Most Promising Footballers in the World - No.5

The next Drogba? Adebayor? Kanu? You decide...

Lacina Traore

Club: CFR Cluj
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Claim to fame: one of the most promising strikers on the continent

Prospects:
One of my personal favourites and definitely a player destined for one of the top European leagues in the future. The 20 year old, born in Ivory Coast’s capital Abidjan, is one of the most distinctive players on a football pitch as he stands at a mammoth 6ft 8in tall.

He started his career with Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas, and is a product of thier famous youth system; which bred the likes of Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Emmanuel Eboue, Yaya and Kolo Toure. In 2008, he moved to Romanian champions CFR Cluj from Stade d’Abidjan, playing 32 games in two seasons, on route to picking up a Liga 1 Romanian title, as well as a Romanian Cup.

He is yet to make his debut for his national side, but is expected to gain a call up in the near future. Traore, who has been touted as the “new Adebayor” has been heavily linked with a move to the Premiership, possible suitors including Arsenal, while Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has also shown an interest in the youngster.

Traore’s key attributes include his aerial ability (of course), however he is far from one dimensional, blessed with attacking flair, great technique, brute power, and a rocket of a left foot.

Definitely a name for the future, he has impressed in the Champions League and Europa League, he will certainly join a big club soon.