Sportskeeda’s Greatest African XI 

Midfield

Essien was the epitome of a complete holding midfielder

This is where the fun begins. Africa has produced some of the strongest midfielders of all time, but none were better than Michael Essien at his peak. The Ghanian was a walking tank – a Bison, like he is known – and could run through a wall for his manager.

His dedication and strength were unparalleled and had it not been for injuries, he might as well have ended his career as the greatest holding midfielder of all time.

Just ahead of him and on the right will be Yaya Toure. The Ivorian is perhaps the greatest ever midfielder produced by the continent and might go down as the greatest African player in history if he continues to impress at Manchester City.

To his left is a player from Ghana who was so graceful that his fans gave him the nickname the “African Pele” – a name that stuck. Abedi Pele will complete the midfield trio in what is a formidable line-up indeed possessing everything a team need from their midfield: pace, directness, scoring threat, defensive security and unbounded creativity.