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JOHANNESBURG. — The World Cup in Qatar is the perfect platform for players to showcase their quality, and for some of Africa’s young stars, an opportunity to catch the eye of the biggest football clubs on the planet.
There are a number who will be hoping to use the tournament to further their careers and win a big transfer at the end of the season.
We pick five players who will be eager to make a statement.
MOHAMMED KUDUS (AJAX AMASTERDAM & GHANA)
Kudus has made no secret of his desire to leave Ajax Amsterdam this season and had agreed a deal to join English Premiership Everton before Manchester United swooped for Antony and his club blocked the move as they did not want to lose both in the same window. But it does seem inevitable that Kudus will go in the near future and a good World Cup will likely open up his options future. He is one of the first names on the Ghana teamsheet and a huge attacking threat for the Black Stars, having already netted 10 times for Ajax this season, including four goals in the Uefa Champions League.
The 22-year-old will see this as the perfect stage to display his talents to the world.
HANNIBAL MEJBRI (BIRMINGHAM CITY & TUNISIA)
Mejbri is on loan at English Championship side Birmingham City from Manchester United, and at only 19 will be one of the youngest members of the Tunisian squad in Qatar.
The French-born midfielder has come through the academy at United but yet to get really near the first team, and it will be interesting to see how the club views him after the World Cup.
But a strong showing will certainly put him in the show window for next season if Erik ten hag does not see him in his plans.
The former France junior international already has 18 caps for Tunisia and a vital part of their side despite still being a teenager.
JEAN ONANA (LENS & CAMEROON)
Onana is not always a first choice for Cameroon but will be eager to grab any opportunity he gets at the World Cup.
The 22-year-old plays for Lens in the French Ligue 1 but will have eyes on a step up in his career after Qatar, even though he only joined the team this season from Bordeaux.
He is a product of Blaise Nkufo’s academy, who made his way to Ligue 1 through Portugal and signed for Lens after Bordeaux were relegated in the last campaign.
He made his International debut against Japan in 2020 and played at the Cup of Nations finals at the start of the year. — Supersport.com.
Online Reporter