The 2019-20 football season saw all the sports leagues around the world suspended for some time. While the Eredivisie and Ligue 1 were permanently suspended, other top leagues were restarted after a gap of four months. However, despite the layoff due to the pandemic, players remained consistent and showcased their abilities.
In football, a ‘dribble’ is one of the most troublesome ball aptitudes to ace and one of the most valuable moves for a team to attack. In commonplace gameplay, players endeavour to drive the ball to score or create a goal through individual control of the ball, for example, by dribbling.
European football is honoured with players who can turn a game on its head by pulling a rabbit off their cap, and we've compiled a list of players who can see themselves as among the best dribblers in the top five leagues in Europe. There are many familiar names on the list but we have some surprising entries as well.
1. Adama Traore – Wolverhampton Wanderers
One of the breakthrough players in the Premier League last season, Adama Traore attempted 246 dribbles last season. He succeeded in 183 dribbles of the 246 attempted. This means his dribble success rate is a whopping 74%. The former La Masia youth product has been a revelation for Wolves and has been labelled as one of the best wingers in the world. His performances paid off when he received his first call up for Spain recently.
2. Neymar – Paris Saint-Germain
The Brazilian winger, Neymar has struggled to stay fit throughout the season for PSG since joining but that doesn’t stop him from destroying opponents’ defenders. He attempted 148 dribbles last season and managed to succeed in 90 of them. Despite Ligue 1 being cancelled, he has been one of the best dribblers in Europe this season and was influential in PSG’s run to the UCL final.
3. Allan Saint-Maximin – Newcastle United
The Magpies signed Saint-Maximin from Nice and he hasn’t disappointed them. He manages a whopping 5.8 dribbles per season for the Magpies. He attempted 180 dribbles last season and succeeded in 121 of them (64% success rate).
4. Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona
A familiar name in this list for the past one and a half-decade, Lionel Messi is by far the best dribbler of all time. Despite missing the first few weeks due to an injury, he attempted 263 dribbles last season and managed a success rate of 72%. He also scored 25 goals and managed 21 assists.
5. Jeremie Boga – Sassuolo
Graduating from Chelsea’s academy, Boga joined Sassuolo in 2018 after three different loan spells. However, Chelsea managed to insert a buy-back clause in Boga’s contract. He has 132 successful dribbles last season with a success rate of 63%. His exploits in the Serie A last season has ignited interest from various clubs like Everton, Dortmund, and Monchengladbach.
6. Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace
Despite a failed transfer move to Arsenal and Everton as the Eagles rejected their offers, Zaha has been immense for his team. He attempted a whopping 267 dribbles last season, most in Europe. He completed 163 of them with a 61% success rate.
7. Nabil Fekir – Real Betis
Fekir has been Betis’ best player since joining them from Lyon. The French superstar has been at his best since joining Real Betis and has completed 98 dribbles from 151 dribbles attempted. He featured 32 times for the Beticos and contributed to 14 goals.
8. Emi Buendia – Norwich City
Buendia was among the best performers at Norwich as they were relegated last season. The Argentine midfielder attempted 142 dribbles and completed 102 of them. Due to his exploits last season, he has been linked with Leeds.
9. Jonathan Ikone – Lille
The 22-year-old French forward Ikone has been one of the best dribblers in Ligue 1. He attempted 120 dribbles in the suspended Ligue 1 season and completed 73 of them. His dribble success rate was 60% last season. Leicester are heavily interested in landing the Frenchman.
10. Gaetano Castrovilli – Fiorentina
23-year-old Italian midfielder Castrovilli has just completed his first season in Serie A after spending two seasons in Serie B on loan. However, his debut top-flight season will be a season to remember for him. He completed a total of 93 dribbles last season with a success rate of 73%. His early-season exploits earned him his national team debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina last year.
