Ivorian dup battle for top spot…
In light of the African Cup of Nations semi-final, EuroSport asked Opta to find out who the best African player embrace the Premier League was – with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba beating Yaya Toure to top spot.
There are certainly some blasts from the past on the list…
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10. Joseph Yobo – Everton & Norwich City
The former captain of Nigeria is the country’s record appearance holder, and was David Moyes’ first signing at Everton – remaining at Goodison Park for a decade.
9. Michael Essien – Chelsea
A fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge, the Ghanaian was the powerhouse in Chelsea’s midfield, establishing himself under Jose Mourinho.
The midfielder scored some of the most memorable goals among the Blues’ faithful’s memories – including a blockbuster against Arsenal and one of the greatest ever Champions League strikes against Barcelona in the semi-final.
8. Efan Ekoku – Bournemouth, Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday & Wimbledon
The Nigerian has had a well-established career in English football, beginning his professional career with Bournemouth after being signed by Harry Redknapp in 1990.
Ekoku won the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994.
7. Lucas Radebe – Leeds United
‘The Chief’ is South Africa’s most capped player with 70 appearances, and became a hugely respected defender in the Premier League.
Radebe overcame a difficult upbringing, including being shot in 1994, to become Leeds United captain and South Africa captain.
6. Kolo Toure – Arsenal, Manchester City & Liverpool
Brother to Yaya Toure – Kolo’s had a distinguished career in the Premier League – most memorably starring in the heart of defence alongside Sol Campbell in Arsenal’s ‘invincible’ side in the 2003/04 season, in which Toure started 36 of 38 of the league fixtures.
5. Emmanuel Adebayor – Arsenal, Manchester City & Tottenham Hotspur
The Togolese international was a menace in front of goal even if he has caused constant controversy throughout his career in English football.
Adebayor is second in both the all-time African goal-scorers and assist-makers, with 96 goals and 35 assists.
Love him or loathe him, the stats don’t lie.
4. Nwankwo Kanu – Arsenal, Portsmouth & West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal’s first ever African signing – and the striker went on to earn a legendary status at the club.
A hat-trick against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 3-2 victory gave Kanu a place in the hearts of the Gunners faithful.
3. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Leicester City, Middlesborough & Portsmouth
The Yak made an extraordinary return to English football this month with Reading – the striker has certainly been round the block in England.
Yakubu comes in third on the all-time top African goal-scorers in the Premier League with an imposing 95 – just eight goals off Didier Drogba.
2. Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Manchester City’s powerhouse midfielder, who not only has the supremacy and tenacity to dictate a game, but boasts an excellent goalscoring record, too.
The 31-year-old has won the African Player of the Year award for the past four years.
1. Didier Drogba – Chelsea
The only African to score more than 100 goals in the top-flight of English football – topping both the goals and assists chart, with 103 netted and 55 created.
A legend for club and country.