Opta, the renowned sports analytics company, has unveiled its highly anticipated Team of the Season for the Italian Serie A, and leading the pack is none other than Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The dynamic Nigerian forward, who has been in scintillating form throughout the campaign, has secured his well-deserved spot among the elite.
Osimhen’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess proved to be a game-changer for Napoli, as he netted an impressive total of 26 goals, thereby etching his name in the annals of history.
In a remarkable feat, he became the first African player ever to clinch the prestigious top goalscorer award in the Italian top flight. His contributions were instrumental in catapulting Napoli to their first Scudetto triumph in an astonishing 33 years.
XI – Here the Serie A 2022/23 best XI based on Opta data. Luxury. pic.twitter.com/pzl6ZCNk4g
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 5, 2023
According to Opta’s meticulous analysis, Osimhen demonstrated his exceptional knack for opening the scoring, finding the back of the net as the first goal-scorer an astonishing ten times throughout the season, a feat unmatched by any other player in the league.
Opta proudly exclaimed, “Victor Osimhen is the player who has scored the first goal of the match the most times in Serie A this term (10).”
However, Osimhen’s inclusion in the Opta Best XI is not the sole representation for Napoli.
The team’s defensive fortitude is exemplified by the presence of the sturdy center-back duo, Kim Min-Jae and Roma’s Chris Smalling.
Adding to the defensive solidarity, Napoli’s captain, Di Lorenzo, seamlessly fits into the right-back position, while Monza’s talented Carlos Augusto completes the defensive lineup on the opposite flank.
The midfield section boasts the midfield maestros Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli, Inter Milan’s Barella, and Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic, who showcased their immense skill and playmaking abilities throughout the season.
Rounding off the Opta Team of the Season, Osimhen finds himself in esteemed company alongside his Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the duo occupying two of the coveted forward slots.
The remaining position is rightfully claimed by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, forming a formidable trio that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing defenses.