Considering how much of football’s artistry is channelled through the midfield, we bring you a list of the top 5 of Africa’s best midfielders ever.
Football has been graced by some exceptional talents over the years in different positions and Africa has lent some of it’s talents to football.
Some of Africa’s best ever have showcased their arts on the biggest stages in world football and also within Africa.
But we must bear in mind that football is also a results business. A player’s talent must be big enough to see him execute but also win the biggest prizes available.
1. Yaya Toure
Anyone who watched Yaya Toure play would easily see why he tops the list. The ivorian was built like a brick house. He combined that sheer power with flair, speed of thought and execution. Yaya Toure scored some different crunch and powerful goals, winning many prestigious trophies along the way. He did it consistently at the highest level too, winning Africa’s best player award FOUR times.
2. Abedi Pele
Many who watched Abedi Pele’s exploits at Marseille and the Ghanaian national team would scream “bloody murder” and rightly so.
He may only be number two on the list but it takes nothing away from the attacking midfielder.
The midfield Maestro was efficient at manipulating the ball in close control and had an eye for goals. He won Africa’s best player award three times.
3. Michael Essien
When Michael Essien was fit, there were very few midfielders with a nice blend of his skill set. He combined technique and balance with physical skill and work rate. Essien also had a powerful shot to boot. Who remembers that goal versus Arsenal?. His performances were backed up with 13 major honors.
4. Seydou Keita
As initially stated, football is a result based sport and maybe footballers would be eyeing Keita’s trophy collections with envy.
He didn’t play week in week out in the all conquering Barcelona side but he managed to hold his own. Stepping into a midfield considered one of football’s greatest midfields ever and winning a whooping 14 trophies!.
5. John Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi comes into the side for the same reason. He may not have been the type to often catch the eye but he was efficient and effective. His displays kept him at Chelsea under different managers for years.
Mikel Obi won the African cup of Nations with Nigeria as well. His compatriot Victor Osimhen is the current best African player award holder despite Mikel never winning the award himself. You can read all about it here:
Victor Osimhen surpass Salah, Mane to be the best African player in Europe 2023
Are you happy with our list of the top 5 of Africa’s best midfielders ever? Let us know in the comments.
You can also check out all football’s best African player of the 21st century as listed by All Football App.
