Julien Duranville, 17, FW, Borussia Dortmund His remarkable form for Montpellier has inevitably sparked speculation over a potential summer move, with Arsenal and AC Milan frequently linked. Wahi utilises his acceleration, outstanding movement and dribbling skills to deceive opponents and, when the space opens up, any defender is fair game in a one-vs.-one sprint duel. Usually tasked with spearheading the attack, his style of play is more akin to an old-fashioned roaming "second striker" than a centre-forward. Elye Wahi, 20, FW, MontpellierĮarlier in the month, Wahi famously got on the scoresheet four times in a Ligue 1 match against Lyon, yet still ended up losing 5-4 as former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette also netted four! But while spectacular finishing - astonishing overhead kicks and extravagant chips count among his 17 goals in the league this season - brought the France U21 international to prominence, there's so much more to his game. He has also shown growing maturity as he unselfishly set up two goals against Girona.
The Gambia-born Senegal international has also improved other parts of his game: his first touch is getting more reliable and he appears more aware of his teammates' movement when dropping deep to link the play. In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, he's at his most effective in the transitional phase where his pace, physicality and one-vs.-one abilities make him hard to deal with for defenders. Nicolas Jackson, 21, FW, VillarrealĪrguably the most productive LaLiga player over the past couple of months, Jackson has found the net eight times in his last seven matches. On the evidence of his performances in Hungary, he could be a regular member of the Barcelona first team already next season. Naturally skilful and equipped with remarkable vision, Yamal has delighted the crowds with no-look passes, quick turns and sublime first touches. With four goals (two of which were genuine world-class efforts) the prodigal talent - who has been likened to Ansu Fati and, inevitably, Lionel Messi - has shown why he's a potential star in the making. Though Spain lost 3-1 to France in the semifinal, Yamal has arguably been the best player at the tournament. Then he was selected to play for Spain at the U17 European Championship in Hungary and has been in outstanding form. Yamal became the youngest player to feature for Barcelona in a league match when he was brought on for Gavi in the 83rd minute against Real Betis on April 29. The Netherlands international's exceptional performances begs the question of whether he has played his last game for PSV, as there are plenty of interested clubs.
In addition to being a fountain of creativity (1.6 key passes and 4+ successful dribbles per 90 minutes) and end product - he finished the season as the Eredivisie's joint leading scorer with 19 goals - Simons is also enthusiastic in his pressing duties.
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Signed from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer, the incisive winger-playmaker capped a sensational full season at senior level in style as he outpaced and outsmarted the AZ Alkmaar defenders to score both goals in a 2-1 away victory last Sunday. Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Xavi Simons, 20, AM/FW, PSV Eindhoven Next week we'll also have a look at the top performers from the Under-20 World Cup currently happening in Argentina. Generally, young but established stars like Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham or Barcelona's Gavi aren't included - otherwise they'd be on the list every month - but we'll shine a light on some of those who deserve praise for their performances and who could potentially be European football's next big name. Welcome to the ESPN FC hotlist, which each month highlights some of the most in-form talent aged 23 or under across Europe.
May's U23 hotlist: Lamine Yamal, Xavi Simons, Julien Duranville among the stars
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