Top 5 Wingers of the 2024/25 Season

AtXB...ex1k

23 Oct 2024

Wingers have always played a pivotal role in football, often dictating the pace and rhythm of a game from the sidelines. They combine speed, skill, and the ability to cut inside and make lethal contributions, whether by assisting or scoring goals themselves. The 2024/25 season has seen some of the most electrifying performances from wingers across Europe, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, creativity, and raw athleticism.

The data from this season highlights a competitive group of wingers who have elevated their game, with each of them bringing unique flair to their respective clubs. This article takes a closer look at the top five wingers of the season, analyzing their contributions, influence on their teams, and what makes them stand out.

Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Crown Jewel

Bukayo Saka tops the list with a remarkable average rating of 8.23, making him not just a key player for Arsenal but one of the most influential wingers in Europe this season. At only 23 years old, Saka’s development has been nothing short of spectacular. His ability to score goals, create opportunities, and track back defensively has made him indispensable to Mikel Arteta's team.

Attacking Prowess
With 2 goals and 7 assists already, Saka has mastered the art of balance between playmaking and goal-scoring. His intelligent positioning allows him to exploit spaces behind the defense, while his calmness in front of goal ensures he converts crucial chances.

Versatility and Work Rate
Saka's contribution extends beyond his offensive duties. He frequently drops deep to help in defense, demonstrating his versatility as both a winger and an all-around team player. This work rate, combined with his technical ability, has made him a fan favorite at Arsenal and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Saka's performances have not only boosted Arsenal’s standing in the Premier League but have also established him as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Prodigy

Ranked second with an average score of 7.94, Yamal has been a revelation for Barcelona. Since making a stunning breakthrough into the Spannish giant starting Eleven, Yamal has become stronger than ever, regaining his confidence and form under Xavi Hernández’s tactical system now currently working with Flick.

Youthful Energy and Clinical Precision
At 17 years old, Fati’s ability to influence matches with his pace and dribbling has made him a central figure in Barcelona’s attack. He has contributed 3 goals and 2 assists, proving to be decisive in key moments. His clinical finishing in front of goal, paired with his dribbling finesse, makes him a constant threat to any defense.

Creative Spark
Yamal's football intelligence is advanced for his age, evident in his ability to create chances from tight spaces. His understanding of when to cut inside or when to drive down the wings makes him unpredictable and difficult to mark. This dynamism adds a new dimension to Barcelona’s attacking play, particularly in high-stakes games.
Yamal's form is not only a boost for Barcelona but a reminder of why he is considered one of the best young talents in the game.

Son Heung-min: Tottenham’s Relentless Forward

Coming in third with an average rating of 7.90, Son Heung-min remains one of Tottenham Hotspur’s most reliable performers. Even as Tottenham undergoes a transitional phase under new management, Son’s consistency continues to shine through.

Goal Threat
Son’s 4 goals and 3 assists this season speak volumes about his ability to make an impact in the final third. Known for his lethal finishing and blistering pace, Son often plays on the shoulder of defenders, ready to break away with his sharp off-the-ball movement.

Adaptability
What sets Son apart from many wingers is his ability to play in multiple positions across the forward line. Whether deployed as a traditional winger or a central striker, he continues to deliver at the highest level. His adaptability gives Tottenham tactical flexibility, as he can seamlessly transition from creating chances on the wing to finishing them off centrally.
Son’s relentless work ethic and eye for goal make him a critical part of Tottenham’s ambitions this season. His performances have consistently kept Spurs in contention for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Leader

Mohamed Salah is no stranger to these lists, and his 7.81 average rating this season reaffirms his status as one of the best wingers in world football. While Liverpool has faced some challenges, Salah’s ability to perform at the highest level remains unquestioned.

Goalscoring Prowess
Salah has bagged 5 goals and 4 assists, continuing to be Liverpool’s talisman in attack. His quick feet, acceleration, and sharp finishing make him a constant goal threat, whether cutting inside from the right or finding space in the box.

Leadership On and Off the Pitch
Beyond his goals and assists, Salah has grown into a leadership role at Liverpool. His experience and professionalism set a high standard for his teammates, while his commitment to maintaining top-level fitness has allowed him to maintain consistency over the years. His influence on younger players, combined with his performances, keeps Liverpool in the race for silverware despite their fluctuating form.

Salah’s performances this season once again highlight his importance to Liverpool and his ability to deliver in crucial moments.

Ademola Lookman: Atalanta’s Rising Star

Ademola Lookman rounds out the top five wingers of the 2024/25 season, with an impressive average rating of 7.68. Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has transformed into one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players.

Impactful Performances
Lookman’s 3 goals and 5 assists have been crucial for Atalanta’s attacking strategy. His ability to dribble at speed, cut inside, and finish clinically has made him a standout player in Italy this season. He is particularly adept at exploiting spaces left by defenders and capitalizing on counter-attacks, a hallmark of Atalanta’s dynamic play.

Speed and Dribbling Ability
Lookman’s electrifying pace and close control make him difficult to defend against, especially in one-on-one situations. His creativity and willingness to take risks in the final third have made him a vital player for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Lookman has added a new dimension to Atalanta's offensive play, making them more unpredictable and dangerous.
With Lookman’s rising star continuing to shine in Serie A, it’s only a matter of time before more top European clubs take notice of his potential.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 season has given fans a glimpse of some of the best talents in football, and these five wingers have proven to be among the most influential players. Each of them brings a unique set of skills to the table, whether it's Saka's versatility, Fati's clinical precision, Son's adaptability, Salah’s leadership, or Lookman’s speed and creativity. As the season progresses, these players are sure to continue making headlines and defining the tactical landscapes of their respective teams.

The rise of such talent sparks excitement not just for their current contributions but for what they will bring to the future of football. Their performances this season have elevated the game and set new standards for what wingers can achieve on the field.

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