Ndidi snubs Osimhen, Vardy, names African star as best ever teammate

In the world of football, where reputations are built on goals, assists, and trophies, the opinions of players themselves often offer a more nuanced and personal perspective on what truly constitutes greatness. It is in this context that Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi's recent pronouncement has sent ripples through the football community. In an interview, the defensive stalwart was asked to name the best teammate he has ever played with, a question that, for a player of his caliber, brings forth a long and illustrious list of candidates. His career at Leicester City saw him play alongside a pantheon of stars, including the legendary goalscorer Jamie Vardy, and his time with the Nigerian national team has paired him with one of the most feared strikers in the world, Victor Osimhen. Yet, in a surprising turn, Ndidi bypassed these household names to bestow the honor upon an African compatriot, the Algerian maestro Riyad Mahrez.
Ndidi's choice, a tribute to Mahrez, speaks volumes about the qualities he values most in a footballer. For him, it wasn't just about goals or brute force, but about a sublime technical skill and a unique, almost ethereal, control of the ball. In his own words, he described Mahrez as "so skinny but he's so amazing." This seemingly simple observation belies a deep admiration for the player's deceptive strength and agility. Ndidi, a player whose own game is built on a foundation of physical power and defensive solidity, found himself in awe of Mahrez's ability to navigate tight spaces and retain possession. "His touches were like top," Ndidi stated, "Based on touches he's one of the best in the world. He is so good. As skinny as he is, he's so difficult to defend."
This praise highlights a different kind of footballing excellence. While Vardy's relentless energy and predatory instincts in front of goal were instrumental to Leicester's historic Premier League title win, and Osimhen's blistering pace and clinical finishing have established him as a global superstar, Mahrez's brilliance was in his artistry. He was the architect, the creator, a player who could unlock the tightest of defenses with a flick of his boot or a perfectly weighted pass. His ability to change the rhythm of a game, to dribble past opponents with a seamless flow, was a quality that clearly left a lasting impression on his former teammate.
The relationship between Ndidi and Mahrez at Leicester City was a key component of the team's success. While Ndidi provided the defensive shield, winning the ball and breaking up opposition attacks, Mahrez was the creative engine, the one who turned defense into attack with his vision and skill. They were two halves of a perfectly balanced midfield, and their synergy on the pitch was undeniable. The 53 matches they played together and the four direct goal combinations they shared are a statistical testament to this fruitful partnership. Ndidi's glowing tribute shows that the impact of a teammate goes beyond on-field statistics; it is about the respect and admiration that a player earns through their craft.
The comparison to Vardy is particularly telling. Vardy, the Foxes' record goalscorer, is an icon at Leicester and a club legend. His story, from non-league football to Premier League champion, is the stuff of fairytales. Ndidi has spoken of his respect for Vardy in the past, describing him as a "really, really strong" player mentally and a great guy who "keeps the whole mood alive." However, when it came to a pure footballing assessment of the "best" he's played with, Mahrez's technical prowess edged him out.
Similarly, his choice over Victor Osimhen, a player he shares a dressing room with on the international stage, is noteworthy. Both are Super Eagles stars, and they have a strong bond forged in the national team setup. Osimhen's rise to prominence as a goal-scoring machine in Serie A and his status as one of Africa's best players is undeniable. Yet, Ndidi's pick of Mahrez demonstrates that for a defensive midfielder, the control and composure of a player like Mahrez on the ball are perhaps more impressive and influential from his vantage point on the pitch.
Ultimately, Ndidi's decision to name Riyad Mahrez as his best-ever teammate is a powerful statement about the different forms of footballing genius. It's a recognition of the subtle, yet crucial, contributions that a player makes to a team's success. It's an ode to the artist over the finisher, the technician over the workhorse, and a reminder that true footballing greatness is not always measured by the number of goals scored, but by the lasting impression left on those who had the privilege of sharing the pitch with them.
Source@Pulse Sports