10 Best African Players of 2008

With 2008 about to close, Road to 2010 turns its eyes to goal.com and African correspondent Samm Audu who lists the Top 10 African footballers of 2008 ... what do you think?

Click above for the entire list ... here's the abridged version, along with some commentary ...

10. Jon Obi Mikel - With Michael Essien injured, he's stepped up his game at Chelsea. Considering his performance at this season's African Cup of Nations, where he took a step backwards, he's done well for himself.

9. Mohamed Zidan - Broke out at this year's Cup of Nations and excelling at club team Borussia Dortmund.

8. Frederic Kanoute - So so year in my opinion.

7. Sulley Muntari - Back in Italy with Inter Milan and doing a magnificent job.

6. Didier Drogba - He's on this list purely on reputation. Had a decent beginning of the year, but collapsed in the Champions league final, where he was red carded. After that, has battled injury much of the year.

5. Michael Essien - Injured much of the current season, but was the inspirational leader of Chelsea on their way to their first Champions League final.

4. Amr Zaki - Scored twice in the African Nations Cup semi-finals, leading Egypt to their 2nd straight title. Has capitalized on his time at England's Wigan, where he lead the Premier League in scoring for a short bit.

3. Emmanuel Adebayor - Filled Thierry Henry's boots quite nicely, scoring 30 times in all competitions.

2. Samuel Eto'o - On Barcelona's scrap heap this summer, but has been wonderful in the Catalan club's resurgence this season under new coach Pep Guardiola.

1. Mohamed Aboutrika - Egypt and Africa's best player. Scored the goal that won Egypt their second straight African championship and guided club side Al Ahly to an African Champions League title. The best the continent has to offer ...

That's it for 2008. Enjoy the New Year and come back next year on the Road to 2010, where we'll step up our efforts to get to South Africa and the World Cup final!

Cross your fingers. I'll need all the luck I can get ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!