By Spy Uganda
Africa has produced some of the best players in world football, with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Mohammed Salah, Riyad Mahrez among others all hailing from the continent.
The continent has proven over the years to be a breeding ground for youngsters, with African nations excelling at international youth tournaments. Below Are Some Of English Football League Key Players From Africa
5. Bruce Grobbelaar
The legendary Zimbabwean stopper became one of Africa’s most decorated footballers of all time during his 13-year stint with Liverpool during the 1980s and early 1990s.
While he’s best remembered for the role he played in the European Cup triumph of 1984 and a whopping six league successes, he was also part of the team that won three consecutive League Cups between 1982 and 1984.
4. Michael Essien
Injury may have dimmed Essien’s impact during the latter years of his Chelsea career, but before the knocks began to take their toll, he was one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and irrepressible central midfielders.
He was part of the Blues side that won an ill-tempered League Cup final against London rivals Arsenal at Cardiff in February 2007.
However, that honour was eclipsed by two Premier League crowns, four FA Cups and, notably, Champions League success in 2012.
3. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was part of the Manchester City side that won the League Cup in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
He was an unused substitute as City defeated Chelsea on penalties in 2019 and then eclipsed Aston Villa last time around, before starting in last year’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
2. Yaya Toure
Toure will forever be remembered in the blue half of Manchester for his contributions to City’s golden era.
He was part of the side that won the League Cup final in 2014 and 2016, and while Man City did clinch the prize as well in 2018, he was overlooked for the matchday squad as the Sky Blues defeated Arsenal 3-0.
1. Didier Drogba
During the Drog’s trophy-laden spell with Chelsea, he’s perhaps best known for his major contributions to the Blues’ Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League successes.
Indeed, while he netted in a succession of FA Cup showpieces, he also played a key role in a trio of League Cup successes.
In 2005, he netted in extra time as Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2, while he followed that up with a double to down Arsenal two years later.
He completed his hat-trick with a late cameo in the 2-0 victory over Spurs in 2015.
