Narek Hambardzumyan
Jude Bellingham celebrating a goal with teammates Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.
Heading into the start of November, this season has been an exciting start in Europe so far, as soccer players from around Europe have been playing at their best.
With some familiar faces and some new ones, I have compiled a list of the best eleven players in Europe this season so far. Varying from many different leagues, all these players are playing with pure class.
GK: Marcine Bulka (Nice)
Marcine Bulka has had an incredible start to his season in France. Nice sit-in second behind reigning champions PSG, only behind by two points, with a game in hand. Bulka has had seven clean sheets out of ten matches played, which is an incredible stat line alone. He has also only conceded four goals in that same ten-game period, with a save percentage of 82.6, the sixth highest of any other goalkeeper in the top five leagues.
DEF: Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
Since the start of the season, Rúben Dias has been the heart of Manchester City’s defense. After winning Player of the Season in 2020/21 for being the most complete defender in the league with having the most blocked shots and clearances for Manchester City, he continues to bring that form into this season.
DEF: Christian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
The leading man at the back for Spurs’ incredible start to their campaign, the best in their history. In the Premier League, he is in the 92nd percentile for tackles won per 90 (1.58) and in the 91st percentile for tackles plus interceptions per game (4). Not only that, he also is in the 94th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (6.32). Although he got a red card against Chelsea just on Monday, he still has been a crucial aspect of Spurs' start.
DEF: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
6 assists (second in the premier league) as a defender should say it all. Trippier has always been incredible throughout his career, and he continues to show it at Newcastle. Not only has he been excellent on defense, but he has also been a threat up top.
DEF: João Cancelo (Barcelona)
After a hectic move around last season, João Cancelo went on loan to Barcelona and has not disappointed. He has made monumental changes for Barca and is their best defender at the moment. He has both been a defensive anchor for Barcelona, but also an attacking threat. In LaLiga versus other fullbacks, he is in the 99th percentile for tackles won per 90 (2.64), successful take ons per 90 (2.26), carries per 90 (49.65), through balls per 90 (0.38), and in passes in the final third (5.66). If that doesn’t prove he is the best fullback in La Liga, I don't know what does.
MID: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham is unreal. He has had ten goals and two assists in 11 matches, including clutch last-minute winners against Union Berlin and Barcelona. He leads La Liga in scoring and sits top with Real Madrid. He is the leading candidate for next year’s Ballon d’Or and will certainly live up to his 110 dollar million price tag.
MID: James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)
Along with Romero, James Maddison has been crucial to Spurs’ success this season. Three goals and five assists don’t tell the full story, as he has been playing amazingly alongside Heung-Min Son. If they both remain fit, it will be an incredible season for them both.
MID: Pedro Neto (Wolves)
Although the Wolves themselves haven’t had the greatest start, Pedro Neto has been playing some incredible soccer. He is leading the Premier League in assists, with seven in 11 games, and it is probably the reason Wolves aren’t in the relegation zone right now.
FW: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Serie A’s top goal scorer has not disappointed so far this season. Lautaro Martinez has 12 goals in 11 games and has led Inter to the number-one spot in the league. He has been a lethal striker and one of the very best.
FW: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Is this a surprise at this point? Haaland once again leading the Premier League in scoring, with 11 goals and 11 matches. He has led Manchester City to the top spot, and the Norwegian has not failed to disappoint.
FW: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane is one of the few strikers in the modern game that can both score and assist. He has 15 goals and five assists in ten matches in his debut season for Bayern. He has had to adapt to a new environment and he has succeeded astronomically.
That is the Best XI for the season. A team full of superstars from all over Europe who have been the very best in their own field. If they stay fit and healthy, I am sure all of these players will have an excellent season.
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