5 best players not playing in Europe right now

#3 Dani Alves (Sao Paulo)

Dani Alves

Arguably the greatest right-back to have played the game, Dani Alves is often operating as an attacking midfielder these days.

Alves became one of the best in the world at Barcelona, where he was part of Pep Guardiola's legendary team. The Brazil international made 391 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals and providing 102 assists. Highly creative, technically gifted and excellent in crossing, Alves redefined the full-back position.

Dani Alves will captain Brazil in the Olympics 💫38 years old and still going strong 💪 pic.twitter.com/v0X63EXYPd

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2021

After stints with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, Alves returned to Brazil, signing for Sao Paulo. He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for his new club, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists. The 38-year old is currently a part of the Brazil team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

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#2 Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres UANL)

Andre-Pierre Gignac

Andre-Pierre Gignac's move to Mexican side Tigres UANL after a successful campaign with Marseille raised eyebrows.

Gignac had scored 21 league goals for Marseille in the 2014-15 campaign, but joined Tigres UANL on a free transfer that summer. The France international's decision has proved to be an excellent one, as six years later, Gignac is the club's all-time top goalscorer.

Andre-Pierre Gignac has played in Liga MX for six years and is Tigres’ all-time top scorer.He scored a penalty against Mexico in the Olympics and apologised during his celebration 🙏🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/BVt3ln1mMy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2021

In 261 appearances in all competitions, Gignac has scored 149 goals and provided 36 assists for the club. Gignac's presence was key in Tigres UANL signing former Marseille player and FIFA World Cup winner Florian Thauvin as well. Both Gignac and Thauvin are part of the France squad at the ongoing Olympics.

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#1 Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo)

Gabriel Barbosa

A prodigious talent during his Santos days, Gabriel Barbosa was regarded as the next big Brazilian talent to make a mark in Europe.

Barbosa moved to Inter Milan in 2016 for £26.5 million, but the forward had limited impact with the Serie A giants. After a loan spell with Benfica, Barbosa returned to Brazil, first with Santos and then with Flamengo. The Brazil international has rejuvenated his career with Flamengo, and is now a regular for both club and country.

Gabigol has made 96 appearances in all competitions for Flamengo, scoring 68 goals and providing 18 assists. The 24-year -old has won the Copa Libertadores once and the Campeonato Brasileiro title twice with the club. He also reached the Copa America 2021 final with Brazil.

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