According to Italian media outlet TuttoMercato, Lewis Ferguson leads Serie A this season with 136.76 km covered and 817 passes.
Bologna's best signing might be a player who has already worn the red and blue jersey. Lewis Ferguson has once again become one of Serie A's most influential midfielders, bouncing back from an injury-plagued last season. The Scottish captain has rediscovered consistency and performance through a new interpretation of his role, becoming a symbol of Palladino's team. The statistics are telling: he has played 990 minutes in 11 matches, without missing a single minute. More importantly, Ferguson has covered the most ground in Serie A: 136.76 km, more than 10 km ahead of Edson (126.12 km), who ranks second on this unique list. He also leads the league in passes completed, with 817.
Palladino's Adjustment: From All-Round Midfielder to Bologna's Playmaker
One of Bologna's biggest shortcomings in the summer was the lack of a true replacement for Freuler. Argentinian Almada, signed for around 10 million euros, does not possess the characteristics of the Swiss player. However, Palladino found a solution by transforming Ferguson into a central playmaker. The Scotsman lost some of his explosiveness after his injury, which was once the reason he became an excellent all-round midfielder, but his technique and ability to read the game remain intact. As a playmaker, he can utilize these abilities through ball control, distribution, and still astonishing off-the-ball movement. This tactical shift has given Bologna a true midfield pivot once again.
Ferguson's performance may reignite the interest of Italian giants; in previous seasons, he was linked with Napoli and Roma. However, Bologna is in a strong contractual position: the agreement between the two parties expires in 2028, with an option to extend until 2029. Ferguson is far more than just a starter; he is also the captain, a leader, and the technical core of Palladino's team. His resurgence perhaps best illustrates the coach's ability to maximize the existing resources of his squad and find new solutions.