Good Player Guide #2 - Mohamed Aboutreika

Here at Just-Football we continue our Good Player Guide Cup of Nations special with a look at one of the stars of the tournament:

Mohamed Aboutreika

(Al-Ahly / Egypt)

How is it that many have not heard of this man before now? Gifted touch, poised, orchestral in the way he dictates play – Mohamed Aboutreika is a player of immense ability. Nicknamed Al Fanan (The Artist), the skilful attacking midfielder currently plies his trade with the most successful club in Egyptian football Al-Ahly, where he has played no small part in helping them to countless honours including the CAF Champions League, twice, (2005, 2006), the African Super Cup (2006, 2007) and the Egyptian League three years running.

His contribution to Egyptian football does not end there however, and as focal point of the national team he was as instrumental in the country’s 2006 African Cup of Nations triumph as he has been in Ghana. A graceful player that balances poise, craft and finesse, Aboutreika carried the mantle for the Pharaohs back in 2006, scoring two goals and bagging a number of assists, while also delivering the coup de grâce with the winning penalty in the final against Côte d’Ivoire.

As a playmaker he is comfortable with both feet and likes to spread the ball around the pitch. With the cool-headedness that seemingly always sees him retain possession, often through the art of the simple ball, he also has an eye for a pass and matches extraordinary vision with the technique to thread through balls and cross-field passes as and when necessary. Not blessed with blistering pace, it is more through sharp awareness and positioning that he manages to find space in busy midfield areas and, as is the mark of a good player, he always seems to have time on the ball. This languid, fluent style tempts one to draw comparisons with Juan Roman Riquelme.

Aboutreika’s considerable talent has seen him showered with personal honours. Awarded the Egyptian League Player of the Year three years consecutively, he was also nominated for the CAF African Player of the Year award in 2006, but lost out to Didier Drogba. Despite this the year was a fine one for the 29-year old on a personal level, as he collected the African club competition Player of the Year and was the CAF Champions League, Egyptian League and FIFA Club World Cup Top Scorer. Not bad for a midfielder.

In Ghana, Mohamed Aboutreika has only furthered his reputation thanks to some outstanding performances. He is central to Egypt coach Hassan Shehata’s plans simply because he keeps the ball so well, and this is not only his but his country’s great strength. His incisive passing and eye for goal have won yet more admirers, and with quick feet and intelligence he has bagged three goals en route to the final. Aboutreika is also one of Egypt’s most popular personalities. Known as a socially-conscious and very humble man, he has a bachelor’s degree from Cairo University. Dubbed the ‘Smiling Assassin’ for his obvious enjoyment of the game, should Mohamed Aboutreika help Egypt retain the African Cup of Nations against Cameroon the beaming grin for which he is renowned would appear not only on his face, but on that of a whole nation.