Sprint sensation Emegha stays on Kluivert’s trail with his tenth goal of the season

Emanuel Emegha continues to shine in Ligue 1, establishing himself as one of the most promising forwards in European football.

His impressive form since the start of the second half of the season has been crucial for Strasbourg, which has become increasingly reliant on his goal-scoring ability. His performance in the 2-0 victory over Lens was yet another demonstration of his growth as a player, proving that he is not only a finisher but also a key figure in his team’s attacking dynamics. Seven goals in seven matches highlight just how vital he has become, and with his tenth goal of the season now secured, his confidence is at an all-time high. His celebration, reminiscent of Lionel Messi’s famous shirt-lifting moment, was a bold statement that Emegha is playing some of the best football of his career.

His ten-goal tally in Ligue 1 is even more remarkable when considering the way he has scored. Unlike some forwards who rely on penalties or set-piece opportunities, every single one of Emegha’s goals has come from open play. This further emphasizes his ability to create and capitalize on attacking chances in live-game situations, making him a more valuable asset for his team. Among all Dutch players in Europe’s top five leagues, only Justin Kluivert has scored more this season, with eleven goals for Bournemouth. However, Kluivert has benefitted from penalties, having converted six from the spot, whereas Emegha has relied entirely on his movement, positioning, and finishing in open play. This distinction makes his achievement even more impressive, as it underscores his effectiveness as a true attacking threat. Myron Boadu, another Dutch striker with potential, has only managed five goals this season, which puts Emegha significantly ahead in the rankings. At just 22 years old, he is proving to be one of the most prolific Dutch forwards in Europe, and if he maintains this level of performance, a call-up to the senior national team may not be far away.

His latest goal came in a match that was far from straightforward. The encounter at Stade Bollaert remained goalless for a long time, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough. Emegha had two golden opportunities in the first half but failed to convert them, opting to go for goal rather than passing to better-positioned teammates. In the 42nd minute, he chose to take a shot instead of playing in Daniel Moreira, and just before halftime, he again ignored potential assists for Sebastian Nanasi and Valentín Barco. These missed chances led the Alsatian newspaper DNA to describe him as “greedy,” suggesting that he was too eager to take matters into his own hands instead of making the best decision for the team.

Despite these moments of frustration, Emegha remained focused and determined to make a difference. His persistence paid off in the second half when he became instrumental in turning the match in Strasbourg’s favor. In the 72nd minute, he was played through on goal and, using his blistering pace, left Lens right-back Deiver Machado trailing. Unable to keep up, the Colombian defender resorted to pulling him down, resulting in a second yellow card and reducing Lens to ten men. This moment shifted the momentum entirely in Strasbourg’s favor, giving them the upper hand in the final stages of the match.

Nine minutes later, Emegha was at the heart of the move that led to Strasbourg’s opening goal. Positioned near the halfway line, he stepped in front of Neil El Aynaoui to control a lofted pass from Mamadou Sarr. Rather than rushing forward himself, he intelligently laid the ball off to Valentín Barco, who quickly released Dilane Bakwa. With a stunning piece of individual skill, Bakwa completed the counterattack and put Strasbourg ahead. While Bakwa was the one to finish the move, Emegha’s awareness and ability to set up the attack played a crucial role. His sharp attacking instincts were on display, as even before the shot was taken, he had already sprinted into the box, anticipating a possible rebound.

Even as the match entered injury time, Emegha still had energy for one final decisive moment. In the 96th minute, with Lens desperately pushing for an equalizer, they launched a dangerous free kick into the Strasbourg penalty area. Emegha, always willing to contribute defensively, rose above the crowd and headed the ball clear. The clearance reached Bakwa, who took control near the halfway line and launched into a counterattack. Initially looking certain to score, Bakwa was eventually caught by a recovering defender, who forced him onto his weaker right foot. That was when Emegha made his final impact on the game. Sprinting from one penalty box to the other in just seven seconds, he arrived in the perfect position to receive a pass from Bakwa, controlled the ball, and calmly slotted home his tenth goal of the season. His celebration, lifting his shirt to show his name and number to the away crowd, was a clear sign of his growing confidence and belief in his ability.

Emegha’s performances this season are beginning to attract attention from clubs across Europe. Strasbourg has provided him with the perfect platform to refine his game, but if he continues at this level, it will only be a matter of time before bigger clubs make a move for him. His combination of speed, strength, and clinical finishing makes him an appealing target for teams looking to add dynamism to their attack. With Euro 2024 approaching, there is growing speculation that he could earn a place in the Dutch national team. The Netherlands has been searching for a consistent and reliable number nine, and with Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst being the usual options, Emegha’s form suggests he could provide a fresh alternative.

For now, his focus remains on continuing to deliver for Strasbourg and helping them climb the Ligue 1 table. His progress has been nothing short of remarkable, and if he maintains this level, the next chapter of his career could see him making an even bigger impact on European football. With ten goals already to his name and his influence growing with each game, Emegha is proving that he is far from just a rising talent he is a player ready to make a lasting mark.