8. Rafael – Manchester United
There’s a certain stigma attached to Brazilian footballers that means they are expected to hit the ground running and become a world-beater overnight.
The 22-year-old is proving his doubters wrong this term as he’s made the right-back slot at Old Trafford his own, making more appearances this year than he has at any other point in the five years he’s been at the club, playing 37 games.
Though he can still show his inexperience where discipline is concerned, he more than makes up for the bumps in his education by combining spectacularly well with Antonio Valencia to form a key component of the side’s attack.
He has also added goals to his repertoire too. A 30-yard wonder strike against QPR must surely be his season highlight, coming second only to winning his third Premier League title.
With Dani Alves in front of him for the national side, it isn’t likely that he’ll earn too many starts with Brazil, but last summer he was called up as a late replacement for the Barcelona man for two games as well as featuring in the under-23 squad that won the silver medal at last year’s Olympic games.