As we approach the midway point of the campaign, GOAL picks out the top performers from Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues.
The turn of the year is approaching, so what better time to take stock and reflect on how the European season is panning out so far? Obviously, in France, Paris Saint-Germain are once again running away with Ligue 1 despite their poor performances in the Champions League, while Bayern Munich are reasserting their superiority in Germany after being sensationally dethroned as Bundesliga champions by an unbeatable Bayer Leverkusen last season.
However, things are much tighter at the top in the other ‘Big Five’ leagues. Manchester City may have won the last four English titles but they’re playing catch-up in the Premier League after the worst run of Pep Guardiola’s career, with Liverpool leading the way from Chelsea. In Spain, Barcelona have suffered a dramatic dip in form after a blistering start to the season and slipped to third in La Liga, behind their two great rivals from Madrid: a resurgent Real and table-topping Atletico. Over in Italy, meanwhile, third-placed Inter have a real fight on their hands to retain their Serie A crown, as Napoli are flying again under Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta are on fire at the moment.
As for the Champions League, Liverpool top that too, but Barca, Arsenal, Leverkusen and Inter are all shaping up well ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures in the new league phase. But who have been the most consistent performers in Europe so far this season? GOAL reveals its stellar starting XI below, with our picks based on each player’s individual stats, as well as their overall impact on those around them.
GK: David de Gea (Fiorentina)
We wondered if we’d ever see David de Gea on a football field again after the Spaniard was forced into taking a sabbatical following his painful Manchester United exit in 2023. However, the 34-year-old is enjoying quite the renaissance at high-flying Fiorentina, with De Gea quickly becoming a cult hero at the Stadio Artemio Franchi by keeping clean sheets and saving spot-kicks.
As the Viola’s social media team recently pointed out, “There’s a new David in town!”
RB: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Enrique can be quite harsh on Achraf Hakimi – but that’s only because he believes that the Paris Saint-Germain ace can become even better. That’s a scary thought for opposition left-backs because the 26-year-old is already a nightmare to contain.
Only six players in Europe’s ‘Big 5’ leagues have created more chances than Hakimi this season, while he ranks second among defenders for possession won. There’s arguably no more complete full-back in the game today, whether Luis Enrique cares to admit it or not!
CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk has put Liverpool in a very awkward position. Given the Dutch defender is now 33, the Reds are reluctant to offer him a lucrative new contract – but, on current form, they’d be mad not to meet his demands. The Netherlands international is still absolutely cruising through games at the very highest level, comfortably coping with the threat posed by forwards like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Indeed, it won’t come as any surprise to learn that no outfield player has been involved in more clean sheets so far this season than Van Dijk.
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Gabriel Magalhaes may not be quite as quick or elegant as his central defensive partner at Arsenal, William Saliba, but the Brazilian has emerged as a real leader at the Emirates over the past few years – and is an absolute menace in the opposition area.
Gabriel has already netted four times this season, with the Gunners adding another weapon to their armoury by taking full advantage of his aerial prowess at set-pieces.
LB: Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Alex Grimaldo played a starring role in Bayer Leverkusen’s domestic double last season and he’s shining almost as brightly in 2024-25. The Spain international is an outstanding attacking outlet down the left-hand side of Xabi Alonso’s team – as underlined by the fact that only two players across Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues have created more chances than the wing-back, who also ranks second for successful crosses.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Liverpool fans were devastated when the club once again failed to sign a specialist No.6 during the summer, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi sensationally deciding against moving to Merseyside at the last minute. However, it now seems as if the answer to the Reds’ defensive midfield problem was already at Anfield, with Ryan Gravenberch proving one of the revelations of the season so far.
The Dutchman has done an unbelievable job for Arne Slot protecting the back four (no player has made more interceptions across Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues) while at the same time breaking the lines and playing through opponents.
DM: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
It’s been reported in Germany that Bayern Munich have admitted defeat in their attempts to get Joshua Kimmich to accept a pay-cut to stay at the Allianz Arena – and it would make sense. Kimmich has been simply sensational this season, so there’s just no way the Bavarians can afford to lose him on a free transfer next summer.
The versatile midfielder has won possession more times than anyone else in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues, while only four players have created more chances than Kimmich. He’s a total footballer!
RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The best player in the world right now? There are certainly none more decisive. Mohamed Salah is 32 now and yet no matter how he’s playing, he always seems to make something happen.
No player in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues has been involved in more goals this season than the Egyptian King – and it’s not even close. Put quite simply: Liverpool wouldn’t be top of both the Premier League and the Champions League without Salah, who become the first player in Premier League history to hit double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas.
AM: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best English player in the Premier League. Palmer was the revelation of the 2023-24 season and continues to make a mockery of Manchester City’s decision to sell him to Chelsea – and for just £40m ($50m).
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been directly involved in 18 goals already this term and is one of the main reasons why the Blues are mounting a surprise title challenge.
LW: Raphinha (Barcelona)
What a turnaround for Raphinha at Barcelona! The former Leeds winger thought he was heading for the exit door on more than one occasion, but he’s become absolutely indispensable this season.
No player across Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues has created more chances than the Brazil international, who has eight assists and 17 goals to his name.
CF: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Robert Lewandowski may not be back to his very best but he’s not far off it. The appointment of former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick as Xavi’s successor has helped revitalise the Poland international, who, at 36 years of age, is on course to win his third European Golden Shoe with 16 goals in 18 Liga games – and 23 in 24 overall. Lewandowski also has a much better shot conversion rate (28.4%) than any of his rivals.