Europa League fantasy football gave virtual managers the opportunity to truly test their skills. Famous sides and mid-tier clubs looking for glory have nominated their players for the Team of the Season. Here are the 11 best ones who have made the cut.
Remember that all Europa League fixtures were and will be represented through FootballCoin contests.
The 2024/2025 Europa League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper
Nikita Haikin (Bodo/Glimt)
It was a dream season, however way you look at it. Bodo/Glimt, a little-known Norwegian team playing in the Arctic Circle, made it to the Europa League semi-finals. Along the way, the team knocked out a much better-known opposition. Twente, Olympiacos or Lazio were all stunned by the Nordic minions.
There was no player who better epitomised the team’s search for glory than goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. Making the most saves of any keeper, playing every minute and capable of launching the ball all the way to the opponent’s penalty area, Haikin was the player you wanted in your Europa League fantasy football team every week.
Defenders
Vaclav Jemelka (Viktoria Plzen)
For mid-tier European teams, the money coming in from the UEL was a real motivating factor this season. Viktoria Plzen crashed out in the Round of 16. But the Czech side did enough to suggest they’ll be back at work, in the same competition, next season.
Vaclav Jemelka, quite remarkably, is the best UEL fantasy football defender despite playing fewer matches than many of the other players who make up the Team of the Season. Jemelka‘s no-nonsense approach and ability to score the odd goal should make him a favourite for managers scouting for future fantasy teams.
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Manchester United had a terrible season everywhere, except for the Europa League, sans the final. Diogo Dalot, once more, proved what a great wing-back he is. There were 3 goals and the hope of European silverware. There’s always next year after the next year.
Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt)
Frederik Bjorkan and his team, Bodo/Glimt, are what the Europa League was invented for – lesser-known teams and players grabbing the opportunity to play on the European stage with both hands.
The 26-year-old Norwegian left-back was a master carrier of the ball upfield, but also proved to be a terrific tackler, as Lazio stars will attest. Bodo’s challenge will now be to retain his services, and Bjorkan will be forced to retain this standard.
Risto Radunovic (Fotbal Club FCSB)
Romania’s FCSB went further in the competition than even its most vocal supporters expected. They did this with a squad that shows, every bit, like they could repeat the feat within the next few years.
Risto Radunovic was the player most willing to endorse self-sacrifice and a consistent performer across Europa League matches. The Montenegro-born defender was a great asset to FCSB, providing an assist along the way.
Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Often this season, Bruno Fernandes has looked to be a little too good for the team he is captaining. Fernandes was the Europa League top scorer. The Portuguese is a player that, really, you should’ve had on your fantasy football roster each week.
Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt)
No, there aren’t many established stars on this Bodo/Glimt side. However, Patrick Berg, who briefly played for Lens, comes closest.
And if Berg didn’t quite succeed in Ligue 1, this season he offered plenty of reasons why he might’ve. Most of Bodo’s chances involved him somehow. And, most of the desperate clearances had him playing a role. A real trooper!
Pavel Sulc (Viktoria Plzen)
Pavel Sulc provided the flair to an otherwise hard-working, rarely outstanding Viktoria Plzeň team. He managed 15 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, and 4 of those goals were scored in UEL. Scouts are, surely, showing an interest in the 23-year-old.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Winning elusive silverware is a reason for celebration, certainly. Tottenham must feel like they’ve cracked a curse. And even though the EPL season didn’t go according to plan and Ange Postecoglou has been dismissed, fans will always have the memory of triumphing in Europe.
The best player of the bunch in this campaign was the marauding wing-back Pedro Porro. Sensational in blocking attacks, and contributing 2 goals and 3 assists, Porro should’ve been an indispensable element in your Europa League fantasy football team
Forwards
Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyon)
Lyon fans will remember this season for two things – financial hardships and incredible Rayan Cherki performances. No player provided more assists in the UEL this season. Arguably, also, no player did more to single-handedly guide his team toward success.
Vaclav Cerny (Rangers FC)
Reaching the UEL Quarter-Finals should be judged as a success for this Glasgow Rangers team. Frequent European outings got the club to showcase some of its more impressive talent. Vaclav Cerny is reaching the peak of his potential, and the 6 goals he scored in the competition have proven this.
