Most Valuable Europa League players. As the second-tier continental competition in European football, the Europa League attracts some of the best young talents on the rise as well as established stars looking to win silverware outside of their domestic leagues. While its prestige may not match that of the UEFA Champions League, the level of competition in the Europa League remains extremely high with many elite clubs taking part each season. Here we profile and analyze the 10 most valuable players currently plying their trade in the competition based on their estimated transfer market values.
Florian Wirtz – €85 million
The player topping the list and valued at €85 million is 20-year old German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz has been nothing short of a revelation since breaking into the Leverkusen first team in 2020, racking up over 80 senior appearances already and becoming a regular for the German national team despite his tender age. Blessed with superb technical ability, close control, creativity and vision, Wirtz is already being touted as one of the best young playmakers in Europe. His impressive displays in the Bundesliga and on the international stage demonstrate his immense potential and why Leverkusen value him so highly. This season, Wirtz will be looking to add Europa League glory to his burgeoning trophy cabinet and further enhance his reputation as one of world football’s most exciting prospects.
Luis Diaz – €75 million
In second place with a €75 million valuation is Colombian winger Luis Diaz. The 26-year old joined Premier League giants Liverpool from Portuguese champions Porto in a €45 million deal. Since making the move to Anfield, Diaz has taken English football by storm. A dynamic dribbler blessed with searing pace, close control and an eye for goal, Diaz has fit seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp’s attacking system with his direct running and trickery on the ball. His menacing runs and crucial goals demonstrate why Liverpool were willing to pay a premium for his services in mid-season. This campaign, Diaz will look to add Europa League glory to his collection and further enhance his reputation as one of the most exciting wingers in world football currently.
Dominik Szoboszlai – €70 million
The third most valuable player is 23-year old Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who is valued at €70 million. Since joining German side RB Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg in January 2021, Szoboszlai established himself as a key player and one of the best creative midfielders in the Bundesliga. His start in England could not have been better. Blessed with superb technical ability, close control, passing range and an eye for the killer pass, Szoboszlai has the potential to be the star man in Liverpool’s midfield for the next decade. His impressive performances in Germany and for the Hungarian national team have seen his reputation and valuation rise significantly. This season, the playmaker will be looking to add a Europa League winners’ medal to his collection.
Evan Ferguson – €65 million
Brighton’s 19-year old Irish striker Evan Ferguson is valued at €65 million, making him the fourth most valuable player. Still a teenager, Ferguson has already made his first team debut for the Seagulls and represented Ireland at youth level after coming through the Brighton academy. His physical presence, hold up play, link up ability and predatory instincts in front of goal mark him out as a star for the future. While still developing, Ferguson’s early displays and potential have seen his valuation rise rapidly. This season in the Europa League provides another opportunity for the youngster to showcase his undoubted talent against elite European opposition.
Alexis Mac Allister – €65 million
Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is valued at €65 million, placing him in fifth. The 24-year-old was a key player for Brighton, joining from Boca Juniors in 2019. Blessed with superb technical ability, close control, creativity and an eye for a killer pass, Mac Allister established himself as one of the Premier League’s best playmaking midfielders. His impressive displays for club and country have seen him become a regular for Argentina since making his international debut. This season with Liverpool in the Europa League provides another opportunity for Mac Allister to showcase his undoubted talent against elite European opposition and enhance his reputation further.
Darwin Nunez – €65 million
In sixth place, Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez is valued at €65 million after joining Premier League giants Liverpool from Portuguese champions Benfica in a €75 million deal this past summer. The 24-year old has made an electric start to life in England. Blessed with searing pace, strength, skill and a clinical eye for goal, Nunez has fit seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp’s attacking system alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. His impressive displays demonstrate why Liverpool were willing to make him their record signing. This campaign, Nunez will look to add more goals and silverware, enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting forwards.
Lucas Paqueta – €65 million
Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta is valued at €65 million in seventh place after joining West Ham United from Lyon in a £50 million deal during the summer. The 26-year old has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving in east London, playing a pivotal role in the Hammers’ strong start to the season. Blessed with superb close control, creativity, work-rate and ability to link play. Paqueta’s impressive early displays have made him an instant fan favourite. His performances this season demonstrate why several elite European clubs were chasing his signature over the summer. This campaign, Paqueta will look to add Europa League glory to his collection and further enhance West Ham’s growing reputation.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – €65 million
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is valued at €65 million in eighth despite still being only 25 years old. Already a Champions League and Premier League winner with the Reds. Alexander-Arnold is widely considered the best creator from defence in world football. Thanks to his pin-point crossing, range of passing and ability to unlock defences. While primarily a defender, his creativity and chance creation from full-back is on par with elite attacking midfielders. His impressive displays at both club and international level demonstrate why he remains so highly valued despite his position. This season, Alexander-Arnold will look to add more trophies, including Europa League glory. And further cement his status as one of the world’s best full-backs.
Mohamed Salah – €65 million
Liverpool’s Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah is valued at €65 million in ninth place, despite being 31 years old. That valuation underlines Salah’s status as one of the world’s best players, demonstrated by his incredible goalscoring record. With over 150 goals for Liverpool since joining in 2017. Salah has maintained his status as one of the most lethal finishers in the game. Blessed with searing pace, close control, trickery and a clinical eye for goal, Salah remains absolutely vital to Liverpool’s fortunes. This season, he will look to add more goals and trophies. Including Europa League success, as he continues cementing his status as an all-time Reds great.
Cody Gakpo – €55 million
Dutch winger Cody Gakpo rounds off the top 10 with a €55 million valuation at just 24 years old. The former PSV is blessed with two-footed ability, close control, trickery, pace and a keen eye for goal. Gakpo has all the attributes to become a star at one of Europe’s elite clubs. His impressive displays this season have seen him as a staple in the Netherlands national team set-up. This campaign, Gakpo will look to enhance his reputation even further. On the European stage with a strong Europa League showing.
In conclusion, the talent and market values on display in the Europa League this season serve to underline its strength as a platform for Europe’s best young players to shine, as well as established stars seeking success. With so many world-class players involved, the competition promises more thrills and skills over the coming months.
