Footballers capable of beating their man are worth their weight in gold in the Premier League, with clubs spending staggering sums on those able to make things happen in the final third.
English football is home to some brilliant dribblers right now, but which players have completed the most successful take-ons so far this season?
The Premier League players with the most successful take-ons in 2023/24:
Lucas Koleosho – Burnley (29)
Luca Koleosho has caught the eye despite Burnley’s challenging start to the campaign, with the teenager having completed 29 successful take-ons for the Clarets this season.
The 19-year-old arrived from Espanyol during the summer for an initial £2.6m and has made 10 Premier League starts for Vincent Kompany’s side. Italy look set to win a competitive race to secure Koleosho’s international future, after the winger formed part of the team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship during the summer.
Koleosho was born in the USA and represented America at u-15 level, while he is also eligible to represent both Canada and Nigeria.
Raheem Sterling – Chelsea (29)
Raheem Sterling’s form this season has not been enough to earn an England recall, but the winger has become a prominent part of Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving team at Chelsea.
Sterling has looked razor-sharp when carrying the ball this season and was excellent in Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with former club Manchester City before the international break.
Raz dipping into his bag of tricks. ???? pic.twitter.com/AyHb3eaVhC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 14, 2023
Gareth Southgate has insisted the door is not closed on the 82-cap wide-man to break back into his plans, and Sterling’s performances have ensured he is knocking on the door ahead of Euro 2024.
Matheus Cunha – Wolves (31)
Matheus Cunha might have scored a modest four goals in 29 appearances since signing for Wolves, but the Brazilian forward has led the line impressively for Gary O’Neil’s team this season.
Cunha carries the ball brilliantly in a Wolves side who have impressed on the counter-attack during the current campaign. Alongside Hwang Hee-chan and Pedro Neto, the trio have threatened teams on the break all season.
Jeremy Doku – Manchester City (31)
Jeremy Doku has announced his arrival at Manchester City with some sparkling performances this season, becoming an instant fan favourite for his entertaining style of wing-play.
No player in Europe’s top five leagues to complete 130+ take-ons had a higher success percentage than Doku last season (66.2%), with the Citizens moving to sign the 21-year-old Belgian from Rennes to add a new dimension to their frontline.
It’s fair to say Doku has hit the ground running, with two goals and five assists in just 556 minutes of Premier League action.
.@JeremyDoku hitting the Griddy in all three City kits! ????✅ pic.twitter.com/HhNa7hxMgi
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 5, 2023
There’s arguably no player in the Premier League as sharp – or as quick – from a standing start.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace (31)
Eberechi Eze leads this ranking alongside Cunha and Doku this season, having topped the Premier League for successful take-ons last season, ahead of teammate Jordan Ayew and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
Fitness issues behind him, the 24-year-old’s form has earned Eze a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans with England. The midfielder will hope to cement a place in the squad for next summer’s European Championship, despite strong competition for an attacking midfield berth.
Eze has taken on added responsibility with Crystal Palace at club level this season, after the loss of long-term talisman Wilfried Zaha.
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