Improvement in football is not solely measured by goals and assists but also by consistency, influence on matches, and overall impact at the highest level. The 2024/25 season has seen several players elevate their performances significantly compared to the previous campaign. From emerging stars to experienced professionals finding their best form, these ten players have shown the greatest improvement this season.
10. Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
•2024/25 Stats: 28 matches | 11 goals | 3 assists | 7.0 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 42 matches | 11 goals | 3 assists | 6.8 rating
While Torres’ goal and assist numbers remain identical to last season, the key difference is his efficiency. Despite playing 14 fewer matches, he has maintained his attacking output and improved his overall rating. His finishing and decision-making in the final third have been sharper, making him a more reliable option in Barcelona’s forward line.
9. Marco Asensio (Aston Villa, on loan from PSG)
•2024/25 (Aston Villa): 6 matches | 4 goals | 0 assists | 7.4 rating
•2024/25 (Paris Saint-Germain): 16 matches | 2 goals | 4 assists | 7.1 rating
Asensio struggled for consistent minutes at PSG, but his loan move to Aston Villa has rejuvenated him. He has already surpassed his Ligue 1 goal tally in just six games, proving to be a key attacking option for Villa. His improved rating reflects his resurgence in a system that allows him to thrive.
8. Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth)
•2024/25 Stats: 30 matches | 13 goals | 6 assists | 7.2 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 36 matches | 9 goals | 2 assists | 6.8 rating
Kluivert has taken a significant step forward in the Premier League, increasing both his goal tally and overall contribution. With more goals in fewer matches and a sharp rise in assists, his rating has jumped from 6.8 to 7.2, highlighting his growing importance for Bournemouth.
7. Clément Lenglet (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Barcelona)
•2024/25 (Atletico Madrid): 23 matches | 2 goals | 2 assists | 7.1 rating
•2023/24 (Aston Villa): 25 matches | 0 goals | 1 assist | 6.6 rating
After a challenging season at Aston Villa, Lenglet has found stability at Atletico Madrid. Under Diego Simeone’s system, he has improved defensively and contributed more offensively. His increased rating reflects his resurgence as a solid defensive option.
6. Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
•2024/25 Stats: 36 matches | 9 goals | 7 assists | 7.4 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 12 matches | 2 goals | 1 assist | 6.7 rating
Diallo has broken into Manchester United’s first team in style. After limited opportunities last season, he has become a key attacking option, improving both his goals and assists. His dribbling and link-up play have elevated his game, and his higher rating is well deserved.
5. Mateo Retegui (Atalanta)
•2024/25 Stats: 38 matches | 24 goals | 5 assists | 7.2 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 31 matches | 9 goals | 3 assists | 6.7 rating
Retegui has taken Serie A by storm, becoming one of Atalanta’s most reliable goal-scorers. His movement in the box and finishing have improved drastically, leading to a massive leap in his goal tally. His rise in rating shows how crucial he has become to Atalanta’s attacking setup.
4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
•2024/25 Stats: 34 matches | 11 goals | 15 assists | 8.0 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 50 matches | 7 goals | 7 assists | 7.4 rating
At just 17 years old, Yamal has taken a massive leap in his development. His assist numbers have more than doubled, and he has become a key creative force for Barcelona. His vision, dribbling, and composure have matured significantly, making him one of La Liga’s standout performers.
3. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
•2024/25 Stats: 39 matches | 17 goals | 11 assists | 7.6 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 39 matches | 5 goals | 9 assists | 7.1 rating
Barcola has transitioned from a promising talent to a legitimate starter for PSG. His goal contributions have tripled, and his overall play has become more refined. He is now a reliable attacking threat, showcasing composure and technical ability at the highest level.
2. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
•2024/25 Stats: 33 matches | 26 goals | 6 assists | 8.0 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 42 matches | 6 goals | 12 assists | 7.6 rating
Dembélé has always had the talent, but this season he has finally delivered at an elite level. His biggest improvement has been his finishing—going from six goals to 26 is a testament to his improved decision-making and composure. He has evolved into one of PSG’s most lethal attacking weapons.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona)
•2024/25 Stats: 38 matches | 24 goals | 16 assists | 8.2 rating
•2023/24 Stats: 37 matches | 10 goals | 11 assists | 7.4 rating
No player has improved more this season than Raphinha. His transformation into one of Europe’s most decisive attackers has been remarkable. With a massive jump in goals, assists, and overall rating, he has become Barcelona’s most consistent offensive threat. His finishing, creativity, and decision-making have reached new heights, making him the most improved player of the 2024/25 season.
