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The 10 most fouled players in Europe in 2022-23: Grealish, Neymar, Vinicius…

Ben Stewart •

Europe is home to some of the best attacking talents in the world and players from Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City have all been amongst the most fouled players this season.

Defenders are sometimes left with little choice but to bring down their man and some players have even made a name for themselves for being able to draw fouls.

Thanks to data from FBref, we’ve compiled the top 10 most fouled players in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

=9. Jack Grealish (Manchester City – 60)

His close control makes him a nightmare for defenders to pin down and it’s no surprise that he has completed more dribbles than any other City player this season.

During his final season with Aston Villa, Grealish was the most fouled player in the Premier League. He’s been playing well of late and even won the club’s player of the month award for February.

=9. Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace – 60)

Ayew hasn’t had his most prolific season in front of goal as he has only hit the back of the net once in the league so far. Still, he has proven to be effective in drawing a foul or two.

8. Mounaim El Idrissy (Ajaccio – 63)

Following their promotion from Ligue 2 last season, Ajaccio are now scrapping for their lives at the bottom of Ligue 1. El Idrissy has been a tricky forward to pin down as he has drawn 63 fouls in the league this season.

7. Neymar (PSG – 65)

Prior to his ankle injury, Neymar was one of the most in form players in Europe. With 24 goal contributions in the league alone, the Brazilian had managed to recapture his best form.

As a result of his genius on the ball, Neymar is often on the receiving end of some hefty challenges. PSG certainly missed him against Bayern Munich and we hope that he can come back stronger next season.

6. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace – 66)

Crystal Palace players have drawn a total of 342 fouls this season which is more than any other Premier League club. Zaha himself has been fouled a total of 66 times so far, which is the most in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old was the most fouled player in the league last season too as defenders often don’t hold back when facing up against him.

5. Isaac Success (Udinese – 68)

The former Watford forward has been a handful for defenders in Serie A this season as he has drawn 68 fouls so far. He’s also provided five assists during this campaign.

4. Isaac Palazon Camacho (Rayo Vallecano – 69)

The Spanish winger has been involved in 28% of the goals Rayo Vallecano have scored in La Liga and he’s also been handy at drawing fouls. Only one player in La Liga has been fouled more than Camacho this season.

=2. Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio – 71)

Zaccagni has been enjoying his most prolific season to date with Lazio as he has scored eight goals and provided four assists so far. The 27-year-old also leads the way in Serie A for fouls drawn, with 71.

The top four race in Italy is incredibly close this year and Lazio have it all to play for as they currently sit third in the table. Zaccagni will surely have a role to play in the hectic run-in.

=2. Teji Savanier (Montpellier – 71)

Across the last four seasons, Savanier has completed over 200 successful dribbles in Ligue 1. In that time, he’s also managed to draw plenty of fouls and score some spectacular goals.

1. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid – 92)

There are no surprises on who takes the top spot. Vinicius has been by far and away the most fouled player in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Madrid, Spain. 2nd Feb, 2023. Vinicius Junior (C) of Real Madrid competes during a Spanish La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Valencia CF in Madrid, Spain, Feb. 2, 2023.

READ: The unbelievable foul stats which show Vinicius Junior is the most-brutalised player in Europe

READ NEXT: The 10 most fouled Premier League players in 2022-23: Saka, Grealish…

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Neymar Jack Grealish Vinicius Junior Wilfried Zaha Quick Reads