André Ayew     21     Winger/Forward     Marseille

Last year was a real breakthrough season for Ghanaian winger André Ayew. 

Having spent previous stints on loan with Lorient and Arles Avignon, Ayew really stepped up to the plate in 2010.  Eleven goals from 37 games tells its own story, and a hat trick in his first start for Marseille this year demonstrates which direction Ayew is headed. 

A series of in and out early season performances have followed in Ligue 1 this year, but while goalkeeper Steve Mandana performed heroics for Marseille in their 3-0 victory over Dortmund in the Champions League, Ayew, with a brace, was the French club’s best outfield player by a considerable distance.

Singled out for praise by Franz Beckenbauer recently, the Kaiser compared Ayew to another African football legend, Abedi Pele.....who just happens to be Ayew’s father. 

We expect Marseille to do relatively well in the league this season for no other reason than Ayew is flying.  There are a lot of very good young players in Ligue 1, but it is Ayew that has set an early performance marker and we expect the strong progress to continue.

"Starting to fulfil his potential at Marseille. Very versatile although used as a forward he could become a very good midfielder. Fast and skilful it's unlikely he will stay at Marseille long. General consensus seems to be his younger brother will be the better player." - Andrew Gibney (French Football Weekly)

"Tenacity personified. Superb 2010-11 saw him nominated for Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award and named OM's player of the season." - Tom Williams (Journalist)

B       Fly.  As good wingers do.