This season, Senegalese defender Moussa Niakhaté is establishing himself as one of the most solid and consistent defensive pillars in the top five European leagues. According to data from Foot Mercato, he holds the record for the most clean sheets among all defenders in Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga, showcasing his consistency and influence on his team’s defensive game.
Africa Cup of Nations champion with Senegal, Niakhaté has also become an essential part of Olympique Lyonnais, a club he is helping to elevate to a level of excellence. The Gones are currently enjoying an exceptional period with an impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins across all competitions. This success is largely due to the strength of their defense, and especially to Niakhaté’s impact, who plays a central role in the stability and consistency of Lyon’s backline.
In Ligue 1, his team sits in third place, while also dominating their group in the Europa League, already securing qualification for the round of 16. On top of that, they continue to compete in the Coupe de France, showing that the club is competitive on all fronts. In this context, Niakhaté stands out as a key piece on which the team’s defensive solidity relies.
During the 22nd matchday of Ligue 1 against OGC Nice, the Senegalese defender once again demonstrated the extent of his influence. According to Data OL, he touched the ball 107 times and completed 81 passes out of 89 attempts, revealing his ability to initiate play cleanly and direct the game. But his contribution isn’t limited to the offensive phase: he also made 9 defensive clearances, recorded 4 interceptions, recovered 9 balls, and won 7 out of 8 duels contested. This performance perfectly illustrates his impact in both building play and recovering possession, confirming his role as a defensive leader within the team.
With just a few months to go before the major international tournaments, Moussa Niakhaté is confirming his status as a defensive boss, great news for Senegal. His consistency, ability to read the game, and strength in duels make him an indispensable player for both his club and national team. His current season, marked by impressive statistics and decisive performances, undoubtedly makes him one of the most remarkable African defenders in Europe.
