To finish our data analysis series on the top-5 African leagues, we’ll present four U23 players that stood out in different metrics and deserve more attention. You can check the previous pieces for the best players in Africa here:
- Best centre-backs data analysis
- Best full-backs data analysis
- Best central midfielders data analysis
- Best forwards data analysis
The players we have chosen are Chris Kouakou (central defensive midfielder), Ahmed Kendouci (central attacking midfielder), Salah Mohsen (striker or left forward) and Mohamed Amine Tougai (centre-back).
Chris Kouakou 1999 CS Sfaxien & Ivory Coast
Chris Kouakou is an Ivorian central midfielder who has played for CS Sfaxien in Tunisia for his whole senior career since joining them aged just 18. Now, at 21, Kouakou has already played over 50 games for his club, winning the Tunisian Cup twice and finishing second in the Tunisian Ligue 1 in the 2019/20 season.
Kouakou stood out in our data analysis on central midfielders in the top-African leagues in these statistics: successful offensive and defensive actions, direct passing, progressive runs, dribbles, defensive positioning and defensive duels.
A right-footed central midfielder, Kouakou can play both as a 6 or as an 8. He has the physicality needed to cover ground in front of the defensive line or to go up and down the pitch in a box-to-box role.
When playing as a defensive midfielder, he comes deep in the build-up and plays short simple passes. He could improve his tempo and play quicker from deep positions to accelerate the attacks but that’s something he improves when playing slightly higher up the pitch.
