Rangers’ ability to produce maestros through decades is unquestionable. It’s no surprise that we’re hearing a new name breaking to the scene. Kazeem Ogunleye, the youngster who was labelled as ‘the future of Nigerian football’ by many, is one to watch.
Who is Kazeem Ogunleye?
The lad was born on 24 June 2006 (17 years old). He entered the football world at a very young age. His impressive display drew many clubs’ attention in the Nigeria Professional Football League. He spent just one season at Plateau United before taking his golden legs to Rangers ahead of the 2023/24 term.
Ogunleye has been the driving force behind Rangers’ dream of winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title.
The way he drives home free kicks excellently has endeared him to 042 fans in Enugu.
What is his Style of Play?
Ogunleye is a versatile player with high offensive contribution. He can function as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and supporting striker. His style of play is similar to Jay Jay Okocha’s; He likes to dribble past players and throw himself on the ball. He’s unpredictable as he has the ability to use both of his feet comfortably. The lad contribute defensively often. His agility allows him to drift to the sides and cross whenever he’s on the wings. He likes to keep the ball at his feet. He is more about technique than power, another common characteristic he shares with the former Super Eagles skipper.
What are his strengths?
Kazeem Ogunleye’s biggest strength is his versatility. He has played in 3 different positions for Rangers: Attacking/Central midfielder and supporting striker. He completes the roles he’s given by his manager (Fidelis Ilechukwu) well.
His movements are very fast and useful to get past players and break up defences. It also allows him to dribble easier; Ogunleye is capable of getting rid of 3 players at a time. He doesn’t use skills, but his pace changing technique, the same technique former Rangers star Ibrahim Olawoyin uses.
The 17-year-old is a good goalscorer and a brilliant playmaker. Four of his six goals in the NPFL this term have been from free kicks. The youngster has successfully dispatched worldies of free kicks in games against Kwara United, Heartland, Rivers United and Abia Warriors.
Stats credit: @Undisputed_Jsam via Twitter.
Not just free kicks, Ogunleye has delivered six assists for the Flying Antelopes this season.
As mentioned earlier, Ogunleye is comfortable with both feet. That makes him very dangerous due to number of options available for him. The opponents fear him as he’s a menacing player.