The Sunday Mail
From trailblazing African players to Premier League legends, the English top flight has seen its fair share of talented individuals from the continent. In this article, we delve into the careers of four African players who have made their mark on English football.
If you’re following the Premier League betting online, you’ll know that African players are making a buzz, including Moh Salah, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane. However, before them came the African football trailblazers. Let’s devote them some time too, and discover more about their stunning careers.
Peter Ndlovu
In 1991, a talented Zimbabwean footballer named Peter Ndlovu made his way to England to join Coventry. He quickly established himself as one of the team’s top players, earning a reputation as one of his country’s greatest outfielders. Over the course of his 13-year career in England, Ndlovu made history as the first African to play in the Premier League.
While at Coventry, Ndlovu formed a dynamic partnership with Micky Quinn that helped propel the team to the top of the league for a brief period. Despite interest from Arsenal, Ndlovu stayed with Coventry until 1997, when he left to join second-tier Birmingham. Ndlovu quickly became a beloved figure at St Andrew’s, cementing his legacy as one of the most talented and respected players of his generation.
John Obi Mikel
John Obi Mikel first made waves in the English football scene when he was spotted wearing a Manchester United shirt in 2005, sparking a bidding war between United and Chelsea. After a lengthy and contentious negotiation process, the young Nigerian midfielder ultimately joined Chelsea for a fee of £16m.
Mikel was a crucial part of the team that secured the 2012 Champions League trophy and also helped the Blues to win two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and more during his nine-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba’s arrival at Chelsea from Marseille in 2004 was met with initial struggles. However, the Ivorian striker eventually established himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever players during his first spell. He scored an impressive 157 goals in 341 matches and played a pivotal role in securing the Blues’ first Champions League trophy in 2012 with his colossal performance against Bayern Munich.
Drogba returned to Chelsea for a final season in 2014/15, helping the team to secure their fourth Premier League title and adding to his impressive collection of four FA Cups and three League Cups.
Salomon Kalou
During his time at Chelsea, Salomon Kalou may not have been a regular starter, but he proved his worth with over 30 appearances in the Premier League in three separate seasons. Known for his selflessness on the pitch, the talented Ivorian contributed to the team with both goals and assists, tallying an impressive ten goals in the 2010/11 season alone.
In 2012, he left his mark on Chelsea history by helping them capture their first-ever Champions League championship in a remarkable send-off to his career with the Blues.
In conclusion, these players have made significant contributions to English football, leaving behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. These players have each had their own unique impact on the league, showcasing their talent, skill, and determination, and have left an indelible mark on English football history.
