ESPN Announces Players of the Month for November
ESPN has unveiled the standout players from Europe’s premier leagues for November, following the successful launch of its monthly player recognition feature in October. This month brought forth some fresh talent, with several new names making their mark.
In LaLiga, a rising star from Villarreal managed to outshine big names such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Meanwhile, a relatively unknown Brazilian in the Premier League made a significant impact, securing a spot on the podium all by himself.
Furthermore, ESPN has also spotlighted the leading talents from Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
How the Selection Works
The process is straightforward: three ESPN journalists from various countries evaluate each league. Monthly, each journalist selects their top three players, assigning points — three for third place, five for second, and ten for the top performer. A player can achieve a maximum of 30 points if all three journalists select them as the month’s best.
In case of a tie, the player with more first-place votes is declared the winner.
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Ligue 1: Florian Thauvin
Forward | Lens and France | 32 years old | 20 points
Ligue 1 surprises include Lens, currently leading the standings with 31 points from 14 matches, just ahead of the formidable Paris Saint-Germain. This month, Florian Thauvin, Lens’ star player, took the crown, earning 20 out of a possible 30 points after being voted as the best player by two ESPN journalists.
Thauvin joined Lens mid-year for approximately €6 million. Throughout November, he played in all four of the team’s matches, contributing two goals in a crucial 2-1 victory against Angers that solidified Lens’ position at the top of the league. His team secured victories in all four matches during this month.
Second place:
- Mamadou Sangaré: MF, Lens (13 points).
Third place:
- Robin Risser: GK, Lens (10 points).
Bundesliga: Deniz Undav
Forward | Stuttgart and Germany | 29 years old | 16 points
Deniz Undav has emerged as the Bundesliga’s star player for November, netting six goals over four games. The striker’s performance has drawn attention despite Stuttgart’s mixed results, including two losses and a draw.
Previously with Brighton & Hove Albion, Undav was transferred to Stuttgart in mid-2024 for €26.7 million. His impressive tally this month included two goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Augsburg and another three in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Second place:
- Wouter Burger: MF, Hoffenheim (13 points).
Third place:
- Luis Díaz: FW, Bayer Leverkusen (10 points)
Serie A: Mike Maignan
Goalkeeper | AC Milan and France | 30 years old | 25 points
Proving that goalkeepers can shine just as brightly as strikers, Mike Maignan claimed the title of Player of the Month in Serie A, accumulating 25 points. The talented keeper has been a key player in maintaining AC Milan’s position at the top of the table with an impressive defensive record.
Maignan’s month included three clean sheets in four matches, helping his team secure 28 points in total. His efforts ensured that the team conceded only nine goals throughout the league matches.
Second place:
- Nico Paz: MF, Como (18 points).
Third place:
- Tommaso Pobega: MF, Bologna (5 points).
LaLiga: Alberto Moleiro
Attacking Midfielder | Villarreal and Spain | 22 years old | 20 points
Alberto Moleiro has stormed onto the scene as LaLiga’s top player for November, outshining renowned athletes like Mbappé and Vini Jr. This season, Moleiro has proved pivotal for Villarreal, contributing to the team’s solid standing with four victories in four matches.
His performances this month included multiple goals and assists, solidifying his status as a key player for the team, which is currently ranked third in the league.
Second place:
- Azzedine Ounahi: MF, Girona (10 points).
Third place:
- Lamine Yamal: FW, Barcelona (10 points).
Premier League: Phil Foden
Midfielder | Manchester City and England | 25 years old | 20 points
Phil Foden has emerged as the Premier League’s standout player for November, spearheading Manchester City’s attack. He started all four matches this month, finishing with two crucial goals against Leeds United in a 3-2 win.
Foden’s efforts helped secure points for his team, leading to a runner-up spot in the month’s voting, with his contributions also highlighted by two other journalists.
Second place:
- Declan Rice: MF, Arsenal (10 points).
Third place:
- Igor Thiago: FW, Brentford (10 points).
This recognition by ESPN highlights the extraordinary talents rising from Europe’s leagues, providing a platform for players to showcase their standout performances.