Sevilla won the UEFA Europa League in 2022–23 and showed everyone why they are the Europa League Kings. However, the financial issues forced the management to list all the players on the transfer list in the summer. There were only a few players who left the club, and the team did some pretty good business in the transfer market.
Sevilla acquired the services of Belgian national striker Dodi Lukebakio from Hertha Berlin. The 25-year-old made a name for himself in the Bundesliga and was looking for a new challenge and a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League. Lukebakio has already made his mark at the club, and let’s look at what he could add to this team.
Versatile winger
Dodi Lukebakio plays on the wing and was a right-winger for Berlin in 2022–23. He has the skills to beat the opposition defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates.
The above viz shows the winger’s actions from last season. He made 86 progressive runs and had a 55% dribble success rate. Lukebakio managed to complete some of his dribbles inside the opposition penalty box. His crosses were not up to par but landed in danger zones. Sevilla likes to play quick counter, and the players are strong in the air. This will give them an advantage.
These dribbles often win free-kick for the team and Lukebakio did this 59 times in the Bundesliga 2022-23. He won a few of them on the edge of the penalty box.
End product
The Belgian scored 11 goals for Hertha Berlin last campaign but failed to save them from relegation. He scored six from open play and five from the penalty spot. At an average of 2.3 shots per 90 minutes, Lukebakio attempted 65 shots and had a decent accuracy rate of 40%. He was accurate with some long-range efforts as well.
The 25-year-old also chipped in with three assists. He provided 30 shot assists in the whole campaign, with most of them coming after successful wing play. This is what Sevilla will demand from their new attacker.
Impact on debut
Sevilla lost their opening three matches in LaLiga 2023–24. These were worrying signs for a team that is set to play in the Champions League. Their match against Las Palmas was heading for a goalless tie. On came Lukebakio in the 61st minute, and he scored the winner 10 minutes later. He took two chances and converted one to win the hearts of Sevilla fans.
Dodi Lukebakio scored 35 times in 144 league games. He also created 19 goals for his teammates during his time in Germany. Sevilla will hope that the Belgian proves to be the point of difference in the remaining season and take them to the top four.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine