three to watch

A talented goalkeeper, Damyan Hristov is a regular for the reserve side at Ludogorets Razgrad but has appeared for the 1^st team in both the league and Bulgarian Cup this season, and has been the preferred choice for their UEFA Europa League campaign after making his debut in May 2021.

Hristov came through the youth ranks at Ludogorets Razgrad and is expected to challenge first choice goalkeeper Sergio Padt next season.

A senior figure in the Bulgaria U21 side who has also established himself in the 1^st team at CSKA 1948 Sofia.

The towering central defender was born in France and is eligible for both national teams, but having come through the youth ranks at Limoges before making a move to Gazélec Ajaccio, he left France to join Bulgarian outfit    Strumska Slava in 2019 in the second division. His potential attracted CSKA 1948 Sofia, and he signed a permanent deal with the club in May 2020 following their promotion to the first division.

A young and talented striker who has made a good impression for club and country.

Despite still being a teenager, he has featured for Levski Sofia in each of the last four seasons in the Bulgarian top division, making his senior debut as a 16-year old against Ludogorets Razgrad in April 2019. Petkov has since made over 50 senior appearances in all competitions, and recently completed a move to Slavia Sofia. A key member of the Bulgarian U21 squad, Petkov has also represented his country at U19 level.