Liverpool’s Speed Merchant, An Ex- Chelsea Winger, And More – 5 Players To Watch Out For In The Upcoming AFCON

International tournaments certainly represent a chance for the players to showcase their abilities to the fullest. The 2017 edition of the African Cup of Nations will kick off in 3 days and it is likely to show what the continent has to offer, in footballing terms and in terms of player quality. Several players will be looking to stand out amongst the pack, but not all of them end up making the headlines.

Here are 5 players that could light up AFCON 2017 –

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon

The host Gabon will be banking on the services of their talisman Pierre Aubameyang, at this year African Cup of Nations.The Borussia Dortmund striker has been one of the finest players in the world since 2014.The French-born player who was named the 2015 CAF player of the year is ranked among the best ten players in the world this year.

Aubameyang is known for his speed, having clocked 30 metres in 3.7 seconds, and his capability of playing as a forward or a winger.Gabon will greatly depend on the 27-year old forward for goals and he is a must-see player in the tournament.

2. Mohamed Salah, Egypt

Salah has been a regular with the national team since 2011. His first success in Europe came at Swiss club Basel, where he won the league in his first year there. A failed move to Chelsea followed, after which he moved to Serie A, where he has claimed accolades with Fiorentina and AS Roma, where he currently lines up.

The Pharaohs will be banking on his experience and pace to help them severely as they lack genuine quality in other areas. Salah’s performance in the upcoming tournament could have a vital say on his team’s progression into the next round. Along with Premier League players such as Elneny, Elmohamady and Ramadhan Sobhi, Salah will be looking to leave his mark on the tournament.

3. Andre Ayew, Ghana

No surprises here, as Andre Ayew has been one of Africa’s finest players in the recent past. Hailing from a talented family, Ayew and his brother made a name for themselves in France, before moving to England last year, where Andre has been more successful. Quick, decisive and an able dribbler, Ayew is capable of giving any defensive opposition a tough time on his day.

His form may well carry Ghana all the way in the tournament and at 28 years old, he is a senior player amongst the Ghana ranks. Other players should let him lead by example and if he puts on a good show, Ghana as well as West Ham could benefit from his form.

4. Sadio Mane, Senegal

Mane became Africa’s most expensive player when Liverpool signed him for 34 million pounds over the summer. That definitely looks like money well spent by the Reds as Mane has significantly improved their attacking force by contributing 9 goals and 4 assists in 19 games.

Prior to his Anfield move, he was lighting up the St. Mary’s with regularity at Southampton, where he established himself as a top player. Quick on the turn, skilled and mesmeric, Mane is coming into his own as a winger and will carry the weight of Lions of Teranga’s expectations on his shoulders.

5. Franck Kessie, Ivory Coast

One of Serie A’s rising stars, Kessie has made a real impression this term. Turning out for an Atalanta side that have shocked everyone with their consistency, the 20-year-old Ivorian has been instrumental in his team’s success. His box-to-box abilities have made him indispensable to both Atalanta and his national team.

Kessie has also shown to be an able goal-getter as he has 6 goals in 15 appearances this term. With Yaya Toure having retired from national duty, Kessie must step up to the plate and provide cover for Toure’s absence. He could be one of the main stars for Ivory Coast this time around.