UEFA Europa League has always been a breeding ground for talent, and the 2025/26 season is no exception. With rising stars making their mark, we have identified the top three players who have been standout performers so far. Alongside them, we present the Best XI, showcasing the most promising talents across all positions. These players are not only shaping the present of Europe football but also paving the way for its future. Let’s dive into the best emerging talents of the season!
Powered by CompaGPT, the cutting-edge AI tool from Comparisonator, this analysis turns complex football data into clear, actionable insights. With its latest advancements, CompaGPT transforms squad analysis, delivering an instant, comprehensive view of team performance. In seconds, it highlights standout players, identifies emerging young talents, and pinpoints key areas for improvement.
More than just analysis, CompaGPT provides strategic guidance to optimize transfer strategies. By accurately detecting top potential signings, it enables clubs to reinforce key positions and scout future stars with precision. With CompaGPT, raw data becomes powerful, data-driven intelligence, giving teams a competitive edge in the transfer market.
Kevin (’03) (LW) – Shakhtar Donetsk
Kevin’s CompaGPT Offensive report:
In the matches against Beşiktaş, Kevin demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess, being the top performer in several categories. He averaged 2 goals per match, ranking first among 28 players in the same position. This outstanding goal-scoring capability underscores his effectiveness in converting opportunities into goals, a vital attribute for a winger tasked with contributing to the team’s offensive output. His Expected Goals (xG) of 1.42 per match also led all players in his position, indicating his ability to get into high-quality scoring positions and suggesting a consistent threat to the opposition’s defense. Additionally, Kevin’s proficiency in maintaining offensive pressure is evident from his 3 shots on target per match, securing the top spot in this category. This parameter, combined with his 7 touches in the box, reflects his capacity to be in critical areas at crucial moments, maximizing his scoring opportunities.
Kevin’s standout performances are characterized by his top rankings in goals scored, expected goals, and involvement in scoring attacks. These parameters reflect his strategic importance to Shakhtar Donetsk’s offensive game plan, highlighting his ability to consistently threaten opposition defenses and contribute to team success. His proficiency in shots and shots on target reinforces his role as a crucial attacking player. While some areas like dribbling require refinement, Kevin’s current form positions him as a key asset in his team’s offensive setup, capable of making significant impacts in competitive fixtures.
Kevin (’03) (LW) – Shakhtar Donetsk
Bartosz Kapustka (’96) (CMF) – Legia Warszawa
Bartosz Kapustka’s CompaGPT Duels report:
Kapustka demonstrated a strong performance in air duels, averaging 4 per match, where he ranks 1st among 38 central midfielders, sharing this top position with Simon Gustafson. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable 3 air duels won per match, again ranking 1st alongside Gjivai Zechiël. These statistics indicate Kapustka’s aerial prowess, which is tactically significant for regaining possession and challenging opponents in the air. In terms of ground duels, Kapustka averaged 9 ground duels won per match, placing him 2nd in this category alongside Gjivai Zechiël. His ability to win ground duels showcases his strength and determination on the field, which is crucial for breaking up opposition plays and maintaining team possession. Kapustka’s overall duel performance is commendable, with a 76.47% duels won average, ranking him 4th. This efficiency in winning duels across various situations underscores his role as a reliable and competitive presence in midfield, contributing both to defensive efforts and the transition to attack.
Bartosz Kapustka’s standout performance parameters include his top rankings in air duels won and ground duels won, both offensively and overall. His ability to excel in these areas highlights his tactical significance in regaining possession and challenging opponents effectively. Kapustka’s contributions on both ends of the field make him a vital component of Legia Warszawa’s midfield strategy, offering balance and competitiveness in crucial match situations.
Bartosz Kapustka (’96) (CMF) – Legia Warszawa
Souffian El Karouani (’00) (LB) – Utrecht
Souffian El Karouani’s CompaGPT Offensive report:
El Karouani demonstrated exceptional playmaking skills, recording an average of 2 assists per match, the highest among his peers, with Derry Murkin having 0. His expected assists were also significant, averaging 0.38 per match, leading the position rankings. This performance underscores his capacity to create goal-scoring opportunities, vital for tactical setups that rely on offensive support from full-backs. His ability to deliver shot assists, averaging 2 per match, further emphasizes his proficiency in setting up teammates for shots, positioning him as a key playmaker. In terms of shot assists, El Karouani maintained his top ranking with an average of 2 per match, indicating his consistent involvement in creating shooting opportunities for his teammates.
Souffian El Karouani’s standout performance areas include his expected goals, involvement in scoring attacks, assists, expected assists, and shot assists—all ranking him at the top among left-backs in the analyzed matches. These parameters highlight his offensive contribution and playmaking ability, which can be tactically leveraged to enhance Utrecht’s attacking strategies. His performance suggests a dynamic role in offensive play, providing critical support in creating and facilitating scoring opportunities.
Souffian El Karouani (’00) (LB) – Utrecht
