It's not just Salah v Mane! Premier League outcasts Trezeguet and Nampalys Mendy are the surprise stars of the AFCON and will be just as crucial as Egypt and Senegal get set for tonight's showpiece final

Daily Mail | February 6, 2022

Unavailable for their clubs in the English Premier League but crucial for their national teams.

So far, the season of Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, known as Trezeguet, and Nampalys Mendy could be summarised in this way.

The Aston Villa left winger has played only 10 minutes in the Premier League so far, while the Leicester midfielder didn't play at all.

Mendy only accumulated 31 minutes in the EFL Cup third round against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Trezeguet has been instrumental for Egypt at AFCON despite lack of playing time at Aston Villa

Brighton youngster Nampalys Mendy has also been crucial to Senegal reaching the AFCON final

But despite their lack of rhythm, both of them have surprisingly helped Egypt and Senegal reach the final of the 33rd edition of the 2021 African Cup of Nations (Afcon).