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The NXGN Awards are back for another year, but in 2023, we're doing things a little differently!

In previous years, GOAL has ranked the top teenage talents in world football, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jude Bellingham finishing as the eventual winners.

This year, though, the top 50 men's players will NOT be ranked. Instead, we've selected an elite group that we believe are the very top of the class, who will be known as the inaugural NXGN Nine.

Check out our 50 finalists for NXGN 2023 below:

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  Arda Guler (Fenerbahce)

  Dubbed ‘The Turkish Messi’ in his homeland, Arda has been touted for the top of the game for a number of years, and has shown exactly why since breaking into the Fenerbahce first team in the summer of 2021.

  The youngest goalscorer in the club’s history, Arda possesses a dribbling ability and close control that few can match, while his eye for the spectacular has always marked him out as a special talent.

  The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is already a full Turkey international after making his debut in November, and the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all shown an interest in signing him over the past 12 months.

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  Andrey Santos (Chelsea – loan at Vasco da Gama)

  Chelsea’s policy of spending big to secure some of the world’s most exciting talents has made headlines over the past few months, but their decision to bring Andrey to Stamford Bridge is likely to age very well indeed.

  The Blues beat off interest from Barcelona to sign the 18-year-old in January, paying an initial £13 million to Vasco da Gama after the midfielder’s breakout season in the Brazilian second division.

  Nicknamed ‘The Brazilian Busquets’, Andrey showed he is more than just your average defensive midfielder when he captained Brazil to their recent U20 South American Championship title, finishing the tournament as the joint-top scorer with six goals, and is currently back on loan in his homeland as he awaits a work permit.

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  Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

  Not many players can claim to have made their Santos debut at a younger age than the great Pele, but when Angelo stepped off the bench to make his professional bow as a 15-year-old in October 2020, he did just that.

  Now 18 and a veteran of over 100 first-team matches, the winger has developed into one of Brazil’s finest young players, leading to the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle showing an interest in signing him.

  The youngest goalscorer in the history of the Copa Libertadores, Angelo is most comfortable cutting inside from the right-hand side, and his talents are expected to land him a European move over the next 12 months.

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  Stefan Bajcetic (Liverpool)

  With Liverpool’s midfield crying out for an injection of energy and quality this season, Bajcetic stepped up in a big way to become almost an automatic selection for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

  The 18-year-old, whom the Reds beat Manchester United to sign from Celta Vigo in December 2020, has shown an ability to combine excellent defensive instincts with a confidence in possession that belies his lack of experience.

  Mohamed Salah recently labelled Bajcetic as Liverpool’s “best player” during their difficult run around the turn of the year, and despite having suffered a season-ending injury, it would now be a surprise were he to lose his place in the team next season, even once the planned summer overhaul of the squad is complete.

It has been a strange old Premier League season for Leeds starlet Ian Poveda.

The 21-year-old has flitted in between the first team squad and the under-23s and has played just 243 minutes of top-flight football spread out over ten appearances.

The likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Helder Costa have all been regulars for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season, but with Harrison ineligible for the Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, the Leeds boss must surely consider unleashing Poveda.

The winger joined the Whites on loan from City, with Pep Guardiola making it clear just how highly he rates the youngster, saying: “He’s young, he has to play, he’s not able (to play here) and Leeds is an incredible challenge to be training with one of the best managers in the world in terms of how he helps players to be better players.

“For the way Leeds play it should suit his qualities perfectly. I didn’t speak with Ian but either way it’s a really good decision for him.”

Since his arrival, however, Poveda has only played 16 times for the first team at Elland Road, with his last competitive appearance coming against Brighton in early January. However, in the brief opportunities he has been given, the £10,000-a-week earning ace has shown flashes of great promise.

Talking about Poveda earlier this campaign, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan said: “You can see now when you talk about people changing games and bringing a different dimension, he’s very, very quick, got great feet, very tricky, likes to run at players. Very much like Raphinha as well.

“He just looks a lot stronger this season, body-wise, mentality wise. He looks like he’s there to push people rather than just take up a bench place.”

Paul Robinson added to the winger’s list of admirers, telling MOT Leeds News last March: “I think we’re going to see Poveda come through next season. Leeds have signed him for a reason, Bielsa knows he’s a top, top player.”

With Harrison unable to play against his parent club, and Costa hardly setting the world alight – he has scored just twice all season – the 21-year-old is surely deserving of an opportunity to partner Raphinha out wide.

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Poveda’s previous history with City may give him that extra motivation to play a bit harder and impress his former employers and let them know that they made a mistake in letting him go.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally wave goodbye to this liability by signing this Premier League titan…

The official stole the show at Camp Nou, handing out a record number of cards for a Liga match as the Blaugrana were held in the derby

Jordi Alba kept talking, barking at a defiant referee. He had just been booked for bickering with the official after a dubious challenge. Not to be deterred, the veteran full back continued to argue. It was, perhaps, just the excuse that the card-happy Antonio Mateu Lahoz needed.

The referee dramatically flashed a second yellow, before brandishing a red to send Alba trudging off the pitch. Another red card and four more yellows followed in the ensuing 15 minutes, as Lahoz let a loose Catalan derby run wild.

The run up to this contest had been marked by controversy. Robert Lewandowski – due to be suspended for three matches – saw his ban delayed after Barca filed an official protest with Spanish footballing authorities. Espanyol released a statement condemning La Liga's decision and announced their executives would be boycotting the game.

And it delivered on the dramatic setup. Marcos Alonso opened the scoring inside 10 minutes with a neat finish from a corner, and Barcelona continued to threaten.

Lewandowski missed narrowly, Ansu Fati curled wide, Alonso fired over from close range and Raphinha fizzed a shot into Alvaro Fernandez's chest, but Barca couldn't find a second.

And they were made to pay as Espanyol stuck in the game and saw their influence grow over the course of the second half. Alonso then handed them a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining, tripping Joselu in the box, who dutifully tucked away the spot kick.

Barcelona pushed for a winner, but couldn't beat Fernandez, who produced a pair of big saves inside the last 10 minutes to earn his team a point after both sides were reduced to 10 men.

Barca, then, miss the chance to go back to the top of the Liga table after Real Madrid's win on Friday, but all eyes were on one man at Camp Nou…

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  The Winners

  Pedri:

  The Spanish midfielder equipped himelf well in the middle of the park, proving the be the only real cool head in Barca's rotating midfield cast. He completed 90 percent of his passes, and was a threat driving into the final third against a dogged Espanyol unit. Pedri clearly benefits from having Ousmane Dembele on the pitch, and sent a flurry of probing passes towards the Frenchman deep into the second half.

  Andreas Christensen:

  Joselu was a real handful for Barcelona, but Christensen kept him mostly in control. The Dane was up for the aerial battle with the big Spaniard, and also made some key clearances when Espanyol looked to attack on the break. With Sergi Roberto far from his best, Christensen was also called upon for some extra leg work down his right, which he handled with aplomb. In a game where Barcelona had few standouts, Christensen was a rare bright spot.

  The Espanyol board:

  Espanyol issued a strongly-worded statement following the suspension of Robert Lewandowski's three-match ban, and announced that their senior executives would not be at the game. And although Barca's No.9 was on the pitch on Saturday, the visitors' board had the last laugh here. Lewandowski endured a difficult afternoon, missing twice from close range and failing to impact the game with his usual fluid link-up play. So, while their complaints were unheard, the source of their gripes failed to impact the game – which isn't a bad thing at all.

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  The Losers

  Ansu Fati:

  Halfway into the first half, Ansu Fati cut inside his man, creating what seemed the ideal angle to whip a shot into the far corner from 18 yards out. But he skewed his strike, sending it three yards wide of the post. It was emblematic of a difficult afternoon for the youngster. Preferred to Ferran Torres, Fati offered little on the left wing. Though he didn't lack for energy or industry, his quality on the ball was missing. It was an afternoon of loose touches and poorly-timed passes, with Fati being deservedly substituted on the hour mark.

  Jordi Alba

  Alba was enjoying a solid showing for 75 minutes. Reliable at the back and constantly darting into the final third, it was a familiar sort of performance. But he let his side down, arguing a clear booking before earning himself a second yellow. Alba should know better as a seasoned veteran of the side. He will now miss the next game, with Alejandro Balde waiting to step in. It's fair to wonder how much longer it will be before it is Alba who is sat waiting for chances behind Balde.

  Antonio Mateu Lahoz

  What else is there to say? Lahoz was criticised in the World Cup for handing out 16 yellow cards in the quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands, and he was equally eager with his bookings here, too. This was always likely to be a chippy derby, especially given Espanyol's gripes over Lewandowski's inclusion, but Lahoz made it more confrontational than it had to be, handing out at least one unnecessary red card, and offering fairly soft bookings throughout. He actually flashed red three times but saw one chalked off after VAR intervened. Regardless, his 15 confirmed bookings and two red cards broke his own La Liga record.

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  Barcelona Ratings: Defence

  Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10)

  A spectator for most of proceedings, although he did make one important diving stop in the first half. Couldn't do anything about the penalty.

  Sergi Roberto (6/10)

  Handed a start a few days after expressing his desire to stay at the club long-term. Forgettable showing, but good to get some minutes in.

  Andreas Christensen (7/10)

  The standout amidst a rough Barca backline. Defended well against the lively Joselu, and grabbed himself an assist on Alonso's opener.

  Marcos Alonso (6/10)

  Got himself on the scoresheet with a straightforward finish. Gave away a silly penalty to let Espanyol back in it. Still not a solution at centre-back, but looked comfortable deputising once again.

  Jordi Alba (5/10)

  Fizzed a few crosses into the area, but never found a man. Talked himself into a red card with 20 minutes to play.

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  Midfield

  Gavi (6/10)

  Didn't complete a single dribble and was physically outmatched in the middle of the park. Substituted after 50 minutes with an apparent injury.

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10)

  Started as the No.6 but moved to a more advanced position when Gavi was substituted. His influence on the game faded as time went on.

  Pedri (7/10)

  Broke the lines with marauding dribbles and clever touches. A delight to watch, and deserves credit for not getting dragged into unnecessary confrontation.

Jonas Lossl has told The Athletic that he felt he had the talent to replace Jordan Pickford as Everton’s number one when he sealed a free transfer from Huddersfield Town in 2019.

The Blues moved to snap up Lossl under the leadership of Marco Silva following the Terriers relegation to the second-tier, yet the 32-year-old never played a game for the Merseyside outfit.

Silva ensured that Lossl remained a constant understudy for Pickford and that picture did not change when the Portuguese was replaced at the helm by Carlo Ancelotti, who sanctioned a loan move back to the John Smith’s Stadium just six weeks into his tenure.

Lossl hoped that his return in the summer of 2020 would see Ancelotti offer him a chance at earning minutes at Goodison Park after the departure of Maarten Stekelenburg, but the arrival of Robin Olsen on loan from AS Roma saw an end to that.

“The situation at Everton was not for me,” Lossl claims. “I went with the expectation and hope of challenging Jordan Pickford and getting game time. Because of different situations, that didn’t happen. I thought all along I could go and get in front of Jordan. It was my chance to get into a team like that, but I didn’t take it.”

The arrival of Olsen a year later and Ancelotti favouring the Sweden international as Pickford’s understudy caught Lossl by surprise, and paved the way for his eventual exit on Deadline Day in February when he re-joined former side FC Midtjylland.

“Of course I was [surprised] and sad because they were changing me out,” Lossl added. “I didn’t expect that. If I’d known, I’d have tried to prevent it — if not get another move, then tell them not to do it because he took my place.

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“Robin came in how many hours before closing time? It was difficult [for me] to do something. I felt from the beginning that I did not want to be third-choice. I worked my *** off in autumn to try to prove that it was the wrong decision, and they should play me.

“We had a cup game the week before I left, so I went to Carlo and said: ‘Give me the chance to prove that I can play,’ but we had an honest conversation and they told me: ‘This is not the club for you and if you want to play, then we need to find a solution.’”

Lossl holds no ill-feelings for anyone for the way that his Everton career panned out, and is now back at the side where he began his career in Midtjylland, seven years after leaving the Danish club for EA Guingamp.

Yet minutes have not been overly forthcoming for the one-time Denmark international, with Lossl only playing the Ulvene’s last three Superligaen games before the international break after six appearances as an unused substitute.

There was a place on the bench for Lossl in 21 of Everton’s Premier League games during his 19-months at the club, with the shot-stopper finding even a back-up role hard to secure under Ancelotti who omitted him from 15 matchday squads.

The Italian ultimately made the right decision by telling Lossl to find a new side in the final stages of the winter market as Everton was “not the club for you”, as Ancelotti clearly did not rate the £2.5m-rated ‘keeper but has often sung the praises of Olsen.

Lossl’s disaster of an Everton career will see that he goes down in the record books as one of Silva’s flops, having failed to play a single second yet cost the Toffees just over £3m in wages.

Reports at the time of his arrival by Ekstra Bladet claimed Lossl signed a 100 million krona (£53.5k-p/w) three-year contract at Goodison Park, while Huddersfield covered his salary – thanks to a pay cut – during his 26-weeks back at the club on loan.

The money Everton flushed away through Lossl does not stop at his wages earned over 57 weeks on Merseyside, either, as the Blues reached a settlement agreement with the goalkeeper so that he could leave the club earlier this year.

Lossl will not be a player who lives long in the memories of Everton supporters for any other reason than failing to play a game for the club, and will hope to create better memories for Midtjylland in a battle with Brondby IF for the Superligaen title.

AND in other news, Everton can potentially save £13m by turning to this Max Aarons alternative…

Erling Haaland scores a sensational hat-trick as Manchester City fight back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 4-2.

There was still some thought that Erling Haaland would need time to adjust to the Premier League even after three goals in three games – not anymore.

The Norwegian striker has dispelled those last, lingering concerns with a brilliant hat-trick as Manchester City completed a stunning turnaround at the Etihad Stadium.

For the fourth time in six Premier League matches, City found themselves two goals behind and staring down the barrel.

They haven't lost any of them, and for a second time they've turned that stark losing position into a victory.

Bernardo Silva's deflected strike brought them back into the game: then enter Haaland with a 19-minute hat-trick to secure the three points.

"These games are why I'm here – to turn things around when there are difficult times," he said.

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  The Winners

  Erling Haaland

  It doesn't matter in what league or what country the Norwegian striker plays, he just scores goals.

  Haaland has a supernatural ability to be in the right place at exactly the right time.

  The 22-year-old turned the game on its head as he gained a yard of space to turn in Phil Foden's cross before reacting to John Stones' mishit to put City ahead.

  But his hat-trick goal was the best of the lot, as he used his strength to bundle Palace defenders out of the way before smashing in a finish of unerring quality.

  Only former Chelsea striker Diego Costa can better his tally of six goals in his first four Premier League outings, and you get the feeling that Haaland is really only warming up.

  Pep Guardiola

  After completing his hat-trick, the City manager replaced Haaland and he looked as proud of his player as father Alfie probably did, sitting in the stands.

  Guardiola worked wonders to land the title without a number nine, but how grateful he must be to now have one as good as Haaland to call upon.

  City failed to score home or away against Palace last season and they were restricted to half-chances in the first half.

  But having such a striker gives Guardiola options, as well as a match-winner who can change a game with his natural goalscoring instinct and this was perhaps a contest they might not have won in the past.

  Julian Alvarez

  The Argentinian was signed as a striker but he will have known that he was always likely to play second fiddle to Haaland.

  Guardiola has said his opportunities will come and when the schedule steps up to two games a week, he is certain to get starts.

  But trailing 2-1, Alvarez was introduced and played in an unusual space between Phil Foden on the left wing and Haaland in the middle.

  It was high risk but gave Palace's defence even more to worry about with another attacker in an unorthodox position and he made the most of the chance.

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• The Losers

  Patrick Vieira

  The man who knew how to frustrate Guardiola suddenly had no way of stopping him.

  Last season the Palace boss prevented City scoring in two matches, including a smash-and-grab victory at the Etihad Stadium.

  At 2-0 and reasonably comfortable, he looked like he was going to pull off yet another incredible win to add to his burgeoning reputation.

  Vieira might feel unfortunate that his side weren't able to add a third as a Jordan Ayew goal was ruled out, although neither he nor his players made much of a fuss, and once the City juggernaut started, there was no way of putting on the brakes.

  Set-piece defending

  For many coaches, the strategy to get points at the Etihad is to sit deep and hope to make the most of any corners and free-kicks on the rare occasions they come around.

  Guardiola knows that well and while the pretty side of his football will always be highlighted, his players are ready to put their heads in to deal with those types of situations.

  So it will be alarming that both of Palace's goals came from set-pieces and everyone defending the situation will have to take their share of the blame.

  It will be on the training schedule ahead of Wednesday's clash with Nottingham Forest as City won't get away with going two goals down every time, and a quick return to clean sheets will be a priority.

  Joachim Andersen

  The Danish defender was brilliant for 45 minutes and scored a superb header to put his side two goals ahead.

  After keeping Liverpool's Darwin Nunez quiet at Anfield and luring him into a red card, he was strong against Haaland.

  A kick in the head from the striker in the first half could have even had Haaland sent off although Vieira had no complaints about the decision.

  But it was his fellow Scandinavian that had the last laugh and that was tough on Andersen after an outstanding performance.

• Ratings: Defence

  Ederson (4/10):

  No chance with either of the goals, but the first came from poor handling when he raced out to stop a ball over the top and he was careless when a throw-out was blocked that could have been given as a goal.

  Kyle Walker (6/10):

  Not as difficult an afternoon as he had at Newcastle the previous weekend, but still struggled to dominate Eberichi Eye in their first-half duel.

  John Stones (6/10):

  Has looked rusty since the start of the season. Knew little about his own goal and looked uneasy in the first 45 minutes although he improved on the ball after half-time.

  Ruben Dias (6/10):

  The whole side was culpable for City's inability to defend set-piece but the Portuguese centre-back was flat-footed for both crosses.

  Joao Cancelo (6/10):

  Guardiola was screaming for more width and more height from the full-back as his side struggled to stretch Palace, and he was withdrawn in the second half.

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• Midfield

  Rodri (7/10):

  Performed his usual role of controlling the middle of the pitch and Palace's most threatening moments came when they bypassed him.

  Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

  He was trying to make things happen in the first half and helped unlock Palace, although he unusually failed to register an assist.

  Bernardo Silva (8/10):

  Hard work matched with great skill helped City onto the front foot after he had weaved his way past the visitors for the crucial first.

Goal looks at some of the top picks to take the No.1 shirt for your FPL team in the new season

With the 2021-22 Premier League season just around the corner it's an exciting time for all fantasy football managers as you piece together your squad for the new campaign.

As always, the FPL game requires the selection of two goalkeepers, with it being vitally important that at least one of your two picks is a regular starter for their club.

Should you need assistance with who to opt for, Goal has listed some of the best goalkeepers available, and the price they'll set you back, while you can also check out our ultimate guide for more hints, tips and advice.

Stay up to date with all the latest Fantasy Premier League team news

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  1Alisson | Liverpool | £6m

  Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is the joint most expensive goalkeeper on the game and although he conceded more than in any other season with the Reds last term, it should be a different story in 2021-22.

  Indeed, the return of Virgil van Dijk should prove significant in boosting their chances of more clean sheets this campaign, with the club's Brazilian No.1, who had his own injury issues, looking to improve on his 140-point haul from last season – only the joint-sixth best in the league.

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  2Ederson | Manchester City | £6m

  Another of the joint most expensive goalkeepers on the game, the beauty of having Ederson in your team is that he's very rarely rotated out of the starting XI.

  Indeed, Pep Guardiola is renowned for chopping and changing his team from game to game although the Brazilian, who has won the Premier League Golden Glove award two years in a row, should rack up a more than healthy match total.

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  3Edouard Mendy | Chelsea | £6m

  Edouard Mendy had an impressive first season in English football, with the Chelsea goalkeeper having established himself as the No.1 at Stamford Bridge under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

  He scored 140 points in the 2020-21 season, keeping 16 clean sheets, and he looks an appealing option heading into the new campaign, with Chelsea having looked increasingly assured at the back under their German head coach. 

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  4Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | £5.5m

  Alongside Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinezproved to be Argentina's hero at the Copa America and that won't have come as a surprise to Fantasy Premier League fans, given his incredible domestic campaign with Aston Villa.

  The 28-year-old was the highest-scoring goalkeeper in the game in 2020-21, recording 186 points – and 27 bonus points – just one point short of Brad Friedel's record FPL haul.

Leicester City booked their first FA Cup semi-final place with a stunning 3-1 victory against Manchester United on Sunday evening.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice, with Youri Tielemans getting the other as the Foxes scythed through the Red Devils despite Mason Greenwood’s first-half equaliser at the King Power Stadium.

The Nigerian striker followed up his hat-trick against Sheffield United with another all-action showing, inspiring Brendan Rodgers’ men through to the last-four where they will now meet Southampton at Wembley Stadium.

Iheanacho was a threat to the Red Devils from the off, with his constant pressing a thorn in the side of the visitors.

That paid dividends midway through the first-half as he picked off a poor Fred backpass to round Dean Henderson and score with a low finish.

He then doubled his afternoon’s work with a well-guided header from Marc Albrighton’s free-kick to take his goal count to 12 for the season and a remarkable nine since early February in all competitions.

Iheanacho’s excellent performance did not just end with his goals however.

According to WhoScored, he had two shots on target, both of them finding the net, whilst also producing a dribble and drawing as many as three fouls – more than any player on either side.

His creativity was also eye-catching as well, contributing a further three key passes, with just Marc Albrighton contributing more than the former Manchester City man.

Whilst he was a threat to the Red Devils throughout the 90 minutes in an attacking sense, Iheanacho also contributed defensively, too.

He racked-up two tackles and two interceptions in what ended up to be an energy sapping 90 minutes.

Considering his performances in recent weeks, including his performance against Manchester United, Iheanacho is certainly earning his £60k per-week wages.

AND in more news, take a look at which Foxes’ star’s comments have reaffirmed his commitment to the Foxes…

The Ajax pair are dominating transfer rumours, but they are not the only exciting youngsters excelling in the Netherlands' top flight

With Ajax's Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt heavily linked to the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City, the Eredivisie has been thrown into the limelight in recent months.

The pair spearhead an exciting new generation in Dutch football, but they are well-backed by a whole host of young compatriots and still just a drop in the bucket of talent in the Netherlands' top flight.

From the top of the table right down to the bottom, from the Netherlands to Brazil and even Japan, here are 15 rising stars in a league where its trust in youth continues to be justified.

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  Steven Bergwijn (PSV, 21)

  It’s no surprise that PSV have a perfect record in the league this season as, in addition to Hirving Lozano’s contributions on the opposite wing, Steven Bergwijn has provided five goals and six assists. The skilful 21-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with incredible pace, all attributes that have earned him his first senior caps for the Netherlands and links with Liverpool and Manchester United.

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  Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax, 19)

  Matthijs de Ligt’s name will be familiar to many as it’s one linked with Manchester City, Juventus and Barcelona. The 19-year-old centre-back is a brilliant reader of play, a strong tackler and has an aerial presence that proves effective at both ends of the pitch. Mature beyond his years with technical ability that is typical of any Dutch defender, De Ligt is expected to earn his big-money move sooner rather than later.

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  Ritsu Doan (Groningen, 20)

  Groningen desperately gathered together the funds to make Ritsu Doan’s loan deal permanent in the summer, and it’s clear to see why. The creative midfielder, who is also effective out wide, scored nine times and provided three assists in his debut season and, with Manchester City having shown an interest, it seems unlikely the Dutch club will keep their star man much longer.

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  Kasper Dolberg (Ajax, 21)

  Recruited to Ajax by the same man who brought in Christian Eriksen and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kasper Dolberg is a ruthless finisher with excellent technique. His ability was abundantly clear in his 16 goals across 2016-17, before the Dane lost his place, and his confidence, last term. Dolberg is looking back to his best again though, despite injuries in pre-season, with five goals in five starts this year.

Lionel Messi claimed his fifth award for the top scorer on the continent ahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane…

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  1Memphis Depay | Lyon | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The former Manchester United flop rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, as Depay has become one of Lyon's star attackers alongside Nabil Fekir and Mariano Diaz. The Dutchman managed the second-highest goal total of his career and a strong run-in helped Lyon book a Champions League spot.

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  2Fabio Quagliarella | Sampdoria | 19 goals (38 pts)

  Veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella has been in top form for Sampdoria this season and isn't too far behind the likes of Mauro Icardi and Ciro Immobile in terms of Serie A goals, although the Genoa club as a whole have disappointed.

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  3Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | 19 goals (38 pts)

  France international Antoine Griezmann has been Atletico Madrid's star man for the past number of seasons and he continues to chip in with goals. He struck up a partnership with Diego Costa in the capital and fell just short of the 20-goal mark in another brilliant Atletico campaign.

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  4Neymar | PSG | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The most expensive player in football history started his Paris Saint-Germain career in sizzling form,but a season-ending injury suffered in February put an end to his hopes of catching Cavani's goal total.

Celtic could be just days away from embarking upon a new chapter in the club’s history. After a disappointing season, it appears that the guillotine is inching closer to Neil Lennon’s neck on the chopping block.

The Mirror has reported that following his decision to leave China, Celtic have eyed Rafael Benitez as the perfect successor to their current head coach. Should these talks come to fruition, treble winner Lennon will be axed from his position and he only has himself to blame.

Why Lennon could be replaced by Benitez

For a side with as rich a history as Celtic, it’s extremely disappointing to see them struggling to assert their dominance. The Scottish Premiership is their bread and butter – a league that many believe belongs to the Hoops.

They were on track for their tenth consecutive league title this season, but an uncharacteristically subpar campaign has resulted in them being humiliated on several occasions. Not only are they trailing to their bitter rivals, but Rangers top the table by a mammoth 23 points.

Steven Gerrard and his men are yet to lose a single Premiership match this term and have drawn just three games. Although Celtic have three games in-hand, any chance of a revival looks long gone.

Odsonne Edouard has seriously struggled this season, falling off track in terms of his personal numbers. The Frenchman looks a shadow of himself from last campaign, in which he tallied 21 goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances. However, he has managed just seven goals and four assists so far this time round, according to Transfermarkt.

It seems his passion for the club has dimmed due to their frustrating season and Celtic run the risk of losing him. Edouard has been linked to both Arsenal and West Ham this window, with talks of a £35million price tag circulating.

Whilst lack of goals is worrying, Lennon’s defence is also a serious issue. In their Europa League run alone, the Hoops shipped 19 goals in the group stages, which was the joint-highest amount conceded in that point of the competition. But despite this, the boss appears to be showing no urgency to bring any new personnel in.

A goalscorer and a new centre-back must be a priority for Celtic, but Lennon has seemingly been uninterested in the transfer market this month. If he is to be given the boot, he will have put the final nail in his own coffin with his summer transfers, his questionable team selections, his choice to make the Dubai trip and his seeming inability to attract new players to the club this month.

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