As we approach the midway point of the campaign, GOAL picks out the top performers from Europe's 'Big Five' leagues
The turn of the year is approaching, so what better time to take stock and reflect on how the European season is panning out so far? Obviously, in France, Paris Saint-Germain are once again running away with Ligue 1 despite their poor performances in the Champions League, while Bayern Munich are reasserting their superiority in Germany after being sensationally dethroned as Bundesliga champions by an unbeatable Bayer Leverkusen last season.
However, things are much tighter at the top in the other 'Big Five' leagues. Manchester City may have won the last four English titles but they're playing catch-up in the Premier League after the worst run of Pep Guardiola's career, withLiverpool leading the way from Chelsea. In Spain, Barcelona have suffered a dramatic dip in form after a blistering start to the season and slipped to third in La Liga, behind their two great rivals from Madrid: a resurgent Real and table-topping Atletico. Over in Italy, meanwhile, third-placed Inter have a real fight on their hands to retain their Serie A crown, as Napoli are flying again under Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta are on fire at the moment.
As for the Champions League, Liverpool top that too, but Barca, Arsenal, Leverkusen and Inter are all shaping up well ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures in the new league phase. But who have been the most consistent performers in Europe so far this season? GOAL reveals its stellar starting XI below, with our picks based on each player's individual stats, as well as their overall impact on those around them…
Getty Images SportGK: David de Gea (Fiorentina)
We wondered if we'd ever see David de Gea on a football field again after the Spaniard was forced into taking a sabbatical following his painful Manchester United exit in 2023. However, the 34-year-old is enjoying quite the renaissance at high-flying Fiorentina, with De Gea quickly becoming a cult hero at the Stadio Artemio Franchi by keeping clean sheets and saving spot-kicks.
As the Viola's social media team recently pointed out, "There's a new David in town!"
AdvertisementAFPRB: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Enrique can be quite harsh on Achraf Hakimi – but that's only because he believes that the Paris Saint-Germain ace can become even better. That's a scary thought for opposition left-backs because the 26-year-old is already a nightmare to contain.
Only six players in Europe's 'Big 5' leagues have created more chances than Hakimi this season, while he ranks second among defenders for possession won. There's arguably no more complete full-back in the game today, whether Luis Enrique cares to admit it or not!
Getty ImagesCB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk has put Liverpool in a very awkward position. Given the Dutch defender is now 33, the Reds are reluctant to offer him a lucrative new contract – but, on current form, they'd be mad not to meet his demands. The Netherlands international is still absolutely cruising through games at the very highest level, comfortably coping with the threat posed by forwards like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Indeed, it won't come as any surprise to learn that no outfield player has been involved in more clean sheets so far this season than Van Dijk.
Getty Images SportCB: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Gabriel Magalhaes may not be quite as quick or elegant as his central defensive partner at Arsenal, William Saliba, but the Brazilian has emerged as a real leader at the Emirates over the past few years – and is an absolute menace in the opposition area.
Gabriel has already netted four times this season, with the Gunners adding another weapon to their armoury by taking full advantage of his aerial prowess at set-pieces.