Lille winger Edon Zhegrova continues to shine in Ligue 1, starting this season with a bang after helping his team to a fourth place finish and UEFA Champions League qualification in 2023/24.
His consistent form and attacking output has seen him linked with a move to several EPL clubs, including Fulham and (more recently) Manchester United. You can wager on his future transfers at Melbet, although any potential deal may not be concluded until either January or next summer.
But what would Zhegrova bring to the EPL table? Here’s an insight into his key performance metrics and playing style.
How Did Zhegrova Perform in 2023/24?
Zhegrova made 47 appearances in all competitions for Lille last season, contributing 22 goal involvements from the wing. This haul included 12 goals and 10 assists, while he has scored three times in just four outings for the Ligue 1 club so far.
Interestingly, Zhegrova averaged 4.84 shot-creating actions per 90 last season (and 123 total), placing him seventh in the league according to this metric and outperforming players like Bradley Barcola, Marco Asensio and even Kylian Mbappe.
He also completed 63 live passes that led to an attempt on goal, highlighting his ability to play progressive balls in the final third and create opportunities for his teammates.
Edon Zhegrova is also a tireless runner during attacking phases who attempted a league high 174 take-ons last season, completing 90 (or 51%) of these. He also took 842 touches in the final third and 115 in an opponent’s penalty area, highlighting his ability to influence the game in attacking areas.
Does Zhegrova Have the Requisite Work Rate for the EPL?
One question that has been raised about Zhegrova is his work rate, as he ranked 109th for balls recovered in Ligue 1 last season (with 101 recoveries in total).
He also attempted just eight tackles in the attacking third, suggesting that he may not be quite as enthusiastic off the ball as he is in possession.
This may not fly in the Premier League, where most teams deploy a high work rate when out of possession and wide players are expected to press aggressively and consistently track back.
For now, of course, Zhegrova is a Ligue 1 player who will continue to ply his trade in the French top flight. He’s also an outstanding attacking player and winger, but it remains to be seen whether he can improve his off the ball work ahead of a potential move!