Teddy TEUMA UNION SAINT-GILLOISE

The dynamic midfielder and Union skipper is the best player to have emerged from Malta in a long time. Outstanding in both a number ten role or as a holder, he is tenacious, full of drive, extremely creative and knows where the goal is.

Alejandro BALDE BARCELONA

Still only19, left-back Balde has been going from strength to strength and will soon be the undisputed first-choice for both Barcelona and Spain. His recent World Cup outings in Qatar will help take him to an even higher level.

Santiago GIMENEZ FEYENOORD

In his first season in Rotterdam following a move from Cruz Azul in his native Mexico, the young striker has struck it lucky as a Europa League super-sub, coming off the bench to score three goals in home and away clashes with Italian giants Lazio.

Brais MENDEZ REAL SOCIEDAD

Exceptional attacking midfielder who has hit the ground running since arriving at the Anoeta Stadium from Celta Vigo last summer. Capable of outrageous moments of skill, such as his audacious backheel goal for Celta against Rayo Vallecano last season.

Nicola ZALEWSKI ROMA

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has a soft spot for the industrious and tacticallyaware youngster, 21, who can put in a shift at left-back, further forward on that flank or in a box-to-box role. Born in the Rome region to Polish parents.

Any discussion about goalscoring at Lisbon giants Sporting inevitably leads to high praise for the red zone contribution of incisive left-winger Goncalves (aka “Pote”) who in twoand-a-half seasons with the Lions is approaching the 50-goal mark.

Adama TRAORE FERENCVAROS

The Mali international forward, a sharp, raiding frontrunner, is capable of posing a threat anywhere along the front line. Now 27, he first made a name for himself at African powerhouse TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

Guido RODRIGUEZ REAL BETIS

This resourceful defensive midfielder is the type of player who instinctively gives an optimum balance to any team. A squad member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning party, albeit he only appeared in one group game.

Xavi SIMONS PSV

In his first season as a regular starter in the pro ranks, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain youth-teamer is finally living up to all the prodigy hype of his tender years. A classy, versatile midfielder born to excite.

Adrien TRUFFERT RENNES

Indefatigable, attack-conscious left-back, who recently starred in the Breton club’s1-0 Ligue1 victory over the mighty PSG. Serie A giants Inter are thought to be very keen on the 21-year-old French international.

Diogo LEITE UNION BERLIN

The Berliner top brass pulled off quite a coup last summer in securing a12-month loan deal for the promising 24-year-old Porto centre-back. A € 7.5m option to buy looks an absolute snip.