Features

Europa League hot-shots

Author: John Harris
Date: 05/03/2010
Football betting

The Europa League may be seen as Europe's secondary club competition behind the Champions League but it can't be denied that it is a successful breeding ground for the stars of tomorrow.

This season's competition is no different as a clutch of young twenty-somethings have burst onto the scene.

Don't be surprised to see some of these starlets playing in European football's blue ribbon event next season following big-money summer transfers.

Who will win this year's Europa League? - Latest Football Betting

Fernando Llorente

Athletic Bilbao may be out of the competition following a heavy defeat at the hands of Anderlecht in the round of 32, but Llorente certainly made an impact before his team's exit.

Eight goals in 11 games from the 6ft 4in targetman has led to interest from some of Spain's top clubs. He is also expected to be part of La Roja's World Cup squad.

Gervinho

Sportsbook favourites Liverpool will be wary of Gervinho when they take on Lille in the last 16.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast forward has bagged five goals already in his debut European season, including vital strikes against Slavia Prague, Genoa and Valencia. Arsenal and Tottenham are reported to be interested in acquiring his services.

Jonathan Legear

Legear is a 22-year-old right winger with an eye for goal. Anderlecht have marched into the last 16 on the back of his goals (five) and assists (three). He was voted the man-of-the-match in their 4-0 rout of much-fancied Athletic Bilbao in the last round.

Angel Di Maria

Every major club in England, Spain and Italy are believed to be queuing up to sign the latest starlet to roll off Benfica's production line.

The 22-year-old Argentina winger leads the way with six assists in this year's competition and has also chipped in with three goals. The former Rosario youngster is also a favourite of Argentina coach Diego Maradona and is expected to be part of his World Cup squad.

Luis Suarez

Eredivisie defences will be ruing the fact that Suarez will be able to focus on domestic matters following Ajax's last-16 exit at the hands of Juventus.

The 23-year-old Uruguay hot-shot has netted 23 goals in 23 league games for the Amsterdam giants this season as well as two goals and four assists from seven Europa League appearances.

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