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The 2021-22 season has been riddled with injuries and Covid-19 cases but it has also produced some sensational football. Although football is a team sport, there are certain players that create moments of magic and prove to be the difference makers.
With the modern game getting faster and more intense, getting past an opponent has become quite a daunting task. Defenders often hold back and do not rush into challenges and use tactical fouls to dispossess attackers. Despite all of this, some players have done really well in dribbling past their opponents.
On that note, let's take a look at the five players with the most successful dribbles per match this season. (2021-22)
Note: Only Europe's Top 5 leagues have been considered.
#5 Kylian Mbappe- 3.4
Quite arguably the best player of the current generation, Kylian Mbappe has played some of his best football this season. Mauricio Pochettino may have slightly tinkered with the system this term, but the French international remains one of the toughest players to face.
Although Paris Saint-Germain enjoy the lion's share of possession in Ligue 1, they face difficulties dominating matches in the Champions League. But this is where Mbappe has proved to be useful.
The youngster can be threatening in counter attacks as his pace allows him to get past opponents quite easily. He often drifts out into wide areas and isolates himself with a defender. Following that, he plays the ball around the opponent and then goes on to beat them in a foot race. The 23-year-old's acceleration in short distances also helps him in getting past people easily.
These qualities, in turn, have enabled him to complete 3.4 dribbles per match this season which are incredible numbers for any centre-forward. So it is no coincidence that Kylian Mbappe has managed to score 18 goals and provide 15 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term.
With a good chunk of the season still remaining, it would not be a surprise if he manages to improve his numbers and get to the top of this list.
#4 Neymar- 3.7
The Brazilian superstar may not have produced his best this campaign, but he remains an innate dribbler. Neymar has been an expert operator of the ball since his FC Santos days.
His superb close control of the ball was part of the reason Barcelona shelled out a massive amount to sign him. Ultimately, Paris Saint-Germain, too, wanted a piece of the action, and they brought the winger to the French capital in 2017 for a world-record fee of €222 million.
He has been as mesmerizing for them too. This season has been a little low-key, however, as he has only played 14 games across all competitions. Minimal appearances due to an ankle injury have also restricted him to just three goals and three assists.
But his dazzling dribbling abilities remain the chief weapon in his armory. He shares the pitch with Kylian Mbappe but unlike his team-mate, Neymar has his own way of beating opponents.
The Brazilian takes on multiple opponents at the same time and wriggles his way past them with quick movement. He often enjoys nutmegging opponents or producing an extraordinary piece of skill that takes them by surprise.
A true showman, Neymar has managed a commendable 3.7 successful dribbles per match this season. And given how little the 29-year-old has played this season, it is quite laudable that he still ranks high in this aspect.
#3 Alphonso Davies- 3.8
Alphonso Davies, the only defender on this list, has had a mind-blowing two-and-a-half seasons at Bayern Munich. The Canadian international rose to prominence in his debut campaign in Germany as he played a crucial role in the Bavarian giants' 2020 Champions League title-victory.
Although he had a quieter campaign last term, he is back to his very best this season.
Under Julian Nagelsmann, the left-back is enjoying the attacking brand of football employed by the German coach. While Davies has only managed to provide six assists across 23 games in all competitions, his contribution in the build-up play has been sound. This has been possible due to his crisp dribbling skills and wondrous pace.
The 21-year-old often hugs the touchline and quickly shimmies away from the opponent. He often fakes movement and then turns the other way, leaving the defender in no man's land. Moreover, his pace ensures that they do not catch up once the full-back gets away.
In doing all of this, the Bayern Munich ace has managed to record 3.8 successful dribbles per match this season. It puts into perspective how important Alphonso Davies has been to his side this term and his immense potential to do better.
#2 Allan Saint-Maximin- 4.2
Allan Saint-Maximin has quickly become one of the most feared frontmen in the Premier League. Since joining in 2019, the French international has become an integral part of Newcastle United. The Toon Army often rely on him to create something out of nothing. They may be battling relegation this season but things could have been a lot worse without the quick-witted winger.
Bearing in mind Newcastle's poor attacking displays, Saint-Maximin has been quite productive. The 24-year-old has had a hand in seven of the 19 league goals the Magpies have managed this season. And this has been possible due to his scintallating dribbling skills.
The attacker, more often than not, has played on the counter-attack this season and has gotten past the best defenders in the league. Once he latches on to a pass, he puts his head down and moves forward rapidly, controlling the ball with both his feet. It becomes hard to stop him because he often draws in fouls, and cuts inside as well as outside to trick the opponent.
His end product could certainly use some improvement, but it is incredible how he has managed to pull off 4.2 successful dribbles per match this season. Saint-Maximin is only going to get better from here on, and his numbers are sure to soar in the process.
#1 Adama Traore- 4.5
It is quite surreal how good Adama Traore is as a dribbler. The former Barcelona man has developed into quite the dribbling behemoth over the years, with his size and stature enough to startle an opponent.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger is operating under Bruno Lage this season and has been handed the role of a traditional winger rather than his previous role of a wing-back. This has helped unleash his attacking potential, with his defensive contributions being pretty minimal.
Often playing on the right wing, Traore starts deep and then acclerates past opponents in a matter of seconds. The Spaniard is often seen oiling his hands before starting a game or coming on as a substitute, to make it harder for defenders to grab a hold of him.
Wolves often use him as a ploy to counter-attack the opposition, especially against teams that hold a high line. Once the soon-to-be 26-year-old gets on his bike, he barrels past opponents and turns a normal chance into a big one.
This is perhaps why he is top of the list, as evidenced by his 4.5 successful dribbles per match this season. But it must also be noted that he is yet to contribute to a single goal this term, despite making 21 appearances across all competitions. But as the season progresses, his numbers could improve.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have often dominated such lists previously, but this quintet has performed beyond the expectations of most this season. They will continue dribbling past opponents for the rest of this campaign and continue to win accolades for themselves and their respective teams.
