5 players who will dominate African Cup of Nations

Modified Jan 03, 2017 16:02 GMT

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Papa Gueye of Senegal goes past Daniel Sturridge of Great Britain during the Men's Football first round Group A Match of the London 2012 Olympic Games between Great Britain and Senegal, at Old Trafford on July 26, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Gueye is a defensive powerhouse

#4 Riyad Mahrez

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Toby Alderweireld of Belgium and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria battle for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between Belgium and Algeria at Estadio Mineirao on June 17, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) — Mahrez will be one of the star attractions in the AFCON

Last season’s PFA’s Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez is a dream player for any team to have on the wing. The player is a gifted dribbler and his silky skills can destroy even the best of defenders. Although Mahrez is struggling to recreate the magical performances of last year with Leicester City, he will continue to be one of best players in the tournament.

The Algerian fans will be counting on Mahrez and Yacine Brahimi to create terror on the wings for their opponents. Mahrez who was crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2016 will want to perform well again this season and get the award for the second time.

Despite having an average season, he has been involved in 10 goals for his club which emphasises on the fact that he is a capable footballer. The winger is the perfect player to have if the Algerians decide to adopt a counter-attacking gameplay.

Edited by Staff Editor