PulseSPORTS30: Ndidi comes in at number 21, Olisa Ndah represents Africa

The PulseSPORTS30 ranking is non-discriminatory and will not be restricted to footballers playing in the world’s major leagues.

All things considered, Okereke’s first season in a European top-five league went fairly well despite Venezia’s instant relegation to the Serie B.

Seven goals in 32 games in the Serie A this season was a mildly impressive outing, especially for the bottom team in the league.

The 24-year-old – who have returned to his parent club Club Brugge – played a total of 2,177 minutes.

24-year-old Adebayo was at the forefront of Luton Town’s unprecedented promotion charge this concluded season.

The England-born centre-forward scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists in 42 games to help Luton make the Championship promotion playoff.

Adebayo’s dream of Premier League football, however, ended as Luton lost to Huddersfield Town in the semi-finals.

Raphael Onyedika had a breakthrough year which saw him become one of the busiest Nigerian performers in Europe last season.

The 21-year-old defensive midfield schemer was an ever feature for Danish giants FC Midtjylland in his first senior campaign, playing a total of 48 games – scoring 4 goals and assisting 3 times across competitions.

He sealed it by leading the club to a Cup win. He also won the league’s player of the month award for November.

Having completed a move from NPFL side Akwa United to the South African giants Orlando Pirates in August 2021.

The 24-year-old centre-back quickly cemented his place in the Buccaneers’ backline, helping them to 9 clean sheets in the league, and four in the CAF Confederations Cup.

The culmination of his 31 appearances for Pirates came when he made the starting XI for the Confederations Cup final against RS Berkane, at his former stomping ground in Uyo.

Ndidi might have had a less eventful campaign last season with Leicester City compared to previous seasons, but that was largely down to injuries.

Despite that setback, the 25-year-old remained one of the very best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and only failed to start once, out of 19 games for the Foxes last season.