Some of England, Scotland and Wales' finest footballers are plying their trade in mainland Europe and beyond this season
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There used to be a time when British players heading to Europe was not only more commonplace, but celebrated as the novelty it is. Thankfully, this cycle has come full circle and we can enjoy several famous homegrown names slugging it out on the continent.
In fact, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that England's two best players both decided the Premier League wasn't for them and took their talents abroad instead, which has never happened before in the history of the British game.
GOAL has cast an eye over the global game and ranked the top 20 Brits based on their 2024-25 performances:
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images Sport20Lloyd Kelly (Juventus)
We start with someone who probably wouldn't have imagined himself playing in Europe at the start of the season. Lloyd Kelly joined Newcastle on a free transfer from Bournemouth over the summer, but failed to make an impression at St James' Park and was shipped off to Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy.
The 26-year-old has made four appearances for Thiago Motta's side at the time of writing, notably putting in a couple of poor showings on their way to Champions League elimination at the hands of PSV, though his Serie A outings have been a little more promising.
AdvertisementGetty Images19Oli McBurnie (Las Palmas)
Scotland striker Oli McBurnie's time in the Canary Islands with Las Palmas has been confusing. He's a regular starter, made 21 La Liga appearances, yet has still somehow not scored a goal.
He does have four assists so far and has been praised for both his hold-up play and work rate, but with Las Palmas teetering above the relegation zone in 17th, they could do with McBurnie chipping in with some actual goals himself to steer them to safety.
Getty Images Sport18Scott McKenna (Las Palmas)
One of two 'Scott Mc's on this list, Scott McKenna has too played huge minutes for Las Palmas as they fight to beat the drop. Unlike McBurnie, the defender hasn't failed as much at his primary job and has as many goals as his compatriot.
McKenna's trip to the Canaries comes after a surprise spell in Denmark with Copenhagen. At this point of his career, the ex-Nottingham Forest man is doing side quests, and you have to respect that kind of hustle.
AFP17Jonathan Rowe (Marseille)
The EFL is now a respected pipeline when it comes to young talent, which is why Marseille were so desperate to pry Jonathan Rowe away from Norwich City in the summer of 2024. The winger was more heavily involved in Roberto De Zerbi's side's fast start to 2024-25, but has seen his minutes largely reduced since, with OM's other attackers taking the acclaim.
As an aside, Rowe is the only Marseille player on this list, with Mason Greenwood nearing an association switch to Jamaica.
