You should know these 11 football players you haven’t heard of yet

*Except football fans.

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Things happened quickly: after what felt like an eternity of international breaks, the club was already playing in the Nations League and the European Cup again, and the next championship game was already on the agenda. At least eleven games are played across the top flight, and as well as the proven stars, some lesser-known names are also making a name for themselves.

These 11 players have left a particularly deep impression on us. If you already know everyone, you are a true connoisseur. Maybe you also want to know more about her. If these names and faces don't mean anything to you, here's a look at who they are and what makes them tick.

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Julen Aguirrezabala

🇪🇸 Goalkeeper, 23 years old, Athletic Bilbao

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He was only the main goalkeeper in cup competitions last season, but due to Unai Simon's injury, Julen Aguirrezabala has been serving as goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao. The 23-year-old goalkeeper once again impressed on his way to victory in the Copa del Rey. In 15 games this season, he has conceded only 9 goals and kept 7 clean sheets. There were already rumors this spring that Real Madrid were interested in him, and his contract expires next summer and was recently extended until 2027. With Spanish national team goalkeeper Simon likely to be number one again following his return, it seems only a matter of time before Aguirre Zabala looks for a club where he can earn a regular spot.

Levi Colwell

🏴———————————————————— Central defender, 21 years old, Chelsea

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Chelsea no longer have many homegrown players. The Blues have at least one of the best defensive talents on the team in Levi Colwell. The 21-year-old central defender has his own advantages in positional play and overall perspective. The four-time England international uses this to intercept opposition passes and prevent counter-attacks. Meanwhile, the speedy Colwell is an excellent player who can initiate attacks with the ball at his feet or suppress the opponent's press.

Lukba Castle

🇫🇷 Centre-back, 21 years old, Leipzig

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Castro Lukba from Leipzig is also an excellent passer. The 21-year-old Frenchman has played 3 minutes for the national team so far and is one of the most popular defenders at the moment. He has a release clause of €90m next summer, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal thought to be interested in the diminutive but physically imposing defender.

William Pacho

🇪🇨 Centre-back, 23 years old, Paris Saint-Germain

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Unlike Colwell and Lukba, William Pacho isn't necessarily known primarily for his playmaking prowess – although the Ecuadorian also rarely makes any mistakes, especially in the short passing game. The 1.87m tall central defender's strength in confrontation is particularly impressive. In his only season with Eintracht Frankfurt, he quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga before moving to Paris Saint-Germain for €40 million in the summer. There, he quickly established himself as the league's best defensive player.

Mark Casado

🇪🇸 Defensive midfielder, 21 years old, Barcelona

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Of course, anyone who plays for FC Barcelona is actually pretty much a star. Mark Casado remains relatively unknown. The six-man was captain of Catalonia's second team last season, but now he is a senior player. While the 21-year-old is the team's best ball-handler, he has also impressed with his passing and goal-scoring abilities. He ranks third at Barca with five assists. In mid-November, the Spaniard's first two international games were rewarded; he started against Switzerland.

Angelo Stiller

🇩🇪 Defensive midfielder, 23, Stuttgart

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Angelo Stiller has also been a national team player since this autumn. The 23-year-old German excelled at Bayer Leverkusen last season alongside Stuttgart's Granit Xhaka. The defensive midfielder ranks third in the league for passes and fourth-most touches. Only Xhaka has carried the ball into the final third more often than Stiller. He has a greater impact on defense than the captain of the Swiss national team. No wonder Bayern Munich is reportedly interested in bringing back its home team.

Nuno Tavares

🇵🇹Left wing, 24 years old, Lazio

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At the age of 21, Nuno Tavares transferred from Benfica to Arsenal for 8 million euros, but has not yet been able to establish himself in London. The Portuguese left-back scored six goals at Marseille in the 2022/23 season and is now on loan at Lazio after an injury-plagued season at Nottingham. He has provided eight assists in ten games so far. Due to his attacking threat, the 24-year-old has not only been deployed as a left-back, but also appears on the wing alongside the three-man chain.

Brian Mbemo

🇨🇲 Right wing, 25, Brentford

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Brentford are seen as pioneers in processing data and using it for scouting and squad formation. The club from west London were able to establish themselves there after returning to the Premier League. One of the most important factors here is Brian Mbemo. The winger moved to Brentford in 2019 and has been a reliable goalscorer and provider ever since. The skilful Cameroon international is on pace for his best Premier League season with eight goals in twelve league games. Mbemo could leave Brentford as early as January – with the likes of Liverpool thought to be interested. According to reports, the Bees are asking for a transfer fee of more than 72 million euros.

Alex Baena

🇪🇸 Attacking midfielder, 23 years old, Villarreal

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Last season he led the Spanish League in assists with 14 assists. This summer, the Spaniard won the European Championships and Olympic gold. While he barely played at the European Championships, he was a key player at the Olympics. In the final against France (5:3 inside), Baena contributed a goal and an assist. He has also shone this season with his vision and chance creation. No wonder two Manchester clubs, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid, are reportedly willing to pay €60 million in release clauses. Baena is reportedly only interested in FC Barcelona, ​​who have also extended their tentacles.

Ademola Lukman

🇳🇬 Forward, 27 years old, Atalanta Bergamo

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Ademola Lookman might be a bit out of place on this list, as he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. But the 27-year-old Nigerian has yet to truly enter the hearts of many fans. Lookman seamlessly continued his performance against Granit Xhaka and co. In 15 games so far this season, the flexible and confident attacker, who can be used out wide or as a forward, has scored nine goals and added another five. ball. He played a decisive role in Atalanta's second place in Serie A and fifth place in the Champions League.

Chris Wood

🇳🇿 Forward, 32 years old, Nottingham

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If you were thinking before the season who had scored the most goals after Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, you would have been hard-pressed to think of Chris Wood. Nottingham Forest's third-place finish and a place in the European Cup after twelve matchdays was also unexpected. The 32-year-old New Zealander clearly played a vital role in this, scoring eight goals. The old-school center forward has been the star of the England Wizards so far thanks to his efficiency.