Terem Moffi chased down Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1’s best ball-carrying striker’s chart

The Lorient goal-poacher finished eight places behind the Frenchman on the final goalscorer standings during the recently concluded season, but he got much closer on another stats table

According to official French league records, Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is ranked third in Ligue 1 among strikers who were able to progress across a measured distance with the ball before scoring a goal.

Moffi, in only his first-ever season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, outshone all-comers in the French elite division bar Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Stade de Rennes attacker Boulaye Dia.

Moffi smashed in 14 Ligue 1 goals for Lorient to help the struggling side avoid relegation on the last day of the campaign.

Four of those Moffi goals came after the two-cap Super Eagles forward had to cover 780 m with the ball at his feet before outsmarting the opposing goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old’s fine winning strike in Lorient’s stunning 3-2 triumph over dethroned champions PSG in late January must have made the cut.

Moffi sprung the Parisians’ offside trap set close to the halfway line before racing through to beat Sergio Rico in goal.

There is no touching Mbappe in the first position, though, as the gifted forward sits atop the pile with nine goals scored for 3914 meters covered.

Rennes star Dia edges into second place ahead of Terem with four goals notched while covering 1382 meters.

Ranking of forward progressions with the ball at the foot leading to a goal in Ligue 1 Uber Eats:

1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG), 9 goals for 3914 meters covered
2. Boulaye Dia (SDR), 4 goals for 1382m
3. Terem Moffi (FCL), 4 goals for 780m
4. Memphis Depay (OL), 3 goals for 2399m
5. Franck Honorat (Sb29), 3 goals for 2128m
6. Stephy Mavididi (MHSC), 3 goals for 1765m
7 . Lois Diony (SCO), 3 goals for 1036m
8. Kevin Volland (ASM), 3 goals for 879m
9. Hwang Ui-Jo (FCGB), 3 goals for 850m
10. Tino Kadewere (OL), 3 goals for 787m