Super Eagles duo Victor Osimhen, Dessers lead top 10 most wasteful players in the Europa League

The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League season delivered thrilling moments, with goals, drama, and standout performances across Europe’s second-tier club competition.

However, for every stunning strike, there were plenty of missed opportunities that left managers and fans frustrated.

Using data on big chances missed, we’ve compiled the top 10 most wasteful players in the Europa League, with Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Cyriel Dessers leading the pack.

Here’s a rundown of the players who squandered the most clear-cut chances last season.

• Goals Scored: 6

Victor Osimhen’s explosive pace and aerial prowess made him a constant threat for Super Lig giants Galatasaray, netting 6 goals.

However, his staggering 18 missed big chances top the Europa League’s wastefulness chart, despite Gala’s early exit.

The Nigerian star’s relentless movement created opportunities, but his erratic finishing cost Napoli dearly in key matches.

• Goals Scored: 3

Another Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers, struggled to find his scoring boots for Rangers, managing just 3 goals while missing 10 big chances.

His work rate and hold-up play were valuable, but Dessers’ inability to convert clear opportunities left Rangers short in their Europa League campaign.

• Goals Scored: 2

Ajax’s Brian Brobbey had a frustrating season, scoring only 2 goals despite numerous opportunities.

His 10 missed big chances highlight a lack of composure in front of goal. Brobbey’s physicality and speed troubled defenders, but his wastefulness hindered Ajax’s progress.

• Goals Scored: 7

Ayoub El Kaabi shared the Europa League’s top scorer title with 7 goals, powering Olympiacos to glory.

Yet, his 8 missed big chances show he could’ve added more. El Kaabi’s clinical edge was evident in clutch moments, but occasional lapses kept his tally from soaring higher.

• Goals Scored: 4

Lyon’s veteran striker Alexandre Lacazette scored 4 goals, but his 8 missed big chances reflect a season of inconsistency.

Lacazette’s experience and technique shone through, but his failure to capitalise on clear opportunities frustrated Lyon fans in tight encounters.

• Goals Scored: 4

Hugo Ekitike’s 4 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt showed promise, but his 8 missed big chances underline a need for sharper finishing.

The young forward’s movement and flair created chances, but his wastefulness often left Frankfurt wanting in crucial moments.

• Goals Scored: 6

Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri was a reliable goal scorer with 6 strikes, but his 7 missed big chances reveal moments of profligacy.

His aerial dominance and knack for finding space were key, yet En-Nesyri’s occasional wayward finishing cost the Turkish giants in tight games.

• Goals Scored: 4

Franjo Ivanovic contributed 4 goals for Union St. Gilloise, but his 7 missed big chances highlight a season of missed potential.

The forward’s energy and positioning created opportunities, but his lack of precision in front of goal limited his impact.

• Goals Scored: 2

Qarabağ’s Juninho managed just 2 goals while missing 7 big chances, making him one of the competition’s more wasteful players.

His speed and directness troubled defenses, but Juninho’s poor conversion rate held Qarabağ back in their European journey.

• Goals Scored: 3

Bodø/Glimt’s Ulrik Saltnes scored 3 goals, but his 7 missed big chances reflect a season of frustration.

Saltnes’ box-to-box energy and late runs into the box created chances, but his finishing lacked the precision needed to maximise his contribution on occasions.