5 African players to watch at the 2018 WC

By: Vinnie Titus | Futaa.com

World’s biggest event is almost here, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a number of African players will be representing their countries. Big stars have been shining in leagues across Europe and a number of fans will be expecting them to stir in the World Cup.

We take a look at five players who are expected to make a huge impact in Russia.

Mohamed Salah

All eyes will be on Egypt, specifically Mohamed Salah. Football fans will closely be following the Liverpool star to see if he produces same performance he had for the Reds during the 2017/18 season. The reigning African Player of the Year has had a sizzling season, netting 35 goals in just 39 appearances for Liverpool. Fittingly, it was his stoppage-time spot kick, which ended Egypt’s 28-year-old wait to once again book a place among the footballing elite.

For the national team, he has scored 33 times in 57 appearances for The Pharaohs. He has also been instrumental in Egypt’s strong performance in the recent past which also saw them reach the finals of the African Cup of Nations in 2017. Given that Egypt seems to be in a comparatively easier group, an in-form Salah might very well see them reach the second round of the tournament for the first time in their history

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane, another lethal forward. The Liverpool ace would be eager to make amends in Russia for his penalty miss at the Africa Cup of Nationa last year which saw his side crash out of the tournament. Much like El Hadji Diouf in 2002, Mane is expected to be the star player in Senegal’s attack in Russia. The only difference being, while Diouf’s World Cup heroics prompted Liverpool to sign him, Mane is already a first-team regular at the Kop.

He has established himself as one of the most exciting wide men, not only in the Premier League but also in the world. Though he has been injury plagued this season, Mane has still been on fire for the Reds whenever he has taken the field, scoring 14 and setting up 8 goals for others in just 29 appearances.

If he brings his best game to the World Cup, there is a possibility that Senegal might actually go way further than people’s expectations from the African nation.

Alex Iwobi

The Arsenal starlet, though just 20, has already drawn comparisons to one of the all-time Nigerian greats, J.J. Okocha, who incidentally happens to be his uncle. Iwobi, who made his debut for the Super Eagles when he was 17, has quickly become one of the automatic choices in Gernot Rohr’s first eleven. The winger has not disappointed his manager either, scoring twice and setting up one goal for his country in his last four appearances for Nigeria.

Iwobi announced his arrival on the International stage in style last November, when he scored two goals in a 4-2 victory against Argentina. With his pace and dribbling skills, the winger has more than enough tools at his disposal to give opposition defenders sleepless nights this summer.

Victor Moses

Nigerian Victor Moses was named the player of the year by the Nigeria Football Federation. Chelsea’s right-lane player has made an excellent season as he has been part of Chelsea official lineup in the majority of games. Thanks to his different roles in the attack and defense, Moses helped his team win the FA Cup this season. He has already won the English Premier League, Europa League with Chelsea. Also, he was an important player in the  Nigerian team which won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ayoub El Kaabi

The Moroccan Botola striker, the top scorer at the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) has had a good season.  He netted 9 goals which saw him become the first player to reach that tally in a single competition having surpassed the previous record set by Zambia’s Given Singuluma who scored 5 goals in 2009.

by: Futaa.com