49. Henrik Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan is a newcomer not only to the CaughtOffside 50, but also to a lot of people’s consciousness.
He has quickly become one of Europe’s most sought after stars this summer, with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund fighting in out over his signature. The latter won, and they can take comfort in the fact that they have bagged Europe’s highest scoring midfielder with 29 goals in all competitions – that’s more than Gareth Bale’s efforts with 23.
His uncanny eye for goal, late runs into the box and direct style when taking opposition players on will not only add (even more) goals to the Dortmund club, but also help soften the blow of Mario Gotze’s departure to Bayern Munich.
Quite possibly the first outright star of Armenian football, it will sadly be some time before we get to see him at an international tournament.
A successful year with Shakhtar Donetsk, both personally and collectively, has seen him crash into the top 50 and if he can continue that form in the Bundesliga then expect him to be a few places higher next time around.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Games: 42
Goals: 29
Assists: 13
ARMENIA
Games: 9
Goals: 3
Assists: 1