The majority of Europe’s top five leagues have recently concluded, with the exception of the final Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina and the relegation/promotion play-off final in Ligue 1 between Saint-Etienne and FC Metz. As the season comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the best-performing Super Eagles stars throughout these campaigns. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the best-performing 11 players of the season:
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GK – Maduka Okoye
The 24-year-old goalkeeper transferred from Watford to Udinese at the beginning of this season. Although he did not start as the first-choice keeper, he took over in late December and made 21 appearances in Serie A. While Udinese conceded 28 goals in the first 17 matches, Okoye improved their defensive performance, with just 25 goals conceded in the 21 matches he started. He made an impressive 3.10 saves per game, ranking in the top 29% of Serie A keepers.
RB – Tyronne Ebuehi
Tyronne Ebuehi did not play as the first choice throughout the season, partly due to injuries, but the right-back was impressive when featured. Ebuehi was only dribbled past 0.33 times per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 12% for his position. He made an impressive 5.75 recoveries and 0.25 blocks per game. His attacking output was also notable, ranking within the top 30% for touches in the opposition box and top 10% for expected goals per 90.
CB – Caleb Okoli
Caleb Okoli’s national team career remains undecided, as he is yet to choose between Nigeria or Italy. However, the Super Eagles-eligible star impressed for his club this season. Okoli was loaned to Frosinone from Atalanta, making 32 starts and 34 appearances. He won 34 tackles, ranking in the top 9% of all center-backs, and won 158 duels. His 164 recoveries placed him in the top 7% for his position, and his quality on the ball was evident, ranking in the top 10% for touches and top 20% for successful passes.
CB – Calvin Bassey
Bassey had a solid first year in the Premier League after transferring from Ajax to Fulham. He started 25 of the 38 matches for his new side, splitting his minutes between left-back and center-back. Bassey ranked in the top 12% for successful dribbles per 90 and had 76.5 touches per game. Defensively, he made 1.13 tackles every 90 minutes (top 11%), won 63.9% of his duels, and made an outstanding 6.69 recoveries per 90, ranking in the top 2% for his position.
LB – Ola Aina
Aina showed his quality from the left in a difficult season for Nottingham Forest, excelling in both defense and attack. Aina ranked in the top 8% with 27 successful dribbles and a 63.5% duel win rate. He also ranked highly for possession won in the final third, recoveries, blocks, and tackles won.
RM – Nathan Tella
Tella had a phenomenal season for Bayer Leverkusen, contributing to their unbeaten domestic campaign and Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double. He made eight starts and appeared in 24 matches overall in the league. Playing as either right-back or right-midfield, Tella scored 0.55 goals and made 0.22 assists per 90 minutes, with 1.55 chances created per game. He averaged 7.32 touches in the opposition box and blocked 0.67 shots per 90, the highest for his position.
CM – Alex Iwobi
Iwobi featured in various roles during his first season for Fulham, primarily playing in central midfield. He made 826 successful passes, 40 accurate long balls, and created 53 chances, ranking in the top 20% for his position. His defensive contributions were significant, with 150 recoveries and 15 interceptions.
CM – Frank Onyeka
Although not a main starter for Brentford, Frank Onyeka positively impacted his team whenever he played. His defensive stats were impressive, ranking in the top 20% for nearly all metrics, including 1.87 tackles won per 90, 6.94 duels won, 1.79 interceptions, and 0.62 blocks.
LM – Ademola Lookman
Lookman arguably had one of the best seasons of any player on this list, playing a significant role in Atalanta’s top-four finish and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final victory. He netted 10 goals in 30 league matches and made six assists. His overall play was equally impressive, with 49 chances created and 593 successful passes, ranking in the top 7% for all players. He also completed 35 successful dribbles.
ST – Victor Osimhen
Despite Napoli’s underwhelming season and multiple injuries, Osimhen had another positive campaign in Serie A. He scored 15 goals and recorded three assists in his 25 starts, making him the third top scorer in Serie A.
ST – Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface was the standout Super Eagles star in the European top five leagues this year, playing a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic campaign. Despite a major injury that sidelined him from January to April, Boniface ended the season as the club’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with 14 goals. His impressive start to the season earned him four consecutive Rookie of the Month awards from August to November, culminating in the Rookie of the Season award.
