Everton Prospect Reportedly Beats Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo In Nutmegging

An Everton prospect has reportedly beaten Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be hailed as the “Nutmeg King” of modern soccer.

In recent years, Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have been mentioned as nutmeg masters of the sport. However, a certain Angelo Fulgini of Angers SCO is now generating buzz as the new nutmeg machine.

The 23-year-old burst onto the scene as a versatile player having been able to function on both wings - central midfield and as a right-back. Although Fulgini has only managed to score one goal and one assist in 20 league matches this season, he has recorded an incredible stat which has made him recognizable across Europe’s top five leagues – in-game nutmegs.

According to stats gathered by Fbref, Fulgini has already completed a whopping 12 nutmegs in the league this season, a tally which saw him ahead of any player in Europe. Following his unbelievable record, Dream Team FC went on to label the French youngster as “Europe’s nutmeg king,” beating the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who typically nutmeg opponents just for fun.

It didn’t take long for big clubs to notice Fulgini’s potential. Though it is quite hard to imagine, his nutmegging skills played a huge role in his career. In fact, Premier League contenders Everton are now reportedly one of the suitors of Fulgini. French website Ouest-France (via HITC.com), reported that the Toffees are interested in signing the nutmegging midfielder this summer. Fulgini is said to be drawing a lot of interest not only in France but from overseas as well. He will soon enter the final year of his contract and Everton are looking to sign him for a bargain fee of just £4.5 million ($5.6 million).

Surprisingly, Everton found competition in the pursuit of Fulgini. The report further stated that Toffees will have to race against St. Etienne and Bordeaux during the transfer window.

Indeed, nutmegging is entertaining but not really important during the game. However, some players perform the said trick in the middle of the game to send a statement to the opposing team.

In an AMA interview with Bleacher Report last April, Leicester City star Ben Chilwell recalled an unforgettable in-game “nutmegging” play courtesy of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. Chilwell described how the Argentine responded with a nutmeg after being “jeered” over a turnover during a friendly.

“He was just unbelievable. He knocked one pass out of play, got jeered, so the next time he got the ball he nutmegged Marc Albrighton and got an assist!” Chilwell recalled.