Joey Barton recently claimed that Africa has never produced a better defender than Jamie Carragher. This is a short-sighted view.
Africa has produced world-class defenders who excelled at club and international level. Many of them outshone Carragher in various aspects of the game.
Speaking after Carragher received criticism for seemingly downplaying the esteem in which the Africa Cup of Nations is held, former Newcastle (3.20) and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Barton said: “The whole [of] Africa has never produced a better defender than Jamie Carragher.”
Barton has received criticism for his statement, as there have been at least five African defenders worthy of competing with Carragher when their careers are measured side-by-side. These include legends from the national teams of South Africa, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco and Nigeria.
Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe was a defensive leader for Leeds United and South Africa. He captained Bafana Bafana during their golden era, leading them to AFCON glory in 1996. His leadership and composure made him a Premier League icon.
Radebe played 256 matches for Leeds and helped them reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2001. Injuries cut his career short, but his impact remains undeniable. Even Nelson Mandela called him “my hero.”
Sammy Kuffour
Sammy Kuffour was a defensive rock for Bayern Munich. The Ghanaian centre-back won multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2001 UEFA Champions League. His strength and commitment made him a nightmare for attackers.
Kuffour played over 250 matches for Bayern and was named African Defender of the Year three times. He also represented Ghana in their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. His legendary passion was clear when he wept after losing the 1999 Champions League final.
“I didn’t mean to do that but when you are so down you can’t control yourself,” Kuffour said on that game as per the Guardian. “When I go to any airport in the world people always recognise me because of that. They say, ‘Oh Sammy, remember Manchester United against Bayern Munich’ – no.”
Kolo Touré
Kolo Touré was a key part of Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles team. The Ivorian played a crucial role in their unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League season. His pace, tackling ability and intelligence made him one of the best in his era.
Touré also won league titles with Manchester City and Celtic. He earned over 100 caps for Ivory Coast and helped them win AFCON in 2015. Few defenders matched his consistency at the highest level.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi is one of the most complete modern defenders. The Moroccan right-back has excelled at Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. His speed and attacking instincts make him a threat on both ends of the pitch.
Hakimi helped Morocco reach the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also won league titles in Spain, Italy and France. His versatility and skill put him among Africa’s best defenders ever.
Fans of soccer and online sports betting in the modern era will be well aware of Hakimi’s quality, making Barton’s statement all the more puzzling.
Taribo West
Taribo West was known for his colourful hairstyles and aggressive defending. The Nigerian centre-back played for top European clubs like Inter Milan and AC Milan. His strength and tackling ability made him a dominant force.
West won the 1998 UEFA Cup with Inter and the 1996 Olympic gold medal with Nigeria. His leadership helped the Super Eagles shine in major tournaments. His legacy as one of Africa’s toughest defenders is secure.
Conclusion
Barton’s claim about Carragher overlooks Africa’s rich defensive history. Radebe, Kuffour, Touré, Hakimi and West all achieved more in different ways. Their impact on club and international soccer speaks for itself and solidified their place as the best African defenders.
Africa has consistently produced world-class defenders. More will emerge in the future. The continent’s defensive legacy is undeniable.
