Sevilla, Spain – September 18, 2024
Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke has taken La Liga by storm, emerging as the league’s best dribbler after an electrifying start to the season with Sevilla. According to a report from PUNCH Sports Extra, Ejuke has successfully dribbled past his opponents 17 times in just four matches, outpacing some of the biggest names in football, including Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, as well as Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Ejuke, who joined Sevilla on a free transfer after a loan spell at Royal Antwerp from CSKA Moscow, has quickly found his feet at the Spanish club. Despite featuring in only four of the club’s first five La Liga matches this season, the 26-year-old winger has made a significant impact under head coach García Pimienta.
The statistics are impressive: Ejuke has played 265 minutes in La Liga this season, averaging a dribble every 15 minutes. In comparison, Mbappé and Yamal have each completed 16 dribbles, but both have had significantly more time on the pitch, with 439 and 443 minutes, respectively. Vinicius Junior trails behind with 13 completed dribbles.
Ejuke’s dribbling prowess has placed him ahead of some of the most feared attackers in Europe, showcasing his technical ability and flair in the early stages of the season. His seamless adaptation to La Liga further highlights his potential to become one of the standout players in Spanish football this year.
Born in Zaria, Nigeria, Ejuke first rose to prominence in 2021 when the CIES Football Observatory ranked him the third-best dribbler in the world, behind only Adama Traore and Nahuel Lujan. He completed over 40 take-ons that year, demonstrating his skill and creativity on the ball.
Ejuke has also represented Nigeria on the international stage, earning eight caps for the Super Eagles. He was part of the national squad that competed in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where Nigeria reached the round of 16.
Sevilla and head coach García Pimienta will be hoping Ejuke can maintain his sensational form as they prepare to face Deportivo Alavés in their upcoming La Liga fixture on Friday. His dribbling ability and attacking flair could prove crucial in securing vital points for the club this season.
With Ejuke leading the way as La Liga’s top dribbler, football fans in Spain and beyond will be eager to see how the Nigerian forward continues to light up the league.
