The Serie A, once a dominant force in European football, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the Italian top flight boasts a wealth of exceptional players. With layers from across the globe, renowned for their technical prowess, tactical acumen, and unwavering passion, have graced the Italian pitches, captivating fans and critics alike.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 most valuable players in the Serie A who have not only elevated their clubs but also contributed significantly to the global appeal of Italian football.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
Market Value: €55 million
In a year filled with impressive displays by African footballers within and beyond the shores of the continent, few have shone as brightly as the 2024 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman. The 27-year-old forward has been a revelation since making the move to Serie A, combining breathtaking skill, clinical finishing, and relentless determination to cement his place as one of the finest players on the continent.
What sets Lookman apart is his ability to score a variety of goals. Whether it’s a poached finish in the 6-yard box, a long-range screamer, or a coolly converted penalty under pressure, he consistently delivers in the crucial moments. His performances have propelled Atalanta into the top spot of Serie A, making them serious contenders for the Scudetto.
Moreover, Lookman has been the driving force behind Atalanta’s consistent showing in the 2024/25 season. Head Coach Gian Paolo Gasperini has a knack for bringing out the best in his attackers, and Lookman has repaid that faith with 8 goals and 4 assists in 13 Serie A appearances so far. It’s safe to say that the diminutive forward has been a nightmare for defenders across Italy.
With his combination of skill, speed, and intelligence, Ademola Lookman is a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
Market Value: €60 million
Federico Dimarco’s rise to prominence has not been a straightforward one. Five different clubs and countless loan spells later, the attack-minded left back is now one of the best in his position – stealing the headlines both domestically and in Europe. A versatile left-sided player, Dimarco has emerged as a key figure for Inter Milan. He excels as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation, where his attacking prowess and defensive solidity make him a valuable asset.
Since returning to Inter Milan, the Italian international has gone from strength to strength, emerging as one of the side’s undisputed leaders in the locker room. The 27-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, and has looked his typical imperious self down the left-hand side.
Humble, hardworking, and determined, the Inter Milan youth graduate is playing a crucial role, and remains an integral piece in Simone Inzaghi’s setup and has the Nerazzurri faithful dreaming again. While his defensive contributions can be inconsistent at times, his offensive output and ability to create chances make him a valuable asset to the current Inter side.
Market Value: €60 million
Gleison Bremer, a towering figure in Serie A, has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising defenders. His imposing physique, coupled with his exceptional aerial ability and strong tackling, makes him a formidable force in the heart of the Juventus defense.
Bremer’s reading of the game is exceptional, allowing him to anticipate attacks and intercept passes with remarkable precision. He possesses a calm and composed demeanor, rarely panicking under pressure and making decisive decisions in critical moments. While his defensive prowess is undeniable, Bremer also contributes offensively, often finding himself in dangerous positions from set pieces. His powerful headers and accurate long balls make him a valuable asset in both boxes.
However, after a solid start to his 2024/25 campaign, the 27-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after RB Leipzig in Gameweek 2 of the newly formatted UEFA Champions League, leaving him to spend the rest of the season on the sidelines.
Market Value: €60 million
A forward known for his keen eye in front of goal, and an excellent frame of body to withstand the physical pressure from defenders, Dušan Vlahovi? made a name for himself in Fiorentina’s Primavera squad, winning a title in his debut season before establishing himself as a formidable striker in European football.
His imposing stature and aerial ability made him a constant threat in the opposition’s box, often winning crucial headers and creating goal-scoring opportunities, which resulted in some of Europe’s top clubs vying for his signature before Juventus jumped in and secured his services as part of a multi-year deal.
However, despite his clinical finishing ability as well as his intelligence and movement off the ball, the 24-year-old is yet to replicate his outputs from his Fiorentina days in the White and Black of Juventus.
Market Value: €75 million
Having joined the Italian champions during the summer of 2023, Marcus Thuram has established himself as one of the most complete and exciting forwards in European football. A quick, technically gifted, intelligent forward, Thuram’s lethal finishing and adaptability have made him a reliable attacking outlet for Inter.
Capable of taking on defenders, exploiting open space and creating opportunities for his teammates, he is a proactive forward who is skilled at holding up the ball under pressure and keeping opponents on their feet with his unpredictable movement.
During his debut season, the 27-year-old scored 13 and added another 13 assists in just 35 Serie A appearances. This season, though, the French international has taken his game to another level with 11 goals and six assists in 15 league appearances as Inter chase league leaders Atalanta for the Scudetto.
A versatile and dynamic forward, his ability to play as a left-winger, a second striker, or even as a lone striker, gives any manager a tactical edge with him in their team. Moreover, his work rate and willingness to press opponents high up the pitch make him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.
Market Value: €75 million
Since returning to Inter Milan, Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in world football. Renowned for his exceptional ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, his 6’3″ stature makes him a commanding presence on the field, making him a formidable force in aerial duels.
With his preferred left-foot, the Italian defender can deliver precise long passes and pinpoint crosses, while his exceptional passing allows him to initiate attacks from deep within his own half. He excels in reading the game, anticipating opposition moves, and intercepting passes with impeccable timing.
While his defensive prowess is undeniable, his offensive contributions have also caught the eye of many. His ability to join attacks, make overlapping runs and provide valuable support to his team’s forward line makes him stand out among his peers. However, Bastoni’s lack of pace can sometimes be exploited by quick attackers. Despite these minor shortcomings, Alessandro Bastoni undoubtedly has the potential to become one of the best defenders of his generation.
Market Value: €75 million
From winning their first Scudetto for the first time in over a decade (2021/22) to making a semi final appearance in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2004/05, a constant and prominent figure of AC Milan’s rejuvenation has been the emergence of the 25 year-old Portuguese star, Rafael Leão.
Known for his electrifying pace, coupled with exceptional dribbling skills, Leão’s ability to burst past opponents with sheer speed and agility is a sight to behold. He possesses a lethal left foot, capable of scoring spectacular goals from distance or delivering pinpoint crosses into the box. While his finishing has improved significantly, his primary strength lies in creating chances for his teammates.
His versatility is another asset, as he can operate effectively on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder. However, Leão’s decision-making can sometimes let him down, leading to wasteful possessions. Despite these minor flaws, Leão’s immense talent and potential make him one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Market Value: €80 million
With the ability to play in any of the three central midfield positions, the former Cagliari man has been in the bucket list of many top European clubs over recent years. A real box-to-box, all-action player, Barella’s greatest attribute is his passing range and ability to play incisive through balls and key passes.
Despite his slender build, the Inter Milan midfielder is known for his tireless work ethic and ability to cover vast distances of the field, enabling him to contribute both offensively and defensively. As well as providing and scoring goals, his experience and impact at the highest level has been shown in Italy’s European Championship success in 2021, as well as winning two Scudetto since 2020.
While Barella’s physicality and intensity can sometimes lead to reckless challenges, his overall impact on the game is undeniable. His ability to dictate the tempo of play, create scoring opportunities, and break up opposition attacks make him an indispensable player for his club and country.
Market Value: €85 million
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger, has taken Serie A by storm with his electrifying performances since joining Napoli. His exceptional dribbling skills, coupled with his explosive pace, make him a nightmare for defenders. The 23-year-old won the Scudetto with Napoli during his debut season, contributing with 25 goal contributions, has since been a force to be reckoned with despite Gli Azzurri’s struggles last season.
Kvaratskhelia’s ability to beat players with ease and create goal-scoring opportunities is reminiscent of some of the greatest wingers in the game. Besides, his versatility allows him to play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, providing Napoli with a dynamic and unpredictable attacking threat.
While his defensive contributions may need improvement, his offensive prowess more than compensates. Kvaratskhelia’s impact on Napoli’s success has been undeniable, earning him comparisons to legendary figures like Diego Maradona.
Market Value: €100 million
Since joining Inter in 2018, Martínez has replaced Mauro Icardi as Inter’s attacking talisman and played a pivotal role in their transformation, scoring 132 goals and 47 assists in 301 appearances for the Nerazzurri. A formidable force in the world of football, the 27-year-old has solidified his position as one of the most complete strikers of his generation.
The Argentine forward possesses a potent blend of physicality, technical prowess, and tactical intelligence, making him a nightmare for defenders. His exceptional finishing ability, coupled with his clinical accuracy in front of goal, allows him to convert even the most difficult of chances.
Besides, Martínez’s relentless work ethic and tireless running off the ball create ample opportunities for his teammates, making him a valuable asset in both build-up play and counter-attacks. Furthermore, his aerial ability and strong hold-up play make him a force to be reckoned with in the air.
Martínez has consistently proven his ability to perform at the highest level with his impressive performances for both Inter Milan and the Argentine national team, with his contributions to Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph further cementing his status as a world-class talent.
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