FC Basel centre-back Akpe Victory ranks first in two key defensive statistics after nine matchdays in the Swiss Super League, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Victory has been rewarded for his impressive start to life at the Swiss giants, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle naming the 20-year-old in a 24-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Russia.
The centre-back has started all nine of FC Basel's matches in the Swiss top-flight this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist while playing 810 minutes.
Victory has made 22 interceptions across his nine appearances, the highest tally in the division.
His interceptions have seen him repeatedly cut out opposition passes and regain possession for his team.
He leads the standings ahead of FC Zurich's Lindrit Kamberi (21), Lugano's Antonios Papadopoulos (19), FC Thun's Jan Bamert (18), and Servette's Pedro Naressi and Sion's Noé Sow, who have both recorded 17.
Victory is also the league's leading player for blocked shots, with 18 to his name, five more than Servette's Steve Rouiller.
Only FC Zurich's Lindrit Kamberi, with 86 tackles, has made more tackles than Victory, who has recorded 85, after nine matchdays.
Victory will be hoping to make his international debut on Tuesday, October 6 when the Super Eagles face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Discussions (0)