As the 2021/2022 campaign winds down across Europe’s major football leagues, a lot of players can look back at their performances with joy. It is that time of the year again for soccer analysts to look back and take stock of the brilliant performances of various players in the top leagues across the continent.
Most of the popular players like Mohammad Salah, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, and Robert Lewandoski all had splendid seasons. However, there are other lesser-known football players who performed outstandingly in the 2021/22 European football season. This article will take a look at these little-known football players whose performances this season impressed us.
1. Martin Terrier
This term, the 25-year-old Frenchman has had an unbelievable campaign with his goal-scoring exploits in the French Ligue 1. Terrier has been an absolute terror to defenders this season, so far finding the back of the net 21 times in 34 league games. Martin is currently third on the league goal scorers, just four behind Kylian Mbappe. Not a bad feat for the Stade Rennes hitman. Martin Terrier was particularly impressive when he scored his first hat-trick in a 5–0 win at Saint-Étienne back in February.
The striker will be hoping to finish the league on a big high with the top goalscorer award and a UEFA Champions League qualification spot for his club still in his sights.
2. Moussa Diaby
This season, the 22-year-old has been in great form for his club Bayer Leverkusen. The French winger has been harassing Bundesliga defenses with his pace and eye for goal. Moussa has so far hit the back of the net 17 times and provided 15 assists in 44 matches played across all club competitions this season.
The youngster also made his senior international debut for Les Bleus during the course of the campaign and will be hoping his impressive form can be sustained to earn him a sit on the plane to the World Cup later this year.
3. Jarrod Bowen
The West Ham forward has been one of the unheralded players of the ongoing English Premier League campaign. The 25-year-old has been in fine form for the Hammers this season, having so far scored 18 goals and assisted 10 in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Jarrod’s eye for goal and energetic, direct displays have earned him praise from England soccer experts, with a lot still expected from the English winger. He was impressive in West Ham’s semifinal finish in the Europa League.
4. Benjamin Bourigeaud
The Stade Rennes midfielder has been at the heart of his club’s great season. Benjamin has hit the back of the net 10 times in the French Ligue 1 and also backed that up with 12 assists, putting him third for this season’s assist providers behind Mbappe and Lionel Messi. The 28-year-old is an excellent crosser of the ball and a lethal set-piece taker.
Bourigeaud will be hoping to finish the season strong and qualify for the Champions League to cap an impressive campaign.
5. Nico Schlotterbeck
The young centre-back is not known by many football fans, but Schlotterbeck has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season. Freiburg had the second-best defensive record (behind Bayern Munich) in the Bundesliga, and Nico Schlotterbeck played a crucial role.
The 22-year-old ranked third-highest league-wide for most won challenges (199) after playing 17 matches. He also scored four goals which mean he has an eye for goal. Nico Schlotterbeck will join Borussia Dortmund next season.
