The UEFA Europa League is back with a lot of exciting fixtures ahead. Last season Villareal beat Man United to win the title in spot-kicks that saw United’s shot-stopper David De Gea miss the decisive penalty for his side.
The sides gracing this year’s competition have strengthened their camps with talented players and astute tacticians. From Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio to Jorge Sampaoli’s Marseille – the competition has mouth watering clashes to look forward to.
Nonetheless it is the competition register that is outstanding. From teenage playmakers to blazing strikers in their early 30s, plenty of players are bound to make this competition an interesting one.
This competition is and will likely attract more attention almost the same as The UEFA Champions League[UCL].
Below are some of the big talents and players poised to bring all the attention with renowned tacticians who have led Europe’s big clubs.
1. Ciro Immobile
Ciro Immobile was an underrated player in the Italy’s win of the Euro 2020 against England in spot-kicks.
While his purpose was to constantly push and occupy defenders in the national team setup, his role will be a different one this time around in the Europa League.
Lazio Star Ciro Immobile
Ciro Immobile this time has been tasked as Lazio’s marksman. he is and has already started scoring for his club.
Immobile has so far scored four goals in this season in three appearances for Lazio and arguably will be a key contender for this year’s highest scorer in the competition.
2. Florian Wirtz
The Germany attacking midfielder has started displaying the quality of his own in the Bundesliga this season.
The Bayer Leverkusen player has established himself as one of the best talented teenage players in Europe.
In his three appearances for the Bayer Leverkusen club Florian Wirtz has seen the net twice and assisted three times.
Expected to replicate the impact that Kai Havertz had at Leverkusen, Wirtz’s presence will be eye-catching for sure. While it may not be all perfect, it is will be a season of revelations for the 18-year-old. As his first step into Europe, Wirtz will look to take the right chances and help his side get into the knockout rounds.
3. Aleksander Isak
The Swedish professional player will no doubt prove a point on this continental competition after an impressive individual display at the Euro 2020. Real Sociedad will be expecting to get the better of him in this season campaign.
Alexander Isak
Isak scored 17 times in the 2020/21 La Liga, prompting interest from various big European sides. This season, after renewing his contract, the 21-year-old will look to play on the strengths of Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Morino and veteran David Silva to score goals and lead his side.
4. Mesut Ozil
One of the best creative ,midfielders in the world football, Mesut Ozil side Fenerbahce are back to this competition again and we will get to see him craft and set those creative passes in the game again.
Mesut Ozil has stamped his name at Fenerbahce with a goal and an assist in 166 minutes in the Turkish Super Lig this season.
Ozil’s playmaking capabilities, combined with his top-level experience will shine out in the Fenerbahce side. Despite not having a prolific qualification campaign, he is capable of making moments his own.
5. Patson Daka
After creating ripples around Europe with his scintillating spell at Salzburg, Patson Daka is at Leicester City and will feature in this edition of the Europa League.
The 22-year-old Zambian has already proved to be an effective goal-scorer who can covert chances with incredible accuracy and consistency.
Leicester, on the other hand, are in the process of reducing dependency on Jamie Vardy and finding another guiding goal-scorer. Daka might just be the one and that is why his maiden European push with the Foxes will be a crucial one.
6. Said Benrahma
West Ham United will be the 16th team from England to play European football. David Moyes’ side have been impressive, and so has been Said Benrahma. The Algerian international has already scored twice and assisted as many in West Ham’s first four Premier league matches.
This will be Benrahma’s first full-season in a West Ham shirt after coming to London earlier this year. A direct attacker who is able to operate from the left and cut inside, he’ll be crucial in getting those goals, as well as assisting Michail Antonio in the process in the Europa League.
7. Xherdan Shaqiri
After a not-so-busy Liverpool career, Xherdan Shaqiri moved to Lyon earlier this summer.
The attacker, after an impressive Euro 2020 with three goals and an assist, will carry expectations of repeating, if not bettering the tally in the Europa League.
Peter Bosz’s side have plenty of talent in their midfield and Shaqiri will be the key to converting the chances. Although Memphis Depay’s departure is likely to be felt, there’s no denying the fact that Shaqiri has the ability to step up and deliver.
8. Nabil Fekir
Playmakers that embody their side’s creative soul are always intriguing to watch. Nabil Fekir has been exactly that for Real Betis, ever since making his way from Lyon in 2019. The attacking midfielder has started the season slowly. He is yet to register any quantifiable end-product on the scoresheet this season.
Nabil Fekir
However, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis, after being back on the European stage, are looking more involved than their own previous versions.
Keeping this in mind, the 28-year-old French international might thrive and put in performances in the Europa League capable of turning heads.
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