Breakout Stars 0f 2021-2022
Each season, there are a handful of players who take their game to the next level, whether that be from unknown to first name on the team sheet, or highly touted youngster to bona-fide superstar. The 2021-2022 season has not been short on breakout players, and all of these players have earned themselves a big new contract, or perhaps a move to a bigger club. They are young with bright futures ahead of them, and if they can build on their performances this season, major success is around the corner.
Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid (21)
After making the move to Madrid at just 18, Vini was often a point of frustration for fans. Capable of just about anything but unable to find consistent form or finishing, the Brazilian left a lot to be desired. Well, it is safe to say his performances this season put him right up there with the best wingers in the world. After just six goals and seven assists in all competitions last year, Vini has put up 18 goals and 19 assists in 2021-22, as well as becoming one of Real’s most important ball carriers. He is electric on the ball, with a bag full of tricks, flicks, and all sorts of wizardry not many in the world are capable of. He and Karim Benzema have formed one of the most lethal partnerships in world football, and at just 21 Madrid fans are hoping they will see Vini grow even more in the coming years. He is truly one of the most exciting players to watch in the world, and he has finally added consistent production as well.
Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig (24)
A product of the PSG academy, most in world football recognized Nkunku as a good player with potential, but surely no one saw him lighting up the Bundesliga and Europe the way he has this season. The attacking midfielder/striker hybrid has 34 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, which are some absolutely ludicrous statistics. He is very clever in and around the box, can take players on, and always seems to find himself in very good positions to either go for goal himself or set up a teammate. His finishing is absolutely superb, and it would not be a surprise if PSG circled back in the summer for him as part of a Kylian Mbappe replacement plan if they lose their main man. Nkunku has thrown his hat into the ring for best forwards in the world this season, and it will be exciting to see if he can continue his blistering form.
Nkunku has become one of Europe’s most sought after players
Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace (22)
On loan from Chelsea, Gallagher has been one of the most exciting midfielders to watch in the Premier League this year. A true box-to-box, he is capable of running games on his own with fantastic technical quality, endless stamina, and a real eye for goal. His eight goals and five assists on the year do not exactly pop out, but he does so much on a pitch that cannot be measured by simple counting statistics. The energy and intensity he plays with is lethal when combined with his composure on the ball, and his performances have certainly warranted an opportunity to breathe some life into Chelsea’s aging midfield for next year. It will certainly be a step up in quality, but based on what Gallagher has done under Patrick Viera, he should have no trouble fitting in alongside the likes of Mateo Kovacic, N’golo Kante, and Jorginho.
Darwin Nunez, Benfica (22)
Uruguay’s recent stamp on the global game has been their production of high quality strikers in Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, and Edinson Cavani. Next up on that list is Benfica’s main man, Nunez. He is quick, strong, smart and clinical in front of goal, Nunez has produced 34 goals and 4 assists this season, including 6 goals in 10 Champions League appearances. Goals against Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Ajax are examples of his ability to perform against some of Europe’s best sides, which bodes well for a future move to a more challenging league. The Uruguayan can play off the left or down the middle, and is best suited when given the opportunity to run in behind or at defenders, using his physical presence and pace to be a nuisance. The future is bright for Nunez, and it will cost a lot to pry him away from Benfica, but whoever manages to secure his signing will be set up for long term success.
Luis Diaz, Liverpool (25)
Off the back of a brilliant campaign at the 2021 Copa America, Diaz lit the Portuguese first division on fire before making the move to Liverpool during the January transfer window. Blessed with lightning-quick feet and a knack for scoring in the final third, Diaz has fit seamlessly into the Liverpool front three that once seemed impenetrable. He has become almost undroppable in their chase for the quadruple, and along with the previously mentioned Vinicius he is one of the most breathtaking players to watch on the planet. 21 goals and 10 assists is nothing to scoff at either, and those numbers could grow in the coming seasons as Jurgen Klopp will have even more time to fit him into the machine that is Liverpool’s attacking system.