5 most improved players from Europe's top leagues in 2017/18

#3 Memphis Depay (Lyon)

Depay has progressed leaps and bounds since leaving Manchester United two seasons ago

Time heals all, some say. Memphis Depay, now 24, appears to have attracted widespread attention across Europe following an excellent season in France - just like the one which meant hype and over-expectation was placed on his shoulders as soon as a move to Manchester United was announced in the summer of 2015.

After a forgettable tenure at Old Trafford, he was sold to Lyon in January last year for £16 million plus add-ons, with United inserting a buyback option within the deal itself. Given how infrequently regular minutes came in the Premier League, it's best to gauge his progression based on how well he performed in the Eredivisie prior to the big-money move.

During his final campaign at PSV, he scored 22 goals and created six assists in 30 games.

This past season, he scored 19 and created 13 more in 36 Ligue 1 games. Add another six goal contributions (3 goals, 3 assists) in Europa League action over the course of the campaign and it's easy to understand why he's beginning to attract attention from European clubs prepared to take a chance on him.

He is an explosive player, one who dazzles with skills and tricks but has developed his game and cannot be underestimated or tarred with the 'United reject' brush that hit many before the Dutchman's departure.

Depay, pictured here against Nice, was a driving force behind Lyon's third-placed finish

He has flourished this term playing in a range of different attacking roles, whether it be his natural left-wing position or as the centre-forward linking up with Nabil Fekir, Mariano and Bertrand Traoré.

His shot accuracy has improved considerably (56% in Ligue 1, 77% in Europa League) in comparison to his younger years, whilst he's not just aimlessly dribbling past opponents with no purpose either. He is more calculated with regards to attacking movement and an improved take-on success rate justifies this.