Biggest U23 surprise stars so far this season from Europe's top 5 leagues

The thing about young players is that it is really difficult to predict when they will break out or how their career will pan out. But once someone does explode onto the scene, there's always great excitement and clamor. This year, too, we have the emergence of some unexpected young stars. One player from each of the top five leagues has been included in this list.

#5 Ligue 1 - Hugo Ekitike (Stade de Reims)

Hugo Ekitike is the latest talent to explode in Ligue 1 whom you may not have heard of. Among teenagers in Europe's top 5 leagues, no one has scored more goals than him this season. Hailing from the Stade de Reims academy, Ekitike's playing style has been compared to the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry.

Given his clearly abundant potential, clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG are already keeping a close eye on his progress. Newcastle also had a €35 million bid turned down for the 19-year-old but it appears they will return with an improved offer. Hence it remains to be seen whether he can add to his 10 goal contributions for Reims in Ligue 1 or will he move to England before the month ends.

#4 Serie A - Gianluca Scamacca (Sassuolo)

US Sassuolo v Bologna FC - Serie A

At 23, Gianluca Scamacca has a goal catalog most experienced strikers would yearn for. It is almost fair to say he scores only screamers. Back at Sassuolo, he has nine goals this season, an improvement upon the eight he got on loan at Genoa last season.

Scamacca takes 3.64 shots per 90, which is good because it would suggest that he gets onto the end of chances quite often. Sassuolo has been a good place for him to develop this far, but AC Milan and Juventus are interested, so he might move soon.

#3 Bundesliga - Nico Schlotterbeck (SC Freiburg)

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Sport-Club Freiburg - Bundesliga

Freiburg's Nico Schlotterbeck was an integral part of the German team who won the U21 Euros last season. He was imperious in that tournament and since then, like many of his teammates, he has gone from strength to strength. The 22-year-old's emergence as an all-round centre-back has been spectacular.

For context, here are some of his non-defensive numbers per 90: 1.44 shots, 1.51 shot-creating actions, 4.07 progressive passes, and 8.66 passes played under pressure. While this is good, defensively he's even better. He makes 5.02 tackles and interceptions per match. Given that quality left-footed CBs are a rare commodity, Schlotterbeck will undoubtedly garner a lot of attention in years to come.

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#2 La Liga - Gavi (Barcelona)

The youngest addition to Barcelona's ever-growing pool of youngsters, Gavi, is something special. Having made his debut this season at just 17, Gavi's influence in some tough times for Barcelona has been paramount. He hasn't allowed Barca fans to miss Pedri, who has been injured.

The kid is a prodigious talent who is equally good at carrying and passing. La Masia experts have called him the best midfield talent from the academy since Thiago Alcantara. Currently Barca are trying to tie him down to a long contract and alongside the aforementioned Pedri, they could rule the Camp Nou turf for years.

#1 Premier League - Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace - Premier League

If La Masia is the best academy in Spain, Cobham is the best in England at the moment. Conor Gallagher might not be at Chelsea right now like some of his compatriots but that hasn't stopped him from shining.

Playing for Crystal Palace this season, Gallagher has turned into a menacing box-to-box midfielder, wrecking havoc all over the pitch. It will be interesting to see what happens to him next season once his loan at Selhurst Park ends. Chelsea are already stacked in his position so they might sell him to raise funds. If that was to happen a lot of big clubs would be after the 21-year-old's signature.