How is Percy Tau faring in Belgium?

Percy Tau of Mamelodi Sundowns runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup Quarter Final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kashima Antlers at Suita City Football Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Suita, Japan.

(Dec. 10, 2016 - Source: Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images AsiaPac)

At the start of the new season, many South African football fans and fans from the continent at large were relishing the prospect of seeing former Mamelodi Sundowns gem, Percy Tau donning the colours of English premier league club, Brighton & Hove Albion. However, that was not to be as the club decided to loan Tau to second division Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to help him get some game time before he can be slowly unleashed by the team (Brighton). Now, I am sure some of Tau’s fans are wondering just how is Tau doing in Belgium? Well, below we zoom in on how the South African born player is turning out for his new side and whether or not he can be able to finally get his chance in the English league.

For starters, it seems it hasn’t taken him a lot of time to get going in the Belgian league. Most recently, Tau set tongues wagging with a scintillating performance in a cup game against one of Belgium’s biggest teams in FC Anderlecht. In that game, Tau helped his teammate Youssoufou Niakaté grab a hat trick, earning himself two assists in the process, one of which I am sure Lionel Messi would give props to. As if that were enough, the former Absa premiership footballer of the season seems to be on a roll as he has also managed to help his team win key games in the Belgian cup and the league. Such outstanding displays have certainly not gone unnoticed as reports alluded that Anderlecht could also make a move for the player most likely in the next transfer window. Brighton should be careful!

“I would consider it to be daylight robbery if Tau would be deprived of the chance to play in the English because he is too good a talent. Who wouldn’t want to see Tau and his trademark afro hair breezing past wing backs like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, week in week out? Certainly not me.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Percy Tau of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates wuth his team mate after a goal during the FIFA World Cup match for 5th place between Mamelodi Sundowns and Jeonbuk Hyundai at Suita City Football Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Suita, Japan.

(Dec. 13, 2016 - Source: Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Tau made a name for himself during his glamorous career with Abafana ba Style, leading the team to Africa’s most prestigious cup, the CAF Champions league, while also helping Sundowns claim the Absa premiership title. Perhaps the most lingering thought on people's mind concerning Tau is whether or not he can make the cut in Europe? It you ask me, I absolutely believe so. Gifted with blistering pace and a deadly eye for goal, Tau certainly has the ammunition he needs to get him started in a tough and highly reputable league such as the English premier league. Nonetheless, the loan period in Belgium should be one where he gets to prove his critics wrong while also making a statement to his Brighton coach, Chris Hughton, that he deserves a place in the starting eleven. I would consider it to be daylight robbery if Tau would be deprived of the chance to play in the English because he is too good a talent. Who wouldn’t want to see Tau and his trademark afro hair breezing past wing backs like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, week in week out? Certainly not me. Let’s hope this season works out for Tau and his Belgian side, thereby leading him to an English premier league debut. Senegalese legend, El Hadji Diouf is a firm believer in Tau and thinks he can be named among the likes of Salah and Sadio Mane. Do you think he has a chance of making it in England?

Iwobi & Aubameyang: African duo hit top form in Arsenal's 5-1 rout of Fulham

Not so long ago, some doubts were cast over the futures of the Arsenal players as Arsene Wenger approached the exit door. Iwobi for example, was a scapegoat whenever the club did not perform at the expected level. The English fans could not understand why the African youngster was playing at a club like Arsenal but the new coach saw something in him that not many saw. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was a welcome signing because of the quality he brings to the club but there was some pushback because of his proposed signing fee reported to be around £56 million. These were some of the challenges that Unai Emery inherited when he replaced Arsene Wenger who had been at the club for 22-years and has managed to create something positive out of it all. He’s got them to perform on the pitch.

Iwobi

Alex Iwobi of Arsenal battles for possession with Denis Odoi of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on October 7, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 6, 2018 - Source: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)

Arguably one of Arsenal’s best players already this season. The 22-year-old Nigerian is looking a different player this season since being converted to an out-and-out winger. He has been confident taking on defenders with an average of 3.5 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League. These dribbles did not go unseen as the Arsenal Manager rewarded him with a deserved start again in the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham. A second start in the new campaign since the Chelsea game.

Iwobi’s ability to create chances has not been in question. On top of that, his work rate has been crucial to Unai Emery’s philosophy at Arsenal. The Spanish manager believes in an intensive pressing game with the wingers and the forward as the protagonists. Iwobi has not been shy to track back and apply pressure when out of possession. It is this attribute that has seen him being preferred over Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Nigerian is putting the Arsenal badge first which has resulted in heaps of praise from objective football fans across Great Britain.

After 9 games, Arsenal have won 7 and lost just 2. Iwobi has provided 3 assists and scored one goal. His numbers have not done justice to his performance this season as he has been one of the most on-form players. Iwobi  is finally living up to the promise. Could he go on to have an amazing career like his uncle Jay Jay Okocha? “Who was so good” that Bolton Wanderers fans “had to name him twice”.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal with Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on October 7, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 6, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Aubameyang

The Gabonese international is another African who has taken English football by storm this season. He had suffered a rough patch at the beginning of the season having failed to score from glorious chances against Manchester City and Chelsea. He has however, found top form after gaining confidence in the UEFA Europa League. Aubameyang has since scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 9 matches. The 29 year old forward is looking potent in front of goal.

Unai Emery has also been bold enough to bench him on 3 occasions but he has managed to come off the bench and be an impact player. Aubameyang’s pace alone is enough to deal with for a defender let alone his trickery and an eye for goal. His unselfishness has helped bring out the best in strike partner, Alexandre Lacazette. The duo have been working together for the good of Arsenal. There is surely more to come from him. There is a lot of buzz around Auba-Lacca becoming the deadliest duo in the premier league.

Conclusion

Arsenal is on the up, in part because these guys are doing their job in the side. Their form has rubbed off their teammates and the London club is looking a different side to the one that struggled to break down teams away from home last season. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Iwobi are working their socks off for the team. They do deserve some praise.

“The 22-year-old Nigerian is looking a different player this season since being converted to an out-and-out winger. He has been confident taking on defenders with an average of 3.5 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

English Premier League Matchday 8 African Roundup

Liverpool vs Manchester City

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United in discussion with Eric Bailly of Manchester United as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on October 6, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 5, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

The most anticipated match so far was the meeting between Manchester City and Liverpool. The away club had not won at Anfield since 2003 and were looking to break that duck. Algerian international Riyad Mahrez was preferred over German winger, Leroy Sane while Liverpool had Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in their front three. Our bet of having one of the North Africans decide the early title race tie was well on the cards with the starting formations picked up by both coaches. The work rate and talent of these African players has been second to none which explains an increasing number on African players joining big teams in recent years. Naby Keita came on for James Milner in a match that was tight-locked. The best scoring opportunity fell to Mahrez who blazed an 86th minute penalty over the bar. The match ended in a goalless draw.

Fulham vs Arsenal

Egypt international Mohamed Elneny’s situation at Arsenal has not improved as he continued to watch from the stands as his African brothers shined against a fellow London club, Fulham. Naija boy Alex Iwobi and Gabonese international, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang were at it again as they helped Arsenal to a 5-1 win over Fulham. The latter scored a brace and provided an assist for Aaron Ramsey.

Southampton vs Chelsea

Victor Moses failed to make it to the Chelsea squad that faced Saints on Sunday. Things are not looking very well for the former Nigerian international who retired from national duty to focus on his career at Chelsea. Victor Moses has to step his game up if he is to replace Willian or Pedro in Maurizio Sarri’s first three because Eden Hazard’s position in that duo is simply out of bounds. Rightfully so. On the other end of the pitch, Mario Lemina had another highly impactful outing for Southampton and was at the heart of most of their positive moves. Southampton may have avoided the drop last season, but how long will they be able to keep hold of Lemina after yet another loss.

Victor Moses of Chelsea looks on during the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2018 in London, England.

(Aug. 4, 2018 - Source: Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe)

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Not a good game for Eric Bailly. The Ivorian defender was handed a rare chance to prove to underfire manager, Jose Mourinho that he was ready to lead the back line next to Smalling. He however was substituted early in the match after conceding two silly goals in the Theatre of Dreams. It is only after his replacement that Manchester United showed resilience and came back from 2 goals down to win 3-2. The African defender’s situation at the club continues to be tough one. He has all the attributes to succeed at the club except for concentration and a lack of confidence in recent appearances. He needs to cut out unnecessary mistakes from his game if he is to become a regular under Jose Mourinho, or maybe a different club or manager could very well get him back to his best. The 24-year-old is a player seriously needing a vote of confidence.

Crystal Palace vs Wolves

Cheikhou Kouyate of Crystal Palace in action 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: Christopher Lee/Getty Images Europe)

Wilfried Zaha’s Palace fell to an unexpected 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers, just a few days after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth- the match were Zaha stormed out of the pitch a frustrated figure forgetting to applaud the fans. Ghanaian footballers Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew could not score against a well set up Wolves team. Matt Doherty scored on the 56th minute and Palace could not come back from that. They tried to bring on the Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to use his legs and wear their opponents down but to no avail. Wolves were ready to fight to the end and had a plan B in case things went south with the pacey Adama Traore on standby, the fastest player in FIFA 19.

Tottenham vs Cardiff

Bruno Ecuele Manga from Gabon was the only African player who started the match between the two clubs. He was matched up against the Brazilian Lucas Moura and Tottenham Hotspur’s English left back, Danny Rose. The Gabonese international was quite decent considering how much attacking threat he had to deal with in the 90 minutes. At the end, Cardiff lost 1-0 to Tottenham. The result shows Cardiff’s character as they played over half an hour of the match with a man down. The Kenyan midfielder, Victor Wanyama came on very late in the match to add some steel to the back.

Leicester vs Everton

The African connect for Leicester could not help their team to a victory at home against Everton. Daniel Amartey (Ghana), Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria), Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria) all played against the Merseyside club who won 2-1 courtesy of Sigurdsson and Richarlison’s goals. Idrissa Gana Gueye was the general in the midfield for Everton as usual and helped stop Leicester’s intentions to counter them on the break.

Observation

It has been a week of mixed performances from Africa’s top players. Some have not been on form and failing to cement their positions in their respective teams. It’s not particularly encouraging going into the International Break as it might affect their performances in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Hopefully, they will take this break to work on their game and come back stronger knocking for a start in the forthcoming English Premier League fixtures.

FT Dream Team Series: Idrissa Gueye or N’golo Kante, who would you pick?

Idrissa Gueye of Everton slides in to tackle Luciano Vietto of Fulham as Lucas Digne of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Fulham FC at Goodison Park on September 29, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

It’s about time we break ground with those conversations. Yes, those ones we have with our friends about who’s best. Today, we are not on about the GOAT debate. We compare two players who play in the same position and have the same influence in their respective teams. One has won the FIFA World Cup, and the English Premier League twice already yet the other is settled in a mid-table team battling it out for a European spot. The debate is between a French midfielder and Africa’s crown jewel. Kante vs Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal. Here’s, my rationale before making a pick.

More often than not, the best players have been considered to be the ones playing in the biggest of teams. Think of Ronaldinho and Messi at Barcelona, Ronaldo at Madrid only to mention but a few. Backed up by numbers, it’s easier to tell a story that they are the best above the rest. Therefore, it becomes a mountain climb if you try to make a claim for a player in a lesser team. However, one can argue to say that Kante plays with better players at Chelsea who bring out the best in him. With Jorginho, Fabregas, Kovacic, or Barkley next to him, it’s easier for the well-renowned midfield general to make an impact in the game. This gives an edge to Kante over Gana Gueye who plays with Schneiderlin, Davies and Gomes who are still yet to reach the level of the above mentioned players at Chelsea as well as maintaining that form. This will not be overlooked in my final judgement.

N'Golo Kante of Chelsea in action with Joe Bennett of Cardiff City during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge on September 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 14, 2018 - Source: Marc Atkins/Getty Images Europe)

In addition, such debates have been accompanied by the number of accolades won by an individual. Take the Ballon d’Or award for example, it is awarded to a player who was outstanding in terms of individual contribution as well as claiming a collective trophy with their club. This requires having a great manager, dressing room atmosphere as well as playing with the best players on the pitch. As a result, it is no surprise that Kante lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia trophy with a star-studded French team. To give you context, the fourth most expensive player in the world, Ousmane Dembele, could not make it into the first eleven of that French team. They had so much depth to choose from. At club level, Kante won the English Premier League with Leicester City and Chelsea. Gueye on the other hand, has not won anything with his club, Everton which would eliminate him from making it to the FIFA Best shortlist. This is an unfair criteria used by the authorities as it overlooks an individual’s outstanding contribution. Because of that, trophies will not be at the heart of my decision.

Take away the above, Kante is a regular midfielder with the same abilities as Gana Gueye. Let’s take a look at their current stats. You might be surprised to find out that Gueye is averaging 6 tackles per game and 2.7 interceptions as compared to Kante’s 1.9 and 0.9. The African star is shining in his position but such performances by African players usually go unnoticed. Does Gueye have to join a club of Madrid’s stature for the fans to award him the respect that he deserves for his mastery of ball recovery in the middle of the park

“Kante is a regular midfielder with the same abilities as Gana Gueye. Let’s take a look at their current stats. You might be surprised to find out that Gueye is averaging 6 tackles per game and 2.7 interceptions as compared to Kante’s 1.9 and 0.9.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

If I were to choose my pick between the two, Kante would not be my first choice considering his current form. He looks lost in the new look Chelsea midfield next to Jorginho and Barkley. He has been far from his best and has been living of his form from the World Cup. Gana Gueye has been doing bits and I reckon would be much better if he is handed the opportunity to play for a bigger club in England.

Who would you pick?

Success brewing for Nigeria's Isaac Success

Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi is not the only 22-year-old Nigerian picking up form under new management. Iwobi’s pacey and wide attacking play has suddenly made him one the favorites amongst the Arsenal faithfuls. With three assists and one goal in five starts for Arsenal in all competitions, many Arsenal fans are hoping to see him become a regular in Unai Emery’s premier league team. There is another Nigerian slowly picking up speed in the Premier League. His name is Isaac Success.

Isaac Success of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vicarage Road on August 11, 2018 in Watford, United Kingdom.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Alex Morton/Getty Images Europe)

When the big centre forward wearing Watford’s number 10 shirt slammed the ball into Tottenham’s net after shoving some defenders, many would have wondered who he was. I did, not because I didn’t know Isaac, but this striker game of banging goals from half-chances with the confidence of Didier Drogba was a new thing. This can’t be Success! I thought. At just 22-years of age, Isaac is probably one of the biggest and soon to be fierce center forwards in the English Premier League. It will probably take a few more games and goals to get everyone buzzing, because almost everyone looks at the numbers in this digital age. But it won’t be long now, he looks ready. He still has a lot of things to develop and add to his game and time is what he has. After joining Watford for a club record fee of around £12.5 million from Granada in 2016, Success struggled. He scored a single goal in 23 appearances, with many of them as a substitute. Competition for game time at the club was tough as then marksman Odion Ighalo, compatriot to Success, had cemented a striker position at the club, along with captain Troy Deeney, Watford’s goal scoring centurion. Fast forward a few years later, competition is not any easier even though Ighalo left for the Chinese Super League and Andre Gray came in, stepping up to the plate. What’s different is Isaac Success. A short loan spell in the La Liga with Malaga from January 2018 was not exactly a success as the Nigerian forward score no goals in eight appearances for the side who then faced the chop and got relegated.

“When the big centre forward wearing Watford’s number 10 shirt slammed the ball into Tottenham’s net after shoving some defenders, many would have wondered who he was. I did, not because I didn’t know Isaac, but this striker game of banging goals from half-chances with the confidence of Didier Drogba was a new thing.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Isaac Success of Watford scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Stadium mk on September 26, 2018 in Milton Keynes, England.

(Sept. 25, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Isaac Success is still yet to start a premier league game for Watford though manager, Javi Gracia has given him some time in all of their opening seven matches. He is really knocking all doors right now and a start could be in the pipeline. Furthermore, it looks like Isaac timed his “reincarnation” perfectly playing for a re-invigorated Watford side that looks like it will smash all barriers this campaign, currently sitting sixth on the EPL standings, above Manchester United. Nigeria will also be delighted with the resurgence of the young forward especially after having most of their strikers misfiring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He is like a new signing for both club and country and a welcome one, in the generation of Arsenal’s Iwobi and Kelechi Nwakali, Everton’s Onyekuru and Leicester City’s Iheanacho. Really exciting times for Nigeria!

Next up, Watford will welcome seventh placed Bournemouth to Vicarage Road on Saturday and we will be watching the nominee for Watford’s goal of the month for September. Being big, powerful and bullish - Isaac reminds me of Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku’s demeanour. Further success might just be brewing for Isaac Success.

FT Pause Moment: Should "dummies" be considered as assists? Inspired by Suarez

Well, the UEFA Champions League matchday 2 is behind us now, but some moments stay with us forever. One such performance would obviously be vintage Messi showing up big time for Barcelona but schooling Tottenham Hotspur on the fundamentals of GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) behaviour. The 31-year-old created all of the four Barca goals and scored two as the La Liga champions registered a 4-2 victory at Wembley. Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho were also on the score sheet, banging some seriously ridiculous goals. One player not on the scoresheet or having a cute statistic for example, an assist, but equally crucial to the overall performance was Luis Suarez.

Two dummies, two goals

Luis Suarez of Barcelona shoots while under pressure from Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Assists and goals have become some of the most important stats in the modern game. GOATs have been crowned based on such and the value of players continue to be influenced greatly by statistics more than anything else in the digital age, leaving many assuming the role of being unsung heroes. An assist in particular is simply awarded to the person who makes the final pass before a goal is scored. They are considered to have “assisted” the goal, laying it up on the plate for the scorer.

Now, what about those who do the same without touching the ball? On two occasions, Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure. In fact, on the first instance, Coutinho and Suarez had to both dummy the ball, confusing the Spurs defenders and aid Messi to deliver his masterpiece. Credit to Alba for delivering the assists by delivering the ball into the box, but what of Suarez’s awareness to know where Messi would be in a glance and drive all the defenders out of the “heat area” without touching the ball but with just simple cheeky movements. What brilliance!

The Uruguayan will not be in the record books for such, now and in the future and maybe even get criticized for not scoring as many goals as a striker. Alba laid up the ball for Messi, but Suarez increased the odds for Messi scoring exponentially. Looks like an assist to me, maybe even more.

“Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Liverpool vs Man City, the tale of two North Africans

The most followed football league on the face of the earth returns this weekend. Two of the three teams yet to lose a premier league game face-off on Sunday at one of the most electric atmospheres in the world of football, Anfield. One of the team are the reigning EPL champion while the other has not tasted some silverware since 2012. They however made the UEFA Champions League in the 2017/18 campaign and look like a club that is on the up. Manchester City and Liverpool have almost made lightwork of all premier league opposition so far, tied on points at the top of the table with only goal difference separating them - Sunday will properly separate the two. The winner will lay a huge marker for the 2018/19 title. What else should we expect?

A pertinent question to all the defenders picked of Sunday will be on how to stop two Arab brothers if there are both unleashed for the contest.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Mohamed Salah

The 26-year-old needs no introduction. Salah became the first African since George Weah to be shortlisted for FIFA’s prime individual accolade for a top male footballer, eventually getting pipped to the award by Croatia’s Luka Modric. He still won the FIFA Puskas Award though, for scoring the best goal for the 2017-2018 season. Today, we are not going to go deep into his fairytale debut season last year with Liverpool but about what’s at stake right now. Liverpool suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss at Napoli midweek in the Champions League after a lifeless performance in Naples. They have not won all their last three matches in all competitions against Napoli and Chelsea after winning all of their opening matches. The fable that they were bullying lesser teams looks like a reality at the face of the most recent results. The face of that Liverpool side, failing to win has been arguably Salah - who did not score a single goal in those matches. With high expectations on him to repeat the ridiculous feat of last season, he looks like he may be contending with the pressure that comes with it. Naysayers have already made him news headlines on several platforms. It all comes down to this weekend, with Liverpool keen to go back to winning ways and have a go at the current champions, making their case for being future champions and Salah also keen to go back on the scoresheet and remind the world and Anfield that silverware is what they are after; that they will beat the best if they have to. A scoring Salah will easily be considered to be consistent with a Liverpool that means business.

Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Oxford United and Manchester City at Kassam Stadium on September 25, 2018 in Oxford, England.

(Sept. 24, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

This North African knows one or two things about winning silverwares. He has his own fairytale to reminisce, that narrates the unbelievable 2015/16 epl triumph by Leicester City. Riyad pulled all the strings in that Leicester side, aiding Jamie Vardy’s development to be a prolific striker. Unlike Salah, he is not City’s face, at least not for now. After switching to Manchester this summer in deal that made him the club’s record signing, the 27-year-old is yet to secure a regular starting position in Guardiola’s team. It cannot be any easier now, with Kevin De Bruyne expected to return to the side after being sidelined with injury. Mahrez’s favorite position over the years has grown to be the right wing, where he can cut inside with his left foot and from time to time, smash the ball to the far bottom corner beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. The chop and score has become the Mahrez trademark move. England’s Raheem Sterling has been quite efficient in that right wing position, scoring four times and assisting two others in six premier league starts. Bernardo Silva has on occasion, been deployed in that position as well and could continue in that light, now that David Silva and De Bruyne look to be picking up their protagonistic roles once again. Put simply, competition for Mahrez at City is quite tough. Whether he gets a starting role on Sunday, only Pep knows. What’s apparent is that he will have a mark on the game. He has to in his journeying of impressing the gaffer. He has scored a total of three goals in all of his three starts for City this campaign. Actually, two of the goals were from the bench against Cardiff. He is ready, starting or otherwise - he is looking to influence.

Last time out

The most recent Liverpool and Manchester City match in the premier league finished 4-3 after Liverpool had leaped to a 4-1 lead with both Salah and Mane getting their names on the score sheet. Liverpool inflicted City’s first defeat of the season last time;will Salah lead Liverpool to do it again or will Mahrez move not to allow it?

“A pertinent question to all the defenders picked of Sunday will be on how to stop two Arab brothers if there are both unleashed for the contest.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

UCL: Trouble in paradise? Liverpool toothless in Naples while Koulibaly shines

You just got to love football. You hardly can predict what may happen next, can you? Two weeks ago, we lifted the highest praise to Liverpool, especially their FAB 3 for an absolutely masterpiece performance against star studded PSG. A match in which they took the Parisians’ expensively assembled squad to school, did their homework and finished with the laundry. The Reds were really all over Neymar’s side as they eventually won 3-2. It looked like the path to some glory was as light as day but just two weeks later; we are not even sure what may happen next.

Build up to the match

“In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Before the Champions League matchday 2 against Napoli in Naples, Liverpool had to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the Carabao Cup before paying a visit of their own to Maurizio Sarri’s men just a few days later for a Premier League encounter. Daniel Sturridge pulled off a rabbit from a hat in the Carabao Cup fixture but Hazard had the final say with an absolute novel goal as the Blues walked away as ‘rude’ guests, humbling the hosts to a 2-1 loss and knocking them out of the competition. It was actually Liverpool’s first loss of the season in all competitions. The Saturday EPL affair looked like the tango with Chelsea would have a familiar end after Hazard opened the scoring with his sixth premier league goal of the season but Sturridge came through to spoil Chelsea’s second Red party of the week. The match eventually ending as a 1-1 draw. As the adage goes, well “it’s just the Carabao cup, it doesn’t matter anyway” with the aid of Sturridge’s screamer, some interesting concerns from Liverpool’s last two performances went unquestioned.

Serving up a boring affair in Naples

Most people would easily dismiss the Napoli clash as the most boring match of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool era. It was simply lifeless, with no shots on goal for the full ninety. Even Liverpool’s manager, Klopp, agreed,

“It’s always a bad sign when you have to say your goalkeeper was your best player, but it was obvious tonight. I have kind of a filter in my brain where I forget bad stuff immediately.”

— Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles with Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

You may notice that we have said nothing of the FAB 3 up to this point, they have just been really almost non-existent in the most recent matches. Mane is putting in the work but it sure looks like he has new found love with getting his name on the score sheet above anything else. Salah is still running down the wing, ever so working hard as well but lacking the final pass or getting stopped in his tracks by defenders for some predictable movements on occasion. At the end of the day, Bobby Firmino is getting lost in the middle of the two wide-men. And guess who is laying up a major claim for a spot amongst the front three? Daniel Sturridge. I do not believe Shaqiri is sleeping either.

Lacking dynamism in the midfield

Kalidou Koulibaly player of SSC Napoli celebrates the victory after the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe)

In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now. It’s perhaps the reason why Naby Keita was brought to the club who got a rare start at Napoli before being stretched off with a back injury after the 19th minute. Henderson and Milner are excellent players and “servants” of the club but many a times just to slow, predictable and seldom pick the ball up from the midfield and run at defenders to create chances or free up other players. Everything that Guinea’s Naby Keita brings to the club. Wijnaldum tries to do that but goes missing on some days. This lack of dynamism has been evident in the most recent affairs against Chelsea and Napoli, more so as the FAB 3 seem to be misfiring and Van Dijk looking like he is being overworked. The premier league fixture against Southampton showed signs of how devastating Liverpool could be with one more dynamic midfielder as they played an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 in the first half with Shaqiri occupying the number 10 role. Liverpool is generally quick but they were quicker and sharper ensuring the score would be a neat 3-0 at halftime.

Forget Liverpool for a second, Koulibaly the bigger man!

Putting aside the Reds’ poor showing, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were really on top of their game, putting away a disappointing draw against Red Star Belgrade on matchday 1, they took the game to Liverpool. Central to rendering the FAB 3 toothless was Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly’s organized defensive play at the heart of the defense, blocking everything, heading out everything and working seamlessly with Albiol. He even ran forward on occasion delivering crosses and trying out one or two shots at goal. That’s just how much Napoli had control, a centre-back got to swing in crosses into the opposition’s box. On a day he welcomed compatriot Sadio Mane to Italy, he finished as the bigger man.

Next up, Liverpool welcome champions Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in the league. Who even knows what will happen? Both teams are yet to lose a premier league match.

UEFA Champions League Round Up: Matchday 2

Lionel Messi of Barcelona is tackled by Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

The premium club competition in Europe, UEFA Champions League is up and running. It’s only matchday two but we have seen clashes fit to be finals being played in front our eyes. Who would have thought that CSKA Moscow would beat reigning champions, Real Madrid or that Messi would show off his GOAT nature. Okay maybe, you could have guessed the latter. Here is a pick of the action that involved Africans playing in Europe.

1. (Man Utd vs Valencia) - Kondogbia and Valencia add insult to Manchester United’s injury

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United is challenged by Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia 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)

The Central African Republic international was in the thick of things as Valencia and troubled United played out a goalless draw. The 25-year-old, Geoffrey Kondogbia teamed up with former Arsenal midfielder, Francis Coquelin to stuff out any potential threat from Jose Mourinho’s men coming from the midfield, winning the battle against Belgium’s Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic. Had it not been for Valencia’s lack of intent and far from satisfying passes in the final third, Kondogbia and his teammates could have gotten more from the match played at Old Trafford.

2. (Porto vs Galatasaray) - Mali’s Moussa Marega steps up in the absence of Aboubakar

Porto had to battle the Turkish giants without their star forward, Cameroonian Vincent Aboubakar who will spend considerable amount of time on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery. Aboubakar’s bag of goals carried the Portuguese side to the knockout stages in the 2017/18 UCL season but 27-year-old Marega looks more than capable to fill the big shoes. His solitary goal was enough to seal off a 1-0 victory against Galatasaray, sending Porto top of Group D ahead of Bundesliga side, Schalke, who also have four points

3. (Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge) - Ever so reliable Thomas Partey does the job again

Ghanaian midfielder has really made Atletico Madrid his home and might be on course to become a future captain and legend. He was involved in the side as Diego Simeone’s men registered a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, taking their points tally to six, tied with group A leaders, Borussia Dortmund who brushed aside Monaco, 3-0

Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale celebrates his goal with his team-mate Kwadwo Asamoah (R) during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Milan, Italy.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

4. (Tottenham vs Barcelona) - Wanyama starts but taken off at the 57th minute

After spending a lot of time on the sidelines with injuries and also bench warming after Eric Dier became the more preferred defensive midfielder at Spurs, Kenya’s Victor Wanyama finally got to start a match, the biggest of them all. He was quite fiery in the opening stages, putting out fires and even getting yellow-carded at some point for a tactical foul on Messi but was just as guilty for Barca’s third goal as Messi leaped into the box to place the ball into the bottom corner under his watch. Dier soon came to replace the 27-year-old Kenyan for reasons best known by Pochettino. You cannot really blame anyone though for Tottenham’s 4-2 loss to Barca - they were simply outclassed.

5. (PSV vs Inter Milan) - Asamoah’s Inter record second successive UCL victory from behind

Ghanaian, Kwadwo Asamaoh was deployed once again at the left-back role as his side came from behind in Netherlands, to beat PSV 2-1. Inter Milan have now collected 6 out of 6 available points after seeing of Tottenham from behind again on matchday 1. It promises to be an interesting encounter when they meet Barcelona in their next match with both teams having bagged maximum points so far.

Where is the ceiling for Wilfried Zaha?

“He has been commended for his fantastic dribbles that he completes with half steps, cutting inside from the wing and making defenders sweep the floor with any part of the body he chooses, regularly the limbs and hair on occasion. On top of that his speed on the ball electric, super sonic stuff.”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

A few years ago, mentioning Messi and Zaha in the same sentence could have been treasonous, but now has being compared to the five time Balon d’Or winner for his dribbling abilities. That comparison on it’s own is quite an achievement, but the the 25 year-old  Ivorian striker is does not seem to be at the peak of his career yet. Is this Messi association the best he could do or is this just the beginning of the more he could do and become?

Crystal Palace’s “Messi”

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace jumps clear of a challenge from Federico Fernandez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on September 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

He has been commended for his fantastic dribbles that he completes with half steps, cutting inside from the wing and making defenders sweep the floor with any part of the body he chooses, regularly the limbs and hair on occasion. On top of that his speed on the ball electric, super sonic stuff. He has become not just a playful dribbler but an effective one at that, scoring important goals for Roy Hodgson’s men. At the start of the 2017/18 EPL season, he netted three goals in two matches for Crystal Palace take his tally to 24, an all time high for an Eagles player in the Premier League. The Selhurst residents really do miss his goals, hair and everything Zaha in periods injuries which has been quite a few in recent times. It’s not unfounded to say that Zaha is Crystal Palace’s playmaker, creating goals for teammates and scoring even more. Henceforth comparisons to Messi are not shocking, the Argentine has just however done the same thing for Barcelona in the La Liga for an extend period of time. Could it be that Zaha reaching such a level at mid-table club like Palace in the English top flight signals the commencement of even a bigger career rather than mere committed service and loyalty? It sure looks like Zaha, with no disrespect intended, has outgrown the club.  Actually, reliance on him might be more damaging than the perks of his brilliance.

The conversation around him moving to a bigger club?

As anticipated, discussions around him potentially moving to a bigger team like Tottenham, Dortmund, Real Madrid or Barcelona have been far from over, even though he recently renewed his commitment to the London club. An obvious argument to a move away would be exposure to other great players propelling him to concentrate on personal growth without the ‘pressure’ of carrying the team on his shoulders. Zaha did however play for a bigger club, Manchester United from 2013-15 managing just two appearances in two years. Some feel like he is play that feeds of the limelight and that he was overshadowed and got his light dimmed at United. Could it be that he was still young and a growing footballer who lacked someone who unequivocally believed in his abilities. Well, I would like to believe that no matter the challenge this time around or club, cannot be too big for Zaha. You do just become one of the most dreaded forwards in the English Premier League for no reason.

Protection and Winning

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace battles for possession with David Brooks of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium on October 1, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 30, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

The Ivorian striker becoming dangerous defenders in the premier league has also seen the defenders arguably becoming a danger to him. He recently called out for more protection as the most singled out player, alluding that maybe he would need to have one of his legs broken before being taken seriously. Maybe he has indeed divided on some occasions but it goes without saying that being the centre of attention because of his abilities and threat he poses to any opponent, more protection would be required. Both from potential haters or shielding himself from naysayers.

On Monday evening, Crystal Palace lost their game to Bournemouth . As soon as the whistle blew, seemingly frustrated, Wilfried Zaha gave his coach a brief handshake and rushed to the dressing room. The fans who had been watching him for ninety minutes could have appreciated more, a custom applause for their unwavering support despite the result. With his abilities at an time high is his career and the desire to win more increasing with every performance, Zaha might possibly be seeing more and demanding more of himself than the entire world has ever seen. Most are already dazzled with what he has given so far, could words be coined to what else he can bring to the Africa and global football in general.

UEFA Champions League Matchday 2: Our African Fantasy Five

The biggest European club competition commenced last Tuesday and we witnessed some stellar performances by individuals who have been in and out of their teams since the beginning of the 2018/19 season. These soccer players will be looking to continue their form into Matchday 2. But before we pop some popcorn and get ready for the second round, let's look at the five African players that stood out in the competition last week. Here is FirstTouch’s UEFA Champions League Fantasy 5. We have one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and a striker uptop in a diamond formation.

Andre Onana of Ajax reacts during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and AEK Athens at Johan Cruyff Arena on September 19, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Andre Onana - Bayern Munich vs Ajax

We previewed the UEFA Champions League and identified Andre Onana as one of the Africans to watch out for in the competition. If you watched Ajax’s match against AEK Athens, you would understand why there is so much buzz around the youngster. The Cameroon international was at it again as he kept a clean sheet in his first outing of the UEFA Champions League tournament this season. He will surely look to maintain that and hopefully breakthrough into the conversation about the best young talents in the world.

Kwadwo Asamoah (R) of FC Internazionale is pulled by his shirt by Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Milan, Italy.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

Kwadwo Asamoah - PSV Eindhoven vs Inter Milan

The versatile Ghanaian was preferred in the left back position for Inter Milan when they faced Tottenham. The defender grabbed this opportunity with both hands as he led his team to a solid 2-1 win. Asamoah and the defenders next to him had to be compact to keep out the dangers from inform striker Harry Kane and the resurged Lucas. This must have impressed Luciano Spalletti, the Inter Milan coach. He made 4 last ditch tackles in his own half before clearing the ball away from danger on 4 occasions.

Sadio Mane - Napoli vs Liverpool

The Senegalese international is ever consistent. Although he might not score goals on a regular basis, his work rate and chances he creates make up for his flaws. Mane was a constant threat to the Paris Saint Germain defenders. He completed 3 dribbles and made two key passes from the wing. You might remember him side-stepping Neymar, inarguably the overall best dribble from  matchday 1. His confidence to take on any defender means that he will always be a target for the defenders to foul him. Who doesn't need a pacy and trickery winger in their team? They can create something special from anything.

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)

Hakim Ziyech - Bayern Munich vs Ajax

One of the most important African playmakers in the present day. The Moroccan international orchestrated Ajax’s attacks against AEK Athens. He was also hungry for goals as he made 7 shots throughout the entire course of the game. His defense splitting passes is a must have to a fan who plays fantasy football. He adds a sure attacking threat to our UEFA Champions League Fantasy 5 as he complements the attack with his knack for a goal. A playmaker like him deserves a place in our team.

Vincent Aboubakar - Porto vs Galatasaray

None of the African strikers scored a goal on Matchday 1. The Porto striker is probably the one more likely to score in the next matches purely because of the amazing record of carrying his side into the last 16 in the previous campaign. We are hopeful that the Cameroonian will pick up their scoring boots and repay our faith in his abilities to be shortlisted in FirstTouch’s Fantasy 5 side.

Porto's Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar kicks the ball during their UEFA Champions League group G football match FC Porto vs Monaco at the Dragao stadium in Porto, on December 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL RIOPA

(Dec. 5, 2017 - Source: AFP)

UEFA Europa League Matchday 2: Our African Fantasy Five

The second best European club competition commenced last Thursday and we witnessed some stellar performances by individuals who have been in and out of their teams since the beginning of the 2018/19 season. These soccer players will be looking to continue their form into Matchday 2. But before we pop some popcorn and get ready for the second round, let's look at the five African players that stood out in the competition last week. Here's FirstTouch’s UEFA Europa League Fantasy 5. We have one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and a striker up top in a diamond formation.

Goalkeeper

It is quite unfortunate that no African goalkeeper was in action on Matchday 1. Therefore, this position will be reserved for a goalkeeper that pushes into the Starting XI of their respective clubs and prove their worth on Matchday 2.

Joseph Aidoo of Ghana shows his frustration after a Mali goal during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Round of 16 match between Ghana and Mali at Wellington Regional Stadium on June 10, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(June 9, 2015 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Joseph Aidoo (Centre Back) - Sarpsborg vs Genk

The Ghanaian international plays for Genk in the Belgian division. He was a starter in the UEFA Europa League match between Genk and Malmo FF. He helped his team keep a clean sheet against the Swedish giants. Who would not want to have a defender that won 4 arial duels, cleared the ball 6 times out of danger, and made 3 crucial interceptions. The 23-year old was a class above the rest on Matchday 1.

Iwobi (Left Midfield) - Qarabag FK vs Arsenal

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal (r) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Alex Iwobi during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe

Of course, the Naija boy deserves plaudits for his man of the match performance for Arsenal against Vorskla Poltava. He provided an assist for Aubameyang to score his second goal of the season on the 32nd minute. Iwobi created chances that went bagging as his teammates failed to finish off their opponents. The young midfielder was a constant menace on the left flank and would probably have been at the very top of the Power Rankings if the Europa League had a fantasy team of the week.

Metz's Senegalese midfielder Ismaila Sarr (L) vies with Rennes' French defender Ludovic Baal during the French L1 football match Rennes against Metz on October 30, 2016 at the Roazhon park stadium in Rennes, western France. / AFP / DAMIEN MEYER

(Oct. 29, 2016 - Source: AFP)

Ismaila Sarr (Right Midfield) - Astana vs Rennes

Fantasy football is based on efficiency and results as opposed to personal affection towards individual soccer players. This warrants a place for Sarr in the team on the right. The Senegalese international scored a stunner for Stade Rennais which is goal of the season contender. He produced the goods and would definitely be in our fantasy team heading into matchday 2.

Aubameyang (Centre Forward) - Qarabag FK vs Arsenal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2018 - Source: Henry Browne/Getty Images Europe)

Another Arsenal player to make it to the team. Well deserved if you ask me. The Gabonese international was hungry for goals against Ukrainian side, Vorskla Poltava. He scored a brace on the night and almost scored made it three had it not been for a shot that hit the upright. We would be confident having a world class striker like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang leading the line in my UEFA Europa League team.

(Super Sub) Mbwana Samatta - Sarpsborg vs Genk

Some special mention should be reserved for the Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta who plays for Genk. The forward scored one of the goals that sealed a 2-0 victory against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s old club. Had it not been for the Aubameyang, Samatta would be leading the line in my UEFA Europa League Fantasy 5 side. Oh maybe we could play two strikers with no goalkeeper, if that were possible.

Which Africans would make it into your Matchday 2 Europa League Fantasy Five?

Is Dembele ready to share Messi's Barcelona "burden"?

False start

Many believed Ousmane Dembele’s first season at the Catalans would be excellent considering the hefty prize tag that came with the player’s move from former club Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He was bought by the club for a price of €147 million as a replacement for Brazilian dynamite, Neymar but life at the Camp Nou did not quite kickoff well for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. A combination of long term injuries as well as lack of game time were some of the reasons for the Frenchman's disappointing  first season at the club. In the summer of 2018, barely a year into his Barca career, there were already rumours linking him with a loan move away from the club, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool vying for his signature. However all of that did not materialize and the Frenchman declared at the start of the season that he was staying put with the club.

The Usain Bolt kind of start

Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Barcelona and PSV at Camp Nou on September 18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

Fast forward to the current 2018/19 season, all that seems to be changing. The new  La Liga campaign has started off on a high note for Dembele as he has been in the thick of things in many of his team’s first few games. In his first three games for the club this season, Dembele has scored two goals, showing the quality that he can be key in easing the pressure off Lionel Messi and Suarez in terms of scoring as well as creating goals. Although he did not get a lot of game-time in France’s ridiculously talented squad during the recent world cup, Dembele has not let that affect him as he has began the new season on a high.

Most fans believe that Dembele’s growth at the club will be enhanced by having Lionel Messi supporting him. Barca’s main man is the central point of Barca’s every move thus Dembele should aim to learn more from the little Argentine magician in terms of both his decision-making and movement around the pitch. That way he will be able to exert himself properly and increase the confidence coach Ernesto Valverde has in him. What is more more, being surrounded by a great deal of other quality players such as Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez will certainly be beneficial for “Mosquito’s” development, More so ease the pressure that came with his price tag. On his best day, Dembele can embarrass the best of wing backs with his blistering pace and endless dribbling ability, which are some of the qualities that made the club gain interest in the player.

“Fast forward to the current 2018/19 season, all that seems to be changing. The new  La Liga campaign has started off on a high note for Dembele as he has been in the thick of things in many of his team’s first few games.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

I personally consider Dembele to be in the top ten world’s best young players because of his raw talent. He is that type of player who has the potential to be the best player provided he gets the right mentoring and enough game time. Ernesto Valverde has been slowly throwing the Frenchman into the thick of things this season and I am sure most Barca supporters are enjoying that and would hope that they will see more of Dembele this season. After all, he is the fourth most expensive player on the planet and I am persuaded many would agree with me that Ousmane is certainly too good to rot on the bench. The 2018/2019 season seems to be the one for Dembele to finally stamp his authority and secure his place in the talented Barcelona squad.

Now more than ever

Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Presnel Kimpembe of France celebrate victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(July 14, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Barca seems to be in kind of a renaissance with loads of talent brought in the summer such as  the 21-year-old Malcolm, Arturo Vidal, Lenglet and another Brazilian in Arthur. The old guns who carried Barcelona through many years of glory, that is the Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Pique and Messi have all moved on or are soon to depart and make way for the new. They seem to be figuring out a new style of play and Messi remains the stabilizing factor in the far from smooth transition period. Dropping seven points in the past three La Liga games against Girona, Leganes and Athletic Club, is so much unlike Barcelona. There is no better for Dembele to take some pressure over Messi and make an undisputed claim for a key role in the club that is reinventing itself.

Will he continue rising to the occasion? Should the new Barcelona be built around him? Have your say in the comment box below.

What’s happening with Mo Elneny at Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger brought in the Egyptian midfielder, Mohamed Elneny from Basel in a £7 million deal back in January, 2016. The long search for a defensive midfielder with the ability to dictate play and control the tempo of the match seemed to have reached an end when Wenger identified Elneny as the man to step into the role. The role that Arsenal fans lamented over ever since the Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva days. The African did not disappoint even in the big matches. A memorable goal for Arsenal against Barcelona just 2 months into his time at the Emirates increased Elneny’s popularity among the fans. However, the 26-year old struggled to make himself indispensable in Wenger’s team over the past two years. Unai Emery’s era does not promise to be different. Here, we assess his situation at Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil #10 and Mohamed Elneny #4 of Arsenal looks on the ball during training ahead of the International Champions Cup 2018 match between Arsenal v Paris Saint Germain on July 27, 2018 in Singapore.

(July 26, 2018 - Source: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Mo Elneny has been used as a fringe player since 2016 meaning he has had limited game time. Elneny deputised Ramsey and Santi Cazorla which guaranteed him some minutes in case these two needed to be rested. His ability to play in between the lines and pick a pass made him a good back up to the Spaniard Santi Cazorla who was the heart and soul of the team. However, Francis Coquelin overtook Elneny in the pecking order and suddenly, he had 3 players to compete with for a place in Arsene Wenger’s team. That same year, Arsenal announced the signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach and as expected, life became even more difficult for the Egyptian. However, the club’s participation in 4 different tournaments ensured that he had a decent amount of time doing what he knows best.

Fast-forward to this year, Elneny is in somewhat a similar situation to that one a couple of years ago, if not worse. The Egyptian international who played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia finals finds himself behind recent arrivals in Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi as well as Granit Xhaka, and Aaron Ramsey in Unai Emery’s team. This raises questions as to why the player has not progressed enough to knock on the doors of the first team like how Casemiro’s influence grew in the midfield trio of Real Madrid. Could it be that the player is content with his situation as long he gets the big bucks at the London club or that his love for Arsenal is too great that he still hopes to achieve more with the team. This question still has to be answered but his situation should concern the Egyptian coach, Javier Aguirre, who is aware of the player’s talent and potential.

“Mo Elneny is not getting any younger. He is now 26-years of age and approaching the ‘prime years’ of footballers. He surely would not like be spending his best years in his playing career playing second fiddle football.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

Besides, there is reason to believe that his situation could become worse. This depends on Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ progress in recovery from a fractured fibula. The young English international has put in some impressive performances since his debut. Paul Pogba reserved some special praise for the 21-year old on April 29, when the youngster bossed the midfield against Manchester United. Ainsley is also another player contending for a spot in the team.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring the 2nd Arsenal goal with Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on March 11, 2018 in London, England.

(March 10, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

In addition, Mo Elneny is not getting any younger. He is now 26-years of age and approaching the ‘prime years’ of footballers. He surely would not like be spending his best years in his playing career playing second fiddle not only to the aforementioned players but also to the youngsters that seem to be given the nod ahead of him at Arsenal. Although he has already played in the UEFA Europa League and the Carabao Cup this 2018/19 season, he would most definitely be dreaming of showcasing his goods in the English Premier League like his fellow compatriot, Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Maybe it is time that the Egyptian could consider leaving Arsenal to further his career. Cheikhou Kouyate did the same this summer when he left West Ham for Crystal Palace. Elneny is too good a player to keep playing in the less significant matches like he has been doing this season and the situation looks like it’s having a toll on his confidence as well.

What do you think Elneny should do? Could the situation improve?

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)

Is Wanyama risking pulling off an "Obi Mikel" at Tottenham?

Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England.

(May 12, 2018 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)

It’s not everyday that you come across a Kenyan in the global football circles. Football is simply perhaps not their thing, there are other things they are quite good at. Exceptionally so. For instance, when it comes to marathon running, they are the best Olympians. Everyone knows that. Should you get a chance to stumble upon one, he/she must be really outstanding and that’s the case of Victor Wanyama, the Kenyan captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder. Well, there is however an unsettling feeling around Vic’s Spurs career which is floating in the air.

A Pochettino’s Tottenham “Renaissance” Trooper

The North London is now easily regarded as one of the top six sides in the English Premier League, thanks to Mauricio Pochettino’s current reign, who took the reins from Tim Sherwood in 2014. The Argentine has transformed the club’s philosophy into a highly coveted attacking style of football and has seen them return to UEFA Champions League football, even rubbing shoulders and beating the likes of  record winners Real Madrid, 3-1 at Wembley in the 2017/18 tournament. The club is on course to open their new stadium and however still pressing on towards some first piece of silverware under Pochettino, all sounding much like their North London rivals, Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman who is widely regarded to have “built” the club’s Emirates stadium and brought in an attractive style of play to England but also enjoyed limited silverware success in a 22-year tenure.

Now, true to the story is that Victor Mugubi Wanyama emerged as one of the special troopers in Pochettino’s transformed squad. He first made contact with the Vic in 2013 when he signed him from the Scottish Premier League club, Celtic for a fee understood to be £12.5 million to become the first ever Kenyan to play in the English Premier League.

“Southampton is a good club and it has good players, so I just want to train hard and work hard to be a part of the starting XI. We’ll see where that will take me. It feels great and I am happy to be here. There were other options, but Southampton is a club with ambitions so I chose to come here. I’m very grateful to be here and I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League.”

— Victor Wanyama on signing for Southampton

Mauricio clearly loved Wanyama’s style of play and even brought him to Spurs in 2016 and went on to become a crowd favorite as a “no nonsense” type of defensive midfielder who shoves opponents off the ball with great stamina to pick out passes in the attacking third or sprint forward to finish some chances. In fact, according to the Premier League official stats, he boasts of a superior tackle success rate of 76% in 140 appearances in the division, higher than the 2018 FIFA FIFPRO XI winner, N’golo Kante or arguably the best defensive midfielder in the division, Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Injuries setbacks

Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur poses with the trophy for Carling Premier League Goal of the Month for February 2018 at on March 8, 2018 in Enfield, England.

(March 7, 2018 - Source: Paul Harding/Getty Images Europe)

A series of major and minor injuries have seen the 27-year-old’s career progressing slower than it first looked. He suffered a knee injury in the early stages of the 2017/18 season that saw him sidelined for four months, only to return to full training in December 2017. Since then, he has found it hard to pick up some momentum with slight injuries and mostly managerial decisions sidelining him out of the side. He has managed just fifty-five appearances since 2016 for Spurs with 36 starts in the first season while only nine starts have come to his name since August 2017. Wanyama is clearly a player who seem to be moving further down the pecking order as each day goes by at Tottenham. He did have a wow moment in February 2018 when he scored a thunderbolt for Spurs at Anfield against Liverpool after coming on as a substitute. With that stunner, he won the Premier League goal of the month but that was the last of it.

An Obi Mikel Chelsea vibe surrounding Wanyama’s career?

Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel, is one of Africa’s greatest exports to the English top flight who is believed to have wasted a career at Chelsea after spending eleven years at the club from 2006-2017 managing only 249 appearances with a handful of them as a substitute and some in the least competitive matches such as those for domestic cups. Most people build legend status in that time, for example the Ivorian Didier Drogba did was worshipped at the club after spending only eight years. Mikel even accepted a change of role from being a potent attacking midfielder to a defensive one in that period, eventually getting a break late on when he moved to the Chinese Super League.

At 27 years of age, its starting to look like Wanyama might become a permanent bench warmer after managing just one appearance this 2018/19 season in all competitions. Even Spurs fans are getting frustrated at the snub of the Kenyan international for the English trio of Eric Dier, Moussa Dembele and Harry Winks in the Tottenham midfield. With Pochettino believed to have a keen eye on English talent and developing it, Wanyama might be risking a career to remember for all Kenyans.

What do you think is the fate of the Kenyan rare gem in Victor Mugubi Wanyama?

Ligue 1: Out with Mariano, in steps Bertrand Traore

His name has been buzzing in the news in patches for quite sometime now. It’s probably because he is such a top talent and had the media monitor his growth journey. At 23 years of age, it is beginning to look more like Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore is a fully grown footballer. It will not be far off from now before he follows the footsteps of other great African forwards such as Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nwankwo Kanu who shook the football world. Let’s talk about three reasons why he will get a seat at the table of the legends.

Bertrand Traore of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on March 5, 2016 in London, England.

(March 4, 2016 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Ask Olympique Marseille, they know.

On Sunday, matchday six of the French Ligue 1, Olympique Lyonnais humiliated Marseille 4-2, handing them only their second loss of the 2017/18 campaign. Central to Lyon’s performance was 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, Nabil Fekir who has African roots by the way, his parents hailing from Algeria and of course Bertrand. Traore struck twice in a space of nine minutes to put the game beyond Marseille. His first goal came in the 51st minute after he was fed a long upfield ball which he controlled from the left wing, cut inside, dribbling past one player and netting it in the far side of the post. It was really a typical “Riyad Mahrez goal.” The second was even better, Malian-French footballer Moussa Dembele fed Traore a pass from the same wing who then played a neat one-two with Nabil Fekir before netting his second for the game, this time in the near post. He has now scored four goals in six 2018/19 Ligue 1 matches for Lyon, second most goals scored so far by a single player behind Florian Thauvin. Watching Traore’s passing with teammates, finishing and dribbling against Lyon, one would really appreciate that there aren’t as many good and physical forwards in the modern game today, more so who are as young as twenty-three. He sure looks ready for any challenge now!

“At Chelsea, just like Salah, he left an unwanted child who never really got a chance, at Ajax the stage was not big enough and perhaps now - all things align for Traore. Lyon might have to ward off interests from potential suitors for the Burkinabe international who debuted for his country at only 15 years of age.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Champions League Spotlight

Lyon look like a side that is on the up. Other than Marseille, Premier League champions, Manchester City also fell victim to their detailed, intricate and clinical style of play in the UEFA Champions League opening round of matches at the Etihad Stadium. With his side not just rubbing shoulders but inflicting pain on the likes of City, it will be difficult for anyone not to spot Traore, future suitors included. He was good in the Eredivisie for Ajax on loan from Chelsea, even reaching the UEFA Europa League final where they lost to Manchester United and made it to the 2016/17 Europa League team of that season after scoring four goals in the campaign. But, that stage put his name to a certain level and this new stage is even bigger. The likes of Kylian Mbappe were astonishing in the French Ligue 1 but only got the world’s stamp of approval after repeating the same feats in the Champions league with Monaco in the 2016/17 season when they reached the semis. At Chelsea, just like Salah, he left an unwanted child who never really got a chance, at Ajax the stage was not big enough and perhaps now - all things align for Traore. Lyon might have to ward off interests from potential suitors for the Burkinabe international who debuted for his country at only 15 years of age.

Chelsea also know

The North Londoners were big losers after letting Mohamed Salah leave for Roma, the Egyptian who could be crowned by FIFA as the World’s Best Football Player for the year 2018. This time, they wisened up a little bit, knowing Traore’s potential, they sold him to Lyon for €10 million with a buy-back clause reportedly inserted in the contract of sale, meaning they would have the first choice resigning him or get a 15% profit from a future sale to any other club. Chelsea know his potential and know that a big money move in the near future for Traore cannot be off the the cards.

With attributes almost similar to that of Emmanuel Adebayor who played for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Real Madrid amongst many other clubs; from the height, dribbling and finishing - Traore time is perhaps just now!

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)