African Gems

The Premiership is undoubtedly the most powerful league in the world and the key reason why is simply because we have the better players in world football playing in our shores. In the past, the worlds better players use to ply their trades in Serie A in Italy and La Liga in Spain. The power has now shifted but not only in terms of the leagues but in terms of where these talents are coming from. The area that is now being developed is Africa.

With the likes of Drogba, Adebayor, Essien and Toure you can see why the standard of our league has taken the mantle. These players are truly at the top end of the spectrum in the performances over the last few seasons but there is new talent ready to take the reputation of African players to a higher level.

Jon Obi Mikel of Chelsea is a very talented individual that has promised much the last two seasons and has a lot of potential that could shine in if given enough opportunities in the first team, which he has been given this year so far. Another player that has threatened to be a big hit for his club is Obafemi Martins, he is still only 24 and if not for injuries would be a much sort after striker for the bigger clubs. Another African to hit the headlines this season is Zaki of Wigan, the Egyptian striker is top of the scoring chart at the moment and looks a very good loan signing indeed.

There are other talents that have graced our league and helped developed it further with the likes of Yobo, McCarthy, Diouf, Yakubu, Kanu, Geremi, Okocha, Amokachi and Lauren. There are many more which I have not mentioned which just goes to show the depth of talent.

With the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea setting up schools of excellence throughout the continent it is only a matter of time until the next superstar is brought through to inspire the next generation. The main attribute that these players offer is something different to what our local lads offer, that is a true desire to succeed. From what is learned from the previous African players is mainly a life of deprivation and a continuous struggle to succeed and reach their goals.

What can be said is that English football has only progressed in skill and athleticisim since the introduction of African players. Whether it be the skill of Okocha or Kanu or a great strike from Drogba or Adebayor they are a credit to themselves and our league.

Tags: Adebayor, Amokachi, Diouf, Drogba, Essien, Geremi, Kanu, Lauren, Martins, McCarthy, Mikel, Okocha, Toure, Yakubu, Yobo, Zaki

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 10:26 am and is filed under Premiership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.