Ndidi snubs Osimhen, Vardy, names African star as best ever teammate

After a storied career that has seen him share the pitch with some true greats, Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has revealed the best player he has ever played alongside.

However, in doing so, he overlooked familiar names like Victor Osimhen, Jamie Vardy, and a host of other stars. His choice? Algerian legend Riyad Mahrez.

Speaking on *The Culture League Podcast*, Ndidi recalled his time sharing the pitch with Mahrez at Leicester City, where the pair played 53 matches together and even combined directly for four goals.

Despite playing with proven finishers like Vardy and talented internationals like Osimhen, Ndidi was certain about his answer. “I have played with great players but I will say Riyad Mahrez. He is so skinny but he's so amazing,” he said.

The Nigerian international was particularly impressed by Mahrez’s flair and control: “His touches were like top. Based on touches he's one of the best in the world. He is so good. As skinny as he is, he's so difficult to defend.”

Mahrez’s record backs Ndidi’s glowing praise. At Leicester City, he became the creative spark that drove their historic 2015-16 Premier League triumph, scoring 48 goals and providing 35 assists in 179 appearances.

His brilliance soon earned him a move to Manchester City, where he elevated his game further, registering 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 appearances.

Alongside his silverware haul, his skill and flair cemented him as one of the greatest wingers in Premier League history.

Ndidi, meanwhile, has just wrapped up an eight-and-a-half-year stint at Leicester before moving to Besiktas, but even with his new chapter in Turkey, his glowing tribute to Mahrez shows the Algerian’s lasting impact on teammates and fans alike.