Giovani LO CELSO (Real Betis)

It’s not often that Lionel Messi is the second best Argentinian on the pitch. But the Barcelona star was outshone by the central midfielder in Betis’ recent 4-3 win in La Liga – the first victory for the Seville club at Camp Nou since 1998.

Outstanding for the Spanish club this season, the 22-year-old is finally realising his potential on a European stage after a move from Rosario Central to Paris Saint-Germain in 2016.

Not in the plans of incoming PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, who has since deployed defender Marquinhos in central midfield, Lo Celso was also unused by Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli at the World Cup in Russia.

However, a season-long loan move to Betis has given the player the opportunity to display his talents on a regular basis and the forward-thinking tactics of coach Quique Setien have certainly helped that process.

He is under contract to PSG until 2021 but Betis have an option to buy at the end of this season.

Fernando OVELAR (Cerro Porteno)

The youngster scored the opening goal in Paraguay’s biggest club match – Cerro Porteno v Olimpia – aged just 14 years, nine months and 29 days.

Alassane PLEA (B Monchengladbach)

With 11 goals in 12 games for Gladbach since his summer move from Ligue 1 side Nice, the attacker’s form was recognised with a call-up to the France squad for the first time.

Andre-Pierre GIGNAC (Tigres)

The veteran forward continues to bang in the goals in Mexico, scoring four in one recent game against Puebla.

Sebastien HALLER (E Frankfurt)

The big French striker, who moved to Germany from Dutch side Utrecht in May 2017, scored eight goals and provided assists in his first 11 Bundesliga games for Eintracht.

Nicolas PEPE (Lille)

The 23-year-old striker has been one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 season for surprise challengers Lille.

Mario HERMOSO (Espanyol)

The centre-back’s form for Liga surprise package Espanyol was recognised by Spain coach Luis Enrique who called him into the senior squad.