Footy Power Rankings: Neymar-inspired PSG making early waves

Taking into consideration domestic and continental results, along with underlying stats, we'll try to figure out which clubs are among Europe's elite.

1. Paris Saint-Germain (1st in Ligue 1)

Neymar is already justifying his mammoth €222-million price tag - the lithe Brazilian has paired five goals with five assists in just six matches (across all competitions). Together with Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain is going to decimate almost every backline that stands in its way - now the two South Americans just need to sort out who's taking the penalties.

2. Real Madrid (4th in La Liga)

Real Madrid's stumbled a bit early in domestic play - two home draws have given Barcelona an advantage in the two-horse race for the league crown - and Zinedine Zidane's squad depth is already being tested thanks to a host of injuries. Let's not get carried away, though: Los Blancos are still dominating matches and the goals will soon begin to flow.

3. Barcelona (1st in La Liga)

Amid all the backroom shenanigans going on in Catalonia, it can be easy to forget that Barca, powered by the irrepressible Lionel Messi, is still downright scary. Losing Ousmane Dembele for three-to-four months is an unfortunate blow - the young Frenchman's acclimation to his new side was going to be fascinating - but the Spanish behemoth will be just fine. Just ask Juventus.

4. Bayern Munich (3rd in Bundesliga)

Rumblings suggest there is discontent in Bavaria over the laid-back style of manager Carlo Ancelotti, but Bayern Munich's sheer talent - this is arguably Europe's deepest squad - means the German club will always be among the contenders for the Champions League crown, regardless of who is sitting on the bench and deciding when, or when not, to stage a training session.

5. Manchester City (1st in Premier League)

This is exactly what Pep Guardiola envisioned when he arrived at Manchester City. With a revamped set of full-backs, the celebrated tactician has been able to properly implement his system. That, combined with Kevin De Bruyne's continued development into an unstoppable attacking force, has allowed the Citizens to blast through their recent schedule, winning their last three matches by a combined score of 15-0.

6. Manchester United (2nd in Premier League)

Not to be outdone by its city rival, Manchester United is going blow for blow with Guardiola's lot at the top of the Premier League table; Jose Mourinho's side, equal parts physically dominant and technically gifted, has brought an air of excitement back to to Old Trafford with blistering football. The only concern right now is the potential long-term absence of Paul Pogba, who was enjoying a superb start to the campaign.

7. Borussia Dortmund (1st in Bundesliga)

Peter Bosz has Borussia Dortmund ticking in the Bundesliga, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continuing to lead the line for one of the most electrifying attacks in Europe. On paper, the defensive personnel still leaves something to be desired, but early in the season, the numbers don't lie: It doesn't get better than zero goals conceded. Can that backline hold up against better opposition, though? The loss to Tottenham suggested not.

8. Napoli (1st in Serie A)

Maurizio Sarri's Napoli has long been recognized as Serie A's most enjoyable team to watch; the football is free-flowing, filled with slick passing and beautiful movement. Now, though, there's a very real argument to be made that the Partenopei are the best side on the peninsula, full stop. With Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon in support, along with a wonderfully balanced midfield, Dries Mertens has picked up right where he left off last season.

9. Chelsea (3rd in Premier League)

Chelsea has gotten off to something of an underwhelming start this season, with Sunday's dour draw against Arsenal leaving much to be desired. There's certainly no need to panic just yet, of course, especially considering that attacking catalyst Eden Hazard has yet to play a full match. Given Alvaro Morata's excellent start to life at Stamford Bridge, the full return of Hazard should help the Blues kick things into high gear.

10. Juventus (2nd in Serie A)

For the first time in recent memory, Juventus' vice grip on the Serie A throne looks to be under serious threat. There are questions about the quality of the squad in multiple positions after an underwhelming transfer window - the right-back slot sticks out. This certainly feels like a transitional season in Turin; the older core is on the wane, and the younger crop, either at the club or out on loan, looks ready to make the leap. Max Allegri has a big job on his hands. At least he can rely on Paulo Dybala, who is playing out of his mind right now with eight goals in four Serie A appearances. If he gets injured, though ... oh boy.

11. AS Monaco (2nd in Ligue 1)

Who needs Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva - and all the other stars that left the principality this past summer - when you have Radamel Falcao turning back the clock to his Atletico Madrid heyday? The Colombian hitman leads Europe's top five leagues with nine domestic goals. Meanwhile, Monaco's cast of youngsters, tasked with replacing the high-priced talent that left the club after last season's run to the Ligue 1 title, has settled well, and figures to continue improving as the season progresses.

12. Atletico Madrid (5th in La Liga)

It's been a slog to start the campaign for Atletico Madrid; a five-goal showing against Las Palmas inflated the club's goal total. In typical Atleti fashion, the side has been stout defensively, but Diego Simeone needs to figure something out up front to get the best out of Antoine Griezmann. The Wanda Metropolitano looks magnificent, but if the football being played inside the renovated stadium is bland, the thrill of a spectacular new setting will wear off rather quickly.

13. Inter Milan (3rd in Serie A)

It's early, but Luciano Spalletti seems to have stabilized Inter, which had been defined in recent years by its dysfunction. Mauro Icardi, despite his, um, interesting off-field sagas, is a legitimately brilliant forward who could lead the line for almost any club in Europe. With Ivan Perisic in support and some solid under-the-radar signings in key areas already making contributions - particularly at full-back - Inter looks to finally have things sorted out.

14. Tottenham (5th in Premier League)

The gloss of an exhilarating Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund was immediately wiped away when Tottenham stumbled to a goalless draw with Swansea at the weekend. The "Wembley curse" narrative is already tiresome, but it's not going to disappear until Spurs start rolling at their temporary home.

15. Liverpool (8th in Premier League)

The 2-2 draw with Sevilla was the quintessential Liverpool experience under Jurgen Klopp: a breathtaking display at times, highlighted by relentless pressing and unmatched speed on the break, and undone by woeful defensive errors. New season, same story at Anfield.

On the cusp: AC Milan, Arsenal, Sevilla

(Stats courtesy: WhoScored.com and Squawka.com)
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)