Super Eagles Midfielder Compares England and Germany's Top Leagues
Nigerian international Frank Onyeka has provided fascinating insights into the contrasting styles of football between the English Premier League and German Bundesliga, drawing from his personal experience playing in both competitions.
The Super Eagles midfielder, who joined Brentford from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021, spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Bundesliga side FC Augsburg after falling down the pecking order at his parent club.
Onyeka's Journey Through European Football
Frank Onyeka began his European career with FC Midtjylland in the Danish Super League back in 2016 before making his move to English football with Brentford five years later. His time in England took an unexpected turn when head coach Thomas Frank departed Brentford to take over at Tottenham Hotspur, despite the Australian manager Ange Postecoglou having won the UEFA Europa League with Spurs.
Under new manager Keith Andrews at the Gtech Community Stadium, Onyeka struggled to secure regular playing time. According to Transfermarkt statistics, the defensive midfielder has managed only 332 minutes of action this season, with a mere 88 minutes spread across six matches in the English top flight.
Tactical Differences Between Premier League and Bundesliga
Onyeka highlighted the fundamental difference in how teams approach matches in both leagues. "People often say that in the Bundesliga, players run a lot compared to the Premier League. When I got there, I felt it. They always want to go forward with every ball," the Nigerian international told Brentford's official website.
He elaborated on the tactical nuances, explaining that "In the Premier League, teams know when to calm the game, when to move and when to play some passes before going forward; in Germany, teams just want to go forward at every opportunity."
The 26-year-old admitted that Germany's aggressive, forward-thinking approach suited his natural playing style perfectly. "It suited me really well; I love to go forward and track back. It was good for my game," Onyeka added, referencing his box-to-box midfield capabilities.
Future Prospects and Bundesliga Experience
During his loan spell at FC Augsburg, Onyeka particularly enjoyed his first match against Borussia Dortmund, where he experienced the famous "yellow wall" at Signal Iduna Park firsthand. His positive experience in Germany has raised speculation about a potential permanent move to the Bundesliga.
With his contract at Brentford set to expire in the summer of 2027, the midfielder could consider an exit as early as 2026 if his playing situation doesn't improve in England. His recent comments suggest the Bundesliga might be his preferred destination should he decide to leave the Premier League club.
The comparison comes at a time when the Premier League is widely regarded as the world's most competitive football league, though Onyeka's insights reveal why different players might thrive in various tactical environments across Europe's top divisions.
