Forget the age, Gervinho is hitting top gear

“After his contribution to the evolution of Chinese football, Gervinho returned to play with Parma in the Italian Serie A. You know how eagles get revived and behave like they are young again once they hit a certain age, that is exactly Gervinho. He has scored 8 goals in the 16 games that he has played in the Serie A for promoted Parma.”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

Most fans’ eyes are usually drawn towards the rising stars that are hitting the football arena with glory. These are the brilliant players that are usually in their early 20s and make you question what you have been doing with your life. We seldom forget that there are stars that have shining in the sky for a while and even made it possible for the young stars to see the path. Gervinho, has been so up in the sky for a while so much that other people thought that his light was getting dim, but he has reminded us that we should forget the age and pay attention to the top gear that he is hitting.

Glorious Days

He recalls the day that he signed his Arsenal contract in 2011 like yesterday. In an interview, he said “Arsenal are the team that have left the biggest mark on me, without a doubt. I lived a dream. Any kid who starts playing can’t help but to dream to play at a club like Arsenal. The day I signed, I cried.” As an Arsenal player, he got exposed to other great players like Robin Van Persie and Santiago Cazorla. His growth was not just confined on the pitch, but he was able to also grow in his personal life as he got to be more tolerant and live outside of his home continent. Even though, he did not get win any accolades with Arsenal, he made 60 appearances. Even more importantly, playing for Arsenal had been his childhood dream so being at Arsenal meant much more to him, than anyone else. Moments of realising your dreams are what makes life worth living.

Gervinho of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and Empoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on September 30, 2018 in Parma, Italy.

(Sept. 29, 2018 - Source: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images Europe)

His Move to China

He left Roma in 2016 to play for Hebei CFCC in the Chinese Super League. Many speculated that he was just warming into retirement with a fat cheque that he would get from the CSL. The granted, £345,000-per-week would impress any pocket that it would land on. While he was there, he did not just play for the sake of it, but he contributed to the growth of the Chinese Super League. When talking about his growth in China, he said, “In China, you need to be strong too: you can’t feel like you are on vacation, you need to teach something to the next generations.” This statement speaks to making sure that you play with impact.

Returning With a Bang

After his contribution to the evolution of Chinese football, Gervinho returned to play with Parma in the Italian Serie A. You know how eagles get revived and behave like they are young again once they hit a certain age, that is exactly Gervinho. He has scored 8 goals in the 16 games that he has played in the Serie A for promoted Parma. He has surely become more than what he was when he left Roma for China. In Parma’s draw with Juventus, 2 out of the 3 goals were a gift from him. He has also diligently used his back-heel signature technique to leave a mark during the matches.

Conclusion

Whoever said old age should be associated with deteriorating ability and questionable talent was gravely mistaken. There is something that can only been achieved when you have been in the game for sometime. Gervinho, 31, is showing the younger kids how it’s done.

Africans In The UCL: Aurier the winning wing-back as Hakimi & Dortmund fall to Spurs

Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Bournemouth, England.

(March 10, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

It’s advantage Tottenham after the first leg of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter between the North Londoners and the Bundesliga leaders. Two quick goals in three of the last ten minutes ensured Mauricio Pochettino’s men have a comfortable three goal cushion when they travel to Signal Iduna Park on the 6th of March 2019. The story of the match can be summarised by looking at the fate of two African wingbacks, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier.

The 20-year-old has been turning heads at table topping Dortmund but this particular match wasn’t one for the books. A relatively dull first-half that saw both sides being slightly conservative in their approach served nothing worthy of a mention. Hakimi’s usual cutting edge crosses into the box emanating from swift runs down the right flank were reduced to blocked shots more often than not. At the restart, Spurs resurfaced from the Wembley tunnel with more purpose and intent, opening the scoring in the 47th minute. Ofcourse it was the “Smiling Assassin,” who fired a volley past Burki from close range but the all delightful assist came from an unlikely source. Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen delivered a man of the match performance playing in an unfamiliar left-wing back role and it all began with that super cross to Jeung Min Son. The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward. Aurier had been excellent throughout the match, playing the game his opposite number Hakimi would have dreamed of on the night - running up the pitch at the slightest of chances and frustrating the play of Chelsea bound Christian Pulisic.It’s the kind of performance that will perhaps put him back in contention for a starting role in Pochettino’s Premier League eleven after being less preferred, behind Kieran Trippier in recent weeks. In the absence of injured Harry Kane, Fernando Llorente came off the bench to head Christian Eriksen’s corner in the 86th minute which sealed a 3-0 victory for Spurs who go marching on.

The Bundesliga title favorites have all to do heading into the second leg and they couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the electric Signal Iduna, home of the infamous Yellow Wall described as “a spellbinding sight, that may not be quite visible from space, but whose dimensions and noise reach up to the stars,” by the Bundesliga official website.

It’s advantage Spurs but game on for Dortmund and Hakimi, recent champions league history has taught us that it’s never really over until the stern referee blows the final whistle.

“The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The Ivorian attack can give anyone a run for their money at AFCON 2019

Maxwel Cornet of Olympique Lyonnais celebrates as he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City at Groupama Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Lyon, France.

(Nov. 26, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

The 32nd edition of the Total Africa Cup of Nations is now just a few months away and it wouldn’t be premature for the battling nations to start oiling their machines nor is too early to start talking about it. Before the Egypt, June finals there are still some elusive AFCON spots up for grabs as the qualifiers come to a conclusion in March 2019. Of major interest to us right now, is the potential Ivorian forward line. It’s just something to behold.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast have already confirmed their place among the June 2019 finalists after an impressive qualifying campaign that have them lying second in Group H, three points behind Guinea. Of course the two-time AFCON champions have quality players in every position in their squad with the likes of Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, Tottenham’s Serge Aurier, Franck Kessie of AC Milan, Jean Seri of Premier League’s Fulham among many others. Quite notably, is their front line, thronged with individuals who have been grabbing headlines everywhere.

Wilfried Zaha

Mr. Crystal Palace needs no introduction. Zaha has overtime become the Premier League side’s most important player and the dread of any defender in the English top flight. The 26-year-old has since scored 25 goals and assisted 16 others from wide positions ever since joining the Selhurst park residents in the 2014/15 season, helping them stay alive in the Premier League. He actually became the record-scorer for Palace in the English top flight league when he banged his 24th goal for the club against Watford back in 2018. Endowed with great lower and upper body strength, quick feet and sizzling dribbles; Zaha is unplayable on his day. No wonder, Liverpool and English international, Trent Alexander Arnold, labelled him, the most difficult opponent, ahead of even Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

“On the day, I’d say Zaha was the hardest. Just his athleticism. You can’t get the ball off him, hard to tackle, fast, skilful, can score goals, set them up, a match-winner. With Neymar and Ronaldo, you can see they are very intelligent players, people who know their trade, different movements, but they never got much of the ball against us. Obviously Zaha is not at a level of Ronaldo and Neymar, but for me on the day Zaha was probably the hardest.”

— Trent-Alexander Anorld, Liverpool and England Defender

He has even been a subject of big money transfers rumors to the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham before penning a new deal with Crystal Palace in 2018. With only 2 international goals to his name since switching allegiance from England to Ivory Coast, you can be assured that Zaha will be hungry whenever he puts on that orange Elephants shirt.

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast controls the ball during the International Friendly match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety on March 27, 2017 in Paris, France.

(March 26, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

Nicolas Pepe

The 23-year-old is my personal favorite. The Lille forward is one of the hottest names around in world of football today. He has become the French Ligue 1 side’s wildcard in their unlikely Champions League qualification spot pursuit. Pepe has already scored 13 league goals and assisted 7 others so far in the 2018/19 season for LOSC Lille. He is actually just one goal shy of top scorer, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and very much in the race for the league’s award to the most prolific player. Pepe also boasts of the highest tally of 52 shots with 33 of them hitting the target. Even in the January transfer window, his name has carried a price tag as high as €100 million with the likes of Arsenal rumored to have been interested in the winger. As Ghanaians would say, Nicolas will surely “score you and put pepe(chilli) in your eyes”.

Maxwell Cornet

This particular one is less popular but just as lethal. The 22-year-old used  2018 to cement his position in the young Lyon team that has been devastating and with an equally entertaining style of play. Cornet made major headlines after banging a crucial goal that helped Lyon upset Manchester City, 2-1 at the Etihad on matchday 1 of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stage. As luck would have it, his two other goals in the European competition came at home in the return leg against City, helping Lyon secure an important 2-2 draw. Cornet is that physically built wide man who is able to cut inside, score both from close and long range and more similar to Zaha than he is different.

Now, being individually brilliant is one thing and jellying together as a unit is an entirely different story. These three actually have attributes that make them naturally intertwined and an infallible force when they play together. Zaha and Cornet on either wing and Pepe leading the frontline, its need for speed and goals galore regardless of who they play. The real question is will Ibrahima Kamara play them together? Would you?

10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #1 Nicolas Pepe

No matter how good some players are, football players or otherwise – they kind of need a bigger turf or neighbourhood to show that they belong, to prove that they have the “it” factor. Such is the story of some of the most exciting professional footballers in the game today, they can only become as big as the club they play for and we have a few names that many would want to see move to other pastures. Some have been rumoured away from their clubs and some haven’t but sooner rather than later, transfers are inevitable. Here is the first one on our list.

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

One Ivorian, by the name Nicolas Pepe recently won hearts in the French Ligue 1 and could be slowly owning them as well. The 23-year-old Lille forward got global acclamation after winning the September French Ligue 1 player of the month ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Just like the above, Pepe is usually deployed as a winger and more often than not cuts inside to grab some precious goals. He is currently French Ligue 1 and Lille’s top scorer so far in the season with 12 goals and 5 assists to his name in only 18 matches and can bang all sorts of goals. From the penalty spot, outside the box, long range shorts you name it. Pepe’s emergence has seen Lille gunning for an unlikely Champions League group stage spot as they sit second on the league standings, a few points off the runaway leaders in PSG.  He has become becoming “mister reliable”, with his latest showing coming over the weekend after scoring Lille’s winner against Nimes that moved them to up to second on the standings. His combination with other players of African descent such as Jonathan Bamba, has made the young Lille team a rightfully dreaded opponent.

With Arsenal and a host of other top European clubs particularly in the premier league rumoured to be interested in his services, he is becoming increasingly harder to keep at Lille.

Let’s continue the conversation. Where would you want to see the Ivorian play?

10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #2 Eric Bailly

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United in discussion with Eric Bailly of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester United at Turf Moor on September 2, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 1, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Preamble

Of course, it is nice to see the likes of Mo Salah, Percy Tau and Hakim Ziyech shine for their nations over the most recent international break but it also raises questions about some popular names who are finding themselves in sticky situations. There are a number of African players dubbed to be the next Sergio Ramos and Xavis of this world but are currently unsettled at club level. Their potential is endangered by their lack of game time. Here’s a list of the XI players whose progress has stalled. What better time to look at these than now when the January transfer window is fast encroaching?

CB: Eric Bertrand Bailly

The Manchester United centre-back who has been in and out of the team. Eric Bailly was one of the most trusted players by Jose Mourinho in that shaky United defence but has somewhat failed to live up to the Portuguese’ expectations. Bailly has since been criticised by the former Real Madrid head coach and has found himself down the pecking order behind Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and even the returning Marcos Rojo. It is no secret that Bailly has the command, pace and aerial threat to get the job done but needs to learn from his mistakes.

My Verdict: The 24-year-old is at the right club and should up his game to deserve a place in the team.

Nicolas Pépé - The Ivorian wonder who owned Ligue 1 in September

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

In my mind, there are four different kinds of football players. They are as follows; general, exciting, efficient and exciting and efficient football players. I won’t dive deep into explaining their differences or similarities because like I said, they only exist in the fantasy of my mind. Nothing official. One player who definitely falls into the exciting+efficient category is one Nicolas Pepe, the 23-year-old Ivorian who pipped all the amazing footballers based in France, to the Ligue 1 Player of the Month Award for September. Yes, inclusive of Neymar and Mbappe. So who is he?

Pepe plays for Ligue 1 outfit, Lille, and has been in their books since June 2017. He was born in France to Ivorian parents and played for the lower league clubs before making a professional debut with Angers in November 2014. Remember the unwritten rule of left-footed players I made reference to in the playmaker, Hakim Ziyech’s article - Pepe also satisfies the condition. The young forward prefers playing from a wide wing position from whence he can cut inside with ease and cause all sorts of problems to opposition defenders. He is that morden winger who cuts inside and scores goals even taking up a striking role when called upon. The 23-year-old can lay up “on a silver platter” assists with a touch of a shoelace, chop down defenders with a glance and has a good enough pace to call upon in times of need. Perhaps, just like Neymar - not too much pace but one that’s deadly when combined with dribbles. Most importantly, he scores goals. From the penalty spot, outside the penalty box, one-on-ones, from wide areas, you name them. Like I said, he is exciting+efficient.

Nicolas Pepe’s dynamic style of play has seen him score 19 goals in 43 appearances for LOSC Lille in his young career. He bagged four goals and assisted one other in September 2018 to win the monthly award with three of them being a hatrick scored in 3-2 win against Amiens. Pepe became the first African player to win the award since Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal took it home in 2016. Second-placed Lille will be hoping  Pepe maintains his electric form as they face Dijon in a league game on Saturday. With the partnership with 22-year-old French footballer of Ivorian descent, Jonathan Bamba looking formidable at Lille, there is no telling how far this kid will go.

“The 23-year-old can lay up “on a silver platter” assists with a touch of a shoelace, chop down defenders with a glance and has a good enough pace to call upon in times of need. Perhaps, just like Neymar - not too much pace but one that’s deadly when combined with dribbles.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Here is a short video depicting what he can do.

FT African Legends Series: Didier Drogba, the irreplaceable Chelsea legend

After a short while, we have to reminisce the good old days. The times when African legends where still around, playing their best football in front of a crowd of tens of thousands, and millions behind a screen. This week, we focus on Didier Drogba, the Chelsea legend who had an illustrious career in England before moving to China and the MLS to wind down his career. Most people know about his highs, the times when he was the king of Stamford Bridge and a constant menace in a head to head against Arsenal. But what about the times when his career looked in jeopardy? Here’s the other side to Didier Drogba’s story.

“Two years later, Didier Drogba  returned to the club he had helped win their first and only UEFA Champions League trophy to date. He claimed that the decision was made easy by the fact that it was the Special One, Jose Mourinho who made the call and wanted him again back at the club. Although this time as backup to Diego Costa, Drogba’s presence was invaluable.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

The Ivorian striker was brought to London by the current Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho who was in charge of Chelsea at the time. He brought the African talent with the hope of being a backup to the Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko, a £31 million investment made by the club in 2006. Although Drogba had arrived a year earlier, he was meant to be a temporary measure as Mourinho sought for his dream striker. Shevchenko went straight into the team but failed to live up to expectations. Didier kept his head down and found the net whenever he was handed an opportunity. In no time, it was evident that the African forward was Chelsea’s best bet as Shevchenko struggled to score more than 10 goals in the 48 matches he played between 2006 and 2009. Drogba survived that test and marched on in the blue colors.

Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates with fans and the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions.

(May 24, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt Premier League/Getty Images Europe)

Shortly after, the club invested in the experienced Nicolas Anelka to give competition to the Ivorian centre forward who had personalized the number 9 spot. In fact, Anelka came with so much reputation that he was expected to start ahead of Didier Drogba as they challenged for the UEFA Champions League. They eventually lost the final to local rivals Manchester United but Didier Drogba was by far one of their best players in the team. In the end, Drogba created a formidable partnership with Anelka and Malouda in a season which saw the club win back to back FA Cup titles in 2008/09 and 2009/10 as well as lifting the English Premier League title in the 2009/10 season. The Chelsea legend overcame yet another hurdle set in front of him by the then Chelsea coach, Avram Grant. Drogba proved his worth and landed a place in the First XI of the West London club.

Former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba (R) and Noel Gallagher present Mohamed Salah of Liverpool with the trophy for the FIFA Puskas Award 2018 during the The Best FIFA Football Awards Show at Royal Festival Hall on September 24, 2018 in London, England.

(Sept. 23, 2018 - Source: Dan Istitene/Getty Images Europe)

As if these two tests were not enough, Chelsea made a mouthwatering £50 million bid for Liverpool forward, Fernando Torres in January 2011. El Niño was bought by Carlo Ancelotti because he suited the Italian’s style of play more than the traditional centre forward in Drogba. The African did not feel threatened by this record breaking signing as he was confident in his abilities. He humbly accepted being dropped to the bench and continued to work tirelessly in training to prove that he could still lead the line at Chelsea like he had done for 6 years. At the end of the 2010/11 season he scored a total of 11 goals as compared to Torres’ one goal which he scored in 14 appearances. The following season saw a significant amount of game time limited for Drogba which explains his 5 goals in the English Premier League. Even still, Torres had scored one more goal than him but the number of minutes he had played in 2012 , did not justify such a low return. As a result, Didier Drogba left the club of his dreams for greener pastures.

Two years later, Didier Drogba  returned to the club he had helped win their first and only UEFA Champions League trophy to date. He claimed that the decision was made easy by the fact that it was the Special One, Jose Mourinho who made the call and wanted him again back at the club. Although this time as backup to Diego Costa, Drogba’s presence was invaluable. His influence in the dressing room saw a disjointed Chelsea team return back to the top and win the English Premier League in his first season back at the club. The Blues claimed the 2014/15 crown as well as winning the Football League Cup that same year. He scored a total of 7 goals across all competitions in his last stint at the club that recognize the African great as one of their Legends. Although he did not play much, he still contributed to the success of the club. Because of that, Didier Drogba will never be forgotten by the Chelsea fans.

Didier Drogba is irreplaceable!

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Zaha leads star studded Elephants against CAR

Franck Kessie of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Things will get heated in the men’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over the next couple of days. We are spoiled with two legged fixtures (matchday 3 and 4) for all the participants with the first leg coming to our screens as early as Wednesday, 10th of October and the final matches of the second legs finishing one week later. This means that a crucial six points is up for grabs for all teams and also at risk of slipping away. One of the leading narratives leading into the much anticipated fixtures is that of Zaha and his Ivory Coast countrymen.

Wilfried has been recalled to Ibrahim Kamara’s squad perhaps in hope that the pride of Crystal Palace help deliver the goods needed for the 2015 AFCON winners as they meet an unpredictable Central African Republic over two legs. Ivory Coast and CAR are currently tied on three points in group H, behind Guinea who won all their opening two matches of the AFCON 2019 qualifiers. Guinea will be expected to beat the weakest ranked team in the group, Rwanda who are yet to secure a point so far, henceforth the need for the Elephants and the Wild Beast to battle it out for the other spot in next year’s finals.

Ibrahim Kamara will be keen on his troops securing an eighth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations finals qualification dating back to Egypt 2006 and players like Zaha who is yet to score an international goal in a competitive match are believed to have the hunger the Ivorians need for success. The Crystal Palace forward will join hands with other premier league stars in Fulham’s Jean Michel Seri, Tottenham’s Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly of Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Lyon’s Maxwell Cornet who scored as his side downed Manchester City 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League is also amongst the forwards and AC Milan’s youngster turned midfield general, Franck Kessie will be among the stars to anchor the middle of the park. Speaking of the midfield, it will by no means be a walk in the park for the Elephants as CAR has been boosted by the Valencia man, Geoffrey Kondogbia who just switched allegiance from France to the central African nation. A win over both legs will secure qualification for Ivory Coast, but will it be so? CAR will also be eyeing the same prize.

Jean Michael Seri of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The first match will be on Friday, 12th of October whereas the return follows on Tuesday at Barthelemy Boganda Stadium in CAR.

Here is Ivory Coast’s squad for the CAR clash

Goalkeeper: Ali Badra Sangare (Free State Stars/RSA)), Sylvain Gbohouo (TP Mazembe/COD), Abdoul Karim Cisse (ASEC Mimosas), Nicolas Tie (Chelsea/ENG)

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Tottenham/ENG), Eric Bailly (Manchester United/ENG), Mamadou Bagayoko (Mechelen/BEL), Ghislain Konan (Reims/FRA), Adama Traore (Goztepe/TUR), Kouadio-Yves Dabila (Lille/FRA), Wilfried Kanon (ADO Den Haag/NED), Ismael Traore (Angers/FRA)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse FC/FRA), Jean Michael Seri (Fulham/ENG), Cheick Doukoure (Levante/ESP), Franck Kessie (AC Milan/ITA) Serey Die (FC Basel/SUI), Victorien Angban (Metz/FRA)

Forwards: Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa/ENG), Roger Assale (Young Boys Bern/SUI), Nicolas Pepe (Lille/FRA), Max-Alain Gradel (Toulouse/FRA), Vakoun Bayo (Dunajska Streda/SVK), Maxwel Cornet (Lyon/FRA), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace/ENG).

Central African Republic’s squad for the clash:

Goalkeepers: Geoffrey Lembet (unattached), Elvis Samolah (Les anges de Fatima), Samolah Prince (SCAF)

Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia is challenged by Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester United and Valencia at Old Trafford on October 2, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 1, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

 Defenders: Cédric Yambere (Dijon, France), Eloge Enza-Yamissi (unattached), St-Cyr Ngam NGgam (DFC8), Thibault Ban (Les anges de Fatima), Manassé Enza-Yamssi (Annecy, France), Fernander Kassai (FC Tobol, Kazakhstan), Nicaise Zimbori (Coton Sport, Cameroon), Salif Keita (Erbil, Iraq),

 Midfielders: Geoffrey Kondogbia (Valencia, Spain), Franklin Anzite (PKNP, Malaysia), Amos Youga (Le Havre, France), Vivien Mabide (Tétouan, Morocco), David Manga (Levadiakos, Greece), Trésor Toropite and, Junior Gourrier (both DFC8), Ralph Kottoy, (Petrocub, Moldava)

 Forwards: Foxi Kethevoama (Balikesirsport, Turkey), Frédéric Nimami (Neuchatel Xamax, Switzerland), Louis Mafouta (Chambly, France), Hilaire Momi and Quentin Ngakoutou (both unattached)

FT Late Heroes Series: Cheick Tiote

Soccer is a sport that was introduced before the First World War. It has evolved over the years to what we enjoy now in the various football tournaments and leagues across the world. In the FirstTouch Late Heroes Series, we take a look at the African players who are no longer with us but still left a mark on the game that we love today. In this piece, we reflect upon the career of a certain Cheick Tiote, who made a name for himself at Newcastle United, in Tyneside, Great Britain. The African midfielder continued the legacy left by Michael Essien of a traditional African midfield destroyer. At FirstTouch, Tiote’s memories still live with us and here’s how we celebrate his life.

From barefoot football to Europe

Cheick Tiote of the Ivory Coast controls the ball as James Rodriguez of Colombia gives chase during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Colombia and Cote D'Ivoire at Estadio Nacional on June 19, 2014 in Brasilia, Brazil.

(June 18, 2014 - Source: Adam Pretty/Getty Images South America)

The African player was a typical example of a street footballer. He did not grow up in an academy like many and started playing barefoot street football at 10 years of age. Tiote owned his first pair of boots at 15, before he started his professional career at Ivorian minor league side, FC Bibo. Being a school drop out at a young age, the player was driven to succeed in playing soccer at the highest level. He is quoted as having said, “I worked and worked and worked for it and it is because of that hard work that I have managed to make it.” This he had to say during his time in England when he had already played for Belgian side, Anderlecht and FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Stunner against Arsenal

Tiote is mostly remembered for scoring a stunner from 30 yards out of the box against Arsenal. He was part of the team that achieved the greatest comeback in the English Premier League as Newcastle came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in February 2011. His goal was the fourth for the club and the equalizer in an 8-goal thriller. What made it special was the connection of the ball and the leg on the volley by a player in full speed. The level of technique that it took to volley that ball into the back of the net earned Tiote some deserved praise for a wonder goal in the English Premier League. He left one for the history books.

“I worked and worked and worked for it and it is because of that hard work that I have managed to make it.”

— The Late Cheick Tiote, Former Ivorian International

Fierce Trio

Newcastle player Cheick Tiote in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park on April 19, 2016 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

(April 18, 2016 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

Also, the defensive midfielder partnered Manchester City legend, Yaya Toure and Jean-Jacques Gosso in the spine of the team for his national side, Ivory Coast. It was him and Gosso Gosso that provided cover for Yaya and allowed him to influence games in the final third. It was unfortunate that they could not lift the African Cup of Nations when Didier Drogba was still around but they eventually managed to win it with Toure as captain in 2015.

Untimely Death

After his stint at Newcastle, Cheick Ismael Tiote decided to move to the Chinese Super League side, Beijing Enterprises in 2017 as he winded down his career. It was reported that on June 5, 2011, Cheick Tiote suffered a cardiac arrest in training which took his life 16 days before his 31st birthday. His death was a shock to the football world and it was dark day. We have him to thank for contributing towards the game with his all as commitment levels, second to none.

Tiote’s Coaches’ Tribute to Him

1. Rafael Benítez labelled him "a true professional"

2. Alan Pardew described him as "everything that you want in a Newcastle player"

3. Steve McClaren (who had managed him at both Twente and Newcastle) remembered him as the toughest player he had ever seen

4. Chris Hughton (who had brought him to Newcastle) spoke of his humility and called him "the perfect fit"

Honours

Before the end of his time, Tiote had achieved a lot throughout his career both at club and at international level. He won the:

1. Belgian Super League 2005/06 and 2006/07 (Anderlecht)

2. Belgian Super Cup 2006 (Anderlecht)

3. Eredivisie 09/10 (Twente)

4. Dutch Super Cup 2010 (Twente)

5. African Cup of Nations 2015 (Ivory Coast)

African midfield trio help Fulham secure a point against Watford

The Premier League weekend kicked off with new boys Fulham welcoming highflying Watford who had won all of their first four matches, only losing to Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in the fifth. It is in games with opposition outside the so called “big six” that the Whites’ big money signing, Jean Michel Seri would be expected to really have a go, splash his creative juices and run the match from start to finish. As expected, Watford proved to be a tricky opposition, forcing the Craven Cottagers to start on the back foot after Andre Gray had put the visitors ahead in the second minute.

The Ivorian, Seri and his teammates were forced to play ping pong basic football as the Premier League fourth placed team showed why they had done so well in their first matches of the season. There was simply no place for Jean Michel Seri and his creative juices to flow in the first half. Watford’s defence marshalled by Belgian-Congolese, Christian Kabasele was as cool as ice, pocketing Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who had proved lethal in all his Fulham matches from the time he was loaned from Newcastle and most recently when they made the move permanent in the summer. Up front, a much slimmer Troy Deeney who recently lost close to 6.4kilos in weight continued enjoying dividends of his new shape as he partnered with Andre Gray. It was business as usual in the midfield and the flanks as arguably Watford’s best player of the campaign so far, Roberto Pereyra, William Hughes and Abdoulaye Doucoure emerged as a superior backbone while Holebas ran up and down the left wing at will. After watching the first-half, one would be tempted to conclude that Fulham could be easily one of the easiest candidates for relegation and that their over £100 million expenditure on transfers in the summer was misdirected. However, things took a different twist in the second forty-five minutes.

Floyd Ayite of Fulham and Daryl Janmaat of Watford in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Watford FC at Craven Cottage on September 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

“With Seri, Ayite and 22-year old Anguissa now deployed as Fulham’s backbone, tables turned. The West-African flavor now present, helped bring the best out of everyone else at the Cottage. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa of Fulham in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Watford FC at Craven Cottage on September 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Steve Bardens/Getty Images Europe)

Fulham Manager, Slavisa Jokanovic made two changes in the midfield of three, bringing in Togolese international, Floyd Ayite and Cameroonian prodigy, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who joined them in the summer from French Ligue 1 side, Marseille. With Seri, Ayite and 22-year old Anguissa now deployed as Fulham’s backbone, tables turned. The West-African flavor now present, helped bring the best out of everyone else at the Cottage. England teenager, Ryan Sessegnon found his rhythm in the left-wing back position putting out any fires and racing upfield at the slightest of opportunities. He even burst his nose at some point but changed his shirt and ran back into the match. Argentine Luciano Vietto on loan from Atletico Madrid got his playmaker instincts resuscitated as a more spirited Fulham led from the midfield by the Ivory Coast-Togo-Cameroon trio pressed for an equalizer.

It eventually came in the 78th minute as Vietto won the ball on the left flank and setup Mitrovic for his fifth goal of the season launching him to the top of EPL scoring charts alongside Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. He could have had a second but Watford goalkeeper, Ben Forster was equal to every challenge and ensured the match finished tied at one goal apiece. Mitrovic who was pocketed the entire first-half of the match by Kabasele now looked the most dangerous player on the pitch. The African midfield personnel deployed in the second half by Fulham really lifted the spirit of the team and their game play.

The question for Jokanovic now will be whether he will stick to his guns or sacrifice even the captain of the team, Kevin McDonald to deploy Seri, Anguissa and Ayite? Oh perhaps change the tactics to accommodate all? Only time will tell. Fulham will visit Everton this coming weekend before welcoming Arsenal at the Craven Cottage the following one.

As for Cameroon, Togo and Ivory Coast, they will be delighted with their boys repping them in style. With the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers continuing in October and the tournament itself kicking off in June next year, there is no better way to prepare for the showdown than deciding Premier League matches.

Jean Michael Seri of Fulham runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Watford FC at Craven Cottage on September 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

English Premier League Round Up: Matchday 5

Cardiff City vs Manchester City (Saturday, 22 September 2018)

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City scores his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Manchester City at Cardiff City Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

Pep Guardiola’s men thumped the home team by five goals to nil and the Algerian international made a mark in this game. Mahrez scored two goals on the day which are his first goals for the Premier League champions.

Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Saturday, 22 September 2018)

Ivorian centre back Eric Bailly’s struggles continued as he was benched again on Saturday when the Manchester club played Wolves. The defender was not available to help his team who were disappointing in front of their fans at the “Theater of Dreams”. It was also Sir Alex Ferguson’s first appearance back at the club since being discharged from the hospital. United drew 0-0 with Wolves.

Liverpool vs Southampton (Saturday, 22 September 2018)

It was the Cameroonian international, Joel Matip’s debut for the season as his club took on the Saints. He marked his return to the first team with a goal on the 21st minute courtesy of a brilliantly taken corner kick by Trent Alexander Arnold.

Also, another African player made it on the scoresheet for Liverpool. English Premier League top goal scorer for the 2017/18 season, Mohamed Salah, scored Liverpool’s third in a 3-0 victory against Van Dijk’s old club. This result means that Liverpool maintain their perfect start to the season with five straight victories in the league. Watch out for the African connection at this club!

Joel Matip of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Brighton vs Tottenham (Saturday, 22 September 2018)

Tottenham grinded out a 2-1 win away from home. The main highlight from this match for us was the fact that Vincent Wanyama did not play yet again. The African player seems to have fallen out of favor at the London club which raises questions about his future. The Kenyan midfielder is too talented to be wasted on the bench at any club having been denied the opportunity to get some game time in the UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan.

Lucas Moura and VIctor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur FC play around while visting Venice Beach on July 24, 2018 in Venice, California.

(July 23, 2018 - Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images North America)

West Ham vs Chelsea (Sunday, 23 September 2018)

We were keen to see two African players in action, with DR Congo international, Masuaku playing in his preferred left back role for West Ham United as well as Victor Moses being preferred on the right hand side of an attacking three for Chelsea. It was unfortunate to see Sari rotating that position bringing on William ahead of the Nigerian international who recently announced his retirement with an intention to focus on his career with Chelsea. Both teams had little to separate them as the game ended in another goalless draw.

Arsenal vs Everton (Sunday, 23 September 2018)

Gabonese international striker, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang continued his goal scoring form for Arsenal as he scored the second goal for the club in a 2-0 victory against Everton. The first was scored by fellow striker, Alexandre Lacazette who has formed a bromance with the former Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan striker. Nigerian midfielder, Alex Iwobi could only come off the bench for Aubameyang after his stellar performances in mid week where he was by far the man of the Match for Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava.

What has happened to Ivory Coast’s Bailly at United?

Eric Bailly of Manchester United and James Maddison of Leicester City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on August 10, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Aug. 9, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Jose Mourinho looked to have made a masterstroke in landing the signature of a certain Ivorian defender from Villarreal on the 8th of June, 2016. Not many teams were aware of the attributes that Eric Bailly possessed at just the age of 22 when he moved to Manchester United. The young player had a raw talent similar to that of Raphael Varane when he was brought in at the Bernabeu by Jose Mourinho when he was still the manager of Real Madrid. His pace above all else, convinced many that the defense of the new-look Manchester United team will not be easy to break down. It was all glitz and glamour for the Ivorian, but two years later, there are still issues at the back. Bailly has been in and out of the team because of one reason after another. In this piece, we explore what has happened to Bailly and why he has not yet achieved the expected success at Old Trafford.

“He also had a contusion which took his twenty-one days of training before going on his longest spell out of the side for a hundred days due to an ankle injury. In total, he missed 34 matches since joining the Manchester club. That’s about a season spent on the treatment table.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

Early Success

The African player went straight into the starting lineup in Mourinho’s chosen eleven. He looked sharp, quick, calm and confident which made him a fan favorite in no time. Bailly looked the player that Manchester United longed for after losing Ferdinand and Vidic to old age. Mourinho’s job was made easier at the back as he lifted the FA Community Shield, FA League Cup and the UEFA Europa League in his first season at the club. Bailly, alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was one of the outstanding players in their quest to success. What a perfect way to start a career in England with arguably the biggest club in the world. What followed was something that no one could have guessed.

Injuries

Eric Bailly, unfortunately, started picking up injuries in his second season at Manchester United. He suffered a knee injury in October 2016 which kept him out till December. He also had a contusion which took his twenty-one days of training before going on his longest spell out of the side for a hundred days due to an ankle injury. In total, he missed 34 matches since joining the Manchester club. That’s about a season spent on the treatment table. This slowed down his development into a world class defender like all the youngsters nurtured by the Portuguese mentor. Think about the likes of  Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, Ramos, Varane, Walter Samuel, only to mention but just a few, he could have easily joined this company. With those 34 matches under his belt, the Ivorian centre back would have been on another level now.

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United in discussion with Eric Bailly of Manchester United as he replaces Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester United at Turf Moor on September 2, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 1, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Inconsistency

When Mourinho identified him as a potential Manchester United defender, he knew he had the task to iron out inconsistencies out of Bailly’s game. This still proves to be a difficult task even for the Special One because Bailly’s performances have been unpredictable. One match, he plays like a world class defender; commanding the defence, instigating attacks with his defense-splitting pass and scoring goals on set pieces. The other, he looks uninterested in the development of play which frustrates his manager. Bailly has been demoted to the bench in the two most recent English Premier League games for Manchester United. The reason behind this is not quite clear but many allude that it is down to inconsistent performances. Bailly should work hard to come back stronger and cement his position in the starting lineup.

A few spots and wrinkles

Besides, Bailly has been culpable of some costly mistakes for Manchester United. This should not be a surprise considering his risky style of play which sees him holding the ball too much in search of open spaces for his teammates. Bailly has the confidence of holding the ball under pressure and releasing it when necessary but this has backfired on a couple of occasions. He usually covers it up with his amazing ability of intercepting passes but these errors are not easily forgotten among the Manchester United faithful. Perhaps one other growth areas for the Ivorian international would be the ability to balance passion and logic. Because he loves the game and the team so much, at times Bailly makes rush tackles even when they are not needed leading to dangerous set pieces and penalties for the opposition.

The sun has not set yet

There have been transfer rumours in recent weeks about the 24-year-old moving to the Emirates in Arsenal or their cross town rivals in Tottenham meaning he is still a prized asset in the game. Whether or not Bailly eventually moves, he still has enough time to work on his not-so strengths and become a world-class centre back. Perhaps having a more senior partner to mentor Bailly in a defensive pairing could help him a great deal. Look at Liverpool’s Joe Gomez for instance, the 21-year-old is looking like a Kalidou Koulibaly only because the more experienced Virgil Van Dyk is there to compliment him. Confidence inevitably grows as well which is something Eric Bailly could really use at this point.

Five reasons why you should watch the upcoming AFCON 2019

There is much talk about the UEFA Champions League being the best club competition to exist and only second to the FIFA World Cup which is an international tournament. Because of that, not much attention has been paid to a tournament like the African Cup of Nations where the best teams on the African continent pitch against each other to fight for the crown of “Wakanda”. Such an exceptional tournament was left for us Africans to enjoy and the rest of the world was starved of the drama that comes from this prestigious fight for the power of the “Black Panther”. Not anymore though because FirstTouch Africa is here to keep you up to speed with the history of the tournament - to give you the necessary context of the African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon in 2019. Here’s the reasons why you should watch the upcoming AFCON tournament.

1. Discover the best African talents & next breakout stars

Hassan Ahmed, captain of Egypt celebrates winning the Africa Cup of Nations final match between Ghana and Egypt from Universitaria Stadium on January 31, 2010 in Luanda, Angola.

(Jan. 30, 2010 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

It is in such a tournament that the biggest talents on the African continent are given the opportunity to represent their nations against the already established players. Why is this so if you may ask? Probably because not all the best players from the continent play in Europe. Some players either choose to play on the motherland throughout their career, or some are still yet to be scouted by the biggest clubs in the world and will bring their A game in an audition for a big move across the world. In the past, we witnessed players like the Egyptian goalkeeper, El Hadary, shining in the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the likes of Victor Enyeama of Nigeria, who played in the French Ligue. The Egyptian played for Al-Ahly for the greater part of his career because he wanted African football to be competitive and he contributed to that by offering his services in the local leagues to provide a benchmark of what quality goalkeeping should look like. The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon will be an opportunity for you to discover such talents that you do not get to see on the match-days in the English Premier League live or any other European leagues.

2. Watch the drama as it unfolds

This tournament is popular for the its dramatic moments. At the top of any African football fan’s mind, the shocking defeat of Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) at the hands of Zambia in the 2012 AFCON final should be serve as a vivid memory. I mean, as much as Zambia had played some great football in the earliest stages and achieved some great results, not many saw them having enough to go all the way especially when they faced Didier Drogba’s team in his last outing for his nation on February 12, 2012. Shocking results are just one of the many dramatic things that happen in this competition. There are some memorable moments about how soccer players get bookings (yellow cards) for showboating on the pitch in the local leagues but some still remain eager to show their fans that they are the entertainers, more so on the international scene. Apart from that, there are some bizarre goal celebrations like the ones made by DR Congo goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba. You can’t explain such things. Check it out here and drop your thought about it in the comment section below.

3. Be a judge to the notion that Africa is developing

Also, following the African cup of nations live will be an awesome opportunity to witness the developments happening on the African continent. Just recently, a corruption scandal in Ghana made headlines and the Ghanaian government responded effectively by dismissing the officials accused of dragging the continent backwards in the fight against corruption. This will be a priceless experience to see things from a different perspective from how it has been presented in the past by the European media. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also made efforts to warn Cameroon to adhere to international standards if they wish to remain the hosts of the tournament next year. Will the stadiums be ready and in better condition than in the previous years? Is Africa to truly on the rise as suggested by many or is it just a myth? All these questions will be answered not by anyone else but through your own observation as this tournament unfolds in June 2019.

“Such an exceptional tournament was left for us Africans to enjoy and the rest of the world was starved of the drama that comes from this prestigious fight for the power of the “Black Panther.””

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

4. Witness an amazing cultural exchange

Angola fans dejected during the Africa Cup of Nations Quarter Final match between Angola and Ghana from the November 11 Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Luanda, Angola.

(Jan. 23, 2010 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

There are about 54 different countries on the continent of Africa but not all of them will be represented at the AFCON finals in Cameroon 2019. Only 24 teams will be present and their fans will be flying from all over the world to support their teams. This means that people of different backgrounds, religion, ethnicity, among other social and cultural differences will come together and add some spice to the way they support the game of football. It is through this diversity that we discovered the Vuvuzela as an African instrument that later on spread across the world of football and is now used in many stadiums around the world. The talking drums of Nigeria are no exception. This upcoming tournament promises to add something new like it always does even when the official teams to play at the tournament are still yet to be confirmed.

5. Broaden your knowledge of football

Zooming out of your comfort zone and exploring a new soccer tournament in the Africa Cup of Nations presents an opportunity to widen football knowledge of any avid soccer fan. Instead of listening to the so-called football experts about African soccer, be your own pundit and witness the bias around soccer on this continent. Get to know more about the backgrounds of your favorite players among other things. The tournament is ready for you! Are you ready for it?

FT Hidden Gems Series: Despite AC Milan's troubles, will Franck Kessie succeed in Italy?

Ivorian talent Franck Kessie moved to AC Milan in the summer of 2017 with a lot of hype around him in the Italian league. The midfield enforcer looked to emulate the influence created by legends who played in his role at the club which include Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso, among others. In this piece, we look at where Kessie came from, what he brings to AC Milan and how the club has let him down in terms of his career progression.

Franck Kessie of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Brief Background

Franck Kessie initially joined AC Milan from Atalanta on a two-year loan deal. This was in the summer of 2017 when the club went all in with their transfers that summer in a bid to fight for UEFA Champions League qualification. Kessie came in as a raw talent but with a lot of promise to become a regular first team player in one of the biggest teams. He had scored goals from midfield like Yaya Toure did during his stint at Manchester City. The 21-year-old was also trusted with some penalty kick duties in a star studded team with players like Suso, Andre Silva, Bonucci, Rodriguez and Calhanoglu at AC Milan. He helped his team during the season especially in the UEFA Europa League before they got knocked out of the tournament by Arsenal. Nonetheless, Gattuso reserved some praise for his young successor who fought hard in the middle of the park against players of the calibre of Mesut Ozil. In the end, AC Milan, failed to lift a trophy in the 2017/18 season on top of their failure to qualify for the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League tournament. They finished 6th in the Serie A which left many disappointed.

Kessie’s Abilities

If you did not know what he brings to the table already, it is great to know that he is comfortable with protecting the defence. Kessie is a no-nonsense type of midfielder who draws comparison only to a few players in his position today. The closest one, I could think of is World Cup Winner, N’golo Kante who annoys his opponents by tracking them down and shrugging them off the ball. It is no surprise that WhoScored identified one of his weaknesses as being the protagonist that commits too many fouls. Professional fouls if you ask me because he gets away with them and saves the team from counter attacks. He also averages 3.3 interceptions and 3.2 tackles per game. This type of player is rare to find in the current market. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City lack that type of a traditional defensive midfielder that Kessie is and it’s only a matter of time before they come calling for the young African’s service.

Franck Kessie (R) of AC Milan competes for the ball with goalkeeper Keylor Navas (2ndL) and his teammate Marcelo (L) during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy between Real Madrid CF and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

Besides, limiting a player of Kessie’s calibre to focus solely on defensive duties would be a waste of his talent, and AC Milan have since noticed that. He offers so much more on the field of play with his fantastic ball control, dribbling ability and power to bomb up and down the pitch. Kessie can easily suit as the modern ‘box-to-box’ player who supports the team when in attack and also being the first to fly into a tackle when out of possession. His distance covered per 90 minutes averages at around 12.1km which is the third highest behind Vecino and Marco Benassi in Italian soccer. Kessie has the legs to roam the pitch and influence matches for AC Milan. He just needs quality players around him to keep developing his game.

Also, he comes to the rescue with his odd goals here and there. Franck Kessie has already scored 6 goals for AC Milan and has the potential to add more if he gets through on goal. Barcelona fans might not like hearing that Kessie has that striker’s instinct that their former player, Paulinho, has – probably because they are probably bitter that the Brazilian left them for China after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The youngster is not scared to make forward runs and create options for his teammates in the penalty box which is an asset for his team who need the goals if they are to compete with the best teams in Italy.

Finally, his all-round play and defensive contribution gives license to other players like Higuaín and Suso to play freely and express themselves in the last third of the pitch. Kessie’s work rate basically relieves them of defensive duties which is every playmaker’s dream. This brings out the best in those players and it would not be a surprise to see Higuain topping the scoring charts once more this season in the Italian Serie A despite the arrival of the Portuguese goal machine, Cristiano Ronaldo.

How AC Milan failed Kessie

Franck Kessie #79 of A.C. Milan battles for the ball with Luke Shaw #23 of Manchester United in the second half during the International Champions Cup 2018 at StubHub Center on July 25, 2018 in Carson, California.

(July 24, 2018 - Source: John McCoy/Getty Images North America)

The club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League denied the young talent an opportunity of a lifetime to showcase his skillset against the very best teams in Europe. Kylian Mbappe, for example, played at this grandest stage at just 19 and went on to have an amazing World Cup in Russia thanks to the level of competition in the tournament which raised his game. Kessie cannot continue to work his socks off for a club that lacks the ambition to compete against the best in the world.

Apart from that, they sold Bonucci back to Juventus in the following season. This move shocked many fans who know what the Italian brings to the team. He is a defensive rock at the back and losing him could worsen their defensive record this season. This means that Kessie will be asked to do a little bit more to protect the defenders now that a legend has left the club and AC Milan failed to find a proper replacement.

Final Question

Do you think Franck Kessie should remain in Milan when their rivals are moving forward and continuing to make the right investments which beef up their squads? He is only 21, maybe he can learn a lot more from this experience.

Give us your verdict. We want to hear what you think about this young man’s future.

Gervinho and Yaya Toure: Aging like wine

Some of the most decorated names in African football history are backup in the headlines, reminding the world that form is temporary but class is permanent.

Gervinho

“Clearly I wanted to keep him on for the whole game and I received a lot of insults from the stands, but I am taking some risks with him. He had 20 minutes against SPAL, plus some problems during the week, and I can’t afford to lose him. Gervinho has unique technical and physical characteristics, so I can’t let him get injured.”

— D'Aversa, Parma Manager

The 31-year-old Ivorian made a shocking return to the Serie A this summer under the newly promoted Parma from the Chinese Super League side, Hebei China Fortune. The Chinese adventure was one momentarily erased the AFCON winner from the global stage after as it was marked with injuries and lapses of form. He is however really back now. The former Arsenal forward who also struggled in North London is showing signs of his long term love affair with the Italian soil. Gervinho soared at AS Roma playing alongside Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko and he announced himself again over the weekend, scoring for Parma in their 2-1 loss to the Serie A champions, Juventus. Even though he is yet to regain full fitness, there was evidence that his quick dancing feet and killer instinct is a thing for eternity, something no injury or football league could take away.In fact, in the Juventus match, only Douglas Costa completed more dribbles than Gervinho, not even Ronaldo could match the Ivorian. Parma manager was full of praise for the forward and did acknowledge the Ivorian’s ability singling him out as one for the key ingredients to his success formula.

Alex Sandro of Juventus competes for the ball with Gervinho of Parma Calcio during the serie A match between Parma Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Ennio Tardini on September 1, 2018 in Parma, Italy.

(Aug. 31, 2018 - Source: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images Europe)

Yaya Toure

“I am as hungry for success now as I was when I first arrived here many years ago and I cannot wait to help the club win the trophies the great fans of Olympiakos deserve. It is now time to let my football do the talking once again.”

— Yaya Toure, Olympiakos

After Yaya’s agent had teased the whole of London, announcing that the free agent had completed a medical in London, the four time African Player of the Year returned to Olympiakos in Greece. The 35-year old was mobbed by the Greeks with lit-flares subjecting the Ivorian to a hero’s welcome.The sight in Greece was really something of the nature of a prodigal son being welcomed home and pretty much “Prince Charming” awaited to rescue the “Princess” from the giant castle guarded by the fiery dragon. After falling out of the domestic title race last time out, Olympiakos will be hoping that Yaya will pull off a Yaya and deliver the goods.

You can surely bet on the three time EPL Champion with Manchester City, AFCON winner and UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona to live up to the hero status even when age seems to be catching up with him. Even in his own words, he sounds sharp and ready to roll.

Vincent Kompany of Manchester City embraces Yaya Toure of Manchester City as he is presented with a shirt in a frame during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at Etihad Stadium on May 9, 2018 in Manchester, England.

(May 8, 2018 - Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe) 

Do you remember the Ivorian, Gervinho? He’s back in the Italian Serie A

The 31-year-old Ivory Coast international is still in the football world, as a player in case you had forgotten about him. The former Arsenal forward has returned to the Italian Serie A, signing for new boys, Parma after he was released by Hebei China Fortune.

Gervinho of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The forward who neared legend status, at least in my opinion is back for a second spell in Italy having previously played for AS Roma. He appeared 88 times for Roma, scoring 26 goals in three seasons before moving to the Chinese Super League side, Hebei China Fortune where he only found the net 4 times in two-and-half years.

Gervinho has been capped 80 times for Ivory Coast and counting. He scored some 22 goals in those caps and won the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Elephants in 2015, having missed a sudden death penalty in the 2012 final when the Ivorians lost to Zambia. He played at two FIFA World Cups, 2010 and 2014 scoring some great goals as well.

He is apparently not done with the Italian Serie A. Will he create more moments magic before he calls time on his career?

Just in case you forgot what he can bring, check out the video below.

Ivory Coast’s Zaha commits to Palace ending months long speculation

Many of you know him for the edgy haircuts,  some for the ear to ear smile, diving criticism and quite a number of you for the “stop it bro” captions on our FirstTouch Instagram page for embarrassing defenders.  Yes, the amazingly talented forward who has terrorised Premier League defenders in the Eagles colors has penned a new deal keeping him at Selhurst park until the 2022/23 season.

The 25-year-old has really become the backbone of the Crystal Palace side that survived a relegation scare in the 2017/18 campaign after a poor start that saw them lose all of their opening seven matches with scoring a single goal. The fans actually came for the eighth match wearing 007 shirts telling the story of their mishap, only for Zaha to return and break the curse by handing them a 2-1 win over the then Champions Chelsea. In total, he netted nine times in the 2017/18 EPL season and started of this campaign in the similar form, scoring in their 2-0 win over Fulham to become the club’s joint English Premier League top scorer. He has been a subject of speculation with the likes of Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea being linked to the forward whose reported price tag falls in the region of £70 million. It could be much more now because of this new contract.

Cyrus Christie of Fulham and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on August 11, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)

Here is what Wilfried had to say after putting pen to paper.

“I just wanted to get it over and done with, so I can focus on the season. I’m buzzing that we managed to get it sorted.”

— Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast

Even the club chairman admitted that the team is to be built around the Ivorian:

“It’s the last piece of the jigsaw in the transfer window. One of the important things for Wilfried is that we can compete at this level. It’s important that he stays, but we have to put a team around him. ”

— Steve Parish, Crystal Palace Chairman

For Crystal Palace's sake, hopefully Zaha can stay healthy. The Eagles were winless in Zaha's injury absences at the start of last year's campaign and will be hoping for a better start this season. With a 2-0 win on opening day against Fulham, it's safe to say they are on the right track.

Yaya Toure says Pep Guardiola 'often has problems with Africans'

Ivorian born midfielder, Yaya Toure says the Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, looks beyond a player’s ability and technique in kicking the ball but is also particular about the color of the skin. A player’s color of the skin then determines the respect that he affords a specific player. What a bold claim!

Toure said, “Guardiola often has problems with Africans." This is a statement that reflects the kind of negative attitude that African players receive under his coaching. Initially, Toure thought that the treatment he was receiving was because of ‘jealousy’ since he has been more influential than the Spanish born manager during his playing career. But later, the possibility of this being due to the color of his skin then struck him upon further reflection on how he had managed other players from the African continent in the past. These claims have unsurprisingly been met by silence from Man City because Toure’s claims are far too bold for any club to comment on unless they have more information. The club is at crossroads because they want to maintain their relationship with Guardiola who successfully guided Manchester City to the EPL crown this May as well as supporting their club legend, Toure.

Toure believes that the inequality that can easily be accredited to Pep's origin at City has gone on for far too long that he wants to be the one to break it off. It is surprising that such discussions about inequality due to one’s origin in soccer still exist after so much progress has been made. It is easy to assume that the progression of society in one sphere of life can be seen in another sphere, such as football, but such stories have proven otherwise.