Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
That twenty-two year old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished joint-top goalscorer at the African Cup of Nations alongside such established figures as Didier Drogba and Manucho speaks volumes of this young man’s confidence and ability. The son of former a former Gabonese international, Aubameyang was born in the town of Laval in northern France in 1989, and was signed by AC Milan at the age of just seventeen. Recognising his potential, AC Milan sent the striker out on loan to French sides Dijon, Lille and Monaco in consecutive seasons to gain vital experience, where his performances were rewarded with a sole appearance for the French national under-21 side in 2009.
In December 2011, following a six month loan spell, Saint-Etienne secured the signing of Aubameyang on a permanent deal, where he has made a name for himself as a powerful and skilful striker, equally comfortable being deployed out wide or through the middle. Aubameyang’s goals for les Verts this season have been crucial in their quest for a lucrative Champions League spot, and his three goals in four games at the Cup of Nations carried Gabon to a quarter-final showdown with Mali. Tragically for Aubameyang, his tournament may well be most remembered for the penalty miss which eliminated his country, though at just twenty-years of age he has plenty of time to avenge that defeat.
Aubameyang only signed a contract with Saint Etienne five months ago, so a move this summer is unlikely. Lyon, Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain are perhaps the only clubs in France with the status or financial clout to tempt Saint-Etienne into selling, and a move overseas may still be a couple of season away.