1. Following Nigeria's second round exit at the world cup to France, and particularly the performance of the team following the injury to key midfield player, Ogenyi Onazi, and his replacement by Reuben Gabriel, the question of which players constitute the best Nigerian midfielders available has remained.
So who are Nigeria's top five midfielders?
2. In order to answer the question, a little background on the criteria for determining the players on the list is pertinent.
By midfielders, we refer to the category of central midfielders, which would include, defensive, attacking or holding midfielders.
The selection is based on the time frame of performance in the last season, as well as the games of the new season.
3. The first criteria adopted is the level of the league in which the player is based. This is weighed slightly against number of games played as starter or sub, as well as the relative strength/ranking of the club within the league. Accordingly, a player at Chelsea or Liverpool is ranked high, based on the profile of the clubs, but weighted against the position of the player as a starter or sub.
4. The second criteria is number of years in the team as a starter. This would include the profile of the player on-field with respect to established role in the team's game/tactical plan, as well as any leadership roles within the club, for instance as captain.
5. The third criteria is based on technical quality of the player, including dynamism in play, contribution to the attack and defence as determined by goals, assists, work rate (distances covered), tackles won, etc.
6. The fourth criteria is based on prospects of the player, with the focus on balancing between short and long term value to the Super Eagles.
7. Based on the above, Nigeria's best midfielders within this time frame are as follows:
- John Mikel Obi (Chelsea)
- Eddy Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio)
- Izunna Uzochukwu (FC Midtjylland)
- Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor)
- Chuks Aneke (S.V. Zulte Waregem)
8. John Mikel Obi by his standards had an average world cup in Brazil, although it can be argued that in some respects, his game at the world cup suffered from some structural imbalance in the Nigerian midfield. At Chelsea, his role diminished progressively over the time frame under consideration. However he plays at a higher level than any other Nigerian midfielder.
9. Ogenyi Onazi has continued to grow at Lazio and established himself as a young player to watch with his strong performance at the world cup, leading to rumors of a transfer, and eventually to a contract extension. He has firmly established himself as a mainstay of the Nigerian midfield.
10. Izunna Uzochukwu has steadily established himself since 2009, as a top controlling midfielder in FC Midtjylland and the Danish league. He brings a combative presence and technique to the anchor role in central midfield, able to break up as well as build up play, either in the team's favored 4-3-3 or as part of a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1. He started the season as captain of his club.
11. Raheem Lawal comes into the list from an unheralded Turkish Superliga club, Eskisehirspor, where he plays as a dominant influence in the teams game. An industrious box-to-box midfielder, his main strengths lie in his effectiveness in the pressing game and ability to break forward in open play, at pace. However, his game sometimes suffers from excessive verticality, which constrains the ability of his team to control games. But it is the power and drive he brings to central midfield that earns him a spot in this list.
12. Chuks Aneke is a product of the Arsenal school, and is the beneficiary of a well rounded curriculum. After over 80 games and 24 goals in the rough and tumble of the English League One while on loan at Crewe, he moved on a free transfer to Zulte Waregem, where he has made a barnstorming start to establishing his career. Playing from an attacking midfield position, he has been especially impressive in the Europa League qualifiers, with a goal and an assist. He represents very good prospects for Nigeria in both the short, and especially the long term.
13. On a general note, it is of course necessary to point out that the list and the criteria on which it is based is by no means exhaustive. Neither does it, or should it necessarily reflect either way on the decisions of national team selectors, who are guided by additional considerations, not normally reflected in the criteria adopted in an project of this nature.
14. Based on the criteria, a number of players were dropped for various reasons. Notable among them is Ramon Azeez, who has been slowly establishing himself in his first season in the Spanish La Liga with Almeria. In my opinion, even while recognizing his improving performance, his game and role is largely unformed, which appeared to reflect in his performances with the Super Eagles. He should be one to watch in the new season.
15. Two other players were considered- Nosa Igiebor and Fegor Ogude. While the former suffered an injury ravaged season and relegation at Betis, the latter has struggled to re-establish his form following a long term injury.
16. We will revisit the list over the half way point of the new season. In the interim, we will be paying some attention to several young midfielders including, Kelechi Iheanacho and Anderson Esiti.
What do you think? Your comments are of course welcome...
