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0 As the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League season kicks off on September 25, 2024, anticipation is building for another thrilling campaign filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. This year’s competition promises to be as captivating as ever, with Europe’s top clubs battling it out for glory in the new format.
Here are the top five Ghanaian stars to watch as they make their mark on one of Europe’s biggest football stages:
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Inaki Williams is set for a notable return to European football, having helped Athletic Bilbao qualify for the Europa League for the first time since the 2017/18 season, where they reached the round of 16. With a goal and four assists in seven league games this season, Williams aims to continue his impressive form. Bilbao’s European journey begins with a challenging away match against 2023 finalists AS Roma, followed by a home clash with AZ Alkmaar. Williams will look to build on his previous Europa League experience and lead Bilbao further in the competition.
Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce)
Alexander Djiku, a stalwart defender for Fenerbahce, is poised to shine in this year’s Europa League. Since joining from Strasbourg in 2023, Djiku has been a key player for Fenerbahce, and his European experience will be crucial as they look to improve on last season’s Conference League quarterfinal run. Djiku’s campaign kicks off against Belgian side Royal Union SG, followed by a tough match against Dutch high-flyers FC Twente.
Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht)
After a season plagued by injuries, Majeed Ashimeru is ready to make a significant impact in the Europa League. With Champions League experience from his time at RB Salzburg, Ashimeru aims to help Anderlecht make a strong comeback in the competition. Their campaign starts with a home game against Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, before travelling to Spain to face Real Sociedad, who are struggling in their league.
Abdul Baba Rahman (PAOK)
Abdul Baba Rahman is back in the Europa League group stage with PAOK after a seven-year absence. Rahman, whose previous stints with Chelsea and Schalke 04 prepared him well for European contests, will look to lead PAOK after their impressive UEFA Conference League run last season. PAOK’s journey begins with a challenging trip to face Galatasaray in Istanbul, followed by a home clash against FCSB.
Ibrahim Sadiq (AZ Alkmaar)
Ibrahim Sadiq, fresh off a brace in AZ Alkmaar’s 2-1 win over PEC Zwolle, is set to carry his domestic form into the Europa League. After a challenging start at Alkmaar, Sadiq has rediscovered his form, with 4 goals and 3 assists in 6 Eredivisie appearances. His Europa League debut begins with a match against Swedish side Elfsborg, followed by an away fixture against Inaki Williams’ Athletic Bilbao.
With these talented Ghanaian players leading their teams, the 2024/25 Europa League season is sure to be an exciting one.
By: Rabbi Adu Agyei
The post Top Ghanaian stars to watch in the 2024/25 Europa League first appeared on 3News.
