Super Eagles star joins Liverpool’s Salah and Newcastle’s Isak as Europe’s most precious players

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been named among the most precious players in Europe’s top five leagues, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international joins the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in Transfermarkt’s latest ranking.

The list, which evaluates players based on their percentage contribution to their team’s league goals, sees Simon placed eighth among players in Europe's top five leagues to underline his immense importance to struggling Ligue 1 side Nantes.

Currently 14th in Ligue 1 with 24 points from 25 matches, Nantes find themselves just three points above the relegation zone. Yet, amid the club’s difficulties, Simon has been a beacon of consistency, delivering standout performances that have kept his team afloat.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Nigerian international has registered six goals in the French top flight this season—second only to Matthis Abline at Nantes.

However, his playmaking ability has been even more impressive, as he has provided seven assists, making him one of the most creative forces in the division. Only Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves (eight assists) and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki (nine) have more.

In total, Simon has been directly involved in 13 of Nantes’ 28 league goals this season—a staggering 46.4% contribution. This makes him the most influential player for the Canaries and the highest-ranked contributor in the entire French top flight.

Beyond the Ligue 1, Simon is well placed among the top ten most influential players in Europe's major leagues.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah leads the way with an astonishing 63.8% of his team’s goals, while Lecce forward Nikola Krstovic follows closely with 60.0%. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak completes the top three with a 52.2% contribution.

The rest of the top ten includes Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst (51.3%), Osasuna’s Ante Budimir (50.0%), Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush (49.0%), and Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood (46.7%). Simon’s 46.4% sees him edge out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (46.3%) and Ipswich’s rising star Liam Delap (46.2%) to claim eighth place.

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A big summer ahead for Super Eagles star, Simon?

Simon’s excellent performances for Nantes is likely to draw further attention from European clubs.

The 28-year-old has been at Nantes since 2019, but his displays this season suggest he could be ready for a new challenge.

Reports have linked him with a summer move, with Marseille, OGC Nice and AS Roma among the clubs credited with interest in the Nigerian winger.

Olympique de Marseille are interested in Nigeria and Nantes star Moses Simon.

The 29yo winger is also on the radar of OGC Nice and AS Roma.(via @footsur7fr)

Could be a busy summer for Daddy! pic.twitter.com/7CtiragrxW

— Imhons Erons (@Imhons) March 9, 2025

On the international front, Simon will also be hoping to carry his club form into Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has included Simon in his 39-man provisional squad with the former Levante man expected to make the final 23-man shortlist.

The Super Eagles face decisive fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe as they aim to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.