenstadion, and continue to build upon their success in Germany, and Europe. Dortmund are just another club in the Bundesliga who is expanding on their global market, bringing in top players from around the globe, and is rapidly gaining international appeal.
Just as the Premier League has its' predominant forces, the Bundesliga has its' own. But it is becoming ever more apparent that the German elite, are perhaps expanding.
The Spanish premier division is fairly segregated whereas true quality and average sides are concerned, as are the current Italian and French leagues, and they are entirely dependent and expectant of just a select few sides on success in Europe.
Over the next couple of seasons, expect to see a lot more from the Bundesliga representatives, and do not rule out another all German final next year in the Champions League. German football is once again on the rise... Die Zukunft ist hell...
