2008 European League African Team

African players, in the last 10 years, have taken all major European football competitions by absolute storm. Their impact could not have been more instrumental in shaping the power and world rankings of these European leagues.

In effect, I have decided to create my own football African European team.

Standard formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Essam El-Hadary (FC Sion, Switzerland), Egypt

Winning two African Nations Cups with Egyptian National in a row is no easy task to accomplish, especially with the likes of continental giants in Cote D'Ivoire and Cameroon  preset.

At age 35, "The Beast of Africa" has been chosen as the best goalkeeper in both the latest editions of the African Nations Cup held in Egypt and Ghana. In addition, El Hadary has kept his net clear for 1092 minutes in the Egyptian League in 2005.

Left Back: Celestine Babayaro (Portsmouth, England), Nigeria

For a 5'9'' (1.76 m) player who plays as a left back in the grinding English Premier League, Celestine Babayaro does not disappoint. Known for his quickness, silky smooth passes, and simplicity in play, the Nigerian proves to be a vital aspect of Porsmouth's defensive ability. His attacking capability may be limited compared to his defensive one, but, his effort to continually improve this makes him successful at his position.

Defender: Kolo Toure (Arsenal, England), Cote D'ivoire

The Ivory Coast star has powered Arsenal's defense for the last five years. Toure is sometimes overshadowed by his goal scoring teammates, but he remains a significant player for the Gunners. Nevertheless, Toure is arguably one the most complete defenders in the Premier League.

Defender: Christopher Samba (Blackburn, England), Congo

Since his transfer from Hertha Berlin to Blackburn for £400,000, Samba could not have been a more successful deal for the Rovers. Partnering up with Ryan Nelsen, Samba has given Rovers' a steel like back line. To protect the player from lucrative European club offers, Blackburn signed Samba to a new five-year deal in early 2008.

Right Back: Geremi Njitap (Newcastle United, England), Cameroon

Witnessing Geremi with the Cameroonian national team has had me infatuated at how Cameroon rely on him. Almost every single attacking option has to pass through him. He has a quick observation on the situation, approves it, and finally issues it to midfielders or to strikers. With Newcastle, it is only sufficient to mention that he was named captain of the team in the previous 2007-2008 season.

Right Midfield: Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, Englad), Cote D'Ivoire

Arsene Wenger's comparison of Eboue to the legendary Brazilian winger Garrincha proves to be enough to explain Eboue's strength. Despite being 24, his confidence and maturity in play makes him seem like he's 28 years of age.

Although too energetic at times, marked by his collision with John Terry on December 20, 2007 (the clash left Terry with three broken bones in his right foot), his energy tends to be, at times, positive.

Center Midfield: Michael Essien (Chelsea FC, England), Ghana

A tough choice but Essien just comes out on top. The Ghana star is everything a manager wants from a modern-day midfielder: power, stamina, aggression and a never say die attitude. Throw in the ability to score crucial goals and it is little wonder that Essien is already a Premier League giant.

Center Midfield: Yaya Toure (Barcelona FC, Spain), Cote D'Ivoire

Simply outstanding in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, he also impressed in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He basically sets the tempo for "The Elephants". With a mixture of tenacious tackling and occasional bursts forward, his skill and balance for such a tall player is fantastic.

Some people might contend that Didier Zokora is worthy of this spot. Although Zokora possesses better defensive attributes than Yaya does, he simply doesn't provide what Toure does.

Left Midfielder: Sulley Muntari (FC Internazionale, Italy), Ghana

Ghana ace Muntari has been arguably Portsmouth’s star performer the last couple of seasons. The powerful midfielder has the vision to match his combative style. And the £7m signing has an eye for goal too. He has been rewarded with a move to Italy to play under the man who calls himself "The special one."

Striker: Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona FC, Spain), Cameroon

Widely known not only as the best African striker, but one of the top strikers in the world, Eto'o comes to heart as one of the most deadly goalscorers in modern European football. On the club level, Eto'o has been crowned with a La Liga title, a UEFA Champions League title, and a Super Cup de Espana title.

On the international level, he has been playing for Cameroon since 1996 and helped them to win the African Nations Cup in 2000 and 2002. In this tournament, Eto'o created a record of scoring 24 consecutive penalties until he unfortunately missed one in 2006.

In addition, he was named the African Player of the Year from 2003 to 2005.

On the club level, where does he go now? Sources say Eto'o is likely to remain at Barcelona.

Striker: Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC, England), Cote D'Ivoire

Chelsea are far from a one-man team, but Drogba’s absence at any given time might leave them struggling to cling on to bitter rivals Manchester United or Arsenal. The Ivory Coast hitman has blossomed since a tough first season in England—a frightening package of power, pace and goals.

His high football IQ in the 18-yard box gives him the ability to finish off games from the slightest mistake an opposing defender might commit. He was the Premier League top scorer in 2006-2007 with 20 goals as well as the 2006 African Footballer of the Year. Drogba holds the distinction of being the only player to score in three League Cup finals, in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Reserves

Defenders

John Paintsil (Fulham, England) Ghana, Joseph Yobo (Everton, England) Nigeria, Timothee Atouba (HSV, Germany) Cameroon, Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseilles, France) Nigeria.

Midfielders

Didier Zokora (Tottenham Hotspur, England) Cote D'Ivoire, Mahamadou Diarra (Real Madrid, Spain) Mali, Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahce, Turkey) Ghana.

Strikers

Mohammed Zidan (HSV, Germany) Egypt, Fredi Kanoute (Seville, Spain) Mali, Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United, England) Nigeria, Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, England) Togo.