Which young players could star at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations?
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finally kicks off this weekend after it was delayed from last summer due to concerns over the weather conditions in host country the Ivory Coast.
Featuring 24 of the continent's premier men's national teams, the tournament will begin on Jan. 13 and end on Feb. 11. But who are the young players under the age of 23 you need to keep an eye on?
Scouts heading to the Ivory Coast will undoubtedly be tracking the home nation's defensive colossus. Considered by many to be the best defender in the German Bundesliga this season, as Leverkusen have dominated proceedings, Kossounou has taken his game to a new level.
While his defensive qualities have never been in doubt, the young defender has radically improved his distribution and, having adapted well to coach Xabi Alonso's back three, the 6-foot-3 centre-back has also made a habit of stepping up with the ball, often carrying it past the first line of pressure in the process (1.90 progressive carries per 90 minutes.)
Leverkusen will surely see plenty of interest in signing the former Club Brugge defender over the next months.
Abdul Samed has emerged as a key component for club and country (especially with the injury-enforced absence of Thomas Partey) over the past year. The defensive midfielder is exceptionally disciplined, picks up possession, presses the opposition and shifts the ball quickly and purposefully.
Now in his third season as a Ligue 1 regular, when Abdul Samed is not in the side it is clear to see how the midfield structure suffers. With his relentless movement off the ball, he always offers passing options and makes his teams tick.
One of the revelations of the Belgian league since his €4 million transfer from Swiss side Lugano in the summer.
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
