List Of The Top 10 African Players To Watch At The 2014 World Cup
We did a preview of the five African teams that will be at the World Cup previously. Now, here are our top 10 African players to watch at the tournament.
10. Joël Matip, 22 (Cameroon)
Since the legendary centre back Rigobert Song retired from the national team, Cameroon has lacked the right person to step in his shoes. However, this is where Matip comes in.
The 22-year old central defender plays for Schalke in Germany and he’s really been impressive for both club and country. He’s very tall, strong in the air and tackles intelligently.
He’s not only the player to watch in the Cameroon team, but he’s also the future of Cameroon football.
9. Kenneth Omeruo, 20 (Nigeria)
Omeruo doesn’t look much like a strong defender, but he’s actually a rock.
He was exceptional at the 2013 Nations Cup, which Nigeria won, and during the World Cup qualifiers. He’s one of the best African defenders right now. It’s no surprise that Chelsea have signed him.
8. Sofiane Feghouli, 24 (Algeria)
A lot of pundits have written off Algeria’s chances in Brazil, but one player who is expected to shine is Feghouli.
The midfielder is presently the most prominent player on the Algeria team, and he plays for top La Liga side Valencia. So much of Algeria’s chances will depend on his form in Brazil.
7. Kwadwo Asamoah, 25 (Ghana)
Asamoah is a creative, energetic midfielder with a lot of stamina. He was named Ghana Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
Ghana have other good players in the midfield like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari. Notwithstanding, Coach Kwesi Appiah should be looking to play him in the left wing, a position where he often functions at his club Juventus.
Ghana are drawn in a difficult group alongside Germany and others, but with players like Asamoah, they can make a strong impact in the competition.
6. Fabrice Olinga, 17 (Cameroon)
Olinga is the youngest player to score in La Liga, at 16. He’s been described as the next Samuel Eto’o because of his prodigious attacking style.
On the other hand, Aurier is a skillful defender who has improved very much since he joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse. He’s even benched the more experienced Emmanuel Eboue to establish himself firmly in the Ivory Coast first team. He and Olinga are two of the most promising lads in African football and will be keenly watched by many at the World Cup.
5. Vincent Enyeama, 31 (Nigeria)
As Lille coach René Girard described him, Enyeama is a cat. He’s not only the best African goalie right now, but he’s also one the best goalies in the top five European leagues.
This season, but for an own goal by a teammate, Enyeama could have equalled Gaetan Huard’s 20-year record of playing 1176 minutes in the French Ligue 1 without conceding a goal.
He’s the captain of his team and will be a strong influence in Brazil.
4. Emmanuel Emenike, 26 (Nigeria)
Emenike was nominated for the 2013 CAF African player of the year award. He is rugged, quick on the ball and scores many crucial goals for his national team. He’s certainly a goal-getter.
He’s been the spearhead of the Nigerian team for over a year, and fans will be banking on him to get the goals and lead the attack in Brazil.
3. Wilfried Bony, 24 (Ivory Coast)
Bony is a prolific striker with a powerful shot. He’s made an outstanding impression since arriving at Swansea this season, and a lot of people are tipping him to deliver for the Ivory Coast team in Brazil.
His captain Didier Drogba will be playing in his last World Cup, and fans expect that Bony will use this tournament to prove that he’s capable of filling the retiring man’s shoes. He will lead the team’s hunt for goals in Brazil alongside Drogba.
2. Mikel Obi, 26 (Nigeria)
Mikel is the nucleus of the Nigerian team and was voted second best African player in 2013.
He’s not a great goal scorer, but he has a knack for passing the ball and keeping ball possession. The Chelsea midfielder also has a quick mind and much stamina, and his form will be very decisive for his team in Brazil.
1. Yaya Toure, 27 (Ivory Coast)
Certainly the best African footballer at the moment and among the best midfielders in the business, Yaya Toure is well above average in all areas. He’s strong in defence and in attack. He’s a very consistent player, and he works tirelessly for the whole team. He’s a complete midfielder indeed.
A player like Yaya Toure will have no problem commanding a worldwide followership at the World Cup.
Those are the top 10 African players to watch in Brazil
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