5 most improved players in Europe this season

FC Internationale v Olympique Lyonnais - 2017 International Champions Cup China
Mariano Diaz with Lyon, pre-season.

#3 Simone Zaza

Valencia CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Zaza against Real Madrid

I know, I know - Zaza was a clown at the Euros, all his own doing, with that ridiculous penalty. Adding his West Ham career to his CV, and you would imagine him to be one of the worst players plying his trade in the game.

But it's easy to forget that Zaza is still only 26, and has been a proven goalscorer in Italy for a few years now, first with Sassuolo under Eusebio Di Francesco, and then with Juventus. At Juve, Zaza may not have played a major role, but he did chip in with some key goals that helped Juve push for titles on most fronts in both his years at the club.

Zaza has now moved to Valencia, where he went from a bit part bench player to one of the first names on the team sheet. He is only behind Leo Messi in goals scored this season, and has rediscovered his smashing left foot, the one which was known to rifle balls into the bottom far corner.

If Zaza continues in this vain this season it wouldn't be surprising to see him back in the Italian squad with a shot at redemption.

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