Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi was a standout performer as Besiktas took a mighty step in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
The 28-year-old, who left EFL Championship side Leicester City to sign with the Turkish giants this summer, was imperious in the middle of the park in a 1-1 draw against Lausanne in Switzerland.
In their Conference League qualifying playoff first leg, Besiktas took the lead through Milot Rashica on the stroke of half-time, before defender Bryan Okoh levelled for the hosts from a corner-kick. The return leg at the Besiktas Stadium is slated for August 28.
Wilfred Ndidi: By the numbers
Making only his second appearance for Besiktas since joining, Wilfred Ndidi was in fine form, demonstrating the coverage and ball-winning ability that have been his calling card throughout his senior career.
The former Manchester United target was simply unpassable, and led the match for duels won, figuring in the upper 80th percentile both aerially and on the ground. He also won three of four attempted tackles and reliably mopped up whenever the ball went loose, a crucial factor in the possession dominance that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side enjoyed on the night.
On the ball, Ndidi was less prominent, but he nevertheless contributed to progressing the ball into dangerous areas when the opportunity arose. He even drew a save from Lausanne goalkeeper Karlo Letica with a well-struck effort from distance deep into stoppage time.
