Legendary Arsenal striker Ian Wright has described former Super Eagles star Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha as the most underrated player in the history of the Premier League.
After spending four years at Paris Saint-Germain, Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers under Sam Allardyce as a free agent in 2002.
The mercurial number 10 quickly became a favorite with the Bolton faithful through his dazzling skills and technical flair. He played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation during his debut 2002-2003 season, netting seven goals.
This included a strike against West Ham United that was later voted the team’s Goal of the Season.
Okocha was handed the captain’s armband for the 2003/2004 campaign, leading Bolton to their first cup final in nine years.
Although they ultimately lost 2-1 to Middlesbrough in the League Cup final, his leadership and artistry defined an era for the club.
Speaking on The Overlap, Wright joined the debate regarding the league’s most overlooked talents and named the Nigerian playmaker as his top choice.
Wright argued that Okocha deserved significantly more recognition for his performances at the Reebok Stadium.
“Jay-Jay Okocha,” Wright stated when asked who he believes is the most underrated player in EPL history. “He should have got much more love. Bolton!”
During his tenure at the club, Okocha’s individual brilliance was recognized with the Premier League Player of the Month award in November 2003 and the Bolton Wanderers Player of the Year title for the 2004–05 season.
In 2017, fans officially voted him the best player to have ever played for the club at their home stadium.
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