UCL: Onyedika best-rated player on pitch despite Dortmund defeat

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was rated the best player on the pitch despite his club Club Brugge losing 3-0 at home to Borussia Dortmund during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.

Belgian publication Voetbalprimeur rated the Nigeria international as the Man of the Match, giving him an impressive score of 8/10 for his performance.

Despite the Belgian champions’ humiliating defeat, Onyedika’s impressive display caught the eye of observers.

He was praised by Voetbalprimeur, which stated, “By far the best player of Club Brugge and actually also the best man on the pitch. Was there at many moments and also set up the attacks of Club Brugge.”

The 23-year-old midfielder has been a key figure for his Belgian First Division side since joining them two years ago for €9.5m. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with Turkish giants Galatasaray showing strong interest in him before the summer transfer deadline.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Onyedika had agreed to personal terms on a five-year deal with Galatasaray, but the deal fell through because the Turkish champions could not meet Club Brugge’s valuation of the player, believed to be in the region of €15m.

Onyedika’s importance to Club Brugge was evident in their recent title-winning campaign, featuring in 29 league games and contributing three goals and one assist as the team secured their 19th league title.The midfielder’s stellar performance against Dortmund further underlines his value to the team.Club Brugge will be hoping Onyedika can maintain this form as they prepare to face Sturm Graz of Austria on October 2 in their next Champions League fixture.

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