Well, the title is misleading, if you want to talk about technique and skill, you should mention that.
Why are Africans such poor footballers? is bound to upset people, especially in a time where more and more African footballers are featuring in most of the best teams in Europe.
I am African btw, by heritage. In the list of players that nashark had put as the exception, we will have to strike Drogba off of that list, because although he plays for Ivory Coast, he is basically a Parisian, he grew up in France. I think Drogba can do some amazing stuff on the ball, however, he is clumsy at times, I wouldn't reference him specifically for his technical ability, even though he has done some audacious stuff.
Again you chose the wrong words to express what you are feeling, the same complaints are leveled at England. Dunga insisted that if England want to do well they are going to have to learn how to dribble, when you think of the technical players in the England squad, I'd go for J.Cole and Rooney, who else? I don't think any of the other players are really skillful.
I don't get your assessment of Essien, Chelsea don't miss Essien because of what he does off the ball, it's not that we miss a ball winner, that will be easier to replace. Essien is great because he picks up the ball in the middle of the park and drives through the centre of the team with the ball at his feet, and most players find that the most difficult thing to do as a player, so they go to wide areas that are less congested, that is why players like Kaka and Essien who attack through the middle are so valuable.
I really fail to understand your assessment of poor footballing players, is Essien poor with the ball compared to Barry or Lampard? I don't understand.
But, even if we are getting into, Africa haven't many really gifted technical players. as compared to Europe, again you are wrong, I don't have to bring up Okocha or retired players, I think it's just that you don't know much about African football, or footballers.
Ibrahim
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vibk3UUKM-I[/youtube]
Obasi - Skip to about 2 minutes there is some pointless stuff at the beginning.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK_L_XTXILQ[/youtube]
Sessegnon
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSSQIPg8pKU[/youtube]
Treka
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C876J3sZTvI[/youtube]
Zidan
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMRJ6MI9AlU[/youtube]
Algeria
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKltgMRXF_o[/youtube]
I can honestly go on, I was going to go through about 7 nations, and put a video of their most skillful players, I'll continue on if the OP member wants to see more, this is a whole continent, I get to pick from.
