Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has prompted discussion after leaving Liverpool great Mohamed Salah out of his selection of the five best African players in Premier League history.
Speaking to BBC News Africa, the Gambia international placed Sadio Mane at the top of his list. He ranked former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien second, followed by Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus.
Minteh’s choices include two Ghanaian players, with Essien and Kudus both recognised by the Brighton winger for qualities he values in a footballer.
He described Essien as a “monster on the pitch”, highlighting the former Chelsea midfielder’s physical strength, relentless work rate and influence across every part of the game.
Essien was also praised for his ability to dominate matches rather than influence only one area of the pitch. Minteh’s description focused on the Ghanaian’s all-round impact and the intensity he brought to his performances.
Kudus, who also features on the list, was selected for his technical ability and his approach to playing for the team. Minteh said: “I love the way he plays. He is really good with the ball. He’s also a team player.”
The omission of Salah was particularly notable given the Egyptian forward’s status as one of the most prominent African players associated with the Premier League. When Minteh was asked about Salah, he replied: “No, I don’t look up to him.”
Minteh instead reserved the top position for Senegal international Mane, whose attitude and dedication made the strongest impression on him.
Explaining why Mane was his number one choice, Minteh said: “The way he worked hard, no matter what you do, if you put hard work there and put God first for everything, it always pays off, and that’s what Mane did.”
The list therefore places Mane ahead of Essien, Drogba, Eto’o and Kudus, while Salah is not included among Minteh’s five selections.
Minteh’s comments have drawn attention because of the contrast between his clear admiration for Mane and his decision not to name Salah. His remarks also underline the importance he places on qualities beyond technical ability, including work rate, strength, team play and personal discipline.
For Essien, Minteh emphasised power and an ability to control the game from multiple areas of the pitch. In Kudus, he identified a player whose skill with the ball is matched by a willingness to contribute to the team.
Mane’s example, meanwhile, was presented by Minteh as one built around hard work and faith. Those qualities were central to the reason the Brighton winger selected him above the other African players on his list.
The final ranking given by Minteh was Sadio Mane first, Michael Essien second, Didier Drogba third, Samuel Eto’o fourth and Mohammed Kudus fifth.
