Antonio Nusa Emerges as RB Leipzig's New Offensive Leader
The Norwegian winger is delivering career-best statistics following his high-profile transition to Leipzig.
1Rise of a Talent
Antonio Nusa, born in 2005, has firmly established himself as the primary offensive force for RB Leipzig. Following the departure of his former teammate, the Norwegian winger has stepped into a leadership role. His development is marked by a significant increase in both goal-scoring and playmaking efficiency this season.
2Learning from Predecessors
Nusa previously played alongside a teammate now at Real Madrid, often adjusting his position to accommodate the tactical setup. He credits that period for helping him refine his own game. By observing his peer's movement and decision-making, Nusa successfully incorporated new technical elements into his natural style of play.
3Early Career Comparisons
Gaute Larsen, who coached both Nusa and Erling Haaland at Bryne, once claimed that Nusa possessed more raw talent at age 14 than Haaland did at the same stage. While Haaland pursued a different path, Nusa remains focused on his identity as a creative, chaos-inducing winger inspired by Neymar's playing style.
4Statistical Breakthrough
Since his 21 million euro transfer in 2024, Nusa has reached a career-high performance level. By early November 2026, he recorded six goals and eight assists across 15 matches in all competitions. His impact is particularly visible in the Bundesliga, where he ranks among the top players for total goal production.
5Elite Dribbling Metrics
Nusa's effectiveness relies heavily on his ability to penetrate the final third. He ranks fourth in the Bundesliga for successful dribbles in the final third with 20, and fifth overall with 37. His success rate of 78.4% demonstrates that his high-risk, high-reward approach is currently yielding tangible results for Leipzig.
6Physicality and Speed
Beyond technical dribbling, Nusa excels in progressive ball carrying and high-intensity movement. He ranks fourth in the league for progressive carries and seventh for total sprint distance, covering over 2,253 meters at speeds exceeding 25.2 km/h. This physical profile allows him to consistently disrupt defensive structures during rapid counter-attacking transitions.
7Managerial Confidence
Coach Martín Demichelis has publicly praised the winger, labeling him one of the best in Europe currently. Despite the inherent risks of losing possession, Demichelis encourages Nusa's instinctive style. The manager believes that the player's unique ability to create chaos makes him an extremely difficult assignment for any opposing defensive unit.
8Future Outlook
After a modest debut season with five goals and four assists, Nusa has significantly improved his output. He remains self-critical, acknowledging that his previous performance did not meet his own high standards. As he continues to mature, his ability to balance individual flair with team-oriented production will define his trajectory.
Original article: Marca — Antonio Nusa Emerges as RB Leipzig's New Offensive Leader