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Canadians in Europe update: Davies and David among those impressing

With the Nations League on the horizon and the search for a new head coach ongoing, it is a busy time for the Canada Men's National Team, which has more players in top European leagues than ever before.

In the meantime, though, fans can get an idea of how the national team is shaping up by checking out how their players are performing in some of Europe's strongest divisions. 

Davies dazzles in strong start for Bayern Munich

Alphonso Davies has long been considered the golden boy in the current generation of Canadian players and he has justified that label at the start of the 2023-24 season with Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians have made a red-hot start to the season, winning each of their opening three matches and conceding only twice in the process.

Deployed at left-back by Thomas Tuchel, Davies has certainly played a part in his side's defensive resolve, but he is also the division's leading assist-maker with three in three games.

As well as that, the wide player has averaged 4.3 key passes per game and three dribbles per game. He has created 13 chances in three games, the joint-second-most in the league.

It is already shaping up to be a superb season for Davies, who continues to go from strength to strength in the Bundesliga.

Striker David sends Lille into Europa Conference League

Canada forward Jonathan David has also enjoyed a decent start to the new campaign.

The 23-year-old has scored two goals in Ligue 1 so far this season - one of which was a consolation in a 4-1 thrashing by Lorient - but it was in the Europa Conference League playoffs in which he made the biggest impact recently.

Lille were trailing 1-0 in the second leg, meaning the score was 2-2 on aggregate, taking the game into extra time.

But in the 108th minute David struck the winner to send his side through to the group stage of the Europa Conference League and he will be a key player for the Ligue 1 outfit both domestically and in Europe this term.

Buchanan looking solid at right-back for Brugge

Formerly a winger and forward, Tajon Buchanan has evolved into a capable full-back for Club Brugge, helping them to a solid start in this season's Belgian Pro League.

Goals have naturally dried up for Buchanan now he operates at full-back but he has still scored three times in seven matches in all competitions this season, and he helped his side to three wins in five league contests.

His pace and energy down the flank continue to be key and he is also looking forward to the upcoming Europa Conference League campaign with his club, who will face Besiktas, Bodo/Glimt and Lugano in their group.

Slow start for Larin in Mallorca

Canadian marksman Cyle Larin made his mark in La Liga last season, scoring eight times in 19 league appearances during a loan spell with Real Valladolid, but the jury is still out on his performances with Mallorca.

Larin is just two matches into the season with the Pirates but is yet to score despite starting in their most recent La Liga encounter with Athletic Bilbao.

Mallorca are yet to put a win on the board in Spain's top flight, leaving them just above the drop zone, and more will be needed from Larin if they are to replicate or improve upon last term's ninth-place finish.

Eustaquio a regular starter with Porto

Porto fell two points short of Benfica in the race for the Portuguese Primeira Liga title last season but will be determined to put things right this term and midfield powerhouse Stephen Eustaquio is a mainstay in the team.

Born in Ontario, Canada to Portuguese parents, Eustaquio previously starred for Pacos Ferreira before earning his big move to Porto last year.

Having played 44 matches in all competitions, Eustaquio evolved into a first-team regular last term.

While his focus is on shielding the defence behind him, Eustaquio also contributed seven goals in all competitions last season and has lined up alongside summer signing Nico Gonzalez in a new-look midfield for Porto this campaign.

Johnston hoping to take things to the next level with Celtic

Celtic wrapped up another treble in Scotland last season and Canadian full-back Alistair Johnston was a regular in the team, making 20 appearances in all competitions after signing during the January window to replace Josip Juranovic. 

He looks set to be involved regularly once again this term with the Bhoys preparing for the Champions League.

He started in the club's 1-0 win over Rangers in the Old Firm Derby before the international break as manager Brendan Rodgers continues to build after returning to Glasgow this summer following Ange Postecoglou's move south to Tottenham Hotspur. 

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