The 2023 African Cup of Nations is set to attract a lot of attention from Premier League teams, as they look to scout potential talent from the Ivory Coast. The continent has historically been overlooked as a market for skilled players, but with the AFCON providing a platform for players to showcase their abilities, clubs will be keeping a close eye on potential bargains.
As the tournament kicks off, there are a few standout players who are expected to capture the attention of scouts and potentially secure moves to bigger clubs in the future. Here are five top talents to watch out for during the 2023 AFCON.
1. Amadou Coulibaly: The young midfielder has been turning heads with his impressive performances for the Ivory Coast national team. With his vision, passing ability, and composure on the ball, Coulibaly is definitely a player to watch out for during the tournament.
2. Franck Kessie: Having already made a name for himself at AC Milan, Kessie will be looking to further showcase his skills on the international stage. The powerful midfielder is known for his strong tackling, box-to-box style of play, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
3. Max Gradel: The experienced winger has a wealth of talent and experience, having spent time playing in Europe for clubs such as Leeds United and Bournemouth. Gradel’s pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him a player who could attract interest from top-flight clubs.
4. Wilfrid Zaha: The Crystal Palace winger has long been on the radar of top clubs, and a strong showing at the AFCON could further solidify his reputation as a top talent. Zaha’s agility, pace, and flair on the ball make him an exciting prospect for any scout.
5. Nicolas Pepe: The Arsenal forward will be hoping to make an impact during the AFCON, as he looks to regain his form and catch the eye of potential suitors. Pepe’s dribbling ability, creativity, and eye for goal make him a player to watch during the tournament.
As the 2023 AFCON gets underway, these five players are expected to be in the spotlight as Premier League scouts look for potential bargains and future stars. With their talent and potential, it’s only a matter of time before they make the leap to bigger clubs on the European stage.
