Top 9 African Stars

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

The countdown continues. With 9 days remaining until the World Cup officially kicks off, here are the top 9 African stars who will shine and drive their team forward throughout the tournament.

9. Nadir Belhadj, Algeria, Left Back/Winger

Belhadj is a key component for the Desert Foxes whether he’s operating as a left back or winger. He’s a top class left back, full of experience and is a hard worker. He’s a compact defender but also creates a danger whenever he travels up the left flank. Algeria are a team which don’t have high aspirations for the World Cup, nonetheless we’ll see Nadir constantly uniting his team and driving them forward. As he plays in the Premier League he will find it easy marking the England players when they encounter each other.

8. Joseph Yobo, Nigeria, Centre Back

The Everton centre back will be playing at his second World Cup and is the boss at the back. His main attribute is his consistency, he rarely plays badly for team or country. If the Super Eagles want to travel far in the competition he will have to be at the top of his game. Yobo’s exhibitions are rarely praised as he is overshadowed by the offensive players, but he was crucial in the qualification stage as he scored important goals. He will wear the captain’s armband at South Africa as their regular captain Kanu will start on the bench. A top class under-rated solid rock.