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'Like Salah' & 'new Ramos' - players to watch out for in Europe in 2025

Omar Marmoush (left), Joan Martinez (centre)Getty Images

Omar Marmoush (left), Joan Martinez (centre)

As we look ahead to another year of drama, brilliance and controversy across European football, who will be the names we are talking about?

While we know players like Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will still be starring, it will no doubt prove to be a big 12 months for plenty of other players too.

European football experts Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and Raphael Honigstein picked out some of their players to watch on BBC Radio 5 Live's Euro Leagues.

Players you've heard of set for a big 2025

Omar MarmoushGetty Images

Omar Marmoush has played 35 times for Egypt

Omar Marmoush

Club: Eintracht Frankfurt Age: 25 Nationality: Egyptian Position: Forward

Honigstein: "He is really dynamic, a wide forward who can play through the middle.

"Some people have compared him to Mohamed Salah, perhaps not as tricky or as explosive but his finishing is incredible.

"He came to aged 18 and for six years we didn't think he would set the world alight, but this season he explodes and we are now talking about 80m euros for him.

"There is a big move ahead for him. It is very unlikely Frankfurt will keep him and he is going to be a superstar. He would be a great buy for any team - there will be a lot of competition for him."

Martin Zubimendi in action for Spain against EnglandGetty Images

Martin Zubimendi came on at half-time in the Euro 2024 final for Spain against England

Martin Zubimendi

Club: Real Sociedad Age: 25 Nationality: Spanish Position: Midfield

Balague: "He turned down Liverpool and was a star of the moment of the season when he replaced Rodri at half-time for Spain in the Euro final. England exploded with happiness when Rodri went off but he is perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world.

"I was told everything was done with Liverpool but he decided personally not to leave. Now three months into the season he is ready to go. When Manchester City want a replacement for Rodri, that is the guy to look for. Barca would like him but don't have the money and he is ready to leave now.

"He is not the strongest or fastest but he reads the game so well and leads the team. He understands the role perfectly. I don't think Liverpool will go back, although Zubimendi is a different level to Ryan Gravenberch. I know Man City like him a lot. And teams with 60m euros? He can only go to the Premier League. Chelsea don't need him, Manchester United maybe">