Kenneth Omeruo joined the army of Chelsea loanees to flood the footballing market over the summer. A grand total of 32 players have been loaned out across Europe but the Nigerian international probably ranks among the most successful performers out of the lot so far this season.
The 22-year-old defender has established himself as a key member of the best performing defensive side in the league at Kasimpasa
The Istanbul minnows defensive solidity has been a contributing factor to their success in the Super League. Kasimpasa have conceded the fewest goals despite operating on a budget incomparable to the big four – Besiktas, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Trabzonspor – and are competing for a third-placed finish. The club based just a short distance from Taksim square is currently just three points behind joint third placed fellow Istanbul sides Galatasaray and Basaksehir.
Omeruo has managed to hold down a regular starting position when injury-free. The 28-cap Nigerian international has had a few injury problems which is one of his main worries considering he also had groin troubles at Middlesbrough last season.
Omeruo first shot to fame helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations aged 19 and was tipped to be the successor to John Terry. The Chelsea legend could be on his way out this summer but Omeruo will have competition from Kurt Zouma, Kalas and Christensen as his replacement. Also Kasimpasa have an option to buy at the end of the league campaign which could see him remain in Turkey for the foreseeable future.
The Nigerian international averages 1.8 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per-game. Omeruo is also strong in the air and manages to keep his concentration throughout the 90 minutes rarely making costly errors. In-fact he has not been dispossessed once and averages just 0.2 unsuccessful touches per-game according to Opta. The Kasimpasa star may be just 22-years of age but he plays with the maturity and composure of a player 10 years his senior.
The young defender is one of the star performers in a side that could end realistically up finishing the league with a place in Europe. For a side of Kasimpasa’s stature it would be almost the equivalent of winning the league.
Omeruo is undoubtedly one of the best performing young defenders in the league and it would not be a surprise to see him attracting a lot of interest over the summer.
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