Arouna Kone

The African Cup of Nations has been going on this month in Egypt and one of the finest players I have seen so far is Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone of club team PSV Eindhoven.

The 22 year old is from a small town called Anyama near Abidjan, coming from a family of 17 kids. Originally discovered by Belgian team Lierse SK, one season later he landed at Dutch side Roda JC. In his career at Roda he scored 28 goals in 63 matches when he moved to PSV Eindhoven this season. So far he’s scored 7 goals in 13 appearances.

I’ve seen him play impressively for Eindhoven a couple of times this season and after seeing him rip the Libyan defense to shreds last night in their group match, I felt I had to make mention of him. He’s actually replacing normal starter Aruna Dindane who tragically had to bury his 2 young daughters after their sudden deaths.

For Kone, he’s shined so far alongside Chelsea front man Didier Drogba. He’s blindingly quick and deceptively plays with a sleepy disposition. His timing is impeccable though, save for the glaring header he missed that would have put Ivory Coast up 2-0 to finish off Lybia. He setup the first goal and also scored in the first group match against Morocco. Beyond that header, he was responsible for run after run which served to pressure the Libyan defense to no end.

Kone seems to be perpetually overshadowed. Drogba and Dindane now, in 2003 at FIFA World Youth Championship with Antonin Koutouan, he’s persevered though by making himself a nuisance everywhere he plays. With a World Cup place this summer and a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League, I reckon Arouna Kone will finally see the recognition he deserves.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Among PSV Eindhoven’s best players last season was Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. He extended his contract today with the Dutch outfit for another 2 seasons.

His last name is interesting. When translated, it means “Venegoor or Hesselink” –as in, you can call me either one.

We know the new Barcelona man Mark van Bommel and Manchester United starlet JS Park by name but the tall Dutch striker at age 26 is a relative unknown outside of Holland. He’s a goalscorer though, and intimidating in size.

At about 6’ 5” he’s only a couple of thumbs under Peter Crouch of Southampton, but more muscular. He was the Dutch Eredivisie top scorer with 19 goals in 28 matches last season.

His new contract will stretch until 2008.

Mark Van Bommel

PSV Eindhoven, a club know for selling the talent have Mark Van Bommel playing the best football of his career.

Van Bommel, a Dutch international, is already established as a talent. It’s been surprising that he hasn't been swooped for in recent years because his power strike and classic midfield qualities make a great combination. He has stabilized an Eindhoven midfield that, note, is in the last 8 of the Champions League. Recently linked with Barcelona, where he'd have look-a-like hair with coach Frank Rijkaard, Van Bommel may finally see the light of a bigger league.

I’d expect him to finally move this summer. Many teams like his Frank Lampard-like qualities, especially durability.