Diaz and Five Serie A Stars Who Are Defying the Odds This Season

Some players fail to live up to expectations, but some manage to overachieve. Six Serie A players have so far defied the odds while putting up memorable performances in the first part of the season.

Adrien Rabiot was wanted by Manchester United last summer. Juventus were unable to sign him. Now he is an integral part of Massimiliano Allegri's starting eleven.

Antonio Candreva has been playing well for Salernitana this season despite his 35th birthday. He is one of five Serie A players who are defying the odds this year.

Gerard Deulofeu has played for Barcelona, Sevilla, Everton and Milan in his career. This season, he's playing for Udinese and is playing some of the best football of his life.

Christian Kouamé has been on a career resurgence at Fiorentina this season. He has three goals and seven assists in all competitions. He is one of five Serie A players who are defying the odds this year.

Stanislav Lobotka has made a huge turnaround since he was a player on the bench for two and a half years. He is now the main architect behind the most terrifying Napoli side since the glory days of Diego Maradona.

Brahim Diaz is one of the Serie A stars who are defying the odds this season. He is playing in Milan despite struggling for form and playing time at the end of last season and is now one the most devastating attacking midfielders in Serie a.

The former Real Madrid player has struggled for consistency in the past.