Ranking the Best Players of the Europa League so far

The 2023/2024 UEFA Europa League has not been devoid of action whatsoever. Arguably one of the most competitive seasons in the tourney's history. Seeing entries from teams like Liverpool FC, AC Milan, AS Roma, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen amongst others.

With the array of spectacular players in the tournament thus far, here are some of the notable mentions.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese forward has found reinvigorated form since his arrival on the shores of France. After Robert Lewandowski’s arrival pushed him out of Barcelona and after a subpar showing at Chelsea FC, the move to Marseille couldn't have been more welcome.

Aubameyang currently sits as the competition's top scorer. Opening his tally with a brace against Ajax in September and then proceeding to add three more in the reverse tie at the Stade Orange Velodrome.

The marksman proceeded to register a goal in either leg of the first-round qualifying tie against Shakhtar Donetsk.

In the round of 16 first leg against the Yellow Submarines, he found the back of the net twice the last coming against Benfica in the quarter-final round.

In all, he has accumulated 10 goals (already 4 clear of the winner last term) and 3 assists in Marseille’s impressive run.

Marseille engrossed in a number of behind-the-scenes issues this season and featuring changes in the managerial positions, Aubameyang's surreal form has remained the only constant.

Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian forward returned to the Serie A last summer with AS Roma despite former allegiances lying with Inter Milan. Lukaku under Daniele De Rossi has been a different beast leading the charge for the Italian club. 

Seven goals across the tourney stretching from the group stages to the knockouts. Loaned from Chelsea as cover for the injured (Tammy Abraham — who's now back with the first-team squad), Lukaku's presence upfront has been central to De Rossi’s charge this campaign. 

Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has accumulated more total goal involvement with 13 than the Belgian forward. Mohamed Salah also with eight but has now exited the tournament with Liverpool.

Florian Wirtz

German sensation Florian Wirtz is having a season to remember with Bayer Leverkusen. The club's gameplay funnels through him and as a result has increased his standing ahead of the oncoming Euros. 

German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann has admitted he would look to build the team around him and Bayern's Jamal Musiala. 

Wirtz has found three goals and four assists to himself in their continental campaign so far despite Xabi Alonso's continuous rotations in a bid to keep the squad fresh. Ahead of the semi-finals, Leverkusen tickets are selling fast and Wirtz will be looking to make his mark yet again.

Gianluca Scamacca

Being highly rated in the Italian first division, Scamacca made the switch to England with West Ham United. His arrival in London was not quite the tale. Struggling to cement a spot and find his foot in the XI. 

Gian Piero Gasperini acquired Scamacca’s service over the summer. Scamacca has found five goals in the competition so far. Scoring in either leg of the knockout tie against Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP.

The highlight of his campaign has to be the remarkable performance against Liverpool FC. Scamacca netted a brace as Atalanta BC ran riot past the reds at their Merseyside base in a rather remarkable showing.

The forward, who is now back to his best, will be keen to lead the Bergamo side to glory, while eyeing a spot in Italy's squad for the Euros.

Rafael Leao

Already being regarded as the new King of Milan by many quarters. Leao has had a mixed campaign in their domestic and continental inclinations. 

Struggling particularly with his goalscoring form this season, he's still popped up with six goal involvements in the Europa League despite the fact AC Milan dropped down from the Champions League.

Everything the club side does almost always passes through him and he remained their most consistent attacker with 3 goals and 3 assists.

Two goals in the successive fixtures to Stade Rennais were followed by a goal and two assists in the next round against Slavia Prague. 

On the cusp of disqualification against local rivals Roma, he showed substance to get them back in the game. Creating the chance converted by Matteo Gabbia for their lone goal.

Jonathan Clauss

Offensive fullback, Jonathan Clauss is another Olympique de Marseille player to make this list. Joining on a free transfer from Lens in 2022, he's quickly established himself as a fan favourite. 

This season in the UEL, Clauss has accumulated a total of six assists from an xA of 2.6 only equalled by teammate Amine Harit with six of his own from an xA of 2.1. 

Clauss sits top for most big chances created with 9 and sixth for overall chances created with a metric of 20. The French defender has also found two goals of his own in Marseille's run to the last four.

Marseille will be banging on his form to help them finish a tumultuous campaign with at least silverware. 

Gianluca Mancini 

The Italian defender came up clutch for Roma in the quarterfinals against AC Milan - a testament of his impressive displays at the back for Daniele De Rossi’s side.

A prominent figure at the back and a regular feature in the competition right from the start. Mancini has made 10 appearances in the competition for Roma, scoring three important goals. He has also made 13 tackles while completing 89.2% of his passes. 

Honourable mentions

Liverpool trio Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have all had interesting outings in the tourney. However, getting knocked out by Atalanta BC has negated their campaign. 

Salah found himself with 5 goals and 3 assists in just four competition starts. Uruguayan forward Nunez also found the back of the net on five occasions and Cody Gakpo also racking up an impressive tally of four.

Patrik Schick turned out to be Leverkusen's hero in the tournament in the absence of last season's leading goalscorer Victor Boniface. Schick's three goals in two games against Qarabag preserved Leverkusen's run in the tournament earning a first leg draw and a win in the return leg.

Joan Pedro of Brighton also had an interesting impact in the competition. The forward scored six goals in six games to help the Seagulls reach the last 16 stage of the competition. West Ham's Mohammed Kudus did have a fine tournament, guiding the Premier League side to the quarterfinals. 

Cover Credits - Sky Sports