Europe's Most Improved Football Stars: Smart Player Picks for Bettors This Weekend

The start of a new football season often brings fresh faces and rejuvenated talents eager to make an impact. This season, several players across Europe’s top leagues have taken significant strides, proving themselves as must-watch stars. For bettors, these breakout performances can offer valuable insights. Let’s look at five of the most improved players across the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, along with betting tips for this weekend.

Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea’s New Goal Threat

After a slow start with Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson has shown impressive progress. Last season, he netted only seven goals in 19 appearances before January, but he finished strongly, scoring four times in his final five league games. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Jackson has become a reliable forward, recording six goals and three assists in 10 league matches.

• Key Stat: Jackson’s non-penalty xG and xAG per 90 minutes are among the top 89% of forwards in Europe.
• Betting Insight: With his recent form, Jackson offers a promising option as an anytime scorer this weekend.

Brennan Johnson: Tottenham’s Rising Star

Welsh forward Brennan Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest and has flourished under manager Ange Postecoglou. Recently, he became the first player since Harry Kane to score in six consecutive starts for Spurs. His goal against Aston Villa last week indicates his readiness to smash his goal tally from last season.

• Key Stat: Johnson faces Ipswich, who have conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League.
• Betting Insight: Johnson is a strong candidate for goal markets, especially against a defence prone to leaking goals.

Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool’s Midfield Engine

Ryan Gravenberch has found his place in Liverpool’s midfield, proving instrumental under manager Arne Slot. Initially used sparingly, he now anchors Liverpool’s play with impressive composure and tackling ability. With an average of 1.7 fouls per game, he could see himself in the referee’s book against Aston Villa, a team known for forcing bookings.

• Key Stat: Aston Villa has forced the most yellow cards in the league.
• Betting Insight: Gravenberch is a shrewd pick for a yellow card market, given his tackling role and Villa’s aggressive playstyle.

Bradley Barcola: PSG’s Left-Side Dynamo

From a rotation player at PSG, Bradley Barcola has become an essential figure for Luis Enrique’s side this season. Operating mainly on the left, Barcola has already scored eight goals in Ligue 1, doubling his previous season’s tally, and leads the league’s scoring charts.

• Key Stat: Barcola has outperformed his expected goals (xG) of 6.52 with his eight goals.
• Betting Insight: His current form makes him a solid pick to score anytime, especially in a PSG attack looking to assert dominance.

Raphinha: Barcelona’s Goal-Scoring Machine

Raphinha has transformed under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, evolving into one of La Liga’s most dangerous attackers. Having scored seven goals already, he’s surpassed last season’s total in fewer games. He’s also La Liga’s top scorer in the Champions League, with five goals, showing his knack for finding the net.

• Key Stat: Raphinha has already outscored his last season’s league goal tally, with plenty of the campaign left.
• Betting Insight: Raphinha’s form and goal-scoring record make him a valuable option for bettors this weekend.

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These rising stars offer exciting opportunities for football fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re looking at goal markets or player-specific bets like yellow cards, these players have the stats and form to deliver.

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Market	Odds
Chelsea vs Arsenal – Nicolas Jackson to Score or Assist	2.50
Tottenham vs Ipswich – Brennan Johnson to Score	2.40
Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Ryan Gravenberch to be Carded	4.33
Angers vs PSG – Bradley Barcola to Score	2.38
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona – Raphinha to Score	2.88

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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