Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign, U-23 players who did exceptionally well were duly recognised by their respective leagues. We have compiled the list of Europe’s top 5 leagues’ young players of the season and ranked them in order of the best of the best based on their personal and club achievements in the league.
Europe’s top 5 leagues’ young players of the season
4. Nicolo Fagiolo, 22 (Juventus) – Serie A
Nicolo Fagioli spent most of last season on loan at Cremonese from Juventus. However, Juventus decided to retain him for the current season, despite having other high-ranking midfielders such as Rabiot, Pogba, Locatelli, and Paredes available. Initially, Fagioli was kept at the club for depth, but he later emerged as a key figure in Allegri’s midfield. Although primarily deployed as a central midfielder, the young Italian managed to contribute to 6 goals (3 goals and 3 assists) in 17 league starts out of a total of 26 appearances in Serie A. He maintained an average tackle success rate of 66% and a pass success rate of 85%.
3. Karim Adeyemi, 21 (Dortmund) – Bundesliga
Adeyemi was crucial to Dortmund this season, particularly during their title charge against Bayern Munich, which they ultimately lost on the last match day. The German international’s season was mainly hampered by injuries, but this did not prevent him from delivering top-class performances whenever he had the opportunity to play. Primarily utilized as a right forward winger, he is also capable of playing on the left wing and even in more advanced roles. In the Bundesliga this season, he made 24 appearances, starting 20 of them. He contributed a total of 11 goals (6 goals and 5 assists).
2. Nuno Mendes, 21 (PSG) – Ligue 1
The young Portuguese player has quickly established himself as one of the best left-back and left-wing back players in the world. Mendes had an exceptional season for PSG after the Ligue 1 champions made his loan deal from Sporting permanent. He made 23 appearances in Ligue 1, starting 18 of them. Offensively, he contributed to 6 goals (1 goal and 5 assists). He averaged an 87% pass accuracy and a 67% tackle success rate. His contributions played a significant role in PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph.
1. Erling Haaland, 23 (Manchester City) – Premier League
You might agree with us if we decide to leave Haaland’s name at number one without writing anything else in addition. In his first season with the Premier League Champions, Haaland has achieved his highest goal tally in a single season and won a treble. Starting in 33 out of 35 league games, he scored 36 goals and provided 8 assists, surpassing the numbers of some of the league’s top playmakers. Many people doubted Haaland’s adaptability to the Premier League, with some claiming that he would not fit Guardiola’s system. However, Guardiola has found a suitable system that benefits all of his players and brings out the best in them.
Final Thoughts
That concludes the ranking of the top young players of the season in Europe’s top five leagues. It’s important to note that La Liga has not officially announced its young player of the season yet, which is why we have only ranked the players from four leagues. However, many media outlets have rated Vinicius Jr as the best young player of La Liga for this season. Also, all the players listed in this articles were awarded the best young players of their respective leagues.
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