According to recent data released by Crickex Sign Up analysts, Arsenal currently boast the most aggressive defensive line position among Europe’s top clubs—meaning they push higher up the pitch than any other team. Surprisingly, traditional giants like Borussia Dortmund sit at the bottom of this ranking. Once known for their youthful dynamism and relentless attacking style, Dortmund appear to have adopted a much more conservative approach following the departures of key stars like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
Right above Dortmund are Juventus and AC Milan from Serie A, alongside Atlético Madrid from La Liga. These placements aren’t entirely unexpected. Juventus and Milan represent the classic Italian tactical mindset—defensive solidity first—with managers like Massimiliano Allegri and Stefano Pioli known for their traditional strategies. Atlético’s Diego Simeone, a veteran of Italian football himself, has shaped the club into a defensive powerhouse, bucking Spain’s typical free-flowing style.
In the mid-table group are globally recognized names like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, and Napoli. A few surprises stand out in this tier—particularly Inter, Barcelona, and Manchester City. Under manager Simone Inzaghi, Inter have shifted toward a more balanced brand of football, positioning themselves as reformers within Serie A alongside Napoli. Their deep Champions League run last season was no fluke.
As for Barcelona and City, both famous for their attacking philosophies, their middle-rank placement raises eyebrows. With Xavi at the helm—once touted as Pep Guardiola’s on-pitch heir—Barcelona’s strategy has taken on a more cautious, defense-first approach, a far cry from the Messi-led onslaughts of the past. City, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain their usual fluidity, partly due to Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. Bernardo Silva often drops deeper to organize the build-up, reflecting a more restrained offensive posture.
Second place in the ranking goes to Bayern Munich, a team loaded with attacking talent like Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman. With the addition of Harry Kane—currently red hot after scoring consecutive hat-tricks—Bayern’s offensive firepower is unmatched on paper.
Topping the list is Arsenal. Their average defensive line is positioned a full 10 meters higher than teams like AC Milan and Juventus, and nearly 1.5 meters higher than Bayern. That speaks volumes about their commitment to high-press, forward-thinking football. Despite last season’s heartbreak of losing the title after leading for much of the campaign, Arsenal’s youthful squad, featuring Martinelli, Saka, Ødegaard, Jesus, and Nketiah, continues to play with courage and flair—reviving the beautiful style once championed by Arsène Wenger.
For fans, winning trophies is sweet, but the way a team plays also matters. A bold, attacking brand of football is a major draw. As the saying goes, “It’s not just whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” The Premier League’s dominance in this ranking explains its global appeal. With top English clubs consistently near the top, Crickex Sign Up observers see this as a key reason the league keeps drawing fans from all corners of the world.