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Africans In France: Gervinho Scores A Brace For Lille
Massaer Ndiaye takes a look at the performances of the African players plying their trade in France, with a number of them impressing this past weekend...
Dec 1, 2009 1:48:09 PM
Gervinho (Côte d’Ivoire - Lille)
It exactly took him five match days to make sure that everyone in the group recognized his talent and even if it took him a little longer to conquer the public, Gervinho is well on his way.
Replacing new Brazilian international Michel Bastos was not an easy fit. Yet if he has different playing characteristics, Gervinho has been equally spectacular, scoring twice on Saturday. Twirling and more spectacular than ever, the dribbler from the Jean-Marc Guilou Academy tortured and then made the Valenciennes defense explode. A great performance as VAFC had the best away defense in the Ligue 1 up until then.
Alaixys Romao (Togo - Grenoble)
Grenoble certainly conceded two very questionable - to say the least - goals at Lorient this weekend, but the Togolese, usually a defensive midfielder has again helped out effectively in central defense, confirming his versatility and all the talent and trust Mescha Bazdarevic has thrust upon him. The new international will certainly be missed by the strugglers during the African Cup of Nations.
Adil Hermach (Morocco) & Gauthier Kanga Akalé (Côte d’Ivoire - Lens)
The Lens duo were extremely effective against Olympique de Marseille. On one hand, Adil Hermach has finally been playing the way he used to ply last season in the second division, which means he was relentless in the midfield. Also inspired in the distribution of the game, the young Moroccan midfielder could have offered Maoulida an assist if the ex-Marseille player didn't waste it, as the pass was perfect.
On the other hand, another Lensois player having a bit of revival since being called up by Vahid Halilodzic is left-winger Kanga Akale who performed well against his former team. The Marseille defense, Gary Bocaly being the first of them, have suffered a great deal.
Yassine Mikari (Tunisia - Sochaux)
His goal, the first of his career in Ligue 1 after 27 matches, should not have been granted. But this error in refereeing does not affect one bit the delivery of Yassine Mikari. Always swift and inspired in his dribbling, the former Grasshopper Zurich player takes more and more initiatives on his left wing and emerged as a reliable value in the Ligue 1, Sochaux will need him this year.
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana - Rennes)
Long since criticized for his chronic lack of efficiency in front of the goal, Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan has transformed this season into an efficient finisher. Launched by a deep pass, the Ghanaian went face to face with Hugo Lloris, prevailing with a vital goal. He has equalled in 15 match days his best annual total so far, 8 goals with Modena (Serie B) 2005-2006. This is undoubtedly his best season, ever, and it's only December.
Alphousseyni Keita (Mali - Le Mans)
As starter for the fourth time this season against AS Saint-Etienne, the young Malian international played like his Barcelona namesake, trying his hardest to recuperate the ball. The former Djoliba player is showing Paulo Duarte how correct he is to be trusting him.
Massaër Ndiaye, Goal.com
It exactly took him five match days to make sure that everyone in the group recognized his talent and even if it took him a little longer to conquer the public, Gervinho is well on his way.
Replacing new Brazilian international Michel Bastos was not an easy fit. Yet if he has different playing characteristics, Gervinho has been equally spectacular, scoring twice on Saturday. Twirling and more spectacular than ever, the dribbler from the Jean-Marc Guilou Academy tortured and then made the Valenciennes defense explode. A great performance as VAFC had the best away defense in the Ligue 1 up until then.
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Alaixys Romao (Togo - Grenoble)
Grenoble certainly conceded two very questionable - to say the least - goals at Lorient this weekend, but the Togolese, usually a defensive midfielder has again helped out effectively in central defense, confirming his versatility and all the talent and trust Mescha Bazdarevic has thrust upon him. The new international will certainly be missed by the strugglers during the African Cup of Nations.
Adil Hermach (Morocco) & Gauthier Kanga Akalé (Côte d’Ivoire - Lens)
The Lens duo were extremely effective against Olympique de Marseille. On one hand, Adil Hermach has finally been playing the way he used to ply last season in the second division, which means he was relentless in the midfield. Also inspired in the distribution of the game, the young Moroccan midfielder could have offered Maoulida an assist if the ex-Marseille player didn't waste it, as the pass was perfect.
On the other hand, another Lensois player having a bit of revival since being called up by Vahid Halilodzic is left-winger Kanga Akale who performed well against his former team. The Marseille defense, Gary Bocaly being the first of them, have suffered a great deal.
Yassine Mikari (Tunisia - Sochaux)
His goal, the first of his career in Ligue 1 after 27 matches, should not have been granted. But this error in refereeing does not affect one bit the delivery of Yassine Mikari. Always swift and inspired in his dribbling, the former Grasshopper Zurich player takes more and more initiatives on his left wing and emerged as a reliable value in the Ligue 1, Sochaux will need him this year.
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana - Rennes)
Long since criticized for his chronic lack of efficiency in front of the goal, Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan has transformed this season into an efficient finisher. Launched by a deep pass, the Ghanaian went face to face with Hugo Lloris, prevailing with a vital goal. He has equalled in 15 match days his best annual total so far, 8 goals with Modena (Serie B) 2005-2006. This is undoubtedly his best season, ever, and it's only December.
Alphousseyni Keita (Mali - Le Mans)
As starter for the fourth time this season against AS Saint-Etienne, the young Malian international played like his Barcelona namesake, trying his hardest to recuperate the ball. The former Djoliba player is showing Paulo Duarte how correct he is to be trusting him.
Massaër Ndiaye, Goal.com
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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