Mohamed Elneny, Edouard Mendy and Yves Bissouma have been nominated for the 2021/22 Confederation of African Football Men’s Player of the Year award. The trio have been named on the 30-man shortlist for African football’s top prize for their invaluable contributions this season.
The Arsenal midfielder earned his place among some of the World's best for his contribution towards Egypt's success at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. While Elneny's side fell at the last hurdle losing to Senegal in the final on penalties, the 29-year-old was granted a spot in the team of the tournament.
Mendy, who instead wheeled away victorious from the AFCON final in Cameroon, played a key role in Senegal's glory while also continuing to anchor Chelsea between the sticks. The 30-year-old's efforts saw him lift three honours across the international and domestic stage; UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and AFCON.
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Meanwhile, Bissouma has been recognised for another impressive turnout on the south coast, with Graham Potter's side creeping into the top half. The midfielder's displays attracted the attention of a host of top-flight European sides, but it was Tottenham Hotspur who signed the Malian in a deal reportedly worth £30million with add-ons.
The Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs stars will be up against eight current Premier League players including Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Riyad Mahrez, as well as a host of other stars plying their trade around the world. It's the first time the award will be presented since 2019 due to the pandemic, with Bayern Munich's latest recruit Sadio Mane the reigning holder.
Arsenal's previous winner was Emmanuel Adebayor in 2008, with Didier Drogba scooping the award the year after. Tottenham are yet to have had a player win the accolade.
The shortlist acknowledges performances since September 2021, and was decided by a panel of CAF legends, experts and journalists, with the winner decided by CAF’s technical committee, media professionals, head coaches and captains of member associations and clubs involved in the group stages of continental competitions.
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