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African Premiership Players

The 2006/07 Premiership season started with a bang in August and the African players on parade have been setting the stage alight with their sublime skills, flair associated with African football and brilliant goals.

Below is a run down of African players plying their trade in the premiership.



Arsenal Player Name: Kolo Toure Date of birth: 19 March 1981 Nationality: Ivory Coast Position: Defender Height: 1.83m
Strength - Kolo has strength and pace, times his tackles expertly and is quick to snuff out danger when the ball is played through the middle. G Verdict - Kolo is bound to have a successful season in the heart of Arsenal's defence and one of the leaders in the team will inspire the young ones around him.

Arsenal Player Name: Bisan Lauren Date of birth: 19 January 1977 Nationality: Cameroon Position: Right Back Height: 1.80m
Strength - Lauren is Arsenal's Mr Reliable, a tough-tackling defender and a valuable outlet on the right flank with the versatility to fill in at left back or in midfield if required. G Verdict - Lauren has been out of action since January due to injury and Arsenal can rely on his wealth of experience when he returns to action.

Arsenal Player name: Emmanuel Adebayor Date of birth: 26 February 1984 Nationality: Togo Position: Striker Height: 1.90m
Strength - Adebayor offered Arsenal a new dimension in attack where his height, strength and deceptive pace make him an awkward opponent for any defender. G Verdict - Having settled well into Arsenal's way of playing after his move in January, Adebayor's knack for scoring all kind of goals will be important to Arsenal's title challenge both domestically and in Europe this season.

Arsenal Player name: Emmanuel Eboue Date of birth: 04 June 1983 Nationality: Ivory Coast Position: Right Back Height: 1.78
Strength - Predominantly a right back, Emmanuel can also operate at centre-half and even in midfield. His pace, strength and skill make him a versatile member of Arsène Wenger's squad. G Verdict - Eboue is surely going to be a revelation in Arsenal's shirt this season having partly established himself with fantastic performances week in week out both domestically and in Europe last season.

Aston Villa Player name: Eric Djemba-Djemba Date of birth: 04 May 1981 Nationality: Cameroon Position: Midfielder Height: 1.75m
Strength - Eric is known for his terrier-like fighting spirit in the middle of the pack. The tough tackling Cameroonian was hailed as a possible successor to Roy Keane when he joined Manchester United. G Verdict - Injury permitting, Eric's strength will add more stability to Villa's midfield this season.

Blackburn Rovers Player name: Shabani Nonda Date of birth: 06 March 1977 Nationality: Congo Position: Striker Height: 1.82m
Strength - The on-loan striker from Roma is has got good pace aerial prowess. G Verdict - Nonda's pace and all action display on the pitch will sure terrorise premiership defences this season.

Blackburn Rovers Player name: Benedict McCarthy Date of birth: 12 November 1977 Nationality: South African Position: Striker Height: 1.84m
Strength - The South African striker greatest asset is his aerial power. He is a powerful lad that is very difficult to shake off the ball. A Champions' league winner with FC Porto in 2004, Bennie has a wealth of European football experience G Verdict - Bennie will surely become fan favourite at the Ewood Park. He is bound to score goals.

Blackburn Rovers Player name: Aaron Mokoena Date of birth: 25 November 1980 Nationality: South African Position: Defender Height: 1.88m
Strength - Aaron is a versatile, athletic player equally comfortable in the heart of defence or in the midfield-holding role. He is aggressive and committed and will not shirk from tackling. G Verdict - The strong South African is expected to establish himself in the Rovers' team this season with good performances wherever he is played.

Bolton Wanderers Player name: Abdoulaye Meite Date of birth: 06 October 1980 Nationality: Ivory Coast Position: Defender Height: 1.85
Strength - Abdoulaye is a solid right back that snubbed France to play for Ivory Coast at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. G Verdict - Not much is known about this former Marseille player who will be playing his first season in the premiership but knowing Big Sam very well, Meite will be another player that will fit into Bolton's robust style of play.

Bolton Wanderers Player name: Quinton Fortune Date of birth: 21 May 1977 Nationality: South African Position: Midfielder Height: 1.70
Strength - Fortune's speed up the left flank and accurate service to the forwards makes him vital to teams he's played for and he is not ready to get stuck in in the middle of the pack. The former Manchester united player can also play in the left side of the defence. G Verdict - A seasoned and experienced premiership player, Fortune's vast experience will surely be an asset to Bolton's quest for European cup place finish at the end of the season.

Bolton Wanderers Player name: El-Hadji Diouf Date of birth: 15 January 1981 Nationality: Senegal Position: Striker Height: 1.80m
Strength - The temperamental Senegalese star dubbed "Serial Killer" by his countrymen for his killer instinct in front of goal is also a powerhouse in front of goal due to his all action approach on the field of play. Very skilful and fast on the ball, Diouf is not what any defender wishes to face on his good day. G Verdict - If he can keep himself out of trouble and let his football do the talking rather than his mouth as well as be injury free, Diouf will cause most defenders lots of troubles this season.

Bolton Wanderers Player name: Abdoulaye Faye Date of birth: 26 February 1978 Nationality: Senegal Position: Midfielder Height: 1.87
Strength - Likened to the great former Arsenal Skipper, Patrick Vieira, Faye is a midfield enforcer with his physical presence and skills. He is best in the midfield holding role snuffing out attacks before it gets to the danger area. His aerial ability is one of his best assets. G Verdict - After his first season in the premiership, Faye is well equipped to mix it with the big boys in the middle of the pack and where else to do that than the Reebok Stadium

Charlton Athletic Player name: Talal El Karkouri Date of birth: 08 July 1976 Nationality: Moroccan Position: Central Defender Height: 1.86m
Strength - Talal is a dead ball specialist who packed venom in his right foot. An experienced player who was in the same PSG team with Ronaldinho in 2000, the Casablanca born defender is also an aerial threat in the opposing goal area from corner kick and free kicks if he is not taking them. G Verdict - Talal will establish himself in the Charlton line up this season if he keep coming up with those wonder goal as seen last season with the 40 yard stunner against Birmingham City.

Chelsea Player name: Michael Essien Date of birth: 03 December 1982 Nationality: Ghanaian Position: Midfielder Height: 1.82m
Strength - Chelsea's "Mr Hardman", Essien is what can be termed as a utility or 'multifunctional' player. A powerhouse player who finds no difficulty in getting around the pitch and can also play deep in the midfield as well as in the wings. A committed tackler that will not pull out of any tackle as evident in his horror tackle on Didi Hamman of Liverpool couple of seasons ago. G Verdict - With Chelsea's array of world-class players, Essien needs to stay fit and available for selection to keep his place in the star-studded team. But you can rely on the Ghanaian to deliver when selected to play.

Chelsea Player name: Didier Drogba Date of birth: 11 March 1978 Nationality: Ivory Coast Position: Striker Height: 1.88m
Strength - Sprinting plays a big part in the big man's armoury; his pace allied to strength making Didier the type of forward not seen at Stamford Bridge for a long, long time. He also possesses aerial power in front of goal that at times borders on breathtaking. G Verdict - If Drogba can stay on his feet long enough without some of last season's theatrics; he will be a handful for premiership defenders this season. His potential partnership with Shevchenko is already being touted as a deadly one

Chelsea Player name: John Mikel Date of birth: 22 April 1987 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Height: 1.60
Strength - Mikel is a powerfully built young man. What he lacks in pace he complement with exceptional ball skills. Despite his young age, Mikel has gained lots of experience representing Nigeria both at the junior and senior level. G Verdict - Mikel is expected to play an important role in Chelsea's assault on the quadruple this season. He will be a good back up in the midfield in case of injuries and/or suspensions to the big boys.

Chelsea Player name: Njitap Geremi Date of birth: 20 December 1978 Nationality: Cameroon Position: Midfielder Height: 1.75
Strength - Another multifunctional player in the Chelsea ranks who can play anywhere on the pitch. He is a threat to goal from a dead ball situation. G Verdict - He is expected to fill in wherever he is needed this season.

Everton Player name: Joseph Yobo Date of birth: 06 September 1980 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Defender Height: 1.88m
Strength - His composure both on the ball and when under pressure belies his tender years. Good in the air, strong in the tackle and difficult to hassle off the ball, the defender also possesses tremendous vision - attributes which helped him earn Everton's Young Player of the Year Award for the 2003/4 season. Yobo's pace and versatility (he can play at right back and in central defence as well as midfield) are some of his great attributes. G Verdict - Yobo can be considered as one of the elder statesmen of the blue half of Merseyside. His partnership with new signing Joleon Lescott will sure shut out most attacks this season.

Everton Player name: Victor Anichebe Date of birth: 28 April 1988 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Striker Height: 1.85m
Strength - Victor is a young, powerful and fast striker. G Verdict - The Nigerian youngster may struggle to command a regular place in Everton's line up this season due to array of season strikers in the club but will surely took his chance when called upon by the Merseysiders.

Fulham Player name: Papa Bouba Diop Date of birth: 28 January 1978 Nationality: Senegal Position: Midfielder Height: 1.93m
Strength - At six foot four inches tall he is one of the tallest midfielders in the Premiership and adds a further dimension to Fulham's attacking potential from set pieces. A defensive midfielder, but it is his strength and a surprising amount of skill that have impressed experts of the game. G Verdict - Diop is expected to provide the usual backbone for Fulham's midfield this season if he can stay injury free. Few goals are also expected from him either from dead ball siyuations of set pieces. The man nicknamed 'The Wardrobe' will surely be a handful for oppositions in the midfield this season.

Fulham Player name: Gabriel Zakuani Date of birth: 31 May 1986 Nationality: Zairerian Position: Defender Height: 1.85
Strength - A powerful and intelligent centre half, he brings an assurance to the centre of defence that belies his years. His composure and aerial assertiveness had been admired by Chris Coleman and other Premiership managers for some time. G Verdict - ???

Liverpool Player name: Mohamed Sissoko Date of birth: 22 January 1985 Nationality: Mali Position: Midfielder Height: 1.89m
Strength - Sissoko is a tough competitor who is very quick and powerful in the centre of midfield. Benitez rates him highly and believes potentially Sissoko could eventually become a better player than former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. G Verdict - There will not be many midfielders who will dominate 'Momo' in the Premiership this season. Fans should expect to see lots of Vieira like bursting runs into the opponents' goal areas from the elegant Malian international.

Manchester City Player name: Hatem Trabelsi Date of birth: 25 January 1977 Nationality: Tunisian Position: Defender Height: 1.79
Strength - Hatem is a good example of an attacking wing back. His pace and decisiveness are his greatest assets. While going forward, Hatem is also one of the best full back in European football at the moment. He is vastly experienced having played in three FIFA World Cups and represent his former club FC Ajax in UEFA Champions' League. G Verdict - It's only a matter of time before Hatem make City's right back position his permanent property. A good attacking wing back who will not find the pace and power of the Premiership too daunting.

Middlesbrough Player name: Aiyegbeni Yakubu Date of birth: 22 November 1982 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Striker Height: 1.83
Strength - The gifted Nigeria striker who has proved to be one of the hottest properties in the Barclays Premiership is blessed with power, pace and a fearsome shots packed in both feet. G Verdict - Yak will definitely score goals for 'Boro' this season but can they stop leaking goals at the back?

Newcastle Player name: Obafemi Martins Date of birth: 28 October 1984 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Height: 1.70m
Strength - Martins is a pocket-sized striker with a lightening pace. He can shoot from anywhere near the goal area and can be a nuisance to defenders with his quickness and alertness. G Verdict - Obafemi will score goals for the Magpies but will found it difficult to match up the cult hero nature of the fellow whose number he is wearing, the great Shearer.

Newcastle Player name: Celestine Babayaro Date of birth: 29 August 1978 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Defender Height: 1.75m
Strength - Comfortable in a number of positions, his speed, control and dangerous passing make him a difficult prospect for any opposition. A very experienced defender who has plied his trade with top European clubs, Baba is known for his athletic goal celebrations. G Verdict - If he can keep a sustained run in the Magpies line up, Baba might even pop up with few goals.

Portsmouth Player name: Benjani Mwaruwari Date of birth: 13 August 1978 Nationality: Zimbabwean Position: Striker Height: 1.88m
Strength - "Benjani" is a tall aggressive striker with an impressive work-rate. He leads the line with both pace and power that frightens opposition defences and brings wealth of Champions League and UEFA Cup experience with him. G Verdict - Recommended to Harry Redknap by Arsene Wenger, Benjani is expected to come good with goals this season after scoring his first goal for the club at the end of last season. He is expected to be a fan favourite at Fratton Park this season.

Portsmouth Player name: Nwankwo Kanu Date of birth: 01 August 1976 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Striker Height: 1.96m
Strength - Kanu is tall and seemingly ungainly with huge feet, but with a great touch and sublime skills. He is a very good link up player who can hold the ball well and quick feet inside the goal area. A Premiership veteran, with lots of European experience. G Verdict - As always "Papillo" will deliver if he is able to keep fit and has a good run the Pompey side this season. His skills and commitment cannot be underestimated. Pompey fans will surely be singing his name soon. Kanoooooooooooooooo!

Portsmouth Player name: Lomana Tresor LuaLua Date of birth: 28 December 1980 Nationality: Congo Position: Striker Height: 1.78
Strength - Lualua is a speedy player with an amazing natural flair. Famed for his acrobatic celebrations and a real handful for opposing defenders, Lualua can score varieties of goals from skilful solo run to long range efforts. G Verdict - Lualua completes Pompey's African three pronged attacks for the season and as usual, opposing defenders should expect fireworks when Lua is in town.

Tottenham Hotspur Player name: Didier Zokora Date of birth: 14 December 1980 Nationality: Ivory Coast Position: Midfielder Height: 1.79
Strength - Didier has established himself as a very good midfield anchor in recent years. He has a reputation as a fierce competitor and ball-winner and with his strong physique and good vision, he often breaks up opposing attacks at an early stage before setting his forwards up for the counter. G Verdict - There's been a buzz around White Hart lane about this latest African talent. He is well equipped to deal with the physical nature of the Premiership and will be looking forward to the famous North London derby.

Tottenham Hotspur Player name: Ahmed Mido Date of birth: 23 February 1983 Nationality: Egyptian Position: Striker Height: 1.90
Strength - Strong, powerful in the air and with the ability to play down the left channel, Mido will provide Spurs with a number of attacking options. G Verdict - If Mido can keep his focus on playing football on the field and not off it, he will make a good impact in the Premiership this season.

Tottenham Hotspur Player name: Hossam Ghaly Date of birth: 15 December 1981 Nationality: Egyptian Position: Midfielder Height: 1.81m
Strength - Hossam is a technically gifted midfielder who is very combative in the middle of the pack. G Verdict - Not much is known of this Egyptian midfielder but to sign for Spurs, he should be up for it.

Tottenham Hotspur Player name: Benoit Assou-Ekotto Date of birth: 24 March 1984 Nationality: Cameroon Position: Defender Height: 1.78m
Strength - The Cameroonian is a versatile player who can play at left-back, left midfield or in a central midfield role. G Verdict - Another young prospect for Martin Jol's side. He will hopefully keep a sustain run in the team to really assess him.

Watford Player name: Danny Shittu Date of birth: 02 September 1980 Nationality: Nigerian Position: Defender Height: 1.91
Strength - Danny is a tall, strong, reliable defender. He is a no nonsense defender whose physical presence is a nightmare to opposing strikers. G Verdict - Danny may find Premmiership strikers a bit too hard to handle at the moment but will come good after few games under his belt. Welcome to the elite league Danny boy!

Watford Player name: Alhassan Bangura Date of birth: 24 January 1988 Nationality: Sierra Leone Position: Midfielder Height: 1.75m
Strength - The promising central midfielder who is skilful and assured is highly thought of by boss Adrian Boothroyd. G Verdict - We will see what this youngster is made of as the season unfolds.

West Ham United Player name: John Paintsil Date of birth: 15 June 1981 Nationality: Ghanaian Position: Defender Height: 1.70m
Strength - Versatile Ghana international able to operate in either fullback position or the midfield holding role. G Verdict - John has a role to play in the so call revolution sweeping through Upton Park. Had to judge as this is his first season in the Premiership and he will surely know that it's a different ball game from playing in the Israeli league.

Wigan Athletic Player name: Henri Camara Date of birth: 10 May 1977 Nationality: Senegal Position: Striker Height: 1.78
Strength - Camara's pace, power and trickery are an asset that he thrives on. He is also versatile and fleet footed. G Verdict - Camara will score goals this season especially with his expected partnership with Emile Heskey.

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	African Premiership Players