Chelsea’s Nigeria defensive midfielder, John Obi Mikel, Aston Villa’s summer signing, Ghanaian Jordan Ayew, and Senegalese star Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham are the final three in the shortlist for the African Player in the English Premier League of January.
In a statement signed by Tunde Adelakun, awards director, he stated that the month showed signs of a long and hard season for the Premier League players so far with players like Odion Ighalo and Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez still proving doubters wrong as they continued in stunning form.
But, as Adelakun explained, this month is ‘a tribute to the Africans who are making their own contribution in their own way, in their clubs’ trying times.’
Apart from Kouyate, whose West Ham are certainly riding high, getting impressive results against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, and an impressive away win at Bournemouth, the other two nominees are having a great season in their respective clubs.
Chelsea, champions of England only last season, are not having the best of season so far. But, as Adelakun noted, ‘things have taken a turn for the champions, unbeaten in eight games since the departure of former manager Mourinho, but more importantly, a restore to starting 11 duties for Nigerian John Obi Mikel.
“Mikel has put an air of settlement in the Chelsea midfield and we thought we should recognise his input by shortlisting him for January’s award”.
Ghanaian Jordan Ayew, who is having a torrid season with Aston Villa can be said to be in the position as Mikel, seemingly unable to pick points to take them off the bottom of the table.
However, Ayew has been playing really well, showing signs of why he was highly rated and picked up by Villa in the summer.
Adelakun said in the statement “the quality of Ayew’s skill, ability and work rate belies the position his team is on the table, but that is football”.
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