Simon Ebonog ranks among Europe’s best young ball carriers

Simon Ebonog has emerged as one of the most effective young ball carriers in Europe during the opening weeks of the Ligue 1 season, with his performances helping Le Havre AC make full use of his attacking qualities.

The 22-year-old midfielder has completed 17 progressive carries since the start of the campaign, according to data from DataMB. That figure places him among the most impactful U21 players in Europe’s five major leagues.

Only Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona has recorded more progressive carries in the ranking, with 19. Ebonog is also ahead of Ligue 1 players including Desire Doue and Ethan Mbappe.

The statistics underline the importance of Ebonog’s ability to move the ball forward through individual runs. The midfielder has established himself as a key part of the Le Havre AC team and has become an increasingly influential presence in the side.

Ebonog has already played 344 minutes across four Ligue 1 appearances this season. The Franco-Cameroonian, who was born in Yaounde, came through the Paris Saint-Germain academy before continuing his development with Le Havre AC.

He is contracted to the club until 2029, while his estimated market value is currently €4.5m.

Le Havre AC will return to Ligue 1 action against Toulouse in their fifth league match of the season. The odds listed by betting company 1xbet make Toulouse favourites at 1.73, with a draw priced at 3.70 and a Le Havre AC victory at 5.00.