What is a nutmeg in soccer?

A nutmeg (or tunnel, nut, megs, megnuts, panna, brooksy, codling) is a skill used mainly in association football, but also in field hockey, ice hockey, and basketball. The aim is to kick, roll, dribble, throw, or push the ball (or puck) between an opponent’s legs (feet).

Why is through the legs called a nutmeg?

Or indeed the suggestion made in Alex Leith’s book, Over the Moon, Brian: The Language of Football, that nuts – a term commonly used for nutmeg in the north of England – “refers to the testicles of the player through whose legs the ball has been passed and nutmeg is just a development from this.”

What’s the difference between a nutmeg and a panna?

“Panna” is used in Western Europe and Africa. The name itself derives from Surinam. It has different names in different countries – In England the name is “Nutmeg”, in Scotland – “peg”, in Germany – “Tunnel”, in Turkey – “Beşik”, in France – “Petit pont” and in Bulgaria – “Kracholche” (Little Leg).

Who has the most nutmegs in football history?

It’s quite possible that they will become the greatest team of nutmeg artists the world has ever seen. Watford’s tally of 47 nutmegs — the act of threading the ball through an opponent’s legs — puts them eight clear of any other team in Europe.

Who is the king of nutmeg in football?

Trincao, though, has shown a lot of signs of his skill and he is the Premier League’s king of nutmegs this season. Nobody in England, nor in Europe’s top five leagues, has managed more than his 0.96 per 90 minutes, having completed 10 this season.

How do you avoid nutmeg in football?

The key to nutmegging is to first try leading the defender away from where you actually want to go. Catch them off balance or when they are coming in too fast. A handy tip to perform a good nutmeg is to not perform it often. The greatest nutmegs are when the defender least expects it.

Where did nutmeg come from?

nutmeg, (Myristica fragrans), tropical evergreen tree (family Myristicaceae) and the spice made of its seed. The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.

What constitutes a successful nutmeg?

A ‘nutmeg’ or ‘panna’ is when you put the ball through an opponent’s legs either while dribbling or passing. A player is said to be ‘nutmegged’ or ‘megged’ when his opponent successfully dribbles, pushes, rolls or passes the ball cleanly through his legs. Image: Deadly Thought.

Who is most nutmeg player?

The Brazil international was edged out on top spot by Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, who tops the list with 21 nutmegs in 2020-21. Jadon Sancho is third, while Piotr Zielinski and Achraf Hakimi are helping to bring entertainment to Serie A. There are only two Premier League players and three from La Liga.

Who is most nutmeg in football?