Bilal El Khannouss

Key strength: Vision and passing

Creative playmaker

Atalanta BC sit 7th in the table as they navigate a transitional phase under Gian Piero Gasperini, their form reading LDLWW—a side still searching for the consistency that defined their recent golden era. Yet amid this churn, 21-year-old Moroccan maestro Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as La Dea's most reliable creative outlet. With 6 goals and 6 assists from 31 appearances this season, the €32 million-rated attacking midfielder is proving his worth as the tactical bridge between Atalanta's industrious midfield and their potent forward line featuring Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstović. What sets El Khannouss apart is his surgical passing—rated 73—and a footballing intelligence that belies his years. Just one yellow card in over 2,000 minutes speaks to his composure under pressure. While not the fastest or most physical presence, his vision unlocks defenses that physicality cannot breach. At an age when most playmakers are still learning their craft, El Khannouss is already the metronome of Atalanta's attack, pulling strings while his more heralded teammates finish the moves he orchestrates.