The European football scene is teeming with incredibly talented players, and each season, we're introduced to new performers who suddenly emerge and have a remarkable season that leaves a lasting impression.
'A breakout season' typically involves a player who consistently performs at a high level, transitioning from being an occasional starter to a mainstay in the team, having previously been part of the academy squad, on the bench, or even at a different club.
Below is a list of the most impressive players so far in the 2024-25 season, halfway through the campaign.
Omar Marmoush
The Egyptian has impressed in Europe and Germany this season, scoring 18 goals and delivering 12 assists in 24 games for Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions.
This run of form has left everyone astonished and it was largely unforeseen despite a 17-goal campaign last season.
Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly eyeing the 25-year-old player for a potential transfer, and it's easy to understand why: he offers exceptional speed, is direct in his approach, strikes efficiently, and is skilled in delivering crucial set pieces.
In fact, he recorded three free-kicks in three consecutive games against Stuttgart, Bochum, and Slavia Prague. A significant transfer is anticipated to occur in 2025.
Nico Paz
The talented young player has received praise for his on-field efforts, as he had been looking to leave Real Madrid over the summer.
Developing under former legendary midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, he is one of the standout youngsters in the league.
High praise has poured in this season, with Toni Kroos hailing him as "the next Guti". Fortunately, Madrid has a low-cost buyback option on the Spaniard, and it's possible that he may return at the end of the season. One player to keep an eye on.
Marc Casado
Barcelona currently boasts an impressive selection of young, up-and-coming players on their roster, and Casado is the most recent to join the first team.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, a 21-year-old has become a decisive figure in midfield, making a strong impression in a team that has scored the most goals in Europe by a significant margin.
Casado embodies many typical characteristics of a Barcelona midfielder; he's exceptionally skilled, effective under pressure, and possesses an impressive passing ability, continuously showing signs of improvement with each game.
Barcelona's financial difficulties have been significant and widely reported, but their emphasis on developing youth talent has enabled players like Casado to stand out.
Jhon Duran
It may be challenging to label Vicente Guaita as a breakout player given that as many as 40 clubs were reportedly interested in signing him over the summer. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old has undoubtedly enjoyed his best season as a professional to date thus far.
He currently boasts the best goal-per-minute ratio in the Premier League, surpassing Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, and he has an exceptional ability to score goals from little opportunities and be incredibly precise in front of goal.
His impressive strike against Everton could potentially win the Premier League Goal of the Season award, and he has also scored three goals in six Champions League games, including a remarkable winning goal against Bayern Munich.
He currently serves a supporting role to Ollie Watkins, and clubs are anticipated to gauge interest with offers next summer for this quickly advancing young player.
Samu Aghehowa
The 20-year-old player was on the verge of joining Chelsea in the summer before his transfer fell through and he ended up at Porto for just £12 million. After only half a season, that initial transfer fee appears to be an extremely favorable deal.
At six-foot-four, the Spanish player has already made his international debut for Spain and scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 22 matches.
He thoroughly outmaneuvered Manchester United's defense in their Europa League match, scoring two goals, including a spectacular header reminiscent of Didier Drogba's style, and could potentially command a massive transfer fee in a season or two if he continues to excel at such a rapid pace.
Liam Delap
Delap broke through Manchester City's youth academy in 2020 to make his Premier League debut, but he made just one appearance that season, lasting 39 minutes, and a second appearance the following year, which lasted eight minutes. However, Delap is now one of the top up-and-coming players at Ipswich Town under coach Kieran McKenna.
He is the son of former professional footballer Rory Delap. At 21 years old, he has stood out as an old-fashioned center-forward who has scored eight goals and assisted on two occasions in his inaugural top-flight season.
Having bided his time at Hull City, Stoke City, and Preston in the second-tier league, he has demonstrated his ability to compete at this level and achieve success.
He compiles this list because there is already speculation about his potential move to Chelsea and his well-rounded game, goal-scoring ability, and early success at this level suggest a big future ahead of him.
Nicolo Savona
The 21-year-old defender has suddenly become a force to be reckoned with in the current season, showcasing his skills as a right back in his first full season with Juventus' first team.
After breaking through the academy, he is now a crucial starting player under Thiago Motta.
Recent reports have indicated that Manchester City are considering a possible move to sign the Italian player, who dominated Jeremy Doku in their 2024 Champions League victory.
His market value has increased 6900% This season and he ranks among 90th percentile or above Juventus has not lost any league games and the defender has played a crucial role in keeping their winning streak intact for at least twenty-two different criteria.
Dean Huijsen
A player worthy of more recognition, the 19-year-old had made only 16 appearances for Juventus and Roma combined before joining Bournemouth last summer for an initial £12.8 million.
Current updates have revealed interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United in recent times, which further validates his growing appeal.
Equipped with remarkable height and a well-rounded skillset, he appears destined for a bright future and will probably be sold for a fee significantly higher than what Bournemouth paid for him in the summer transfer window.
Carlos Baleba
– which makes him perfectly eligible for this selection.
In addition to that, he has competed against the top teams in the Premier League, despite being only 21 years old.
Assigned to replace the mysterious Moises Caicedo, Baleba is making good progress and has the potential to be the next player to leave Brighton for a substantial transfer fee in the future.
All the statistics indicate that he is likely one of the top young midfielders in the Premier League, and with excellent feet, speed, and robust physicality, it appears he will be the driving force behind the midfield of a major league team for many years to come.
Morgan Rogers
The attacking midfielder's playing style has significantly improved this season under coach Unai Emery, making him a crucial player for the team.
He joined Middlesbrough in January 2024 and gradually became a regular member of the team, but his performance has significantly improved this season.
His latest performances have seen him lead the way in matches, particularly in their victory over Manchester City. Not only is he elegant and skillfully accomplished, but he's also very perceptive and a clever player who is a pleasure to observe.
An additional player Manchester City has released is doing very well currently and appears to have significant untapped potential.