Mohammed Kudus Emerges as Europe's 2nd Best Dribbler, Just Behind Lamine Yamal
- Mohammed Kudus ranked as Europe’s top dribbler during the 2023/24 season, only to be surpassed by Lamine Yamal
- The Ghanaian international led the charts with his dazzling footwork, but Yamal eventually edged him out to claim the spotlight
- YEN.com.gh explores the standout dribblers across Europe’s top five leagues from 2023 to date
Mohammed Kudus continues to turn heads across Europe, not just with goals or assists, but with his signature ball control that leaves defenders chasing shadows.
Over the last two seasons, the Ghanaian midfielder has quietly climbed into the ranks of the most unstoppable dribblers on the continent.
Source: Getty Images
Mohammed Kudus: Europe's best dribbler in 2023/24
Known for his flair and sharp turns, Kudus has built a reputation for beating his markers with ease. That style, often praised by fans and analysts alike, has now been backed by hard data.
According to stats compiled by StatMuse, the Tottenham Hotspur man ranks second for most successful take-ons across Europe’s top five leagues, England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, since the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign.
During his debut season in the Premier League, Kudus led the entire continent in dribbling success.
He finished the 2023/24 term with an incredible 117 successful take-ons, per FBRef. At the time, no player in Europe came close to matching his number.
In that same period, then-Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matias Soule both recorded 101 successful dribbles, while Savio followed with 100.
Leroy Sane rounded out the top five with 92. Lamine Yamal, who would go on to shine the following year, was way behind, managing only 66 dribbles.
Lamine Yamal usurps Kudus in the 2024/25 season
Things changed dramatically in the next campaign. FC Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, took Europe by storm with a jaw-dropping 145 take-ons. His number eclipsed every other player in the top leagues.
Behind him, Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Kudus tied with 90 successful dribbles.
Florian Wirtz managed 84, and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe chipped in with 82 to complete that season’s elite list.
Source: Getty Images
Top five best dribblers in Europe since 2023/24
When the numbers from both seasons are added, the 18-year-old Yamal stands tall with a total of 211 take-ons from 72 matches.
Kudus is not far off, registering 207 from 65 games, a remarkable stat line that speaks volumes of his consistency.
Doku follows in third with 181, Wirtz is fourth with 161, and Savio rounds out the top five with 151.
| Rank | Player | Current club | Take-ons | Matches played |
| 1 | Lamine Yamal | FC Barcelona | 211 | 72 |
| 2 | Mohammed Kudus | Tottenham | 207 | 65 |
| 3 | Jeremy Doku | Manchester City | 181 | 60 |
| 4 | Florian Wirtz | Liverpool | 161 | 63 |
| 5 | Savio | Manchester City | 151 | 66 |
Tottenham boss showers praise on Kudus
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank showered Mohammed Kudus with praise following his impressive outing.
The Ghanaian international was instrumental in Spurs' narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal in a Hong Kong derby, leaving the Dutch coach thoroughly impressed by his performance.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
