Haaland tops ESPN 100-man list; Osimhen one of four Africans on list
ESPN released a ranking of the 100 best players in the world and Nigeria national football team ace Victor Osimhen is ranked as the fourth best striker behind Harry Kane on the list, Anbeylivenetwork.com reports.
It is a big privilege for the Napoli frontman who is only in his third season as a main-event football superstar. He scored 31 goals in 39 appearances for the Partenopei as Napoli powered through the sea of incredible teams to their third-ever Scudetto and their first in 33 years.
Victor Osimhen is one of several Italian Serie A players to be considered for the list which was voted for by ESPN correspondents all across the world.
The Premier League had the most entries for a number of reasons and Manchester City starman Erling Haaland reigned supreme over all. This also meant that he topped the strikers’ list, which had heavy hitters like Karim Benzema (now of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad), Robert Lewandowski and Ligue 1 rising star Jonathan David, who is Osimhen’s replacement at LOSC Lille.
The top 10 strikers from last season according to ESPN are:
1. Erling Haaland
2. Karim Benzema
3. Harry Kane
4. Victor Osimhen
5. Robert Lewandowski
6. Gabriel Jesus
7. Randal Kolo Muani
8. Alexander Isak
9. Dusan Vlahovic
10. Jonathan David
Osimhen’s ranking was justified by ESPN using the argument of his shooting and spatial awareness being his most prominent attributes.
The Super Eagles striker is one of four AFCON players to make the list including Mohamed Salah (forward, Egypt), Riyad Mahrez (winger, Algeria), and Achraf Hakimi (right back, Morocco).
Erling Haaland had to top our list of the best men's strikers in the world in 2022-23 ? #FC100
Full rankings ➡️ https://t.co/TMkUahW8OP pic.twitter.com/8eeLmOynNi
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 4, 2023
