BBC African Footballer of the year 2016 voting is still on until 18:00 GMT on November 28. But some may feel one player deserves as much to be among the five nominees.
Victor Wanyama has created a beastly presence in Tottenham Hotspurs’ midfield. The Kenyan has not only scored, he is also dominant and possessive in every central role from the back line to front. His ability to dispossess opponents, rank highly in passes, create chances and tackle has labeled him a ‘monster‘ and a force to be reckoned with.
Following Hotspurs’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp wrote in the Daily Mail among other statements, [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”He will be a great signing for Spurs – he is an absolute monster in midfield.”[/perfectpullquote]
So why isn’t Wanyama on the shortlist of this year’s BBC nominees? It should also be considered that the five-man shortlist is nothing short of talent, winners and break-out stars. Nonetheless, Wanyama is not as impressed as his fans. The midfielder slammed the BBC awards after he was omitted.
The 25-year-old who signed a five-year contract with Spurs from Southampton feels he deserves to be among Africa’s top five.
Wanyama told Capital Sport, [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I thought I deserve to be in the list but it is what it is. I don’t know the criteria they use but it is BBC and they will always be BBC. I am only focused on club and country at this moment and I don’t care what BBC wants to do or who they want to give.”[/perfectpullquote]
It was rather a surprise to many and fans, that Yaya Toure featured on the five-man list considering that he had not played in close to three months for Manchester City, ever since the feud between his agent Dimitri Seluk and manager, Pep Guardiola broke out.
But Toure who is an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, made an impressive return over the weekend that secured a crucial win for City.
Wanyama is yet to help his country make a mark on international football scene. And this he plans to do starting with the African Cup of Nations qualifiers for the 2019 edition, scheduled for March next year.
“We have won our last two friendly matches and we are happy. Hopefully we can take it from here. We are getting there, gelling well together, creating chances and it is just a matter of finishing. We have a good chance and a strong team for making the qualifiers,” Wanyama noted.
He later adds that, “We have a big squad and everyone can contribute, we are really glad and happy to have good young players coming through. Hopefully we are building something that can lead us to AFCON.”
Kenya national team coach, Stanley Okumbi couldn’t be happier about Wanyama’s presence in the team.
Okumbi said, “It is great to have Wanyama on the team. He is a leader and motivator for the other players. He is always involved in most of the action on the pitch and ensures the team gives their best.”
Wanyama is already a national icon. He is the first Kenyan in the Premier League and his career is sky rocketing, proof the £11m signing is as effective for Spurs as he was for Southampton.
Featured Photo: Victor Wanyama may just be Totteham Hotspurs’ essential addition. (Reuters)
