NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Mo Salah: The conundrums of the Egyptian's "King" status
FIFA Best Footballer of the world finalist, 2017 CAF Player of the Year, 2017/18 EPL Top Goal Scorerç Liverpool’s player of the season and many other countless award winner, Mohamed Salah is involved in a less than ideal relationship with local Egyptian officials.
“Salah’s power is rooted outside government control, which makes him stronger than the government. Salah will continue to win his battles unless the government decides to take him on and accuse him of cooperating with the opposition.”
In Merseyside, they know him as the Egyptian king that runs down the wing or the pharaoh that fell from heaven wearing number 11. The past one-year has been a revelation for both Mohamed Salah and the entire world, not just the footballing world. The 26-year-old returned to the English Premier League in Liverpool colors after being an unwanted child at Chelsea. As they say, the rest is history. Salah scooped countless individual accolades on the continent and abroad, broke all sorts of records including the most goals scored in a single EPL season, with 32 to his name and 44 in all competitions. He may have finished trophyless but the Egyptian was instrumental in leading the Reds to their first UEFA Champions League final in as many years and Egypt’s sorry 2018 world cup campaign could be attributed to the lack of him, both psychologically and tactically. The climax of all his achievements on the pitch, is his nomination for the FIFA World’s Best Footballer of the Year together with the five-time winner in Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia’s captain fantastic, Luka Modric. The first African player to be nominated for the award since the days of the currently serving Liberia’s President, George Weah. But there’s more, perhaps not so pleasing events surrounding the pacey forward’s personal life and career.
The other story kinda starts with a photo
Mohamed Salah of Egypt kisses the ball before scoring from the penalty spot during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
(June 18, 2018 - Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe)
Off the pitch, Salah is currently embroidered in a less than ideal relationship with the Egyptian federation that started with a fight over image rights. Salah was not pleased with his photo decorated on the Egyptian team’s Russia plane by the official sponsor of the team, WE as he was in a sponsorship deal with the rival, Vodafone. He eventually won that spat but the wheels had already started coming off. Next up, was the Russia incident which drove the Liverpool forward to consider early retirement from international football. The story is narrated as one in which Mohamed was used as political capital by Russia’s controversial Chenchya leader who took pictures with the forward and claimed he had given the Egyptian international an honorary citizenship in the Russian province. There are numerous reports that also cited other incidents that involved a delegation of celebrities disrupting the Egyptian team in training which are rumored to have strained Salah’s relationship with the Egyptian FA.
“You tried to portray me as someone who hates his country. Rest assured, people won’t believe you. This is 2018, you cannot keep shouting Colombian! Colombian! Colombian! about my agent ... you keep saying his attitude is not good. But, look, we have a problem, so forget his attitude and just solve the problem.”
The recent not-so-cool exchanges
As the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resume on the weekend of 8-9 September, it has been reported that Salah had demands for improved security and discipline in the Pharaohs camp building up to the qualifiers. No one in the country is in better position to make such demands other than Salaha, because of his populist power. Local political commentators even mention that Salah is more powerful than the government:
Mohamed Salah is Awarded the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for November at Melwood Training Ground on December 14, 2017 in Liverpool, England.
(Dec. 13, 2017 - Source: Jan Kruger/Getty Images Europe)
"Salah's power is rooted outside government control, which makes him stronger than the government. Salah will continue to win his battles unless the government decides to take him on and accuse him of cooperating with the opposition"- Hassan Nafaa, Political Analyst
Based on the political analyst’s assertion, no one can touch Salah. In light of this perceived “truth,” reports claim that the federation tried to severe Salah’s relationship with the masses by going for his Colombian agent and mentioning that Salah’s stardom changed him, making him less loyal to the country. The 26-year-old has since rubbished the comments in a video post saying:
"You tried to portray me as someone who hates his country. Rest assured, people won't believe you. This is 2018, you cannot keep shouting Colombian! Colombian! Colombian! about my agent ... you keep saying his attitude is not good. But, look, we have a problem, so forget his attitude and just solve the problem." - Mohamed Salah, Liverpool and Egypt.
Egypt’s history with stars
Some local commentators have begun fearing for Salah’s personal life and career given his take-ons with not only defenders on the pitch but now with officials. Discussions revolve around Salah’s possibility of eventually getting the same fate as his exiled mentor and ex-footballer, Mohamed Abu-treka who allegedly conspired with an Islamist group against the government and placed on a terrorists list or the comedian Bassem Youssef, dubbed Arab World’s Jon Stewart, who hosted the most watched weekly show in the history of Arabic television. Youssef was allegedly labelled a foreign agent and now lives in exile.
Mohamed Salah is yet to complete a compulsory military service which could be more than two years in the country and some of his family members still reside in the country. What do you think the future holds for perhaps the world’s most loved Egyptian?
Mohamed Salah of Egypt scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot past Igor Akinfeev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
(June 18, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
FT African Legends Series: The ultimate "markswoman", Portia Modise
The 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is on the horizon. We reminisce the career of some legendary women who have grace the field on the continent. The first ever footballer (male of female) to reach 100 career goals is up first. Do you who she really is?
As we draw closer towards the much anticipated 2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Ghana from the 17th of November to 1st of December, we celebrate some great legends of the game on the continent.
While the men’s South African team has been struggling to score goals. The women’s team, Banyana Banyana had a gem who used to score goals for fun in Portia Modise. Below we profile this unsung hero who knew what it meant to be a striker during her playing days.
blog, football, feature, Portia Modise, Arsenal Women’s team, Banyana Banyana, AWC,SAFA, CAF, Mali, Soweto, London Olympics
Background
Nicknamed “Bashin” after the football great Alfred “Bashin” Mahlangu, Portia was born in June 1983 in the famous township of Soweto in South Africa.
Contribution to the game
With a scoring prowess which was second to none, Portia Modise became the first African (amongst both men and women) to amass more than 100 international goals. Yes you read that right. She scored 102 goals in 119 appearances for Banyana Banyana in an unbelievable career which was filled with various accolades and achievements. Modise was named Player of the tournament at the Women African Championships held in 2006 for her stellar performances even though Banyana Banyana could only finish as first runner-ups. Moreover, “Bashin” was also part of the Banyana Banyana squad which represented South Africa at the 2012 London Olympic games.
Club Career
Professionally, Portia played for various South Africa teams including Soweto Ladies F.C where she scored 51 goals for the club . She also played for teams like Falcons F.C, and Croesus Ladies which were locally based teams. In 2007, Modise received an opportunity to play in Europe. She signed a two-year deal to play in Denmark for premier league team Fortuna Hjorring, before she returned to South Africa in 2009 to play for the Palace Super Falcons. Also worth noting is that back in 2003, Modise almost played for the Arsenal women’s football team, once upon a time in her glorious career. However, the move failed to materialize mainly due to finance and sponsorship details, despite Modise impressing the then Arsenal coach.
“With a scoring prowess which was second to none, “Bashin” became the first African (yes you read that right) to amass more than 100 international goals in 124 appearances. Such a record epitomized the true legend that she was in a male-dominated sport like football.”
International Career
Portia’s glimmering career was earmarked mainly by her amazing exploits at national team level. She began playing for Banyana Banyana back in 2000 aged 16. While playing for Banyana Banyana, she was instrumental in helping the team qualify for the 2008 African Women's Championship held in Equatorial Guinea. She also helped the team qualify for the 2012 London Olympic games where she scored the team’s only goal during the whole tournament. With a scoring prowess which was second to none, “Bashin” became the first African (yes you read that right) to amass more than 100 international goals in 124 appearances. Such a record epitomized the true legend that she was in a male-dominated sport like football. She finally hung her boots in 2015 after an illustrious career.
Career Accolades and Achievements
Portia Modise of South Africa celebrates scoring during the Women's Football first round Group F Match of the London 2012 Olympic Games between Sweden and South Africa, at City of Coventry Stadium on July 25, 2012 in Coventry, England.
(July 24, 2012 - Source: Sindy Thomas/Getty Images Europe)
Portia’s amazing career was nothing short of achievements to back up her legendary status. For instance, Modise was nominated for the Women's FIFA World Player of the Year award back in 2005. She was also nominated for the 2006 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women's Football of the Year award. Furthermore, Modise won the 2006 player of the year championship at the Women’s African Football Championship. She also went on to win the much coveted South African Sports Star award in the year 2014. What’s more, to close off a wonderful footballing career, “Bashin” was honoured by the South African Football Association (SAFA) after scoring her 100th goal for Banyana Banyana in the African Women’s Championship (AWC) in Namibia, 2014.
Women’s football still lags behind in coverage both in Africa and internationally, however those who did get the opportunity to see Modise in action will know that she had skill and inherent talent beyond that of many of her male counterparts. Not many have been able to mimic nor reach the class exuded by Portia Modise during her days. Nonetheless, the upcoming Women’s AFCON provides the appropriate platform for Africa and the rest of the world to see new talent that can take Women’s football by storm and reach the level of Portia Modise. Will we see more of the Portia Modise, or was she one of a kind? You make the call.
Will Siphiwe Tshabalala succeed in Europe?
South African and ABSA Premier League legend has finally made the dream move to Europe at age 33. Does the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder still has what it takes to leave a mark in Europe?
The old adage “age is nothing but a number” has been proven true now and again by some of football’s biggest stars. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus, then Gianluigi Buffon’s surprise switch to French giants PSG, our football stars seem far from hanging up their boots. That said, even our own African superstars have also followed suit in their hunger for more success and new challenges. South African legend Siphiwe Tshabalala has also been a focal talking point following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs to Turkish outfit Büyükşehir Belediye Erzurumspor.
Shabba’s time at Amakhosi
Siphiwe Tshabalala of South Africa scores the first goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
(June 10, 2010 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Siphiwe Tshabalala joined South African giants Kaizer Chiefs back in 2007 from a first division club at the time, Free State Stars and went on to have a great deal of success with the Soweto club. At Chiefs, “Ntho tse monate”, as Shabba is known in the football circles won two ABSA premiership titles with Amakhosi as well as six domestic cups with the club. Shabba also won the coveted Kaizer Chiefs player of the season back in the 2008/2009 season after an impressive showing in the season. The 33-year-old dreadlocked winger made a total of 358 appearances for the mighty Amakhosi and also went on to score 58 goals overall.
Apart from being a popular premier league player, Tshabalala also made headlines for some moments of brilliance on the international stage. A big moment that elevated his popularity in the football circles was his outrageous long range goal that he scored for Bafana Bafana, the South African national team, back in 2010 during the opening match of the FIFA world cup against Mexico. It was an emotional moment not only for Shabba but the African continent as a whole as it was the first ever goal to be scored in a world cup hosted on African soil and it surely had the characteristics of a classic goal. As if that was enough, Shabba’s goal was nominated for the FIFA “puskas” award as a strong contender for goal of the year in 2010. Tshabalala made 91 appearances for Bafana Bafana and went on to score 12 goals of which most of them were from set pieces as he was a dead-ball specialist with his revered left foot.
Style of play
SiphiweTshabalala (L) of the Chiefs runs with the ball during the Nedbank Cup Final between SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 25, 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
(Dec. 31, 1999 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Shabba’s style of play was loved by most South African football fanatics, especially the Kaizer Chiefs supporters. His flair and pace on the left wing, coupled with his trickery and ability to shake off a defender in one-on-one situations, made him a nuisance to many defenders. Shabba was more of a short passer and always tried to find spaces between defenders. In his later years at Chiefs, Tshabalala began playing more of a central role where he played just behind the strikers and was the one tasked with creating chances for the Amakhosi forwards. Apart from his crossing ability and his sheer pace, Shabba is widely respected for his dead-ball abilities where he has scored a sizeable number of goals from set-pieces with his deadly left foot.
International dream becomes a reality
The 2018/2019 season didn’t quite kickoff well for Shabba as he wasn’t starting much of the opening games particularly due to the arrival of the new Kaizer Chiefs coach. As such, Shabba’s role had become more of him coming on as an impact player in most games. As such, Shabba was able to get an offer from Turkish outfit Erzurumspor which provided him his long-time dream of playing in Europe. So far, "Ntho tse monate” has started one game with his new team as he is still settling in. Nonetheless, much is expected from Shabba and many believe he has the experience to take the Turkish league by storm. The question on football fanatics minds is that will Shabba succeed, or has his time passed?
What you need to know about the Women's AFCON 2018
The 2018 Total Women’s African Cup of Nations is almost here. Here is all you need to know about the tournament and take a peek on who are the eight finalists vying for the prize.
Shanshan Wang of China and Janine van Wyk of South Africa head the ball during the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)
Do you miss the World Cup or probably wish there were many more varied football matches to look out for other than just the acclaimed European football leagues or the less followed but equally entertaining domestic leagues on the African continent? If you are really eager for something new and more so run by women, 2018 is your year. The much-celebrated women of Africa who have literally borne the continent will take it to the pitch and remind everyone, who the bosses are.
Brief History
The women’s Africa Cup of Nations officially named the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. by reason of CAF’s running ten-year sponsorship deal with Total, was first contested in 1991. The biennial tournament pits eight national teams in the finals after a series of preliminary qualifying rounds. The most successful team in the tourney are the Super Falcons of Nigeria with a record ten titles followed by Equatorial Guinea with two. In fact, no other team has won the prize besides these two.
Current Champions
You would have probably guessed that it's Nigeria. The Super Falcons have been unrelenting in their journey of total dominance over the years. If you have been the follower of the tournament you must remember the legendary Perpetua Ijeoma Nkowcha. Perpetua won five of the seven AFCON tournaments in the Falcons colors. She is a deadly assailant in front of goal with 80 goals in 99 caps for Nigeria. They won the 2016 campaign in Cameroon after defeating the hosts, 1-0 in the final. Let it be known, women’s football on the continent is just getting better and better, one would be brave to fancy Nigeria to continue this dominance in the foreseeable future.
Where and When?
Ghana will be hosting the 2018 Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from the 17th of November to the 1st of December. The tournament is scheduled to run in two cities namely Accra and Cape Coast. There were media reports flying around suggesting that the West African nation may be stripped of its rights to host the tourney but the final verdict will be known after CAF’s Executive meeting to be held between 27-28 September 2018.
Francisca Ordega #17 of Nigeria celebrates her game-tying goal against Sweden with Onome Ebi #5, Asisat Oshoala #8 and Ngozi Ebere #23 during the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Group D match between Sweden and Nigeria at Winnipeg Stadium on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada.
Who will be participating in the finals?
The eight teams fighting for the coveted prize are as follows:
The Black Queens of Ghana (hosts)
The Super Falcons of Nigeria
The She-polopolo of Zambia
Banyana Banyana of South Africa
Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea
The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon
The Fennecs of Algeria
The Female Eagles of Mali
These eight will be placed in two groups of four, with the first two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Players to look out for in the qualifiers
African Women’s Footballer of the Year award winner for the years 2014, 2016 and 2017, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala will be on show again this year. The 23-year-old ran away with the player of the tournament in 2016 and would most certainly be a key ingredient in the Falcons’ proposed title defence. Oshoala is currently enjoying life in China bagging the 2017 Chinese Women’s Super League Top goalscorer award, a much needed breath of fresh air after less ideal career at Liverpool and Arsenal ladies. Here is a full list of the guns to watch out for.
Women’s AFCON Fun-Fact
The top three teams from the AFCON finals like the one in November, secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This year in particular, should Equatorial Guinea be in the top three, the fourth team gets the spot by virtue of the central African country serving a ban imposed by FIFA
FT African Legends Series: Salif Keita, a forgotten hero?
We reminisce the days of “The Black Pearl of Bamako,” the player who scored goals for fun in the Ligue 1, La Liga and pioneered the conquest of the Major League Soccer for players close to retirement.
African football has much to thank for the legacy of a certain Salif Keita who played in Europe between 1967 and 1980. There is another famous person who goes by the name Salif Keita but he is an Afro-pop singer-songwriter from Mali. Our FirstTouch Legend Keita, is the uncle to the Seydou Keita who played for Barcelona recently. Let’s take you through the career of the goal scoring machine that earned our African Football Legendary status.
Background
Also known as ‘The Black Pearl of Bamako’, Salif Keita was born in Mali in December 1946. He moved to France in 1967 to pursue his career in soccer at AS Saint-Etienne where he won three Ligue 1 titles. Keita scored an astonishing 71 league goals in his two seasons at the club. He moved on to fellow Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in 1972 after scoring 42 goals in his last season for his former club and failing to win any silverware. His time at Marseille was cut short after the club tried to force him to assume French nationality so that he could represent them on the international scene. Keita was a proud African and he refused those advances which saw him leaving for the Spanish side, Valencia. Racism was still rife during those days which is evidenced by a headline which read, “Valencia goes out to buy Germans and comes back with a black man.” However, he was loved by his new club who gave him the nickname, ‘La Perla Negra de Mali’ which translates to The Black Pearl of Mali. He later played for Sporting Clube de Portugal before moving to New England Tea Men in the MLS where he retired at the age of 34.
Contribution To The Game
Salif Keita was one of the first soccer players that shone in the Number 10 jersey and made it as famous as it is today. He dazzled fans in Europe with his amazing dribbling ability carrying that number at the back which inspired many players who followed. Soccer greats like Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, and others have worn this shirt which is respected and usually reserved for the best players on the team. Without Keita carrying 10, the jersey might not have been as significant as it is present day football. The game has evolved over the years but much respect should be reserved for the Malian striker who left a mark in the sport which many now call their religion.
Soccer took its time to rise up in terms of popularity within the US. Many suggested that the culture in the country is a major reason why this is. They alluded that Americans are generally interested in sports in which there are a lot of scores. This affected their perception of soccer which sometimes has matches that end in goalless draws. During Salif Keita’s time, however, this would not have been a concern. The striker was famous for scoring goals. As mentioned earlier he scored a total of 71 goals in two seasons during his stint at AS Saint-Etienne. He was a joy to watch. These numbers are difficult to match in the present day with only a handful of players reaching these numbers on a consistent basis.
Salif Keita left a legacy in the game. His nephew Seydou Keita carried the family torch after him as he played for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. As football fans, nothing beats the feeling we get when we see a young player following in the footsteps of our former heroes. Think of Jay-Jay Okocha for example, and his nephew Iwobi. These youngsters are adored in the sport because they bring memories of players who shed their sweat, blood, and tears to entertain the millions of soccer fans who watch the games. Salif Keita was one of the players who inspired their family members to play soccer and supported them throughout their career. We have him to thank for that.
If you were wondering what type of a striker he was, think of Cristiano Ronaldo. Keita was ruthless in front of goal but also had the composure and trickery to create space for himself and beat opponents before rifling in a shot past the goalkeeper. He was also versatile and could play anywhere up front. If you recall how Edinson Cavani adjusted his game during his early years at PSG where he played out wide, that paints a picture of how Keita was when he was asked to play for Valencia. He had a football brain so it was easy for him to play in any position.
Image Credit: Bamada.net
Today, many players are seen moving to the MLS in the later stages of their career. Football greats such as Kaka, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all plied their trade in the US in their 30s. This was started by Keita who moved to the MLS in 1979 and has become a trend for many star players who are looking for some competition before retirement. The Malian forward has clearly left a mark on the game of soccer.
Also, we look at his ranking among FirstTouch African Legends. It is only fair to compare him with fellow African players who played in the same position. There are probably just three players ahead of him i.e. Eto’o, Rodger Milla and Didier Drogba. This is only because these other players were more consistent than him and played on the biggest stage for a long time. They also managed to win multiple African Player of the Year awards as compared to Keita’s sole accolade awarded in 1970.
Life After Football
In 1994, Keita created the first training center for professional football players in Mali
June 2005, he was elected president of the Mali Football Federation
A year later, the Confederation of African Football selected him as one of the best 200 African Soccer players of the past 50 years
Since 2007, he has been acting as a delegated minister of the Prime Minister of Mali
FT Hidden Gems Series: Despite AC Milan's troubles, will Franck Kessie succeed in Italy?
Meet the Ivorian, Franck Kessie. The 21-year old’s life at AC Milan has been far from ideal, but can he still make a major breakthrough in the Serie A and follow the footsteps of the likes of Kwado Asamoah of Ghana?
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.
Is Eredivisie's Top Footballer, Hakim Ziyech, the best African playmaker?
Meet Dutch’s best footballer. Is the Moroccan the best African playmaker now? We will be following in the upcoming AFCON 2019 qualifiers, UEFA Champions League and 2017/18 Eredivisie campaign.
“Ziyech is a piece of jewellery for Dutch football.”
Most of the decorated African footballers over the years are “incidentally” forwards. I mean, it’s fair to recognise the fact that it’s easy to notice goal scorers because after all, football is about scoring goals. Think about, the legendary George Weah (the only African to have won the FIFA Ballon d’Or), Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and even now, arguably the most celebrated names in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are both forwards. Playmakers like Austin Jay Jay Okocha, “who was so good that they had to name him twice” are a rare find and one, Hakim Ziyech definitely falls in this category. Whether he is good enough to be mentioned amongst the above past and current legends is a debate on its own, but let’s talk about what the 2017 Netherlands Footballer of the Year offers.
Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Play-off 1st leg match between Ajax and Dynamo Kiev held at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 22, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
(Aug. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
Playmaker definition fits Hakim
The above word is nothing perhaps just a clever term to describe an attacking midfielder that literally controls the midfield by beginning attacks, creating chances for the strikers and at times finishing the attacks as well. Playmakers are famously the rightful bearers of the coveted “number 10” shirt. At a high level, a striker’s job is putting the ball into the back of the net, we actually do not care how he/she does it. We ask of a defender to block the ball from entering into their own net, the same with the goalkeeper and we seldom do not care how they do it. But for playmakers, even in basketball just as in soccer- their first job is to be creative above anything else.
Hakim, whose arabic name means judge or ruler is definitely living up to his name-giver’s expectation by creatively exercising authority on the pitch. The Ajax playmaker’s body frame and demeanor fits that we have grown to associate with other household playmakers. His seemingly “lanky” structure is like that of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester United’s Juan Mata of course Lionel Messi who frequently adopts a similar role for his teams. Hakim is also left footed like these three with an eagle’s vision, able to pick out a pass anywhere on the pitch and possesses unusual dribbling abilities. The 25-year-old Moroccan international born and raised in the Netherlands happens to be a free-kick specialist as well and a regular goal scorer, something now expected of players like him.
Numbers don’t usually lie
Ziyech’s recent accolade awarded to him by the newspaper De Telegraaf in partnership with the Dutch Football Federation comes as no surprise after Ziyech’s consistent performances over the years. Since the 2014/15 Eredivisie season, top flight league in the Netherlands, no footballer has weighed up more assists than the Moroccan international with 16, 10, 17 and 15 assists respectively for all the four seasons up to the most recent one. Just to give a sense of scale, Hakim served up more assists than Mesut Ozil for their clubs in the same period with the former recording 57 while the latter with 49. A true hallmark of a playmaker. He also scored a total of 37 goals in the same period for FC Twente and his current team, Ajax Amsterdam. Hakim was awarded the Mars d’Or(Best Moroccan Player) in 2016 to honor his contributions to the country and the Ajax fans voted him Player of the Year in the 2017/18 campaign. He stills has a lot give Morocco with 9 goals in 21 appearances for his country since his debut in 2015.
Dani Carvajal of Spain crosses the ball under pressure from Hakim Ziyach of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia.
(June 24, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Perceived weakness
One standout, lesser strength for the playmaker is one that usually accompany most playmakers. His boyish structure means he is relatively less physical than most players and one who can easily be shoved off the ball. But it’s not always the case, his close control and hand-like left foot usually allows him to shield off the ball from any pursuing markers and is able to win fouls for his team quite frequently.
What other people have said about “The Ruler”
Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag described Ziyech as a rare piece of treasure.
Dutch and Manchester United legend, Edwin Van Der Sar was delighted to be able to keep the Moroccan for one more year after the 25-year-old had been linked with move away to AS Roma in Italy and deems him as fundamental ingredient in Ajax’s efforts to conquer Europe.
“We said we want to play in the Champions League with the strongest possible team. We may not have counted one hundred percent on Hakim, but we are very happy that we have come together and that he is here for another year at Ajax.”
Final note
At just 25, Hakim is definitely in his prime years as a footballer and a move away from Ajax to a bigger club in Europe or elsewhere can’t be out of question given how difficult it is to find players with his abilities. Checkout what Ziyech is all about in the video below.
What you need to know about the men's AFCON 2019
Are you wondering when and where to catch the AFCON 2019 qualifiers or you want to know the most successful team in the tournament, memories of previous tournaments that will live forever? All of the EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, ABSA and many other leagues’ talented players on show.
Are you wondering about the details of the biggest African showcase coming to our screens in 2019 or do you even know its coming? Here’s what you need to know about the biennial Men’s African Cup of Nations otherwise known as AFCON organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Kolo Toure and Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast look dejected after losing to Egypt during the AFCON semi-final match between Ivory Coast and Egypt held at the Baba Yara Stadium on February 7, 2008 in Kumasi, Ghana.
(Feb. 7, 2008 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Brief History
The most successful nation in the tournament is the Pharaohs of Egypt with a record seven titles. North Africa is the most successful region with 10 titles, followed by West Africa with 9, Central Africa with 8, East and Southern Africa with 2 titles apiece.
Current Champions
Cameroon lifted the 2017 AFCON Cup after defeating Egypt, 2-1 in Gabon. The Indomitable Lions sealed their 5th title in spectacular fashion after fielding a team with less known players going against all odds, upsetting the likes of Sadio Mane’s Senegal and Mo Salah’s Pharaohs.
Where and when?
Cameroon was selected to host the 2019 tournament running from the 7th-30th of June 2019. A relatively convenient period that does not clash with the schedule of most club football leagues in Europe and around the world where the players ply their trade. CAF’s President, Ahmad Ahmad did however express concern over the West African nation’s infrastructure readiness to host the tourney with the final decision to be made in the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly on the 30th of September 2018. South Africa and Morocco have emerged as the countries likely to take up the mantle, should Cameroon fall out of favor.
Who is participating in the qualifying rounds?
The top ranked 45 teams on the continent and three winners from the preliminary qualification round were placed in 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for AFCON 2019, the first edition to pit 24 teams in the finals. Sixteen teams had been participating in the finals before the upcoming 32nd edition.
A Democratic Republic of the Congo supporter cheers during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between DR Congo and Morocco in Oyem on January 16, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO
(Jan. 15, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Group Stages Fixture Dates
- Matchday 1 --- 20-28 March 2018
- Matchday 2 --- 3-11 September 2018
- Matchday 3 & 4 --- 8-16 October 2018
- Matchday 5 --- 12-20 November 2018
- Matchday 6 --- 18-26 March 2019
Here is a full list of the fixtures.
Players to look out for in the qualifiers
Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona locally known as the Smiling Assassin is one such an individual already topping the scoring charts with three goals from matchday one. The list is obviously endless with a wealth of talent both at home and abroad coming together to fight for the continent's most coveted prize. Players which will never be robbed of a mention include Senegal’s Sadio Mane, FIFA Best Top Three finalist Mohamed Salah, South Africa’s Percy Tau, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie who featured on our hidden gems series, Alex Iwobi, the majority of shoe shine piano football from Mamelodi Sundowns and many more.
AFCON Fun- Fact
The nicknames of the participating national teams are as vicious as they come. So much to do with lions, eagles, stars and many safari animals, selling the richness of the continent. The possible explanation is perhaps to intimidate the opponent off the pitch before they battle it out on the grass. Some of the names include:
Egyptian players and coaching staff celebrate 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)
- The Lions of Teranga - Senegal
- The Super Eagles - Nigeria
- Lions of the Atlas - Morocco
- Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) - Zambia
- Indomitable Lions - Cameroon
- The Elephants - Ivory Coast
- Bafana Bafana ( Boys! Boys!) - South Africa
- Black Stars - Ghana
- Taifa Stars - Tanzania
One lucid moment of the tournament
Zambia won their first AFCON title in 2012 co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, 19 years after most members of Zambian national team on their way to Senegal for a FIFA World Cup qualifier, perished in a plane crash. The plane had just taken off from Libreville, Gabon - the region where the 2012 troops won the title for their fallen heroes.
Gervinho and Yaya Toure: Aging like wine
Former Arsenal forward, Gervinho and the four time African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure are the two Ivorian Legends back in the headlines again and warming hearts. Will the AFCON Winners and seasoned FIFA World cup performers deliver for their new clubs?
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.”
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.”
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)
CAF President Ahmad Questions Cameroon's Ability to host AFCON 2019
Already having cast doubts of Cameroon’s AFON 2019 hosting viability, Ahmad questions if the West African nation can assemble the resources and infrastructure needed for a 24 team tournament.
More doubt has been cast by the Confederation of African Football over Cameroon’s ability to host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, with CAF President Ahmad Ahmad raising the possibility that the tournament may be moved.
This isn’t the first time President Ahmad has expressed doubt in Cameroon’s ability to hold AFCON 2019. With the Confederation of African Football’s decision to expand the tournament from 16 to 24 teams made back in July 2017, the demand for up to snuff infrastructure has been a source of increased tension between the federation and host nation.
After an inspection in February, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad urged Cameroon to improve their efforts to convince the federation of their viability as hosts after the inspection revealed that preparations were behind schedule.
CAF President Ahmad Ahmad AFP/Getty Images
Now a year after challenging Cameroon to prove they can host AFCON, taking place between June 7th and 30th 2019, President Ahmad has once again raised the possibility that the tournament could be moved.
"I am not sure Cameroon is ready to host the AFCON," he told KweséESPN. "There are many things which are still wanting and yet there is little time left.
"It would be dangerous to risk African players, especially the professionals plying their trade in Europe and other continents, to play under difficult conditions and facilities."
It must be said that there seems to be a small fount of pressure coming from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s official offer to support Cameroon’s hosting efforts. Even though in March, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation President, moved to end speculation regarding next year's AFCON during a press conference during the ongoing CAF Women's Football Symposium, let’s think about it from CAF’s perspective for a second.
With less than a year until AFCON 2019, to express doubt in a nation’s preparations suggests the federation may have contingencies to fall back on. Even though Morocco was eventually looked over by FIFA in their selection of North America as World Cup 2026 hosts, they proved during that process that they had the resources and infrastructure to ensure the potential of a positive, professional, and safe experience for the players and fans alike on that scale.
Dieudonne Happi, the chairman of the Normalisation Committee appointed to run the Cameroonian Football Association said it was a historical moment to see that Morocco is ready to come in and help them stage the biennial tournament.
““There must be no more of the rumours that have been circulating for some time,” he added. “The relationship between the governments of Morocco and Cameroon have come a long way.”
FECAFOOT holding a press conference in Cameroon addressing AFCON preparation.
"This is real brotherhood because the governments of the two countries have always been close," added the FECAFOOT chief. "This puts an end to all rumours. There is no way we can fail to help each other."
In addition to the indirect pressure for Morocco, CAF President Ahmad further expressed the possibility of the tournament being moved by urging Cameroon to be ready.
"If you are not ready, come out open and say you are not ready," Ahmad urged, but will be ready next time.
"In 1996, Burkina Faso was supposed to host the AFCON but said they were not ready, and South Africa took up the chance to host."
Should Cameroon retain the 2019 event, it’ll be the first time they've hosted AFCON since the 1972 edition, which was won by the Republic of Congo after defeating Mali 3-2 in the final.
CAF Afcon inspection committee in Cameroon/Journal Du Cameroon
"If you asked me”, President Ahmad added,” Cameroon would be the best country to host the AFCON now because of their football history, but there are still some questions about their readiness to host a successful tournament.
"Cameroon are still having big problems with infrastructure like the pitches and even hotels," added Ahmad. "Equatorial Guinea jumped in at the last moment to host 2015 AFCON and this can also happen."
The CAF are expected to officially pronounce whether or not Cameroon will retain their hosting rights during the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly to be held on September 30 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. We wait with bated breath.
Liverpool making the right noises – Thanks to the Africans
Man City are looking like they may be EPL runaway leaders once more. But last campaign’s UEFA Champions League finalists, Liverpool are looking quite sharp with their African talent on fleek
The English Premier League is back with a bang, and some teams have already started looking promising. Manchester City shuttered Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in Matchday 1 and thrashed Huddersfield in a 6-1 win at home the following week. These results are not surprising at all considering how the Cityzens ended their season last year with a record-breaking 100 points after 38 games. Liverpool however went all out in the transfer market to beef up their squad after their bitter loss at the hands of Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League final a couple of months ago. Since then, there has been talk about them being ready to mount a title challenge in the league this year. Rightly so because they have already picked up wins in the first two matches they played against West Ham United and Crystal Palace. One thing that has been quite interesting though is their core of players who are of African heritage. Let’s look at what these players bring to the table.
Naby Keita of Liverpool is closed down by Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on August 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 19, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)
Naby Keïta is the latest addition to the Merseyside team after he joined the club in a $67.6 million deal from RB Leipzig. We wrote earlier, about how the 23-year-old midfielder from Guinea was the missing piece of the spine of the Liverpool after they sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January 2017. We are starting to see the signs of a midfield general that dictates play when in possession and is not afraid to instigate the press whenever the team loses the ball. Keïta looks ready to emulate Steven Gerrard’s role in the team where the Englishman was the pinnacle of all the attacks in the team. Keita looks to have the engine to bomb up and down the pitch which has become one of the most significant assets of modern midfield players. Think of the likes of N’golo Kante.
Mo Salah. Not much needs to be said about him other than that he looks as sharp as ever. The Egyptian forward will bring the goals to Liverpool. That is certain after watching him bossing the best of defenders last season and scoring a record 31 goals in his first season in Liverpool. Although he could have a tough time this round now that the players know him and how he plays, still he poses a threat to any team with his blistering pace. Liverpool will be looking to pick another 3 points this weekend against Brighton, a match that will be aired at 12.30pm, Washington DC time, and you can bet on the African superstar to score.
Next up, there is the new Number 10, Sadio Mane from Senegal. The forward did not have the greatest time at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia tournament because his team was knocked out in the group stages but only just. He has since returned to the club that pays his bills, and he has been showing the hunger that Jurgen Klopp wants to see in all his players. His persistence can be seen in Liverpool’s most recent game, against Palace when he burst forward and kept going especially after some contact from Van Aanholt. He set his mind on the goal, and he saw to it when he rounded past the Palace keeper to score Liverpool’s second of the night. Mane’s creativity will be of great importance throughout the season and it is an added bonus for the club that he will not be leaving for the AFCON tournament in January like before because the tournament has been moved to September 2019. (Be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter where we keep you up to date with the build up to this tournament)
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is fouled by Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Crystal Palace leading to a red card during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on August 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 19, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
In essence, these three players will be crucial to Liverpool’s fortunes if they remain fit because they have the quality and are delivering at the highest level. They are setting the bar high for other African players who wish to play in the best soccer leagues in the world. Do not be surprised if Liverpool wins it this year because their core of players is hungry and is willing to work tirelessly for that silverware that has eluded them for over two decades now.
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Mane Marches On
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut
Is Sadio Mane’s new number 10 shirt working the magic?
Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane seems to be enjoying the new shirt number he is wearing this season. The number that is synonymous to greatness in modern football, offered to only those with the guts to walk the talk.
He continued his wonderful 2018/19 form, showing incredible physicality to stay on his feet after a challenge by Van Aanholt in the box, rounding off the goalkeeper to score the Reds’ second in their 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace. He is currently sitting pretty on the scoring charts, top with three goals after two matches. The same number as Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.
Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on August 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 19, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Are we in for a real African treat with Mohamed Salah, Aubameyang and Mahrez also expected to make a mark? I guess we will soon find out.
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Iwobi’s shaku-shaku
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut
Iwobi shows off some slick trendy dance moves after scoring against Chelsea
Unai Emery’s start to life at the Emirates has not been the best. The Spaniard is still waiting for his first Premier League win with Arsenal, post-Wenger era. One player who has shown signs of more life and perhaps hinting at unleashing the potential which many believe he has is Alex Iwobi. Just a few weeks after signing a contract extension at the Emirates, Iwobi took it to the pitch and backed up his credentials on the pitch. After being awarded his first start under Emery against Chelsea, Iwobi delivered an encouraging performance that included rapid dribbling on the left wing, menacing runs and all crowned by a super right-footed finish in the box after a string of about nineteen passes by the Gunners.
My highlight was the trending Naija shaku-shaku dance moves he showed off after the goal that lighted up his Nigerian brothers and sisters, at home and abroad. Even though the dance was short-lived with counter-celebrations by his teammates, Nigeria got enough to feel proud.
Arsenal players celebrate after Alex Iwobi's winning penalty after a penalty shoot out during the Pre-season friendly International Champions Cup game between Arsenal and Chelsea at Aviva stadium on August 1, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland.
(July 31, 2018 - Source: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe)
Iwobi had the option to represent his country of birth, England, internationally but chose to wear the Super Eagles jersey, the country of origin for his parents. He has actually made a debut appearance in a Nollywood movie called Inpadisu whose release date is yet to be announced.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Idrissa Gana Gueye
The 28-year-old Senegalese and Everton midfielder has made the second highest number of tackles in the EPL since 2015, second to 2018 World Cup winner, N’golo Kante.
We continue heralding some of the unsung African heroes of the modern game of football mainly because we can and quite frankly, we also care. The first of the bunch was the 22-year old Adama Traore, the Malian whom we think will light up the English Premier League this season.
Our next pick is also from West Africa, Senegal to be specific. Idrissa Gueye, popularly known as Gana by his teammates has won hearts in the blue half of Merseyside, Everton. In the club’s constant change in management, from Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and now, Marco Silva, Gana is one of the few players whose name have topped the team sheet. Ever since joining the club in the 2016/17 season, he has made a remarkable 33 Premier League appearances out of the available 38 in that debut season and then also another 33 appearances in the subsequent one. Only two of those in the entire period were from the bench, which is a glimpse of how important he has become at Everton.
Idrissa Gueye of Everton tackles Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton FC at Molineux on August 11, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
“To give an even more interesting sense of scale, Gana was statistically the best holding midfielder in the whole of Europe in the 2016 calendar year, averaging 8.25 tackles and interceptions per game. This man can stop anyone in their tracks or put them on the grass at will.”
He is not very outspoken and neither is his game, but you feel it when he is not in the match. Gana’s style of play is not very different from that of Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets or everyone’s favorite, N’golo Kante. Of course, it’s arguable whether he is at the same level as these two, he may be smaller but he is not too far away. Even though he plays for a mid-table club in the Premier League, which does not always afford him the chance to win trophies and be shone on the medals podium, his statistics speak for themselves. In the 2017/18 season, he made the second highest number of tackles in the league, only second to Nigeria’s Wilfried Ndidi, another gem in the making. But the thing is, he has been doing this consistently. Since his Premier League debut in 2015 under Aston Villa, Gueye has made a total of, 396 tackles, only the acclaimed N’golo Kante has made more, just nineteen more. To give an even more interesting sense of scale, Gana was statistically the best holding midfielder in the whole of Europe in the 2016 calendar year, averaging 8.25 tackles and interceptions per game. This man can stop anyone in their tracks or put them on the grass at will.
Gueye is growing and developing into an effective holding midfielder, especially in the modern game, but he has weaknesses too. He a very deep-lying midfielder who only lies deep, too deep at times. He is not as adventurous as Kante, who periodically runs up the field to attack, assist or get some goals on the scoresheet. This is something which may not be part of his job description but has become crucial to the modern game and definitely nothing he cannot learn. The 28-year old has been criticised for his “nonchalant defending” by some, even emerging as one of the reasons why others think Senegal were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup by Colombia.
Idrissa is arguably one of the top tough tacklers in the game today and will continue being the difference to any side fortunate to have him.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Remember the name - Adama Traore
Wolves winger Adama Traore is a talent with pace, power and skill of scarce supply. We think the 22-year-old born to Mali parents will light up the Premier League in the 2018/19 season.
The outspoken Tim Sherwood who managed Tottenham and Aston Villa said he had a bit of both Ronaldo and Messi. The Belfast Telegraph pointed out that, "he's built like an absolute tank. Size of the arms on that man. One drive and it would be lights out". Catherine Wilson of ESPN FC commented on his remarkable “athleticism” also highlighting that his "footballing brain and teamwork skills are definitely up for debate." If you know Adama Traore, you probably understand what these people said and why I wrote this feature. If this is your first point of contact with the 22-year-old, you may realise that he is a work-in-progress, excellent work-in-progress. Note down the name of this Malian, he probably rock the football world quite soon. But who is he?
Adama was born in Spain to Malian parents and began his footballing career at Barcelona at the age of eight. Things didn’t work out as he might have envisioned as he managed to make a few countable appearance for the B-team as well as the first team. Perhaps, one of the Catalonia highlights for Adama was coming in late for Neymar in Barca’s 4-0 over Granada FC in the La Liga. He was just 17, at the time.
In 2015, the Spain youth team international arrived in the Premier League, signing for Aston Villa under Tim Sherwood. Times were hard at Villa Park. Traore appeared eleven times for the team that was eventually relegated to the Championship, scoring zero goals in the process. The winger then joined Middlesbrough a year later and was unfortunate to take part in 32-scoreless matches for the club which also got axed from the English Premier League. Stuff is beginning to take shape now for the young winger.
Adama Traore of Middlesbrough controls the ball as Jack Grealish of Aston Villa looks on during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi Final second leg match between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough at Villa Park on May 15, 2018 in Birmingham, England.
(May 14, 2018 - Source: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Europe)
He was named Middlesbrough Fans Player Of The Year, Players Player Of The Year and Young Player Of The Year in the 2017-18 Championship season where he scored five times and served up ten assists. Premier League newcomers, Wolverhampton Wanderers acquired his services in the just ended summer transfer window for a fee reported to be in the region of £18 million pounds.
“In three more years, I think this buzzing around Zaha will be just a pin in the haystack compared to that we will hear of Adama Traore. ”
Now, what do I think of this player? He has come to the EPL for a second time when he is familiar with the league’s demands and playing for a club with big ambition to stay, demonstrated by their summer spending. He will get regular game time playing alongside some quality and experienced players in the form of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho - players who will really bring out the best of Adama. I mean, this guy might outpace Aubameyang in a foot race and his ability to take on players makes me think of Zaha. In three more years, I think this buzzing around Zaha will be just a pin in the haystack compared to that we will hear of Adama Traore. Of course, I probably exaggerated, but that’s just how exciting he is. I literally feel butterflies in my stomach.
Adam is yet to make the Wolves debut as he is still getting back to fitness after the holiday and an shoulder injury, but the hype around him is already of the charts. His new teammate and defender, Matt Doherty, described the winger to be “unplayable.”
“We played against him last season and at times he’s unplayable – I’ve not seen that type of running with the ball, pace and power, from anyone.”
Having been capped only by Spain’s youth teams, Adama is still eligible to choose either Spain or Mali for his international career. At FirstTouch, we are really watching Adama Traore’s space.
Enough talking. You may want to check the video below to see what the kid is made up of.
Do you remember the Ivorian, Gervinho? He’s back in the Italian Serie A
The AFCON winner and former Arsenal and Roma player is back in the Italian Serie A Parma’s books. The same time Ronaldo joined Juventus. Are we in for some serious fun?
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
Wilfried Zaha will be staying put at Crystal Palace fending off interest from Dortmund, Tottenham and Chelsea after agreeing a new 5 year deal with club.
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.”
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. ”
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.
Moses will not be seeing the ‘promised land’ with Nigeria after international retirement
Chelsea’s Victor Moses announces retirement from international football at 27, after appearing 37 times for Nigeria, scoring nine times and winning the 2013 AFCON title with the Super Eagles.
On Wednesday, Chelsea’s Victor Moses shook most in the footballing world after announcing his retirement from international football at the age of 27. Most footballers usually hang up their boots at an average age of 34 or 40 if you are Italian. But Moses’ one is a rare find, even Mesut Ozil’s early retirement at 29 was astounding but maybe justified because of the racism claims he fired against some officials in the German Football Association. Could there be more to Victor’s decision?
Moses was capped 37 times for the Super Eagles and scored 12 times including in the most recent world cup appearance in Russia from the penalty spot in their 2-1 loss to Argentina. Nigeria eventually failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament after that result. He played at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa. Moses has chosen to take a bow at a time where most are expecting the Super Eagles to continue building from recent positives and soar to new heights. Could he be missing out on sweeter times in the Nigerian camp?
The Chelsea player who will be under new management in London after the arrival of Maurizio Sarri did not forget to explain his decision.
Victor Moses of Nigeria celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
(June 25, 2018 - Source: Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images Europe)
“I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on my club career and young family, as well as to allow the next generation the opportunity to step up and to flourish. Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future.”