5 players you wouldn't believe are rated higher than Lionel Messi this season

#3 Gerard Moreno

Villarreal CF v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Gerard Moreno joined Villareal in 2018 and has been a consistent performer for The Yellow Submarine as an attacker. The Spaniard netted 30 goals across all competitions in 2021, becoming the first player to do so for Villarreal since Giuseppe Rossi.

The Spaniard had an excellent Europa League campaign last season with Villareal. His contributions were key to them securing their first-ever Europa League title. Moreno scored seven goals in the campaign and was awarded the Golden Boot.

Moreno has a rating of 7.65 based on league performances this season. He has scored eight goals and provided two assists in just 12 La Liga appearances. Injuries have tormented the Spaniard and he has missed a considerable chunk of the season. Villareal are currently seventh in the league and fighting for a spot in next year’s Champions League.

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#2 Sofiane Boufal

Anger SCO's Sofiane Boufal (Image courtesy: L'Equipe)

Sofiane Boufal has been one of Angers’ most influential players this season. The winger joined the French side in 2020 but has found his true form this season. Boufal joined Angers from Southampton, with whom he spent four years. Boufal was sub-par in the Premier League and left the Saints on a free transfer.

Boufal’s league performances have earned him a whoscored rating of 7.40. The Morocco international has five goals and four assists in 18 Ligue 1 appearances so far. Angers are currently 12th in Ligue 1, six points behind Strasbourg, who are in fourth.

Boufal has been impressive with Morocco in the AFCON as well. The winger finished the tournament with three goals, which was the highest for the team. Morocco were eliminated by Egypt in a thrilling quarterfinal in late January.

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#1 Nabil Fekir

Manchester City v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Group F

Nabil Fekir has been outstanding for Real Betis ever since signing for them from Lyon in 2019. The Frenchman is adored by fans for his flair and creativity. Fekir was rumored to be leaving the club, but Betis recently announced that the midfielder has signed a new deal that will keep him until 2026.

Nabil Fekir’s league rating so far is 7.52. The Frenchman has four goals and six assists for Betis in La Liga this season. Fekir has contributed to nearly one-fourth of his side’s goals in the league.

Betis have exceeded all expectations and are currently third in La Liga. Fekir has masterfully controlled the midfield and his contributions have been vital to his side’s impressive position in the league.