Ones to watch in 2015/16 Europa League
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
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As the group stage kicks off, UEFA.com selects some players destined for big UEFA Europa League seasons, including Nir Bitton, Felipe Anderson and Michy Batshuayi.
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With 48 teams beginning their group stage adventure, there are hundreds of players hoping to make their mark on the UEFA Europa League. UEFA.com picks out a selection of those we think are set for a big season in the competition.
Birkir Bjarnason (Basel)
A powerful midfielder who joined in the summer from Pescara and has already shown his worth in the Swiss Super League. The 27-year-old's talents have been on full display for Iceland in their run to UEFA EURO 2016 qualification, starting every game and scoring twice.
Nir Bitton (Celtic)
Likely to be the next Bhoys player on the radar of the big English Premier League teams, the Israeli is very composed in possession, rarely gives the ball away and chips in with his fair share of goals as well. There are echoes of Sergio Busquets in his style of play.
Fernando Cavenaghi (APOEL)
An experienced Argentinian forward who was parachuted in from River Plate in August to keep goals flowing for the Cypriot champions. He made an immediate impact by grabbing a pair – one a cheeky back-heel – on his debut after coming on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes.
Sabin Merino (Athletic Club)
Played the game of his life against Barcelona in the 4-0 Spanish Super Cup first-leg win last month, terrifying the Catalan club down the left wing with his pace and strength. If that performance is anything to go by, he is set for a very successful first senior season with the Basque club after being promoted from the reserve side.
Michy Batshuayi (Marseille)
Already with three Ligue 1 goals to his name this season, the athletic forward has the speed and intricate footwork to give defenders a torrid time, and when presented with a sight of goal the 21-year-old usually takes the chance. Comfortable with either foot, he has the potential to end the campaign near the head of the top-scorer charts.
Jairo Riedeweld (Ajax)
Likened to Frank Rijkaard by his coach Frank de Boer, he is the archetypal Ajax central defender, combining strength and timing at the back with the skill and composure to pick a pass and keep the ball moving.
Cédric Bakambu (Villarreal)
A summer capture from Bursaspor, the pacey Congolese forward netted twice on a dream home debut against Espanyol, and his speed and power look set to compliment the guile of Roberto Soldado expertly to make the Yellow Submarine a real goal threat in Group E.
Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina)
The creative midfielder fractured an ankle just as he was starting to show his full talent last season, but the 21-year-old scored twice in a summer friendly victory against Barcelona and there are a number in Florence touting him as the new Roberto Baggio.
Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
A 20-year-old midfielder with great vision and passing, he has been dubbed the new İlkay Gündogan in Germany. Is benefitting from playing alongside the 'old' Gündoğan in Dortmund's electric start to the new season after effortlessly stepping up from the German second division.
Mirko Valdifiori (Napoli)
A late bloomer, the 29-year-old made both his Serie A and Italy debut last season and after following coach Maurizio Sarri from Empoli, the midfield architect is ready to make his European bow this term, hoping to show the continent how he has made such vast recent strides.
Felipe Anderson (Lazio)
The creative winger has the ability to light up the UEFA Champions League, but after a play-off loss to Leverkusen, the UEFA Europa League will enjoy his talents. Full of dribbles, tricks and spectacular goals, fans will be entertained while opponents will not enjoy the experience at all.
Johannes Geis (Schalke 04)
The midfielder's first year in Gelsenkirchen after coming to prominence at Mainz, his powerful shots and set pieces mark him out as a threat. He could form a potent partnership with Leon Goretzka if the latter can stay free from injuries.
Daniel Baier (Augsburg)
The main man in Augsburg's rise to prominence in the Bundesliga, he possesses a passing game good enough to pull the best defences apart. The question will be whether he can transfer his domestic form into Europe, having never previously played in continental competition.
Fedor Smolov (Krasnodar)
With an ability to play wide or lead the line through the middle, it has not taken long for the forward to find his scoring form since his transfer from Dinamo Moskva, registering twice in the club's strong start to the domestic term.
Gökdeniz Karadeniz (Rubin Kazan)
Captain and the club's most experienced player, the former Turkish international has proven consistently that he has not lost any of his skill as a player or nous as a leader and always chips in with impressive goals.
Nikita Korzun (Dinamo Minsk)
Just 20 years old, Korzun is already the master of the Dinamo midfield. Always on the move, he gets through an immense amount of work and excels at every facet of the midfield role.
Reynaldo (Qarabağ)
It took him some time to settle in Azerbaijan but the Brazilian is now the undisputable leader of the Horsemen's attack. Relishes running at defences which he has the pace and skill to beat with regularity.
David Pavelka (Slovan Liberec)
A midfielder who impressed for the Czech Republic in both of September's wins which secured UEFA EURO 2016 qualification, the former Sparta Praha playmaker pulls the strings for Slovan, as displayed in the play-off success against Hajduk Split.