Jay-Jay Okocha’s explosive free kicks. Yaya Toure’s rampaging runs. Lucas Radebe’s win or die attitude. Roger Milla’s crazy dance moves. Or even Jon Obi Mikel’s (Obi Jon-Kenobi – sorry) jelly legs. All talents that were developed in Africa. So, is there really a lack of recognition for African footballers? Well, as the Premier League draws to a close, the feeling that African players aren’t given recognition has been highlighted, with both Samir Nasri and Yaya Toure of Manchester City lamenting it. The Frenchman stated, followed by Toure’s agreement, that Toure would be recognised as a ‘world class player’, such as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, if he was born outside of Africa. Although if he wanted to get the same recognition as Ronaldo, all he needs is a bucket of hair gel and an ego the size of Wayne Rooney’s head. Regardless, few can argue that messieurs Toure and Nasri are wrong. Just to list some footballing greats; Cruyff, Pele, Maradona, Zidane and Titus Bramble. All magnificent footballers, yet how many African players would be on your list of great footballers? There is no doubt there is some truth to Nasri’s comments. What more does Yaya Toure have to do to gain recognition? Does he need to post a suitcase full of money to FIFA? Toure has been a cornerstone for a Manchester City side that have won more trophies since his arrival in 2010 than in their entire history (scarily, I’m not far off). This season alone the midfielder has scored a scintillating 19 goals in the Premier League. The only players to have scored more are strikers Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez of Liverpool. Maybe Toure needs to take a leaf out of Suarez’s book and take a chunk out of Ivanovic’s arm to get the recognition he feels he deserves. To further his argument, Toure has already shown how well he has adapted to the Premier League, especially this season, as he has helped City fight towards, what looks to be, an explosive conclusion to the season. It doesn’t just stop there. Yaya Toure’s form hasn’t been a one-off this season, even though his stats for City are certainly majestic. However, Toure has been allowed a more attacking role, first, under Roberto Mancini (before he decided to start an underground fight club with Mario Balotelli) and then Manuel Pellegrini at City. At Barcelona, he was restricted to mostly defensive responsibilities in a side that boasted the likes of Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Carlos Puyol. Toure also argued that many people wouldn’t recognise his face around Europe, compared to his former Barca teammates, which cannot be argued with, especially with the amount of sponsored appearances we get from the likes of Lionel ‘sure, I’ll be on the cover of FIFA again’ Messi and Cristiano ‘how did that Welsh pixie cost 5 mill more than me?’ Ronaldo. There is a valid point in that African football isn’t as recognised. The African Cup of Nations is held more often than the World Cup, albeit on BBC THREE. The Cup of Nations however showcases talents from many European teams – Schalke’s Kevin Boateng, Liverpool’s Victor Moses, AC Milan’s Michael Essien, Galatasaray’s Emmanuel Eboue and the Spurs’ footballing God Emmanuel Adebayor. How can a competition with that much talent get minimal recognition? So, why don’t African players get enough recognition? Is it actually to do with the fact that these players ARE African? Has Sepp Blatter hired Nigel Farage as an advisor? Does the African Cup of Nations raise enough awareness? Or could it just be a sad reflection that, in hindsight, European footballers, bar the Brazilians and Argentinians, are seen as the superior footballers. I mean, Asia, North America and Africa are certainly overlooked when it comes to our great game. George Weah – 1995 Ballon D’or Winner. The last African player to win the prestigious award. Fast forward 19 years later and players like Champions League winners Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Jon Obi Mikel (sorry, I meant Obi Jon Kenobi, wait I was right the first time…. nevermind) are still yet to receive world wide recognition. So why are the likes of FIFA not giving the Drogbas and Toures of the world the recognition these players surely deserve? With the Premier League still toying with an idea of merging with the Scottish Premier League (I KNOW, RIGHT?), surely the football world can afford to shine more light on African footballers. Only time will tell if our lack of appreciation will continue into the future. ☛ Watch Next: Dani Alves Nails Racists With Perfect Response To Someone Throwing Banana Onto The Field Vía Sick Chirpse ift.tt/1qp6WGx
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 11:33:23 +0000