Note: While the FedEx Performance Zone is a form tracker taking into account domestic and European games, the Team of the Group Stage is based purely on the six UEFA Europa League matchdays.

Goalkeeper

Aly Keita (Östersund)

An ever-present for Östersund, Keita made the third-highest number of saves across the six matchdays (24). His best performance came on matchday two against Hertha: five saves and eight interventions to keep a clean sheet.

Overall ranking: 73rd

Defenders

Stefan Lainer (Salzburg)

Salzburg equalled the group stage record by conceding just once over the six matchdays – against Vitória SC on matchday one – with Lainer exemplifying their determination, making 22 tackles to defend his lines.

Overall ranking: 11th

Sotirios Papagiannopoulos (Östersund)

Papagiannopoulos joins Östersund team-mate Keita in the side after making 39 clearances and blocking ten attempts at goal; his defensive exploits paid off as the Swedish outsiders reached the round of 32.

Overall ranking: 27th

Michael Lüftner (København)

Pivotal in the København defence that shipped just three goals over the six matches, Lüftner also stood out for his goalscoring prowess, the Czech international chipping in with two strikes of his own.

Overall ranking: 36th

Alberto de la Bella (Real Sociedad)

The left-back featured in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Week for matchdays three and four, scoring in back-to-back games against Vardar, and was a key outlet down the left throughout, creating ten chances for team-mates.

Overall ranking: 22nd

Midfielders

Emiliano Rigoni (Zenit)

Zenit finished with the most goals scored (17) and most points (16), and Rigoni was a key part of their attack. He contributed two assists and ended the group stage as joint-top scorer with six from six matches played.

Overall ranking: 7th

Sergio Canales (Real Sociedad)

No player provided more assists in the group stage than the Real Sociedad playmaker as he laid on five for colleagues. He also made 26 key passes leading to chances across the six games – more than any other player.

Overall ranking: 30th

Remo Freuler (Atalanta)

Freuler was Atalanta's standout performer thanks to some excellent displays. His 25 tackles were the joint-fifth highest tally, with his defensive efforts supplying the platform for Atalanta's eye-catching progress.

Overall ranking: 3rd

Benjamin Verbič (København)

Verbič came up with three goals and two assists, and finished the group phase second in the FedEx Performance Zone rankings. Matchday six was his best showing: two assists and eight opportunities carved out for team-mates against Sheriff.

Overall ranking: 2nd

Forwards

Aritz Aduriz (Athletic)

The Athletic striker claimed five goals in the group stage and is now second in the all-time UEFA Europa League scorers list with 23 goals. The 36-year-old continues to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.

Overall ranking: 1st

André Silva (Milan)

The young Portuguese forward hit six goals to join Rigoni and Dynamo Kyiv ace Júnior Moraes as top scorer in the group stage, having also notched four times in the UEFA Champions League last season with Porto.

Overall ranking: 99th