On the eve of the 2023-24 season around Europe, it's time to ask: Who are we excited about watching this season?
We've got together 10 of the finest brains from across Europe that we think you should keep an eye on in the upcoming campaign. These aren't the best 10 players in Europe, nor are they 10 you've never heard of. There are lots of young players in this list and each writer was to pick someone they are excited about in 2023-24.
We will select two most noteworthy player in 2023/24 season every day. Read on to see who we've selected today.
Moussa Diaby Aston Villa
Aston Villa are looking to build on their seventh-place finish last season, and have set about strengthening in attack. They were the lowest scorers in the top half of the Premier League in 2022-23, with their 51 goals the same number as relegated Leicester, and the addition of Moussa Diaby should help them improve at the sharp end of the pitch.
Over his four years at Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting attacking talents. In each of his four seasons there, he reached double figures for non-penalty goal involvements, peaking at 25 (13 non-penalty goals, 12 assists) in the 2021-22 campaign. Only three players managed more shots than Diaby that season, and he also ranked top for chances created in open play (53).
In 2022-23, his combined xG and xA of 17.3 was the fourth highest in the Bundesliga. Both a goal threat and a creative presence, Diaby brings a wealth of attacking talent to Villa Park.
Naturally, his qualities will make him a real threat on the counter-attack as he will lead the way with his pace on and off the ball. His ability to carry the ball forward at speed, take players on, make key contributions in front of goal and offer an outlet with his movement will make him a key figure in Unai Emery’s Villa side.
Across the top five leagues last season, just five wingers/wide midfielders recorded more carries ending in a shot or a chance created (55). Eight of those led to a goal or assist for Diaby, with Vinícius Júnior (12) and Rafael Leão (10) the only two from the same group to better the Frenchman’s tally.
While he'll have to deal with the additional pressure that will comes with a big-money move, he has the talent to take his game to the next level under Emery’s guidance, making him an exciting addition to Villa's attack.
We will select two most noteworthy player in 2023/24 season every day and make sure you do not miss anyone. Check out the past content👇
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