Super Eagles' Strikers Victor Osimhen and Cyriel Dessers Crowned Europa League'

In a revealing and somewhat disheartening analysis of attacking efficiency in the recently concluded Europa League season, two prominent Nigerian Super Eagles strikers, Victor Osimhen and Cyriel Dessers, have unfortunately found themselves at the top of an unenviable list: the top 10 most wasteful players in the competition. This designation, based on the number of "big chances missed," casts a critical spotlight on their finishing prowess, or lack thereof, despite their overall contributions to their respective teams. While both players undoubtedly possess immense talent and the ability to create scoring opportunities, their placement at the summit of this list suggests a significant area for improvement.
Victor Osimhen, the prolific forward for Galatasaray, leads the chart with a staggering 18 big chances missed in the Europa League. This figure is particularly striking given Galatasaray's relatively early exit from the competition. Osimhen's electric pace, relentless movement, and aerial prowess consistently put him in dangerous positions, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses. He managed to net 6 goals in the competition, a respectable tally on its own. However, the sheer volume of high-percentage opportunities that he failed to convert raises questions about his composure and clinicality in front of goal. For a player of Osimhen's caliber, who is often touted as one of the most exciting young strikers in world football, such a high number of missed "big chances" underscores a need for sharper finishing if he is to consistently deliver at the elite level of European club football. Fans and pundits alike have often pointed to instances where Osimhen's eagerness or a momentary lapse in concentration has led to squandered opportunities, and this data appears to corroborate those observations. Despite his goal-scoring contributions, his erratic finishing in crucial moments seemingly cost Galatasaray dearly in their Europa League campaign.
Following closely behind Osimhen is his Super Eagles teammate, Cyriel Dessers, of Rangers, who recorded 10 big chances missed. Dessers, who managed to score 3 goals in the Europa League last season, experienced a frustrating period in front of goal. While his work rate, hold-up play, and ability to link up with teammates were valuable assets for Rangers, his inability to convert clear-cut opportunities left much to be desired. Ten missed big chances is a significant number for a frontline striker, and it suggests a struggle with consistency in his finishing. Dessers often found himself in the right place at the right time, creating opportunities through his intelligent runs and physical presence in the box. However, the final touch often eluded him, leading to sighs of frustration from the Rangers faithful. His overall goal and assist contribution (5G/A) in the competition indicates he was involved in offensive play, but the high number of missed chances undeniably impacted Rangers' progression in the tournament.
The presence of both Osimhen and Dessers at the top of this list provides an interesting insight into the offensive performances of Nigerian strikers in Europe's second-tier club competition. While both are undoubtedly talented and critical to their respective club teams and the Super Eagles, the statistics suggest a common thread of profligacy in key moments. It's a testament to their ability to get into dangerous areas that they create so many big chances, but the conversion rate is where the concern lies.
The top 10 most wasteful players in the Europa League season, based on big chances missed, also features several other notable names from across European football. Sharing the second spot with Dessers, also with 10 big chances missed, is Brian Brobbey of Ajax. Brobbey, despite his physical attributes and speed, struggled to find the back of the net consistently, scoring only 2 goals despite numerous opportunities. His lack of composure in front of goal clearly hindered Ajax's progress in the competition.
Further down the list, with 8 big chances missed, are Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), and Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt). El Kaabi, despite sharing the Europa League's top scorer title with 7 goals and powering Olympiacos to glory, still had moments of profligacy that prevented his tally from soaring even higher. Lacazette, the veteran Lyon striker, scored 4 goals but his 8 missed chances reflect a season of inconsistency in his finishing. Ekitike's movement and flair for Eintracht Frankfurt created chances, but his wastefulness often left his team wanting in crucial moments.
Rounding out the top 10, with 7 big chances missed each, are Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce), Franjo Ivanovic (Union St. Gilloise), Juninho (Qarabağ), and Ulrik Saltnes (Bodø/Glimt). En-Nesyri, a reliable goal scorer with 6 strikes, also had moments where his finishing let him down. Ivanovic and Saltnes, while contributing to their teams' attacking play, also highlighted a season of missed potential due to squandered opportunities. Juninho's wastefulness at Qarabağ also underscored a challenge for his team in converting chances into goals.
The data serves as a stark reminder that even at the highest levels of professional football, converting chances remains a significant challenge. For Osimhen and Dessers, both integral figures for the Super Eagles, this analysis provides a clear objective for improvement. While their ability to create opportunities is commendable, refining their finishing and becoming more clinical in front of goal will undoubtedly elevate their performances and, consequently, the fortunes of their respective clubs and the Nigerian national team on the European stage. The raw talent is undeniable, but the numbers suggest that a more ruthless edge is needed to truly maximize their immense potential.
Source@Puluse Sports