Most Valuable Conference League players. The UEFA Europa Conference League was introduced to offer more opportunities for European football to a wider pool of clubs. While still in its inaugural stages, the level of competition remains high with many talented individuals using it as a platform to showcase their abilities to the world. Here are the 10 most valuable players currently plying their trade in the competition:
Jonathan David – €60 million
The most valuable player is Canadian centre-forward Jonathan David of Lille valued at €60 million. The 23-year-old has developed rapidly since joining Lille from Gent in 2020. Blessed with searing pace, intelligent movement and an eye for goal, David has established himself as one of the most well-rounded strikers in Europe. With his goalscoring record and all-round play for club and country, David is the complete forward package. As Lille look to progress deep in the Conference League, much will depend on David’s goals and performances.
Ollie Watkins – €55 million
In second is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins valued at €55 million. The 27-year-old England international has been a consistent performer for Villa since joining from Brentford in 2020, scoring 48 goals in 125 appearances so far. Blessed with strength, pace and an instinctive eye for goal inside the box, Watkins is the ideal target man who can also run the channels tirelessly. He scored 14 Premier League goals last season and will look to add to that tally in Europe. As Villa’s main attacking outlet, Watkins will be crucial to their hopes of success.
Douglas Luiz – €55 million
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz is valued at €55 million in third. The silky 25-year-old is a key cog in Villa’s midfield, renowned for his passing range, technique on the ball and ability to dictate the tempo of games. After representing Brazil at the 2020 Olympics, Luiz will look to enhance his reputation further on the European stage. His ball playing skills and defensive nous make him vital for Villa.
Moussa Diaby – €55 million
French winger Moussa Diaby is valued at €55 million in fourth. The 24-year-old has developed into one of the most dangerous attackers in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. Blessed with blistering pace, close control and an eye for goal, Diaby has scored 25 goals in 94 appearances so far. He will be Leverkusen’s main threat, looking to take opponents on with his trickery and direct running. Diaby’s performances will be important if Leverkusen harbour hopes of progressing deep in the competition.
Pau Torres – €45 million
Spanish centre-back Pau Torres makes up the top 5 valued at €45 million. The 26-year-old Villarreal man has established himself as one of La Liga’s best defenders renowned for his composure on the ball and ability to start attacks from the back. Torres is comfortable bringing the ball out of defence or playing raking long balls to switch play. His leadership and quality on the ball will be crucial to Villarreal’s defensive solidity and hopes of progressing in Europe.
Jacob Ramsey – €42 million
Young English midfielder Jacob Ramsey is valued at €42 million in sixth. The 22-year-old has developed immensely since breaking into Villa’s first team last season, renowned for his energy, technique and eye for goal from midfield. Still developing aspects of his game, Ramsey’s drive and ability on the ball along with his goalscoring contributions from midfield make him a valuable asset as Villa look to balance youth with experience. His best years are still ahead of him as he continues learning from coaches like Steven Gerrard.
Nicolás González – €35 million
Argentine winger Nicolás González is valued at €35 million in seventh. The 25-year-old joined Fiorentina last summer and has impressed with his pace, trickery and eye for goal. Still adapting to Serie A, the Conference League presents González a chance to enhance his reputation.
Matteo Guendouzi – €35 million
In eighth place is Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi valued at €35 million. The 23-year-old Frenchman has been a key player for Marseille since joining on loan from Arsenal last season. Renowned for his energy, work-rate and passing range, Guendouzi will look to star for Marseille in the Conference League.
Pau López – €28 million
French goalkeeper Pau López is valued at €28 million in ninth. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the Conference League’s best shot-stoppers and is crucial to his club’s ambitions with his commanding presence.
Leon Bailey – €28 million
Jamaican winger Leon Bailey rounds off the top 10 valued at €28 million. The 26-year-old has struggled with injuries since joining Villa. But is a dangerous dribbler who can single-handedly win games on his day. He will look to stay fit and impact Villa’s Conference League campaign.
In conclusion, the talent and values on display serve to underline the strength of the Conference League even at this nascent stage. These players have the ability to enhance their reputations and help their sides match the level of competition from clubs across Europe. The exposure also provides a chance for them to attract interest from bigger clubs watching intently.
