The Europa League is back, and it’s bringing with it a wave of excitement and anticipation as young stars and established names look to make their mark on the competition. As the world of European football gears up for another season of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite teams. But who are some of the key players to look out for this season?
Young Guns Looking to Make an Impact
One of the most exciting aspects of the Europa League is watching young talent emerge and make a name for themselves on the biggest stage. This season is no exception, with a host of talented youngsters looking to make their mark. One such player is Nicolás Williams, the 22-year-old winger who has been making waves with Athletic Bilbao. Williams was instrumental in Bilbao’s Copa del Rey success last season, ending the club’s 40-year wait for silverware, and also starred for Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024-winning side. Can he inspire the Basque side to Europa League glory as well?
Another young player to watch is Alan Varela who plays for
More Than Just Young Guns
While the Europa League is often seen as a platform for young players to emerge, it’s also a competition that features some well-established names. One such player is Vangelis Ioannidis, the Greece striker who has been attracting interest from a host of clubs, including Ipswich and Champions League side Bologna. PAOK refused to negotiate with these clubs, however, and Ioannidis remains with the club, looking to add to his impressive tally of 23 goals in 44 games last season.
A New Chapter for Amad
Another player looking to make a name for himself in the Europa League is Amad Diallo, the 21-year-old winger who has been making waves with Manchester United. After a loan spell in 2022-23 and an injury-hit start to last season, Amad now appears to be a key component of Erik ten Hag’s side. The winger has tended to be preferred to Alejandro Garnacho on the right this campaign and has already notched up one goal and one assist this season.
Experienced Heads Leading the Charge
While young players are often the focus of attention in the Europa League, experienced heads can also play a crucial role in a team’s success. One such player is Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain who made a surprise move to Al-Ettifaq in July 2023. Henderson’s stay in Saudi Arabia was brief, and he moved to Ajax six months later. However, his nine league appearances for the Dutch side last season did not impress Gareth Southgate enough for Henderson to earn a return to the England Euro 2024 squad. An experienced head in Ajax’s midfield, can he stake his claim on the European stage for a Three Lions call-up?
Martín Zubimendi: A New Hero for Real Sociedad
Another experienced player looking to make an impact is Martín Zubimendi, the 24-year-old midfielder who has been a wanted man in the transfer window. Zubimendi could have been playing in the Champions League this season but eventually turned down a move to Liverpool. Will his decision to stay at his hometown club pay off with Europa League success? Zubimendi scored four goals in 31 league appearances for Real Sociedad last season and was instrumental in Spain’s European Championship-winning side.
Erik ten Hag’s Faith in Amad Paying Off
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shown faith in Amad Diallo, and the young winger is repaying that faith in style. Amad has started the season in impressive form, notching up one goal and one assist in his first few appearances. However, the real test will come when United face stiffer competition in the Europa League. Can Amad continue to impress and help his side progress in the competition?
Talented Newcomers and Seasoned Vets Alike Looking to Shine
As the Europa League gets underway, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite teams and players. This season’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a host of talented newcomers and seasoned veterans looking to make their mark. Whether it’s young guns like Alan Varela, Nicolás Williams, or Amad Diallo, experienced heads like Jordan Henderson or Martín Zubimendi, or established stars like Vangelis Ioannidis, there’s no shortage of exciting players to watch this season. Who will emerge as the standout performers, and which teams will go on to claim Europa League glory? One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be an exciting ride.
More on the talented newcomers and other exciting team news
The BBC explores an exclusive conversation with the football manager comparing this year’s talented newcomers and last year’s winners.
For more information on these young footballers and the europa league check out europaleague.uefa.com