Europhiles Notebook - Five Breakout Stars

Introducing five players, who are making a name for themselves on the big stage this season; with some strong performances in the early going.

Lewis Holtby: 20, 2 goals and 6 assists from 7 games, Mainz (1^st in Bundesliga)

He is a big reason why unfancied Mainz is currently topping the Bundesliga.  With seven wins out of seven, Mainz has gotten scoring from several members of its young and unrated playing corps.  Holtby, who qualifies for both England and Germany, on account of his English father and being born in Germany to a German mother; has shown exceptional promise playmaking both playing off the wing as well as through the middle.  Being on loan from Schalke, expect a recall soon, especially since his parent club are having a nightmare season.\

Dimitri Payet: 23, 7 goals from 8 games, St. Etienne (2^nd in Ligue 1)

Recently called up to France’s national team after a solid couple of months in Ligue 1, the former U-21 stalwart has impressed both on the wing and as an attacking midfielder for Les Verts.  A hat-trick against Lens was a highlight of the season so far as the 2010 season appears to be a coming of age period for the young footballer.  A consistent shooter, he is an ever present in the green-and-white midfield and has dovetailed to some effect with both Blaise Matuidi and Bakary Sako.  Expect more caps and goals from him.

Papiss Demba Cisse: 25, 7 goals from 7 games, Freiburg (5^th in Bundesliga)

A recent arrival in German football, having arrived from Metz in early 2010, this Senegalese striker is finally living up to his potential that saw him regularly get picked by his country at youth table.  Consistent, pacy and powerful, his goal a game strikes and excellent link-up play have propped up an otherwise average Freiburg squad in the European places.  Papiss has already scored three goals in five games for his country and may just make the step up permanent, as he is now at the peak of his career.

Juan Mata: 22, 1 goal and 3 assists from 6 games, Valencia (1^st in La Liga)

One would have thought that Valencia would struggle this season after their two best players; World Cup winning Spanish internationals David Villa (Barcelona) and David Silva (Manchester City), both left in the off season.  However Valencia has done anything but, flourishing in their absence as a new generation of younger stars have stepped up to fill the void.  And in some fashion too.  Spanish U-21 striker Juan Mata has been one of the revelations of the season as his strong work ethic, eye for the game and mature playmaking have allowed Valencia to top the table.

Welliton: 23, 16 goals from 17 games, Spartak Moscow (4^th in Russian Premier League)

One of many journeymen Brazilians in Europe, Welliton has made a name for himself as a prolific striker for the past few seasons.  A natural goal-scorer, he has hit the back of the net from headers and strikes from both outside and inside the box.  Able to run with the ball, his skills are more direct by nature.  Although he lacks much of the flair normally associated with Brazilian forwards, his finishing is superb and his instincts predatory.  Having hit consecutive hat-tricks this season alone, many predict a move to a bigger club in the January transfer window.