TOP 10 U-23 PLAYERS IN EUROPE 2022/2023 SEASON PT.2
- okechioji
- Jun 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Erling Haaland (22)
The goalscoring machine himself, in a season where many expected Haaland to struggle with moving to “the best league in the world”, the Norwegian marksman made a mockery of the Premier League scoring 36 goals in 35 games and breaking multiple records en route to helping Manchester City lift their 3rd consecutive Premier League trophy. Haaland finished the season with 52 goals in 53 games and won the historic treble (Premier league, FA cup and Champions League), as well as winning the Premier League golden boot, Premier League player of the year, Premier League young player of the season and Champions League highest goalscorer. Not only has he been the best under 23 performer this season, he is also being tipped to win the Ballon dór in October, we’re definitely witnessing the start of a truly great career.
Vinicius Junior (22)
Despite Real Madrid failing to defend both their Champions League and La Liga crowns, Vini jr showed his qualities this season by putting up double figure goals and double figure assists in all competitions for a second consecutive season. A player that was once tagged as a flop before he even got a real chance, he has turned that around and stepped up massively over the past 2 seasons. Despite being subjected to racial abuse and massive criticism for his conduct he scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in all competitions as well as lifting the Uefa Super cup, Copa del Rey and Club World Cup with Real Madrid this season. With his dangerous dribbling abilities and crazy output, Vinicius is fast becoming one of the most feared players in Europe.
Alejandro Balde (19)
Another one of La Masia’s graduates, Balde played a major role in Barcelona’s La Liga triumph. The Spanish left back played in 33 league games providing 6 assists and scoring 1 goal. His position and role is very important to how Xavi sets up his team as he doesn’t necessarily play with a left winger instead opting for a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession where Balde covers the entire left wing .I can’t lie when I first heard about Balde I didn’t want to believe the hype around him, but after watching him I was moved. Quick, agile and intelligent with his movements and passing, Balde has all the tools to go on to be one the best fullbacks in the world.
Lois Openda (23)
Spearheading Lens’ surprising title challenge was 23 year old Belgian forward Lois Openda. Openda scored 21 goals and gave 4 assists in the Ligue 1. The powerful and pacy striker was a constant threat for Lens throughout the season, with a strong box presence too he was undoubtedly one of the standout players from the 2022/23 season. After helping Lens secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years, they’ll do well to keep him for another year with AC Milan and RB Leipzig hot on the players trail.
Khvicha “Kvaradona” Kvaratskhelia (22)
12 months ago Kvaradona was playing in the Georgian league, fast forward to 2022/23 season and the Georgian left winger put up performances that caught the eyes of many. Kvara played an integral part in the Napoli team that lifted the Scudetto in May, he scored 12 goals and registered 13 assists on the way to winning the Serie A. Kvara dazzled under the lights in the Champions league with impressive performances against Liverpool and Ajax. With his unusual dribbling methods and eye for goal he earned himself the nickname “Kvaradona” reminiscent of the great Diego Maradona. He also won the Serie A player of the year ahead of top scorer and teammate Victor Osimhen. This might just be his break out season but be expecting more from this exceptional talent.
There are players who didn’t make this list but I’d like to give honorable mentions to. They all had fantastic seasons and contributed to the relative success that their various teams had. They are;
- Jermaine Frimpong (22)
- Dominik Szoboszlai (22)
- Folarin Balogun (21)
- Julian Alvarez (23)
- Takefusa Kubo (22)
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