Are these eight European clubs capable of taking on Borussia Dortmund’s popularity?

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FC Midtjylland

Since knocking out Premier League side Southampton and defeating Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League, Danish side FC Midtjylland have become admittedly mildly mainstream. However, this should not deter any potential adoration for the side from the small Danish city of Herning. Founded just before the new Millennium in 1999, the side are owned by the same owner as Brentford FC – Matthew Benham. What is intriguing about FC Midtjylland is that they use analytics to scout players, not based on goals but on the creation of chances and the value of the player. This may not be to everyone’s liking but the signings of players like Tim Sparv prove that the model can unearth gems for a low cost. Not to mention that all the systems the first team use – the tactics, the diet and the psychological coaching are all implementing right down to the under 14s. It is little wonder then, that Pione Sisto who scored against LvG’s United side emerged through the Midtylland academy. Also, the city of Herning is on the Jutland peninsula and therefore worth a visit for any history buffs of the First World War and/or British naval history.

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Hansa Rostock

Currently plying their trade in Germany’s third tier, Hansa Rostock are a shadow of the side they used to be. Before being one of the few examples of East German sides adapting and competing well in the reformed Bundesliga (Rostock were in the top flight between 1995 and 2005), Hansa Rostock were one of the most successful sides in the DDR, finishing as runners up in the league on five occasions and winning the last ever East German Cup in 1991. Rostock itself is the largest city in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and lies on the Baltic coast. With a fairly large fan-base and a stadium to fit 25,000, Hansa Rostock is something of a sleeping giant – see them as a project. If they make it back to the Bundesliga in 5-10 years you will definitely have liked them first.