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The Africa Cup of Nations 2019 will reach its conclusion this Saturday with two of the best teams of the continent in Algeria and Senegal going head to head at The Cairo International Stadium.
This clash also brings some of the very best individuals of the tournament face to face with one another, with Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez and Senegal star Sadio Mane headlining the list.
One of the most coveted individual honors at the competition is the Player of the Tournament award, which is announced after the final.
Historically, the award has always gone to a player belonging to the eventual champions and there is no reason as to why it will be any different this time around, with a bunch of players from both The Desert Foxes and the Lions of Teranga having outstanding campaigns.
Though there have been quite a few players who shined throughout the competition, the result in the final will play a major role in the determination of the MVP of the tournament.
On one hand, Algeria can win the continental competition for the first time in 29 years and Senegal have a chance to create history by lifting their maiden trophy. So, the odds of a player who ends up helping his side become a part of history being announced as the MVP are very high.
So, with that being said, here is our list of the top contenders for the award.
#1 Ismael Bennacer
Algeria as a team have played very well throughout the tournament, functioning like a well-oiled machine designed to win games. Their form can be attributed to the impressive depth of talent they have at their disposal - young and energetic players who are the cog in the wheel of this organized team.
One of their best performers has been 21-year-old midfielder Ismael Bennacer, who was also named the best player of Group Stages by CAF earlier this month.
Though he has not gotten on the scoresheet himself yet, he has two assists to his name so far. But, in the case of this player, the stats do not tell the complete story.
The former Arsenal academy prospect has been the heart of the Desert Foxes' game - his passing range in midfield is superb and he has also proven he can put himself about physically.
He's had a passing accuracy of 87.4%, although, in the opposition's half, it drops down to 84.4%, which is still more than stars like Riyad Mahrez and Sofiane Feghouli.
If he can impose himself in the final and be able to find the back of the net in the last game of the tournament leading to Algeria's win, there's no doubt he will be awarded the MVP award.
#2 Sadio Mane
Heading into the continental competition on the back of UEFA Champions League success with Liverpool, Senegal superstar Sadio Mane was one of the players to watch out for and the Premier League Golden Boot winner has not disappointed one bit.
He's managed three goals so far from just five starts and also has one assist to his name. Though, he could've easily been the top scorer at the tournament by some margin if he hadn't missed two penalties.
Nonetheless, he has arguably been the best player for The Teranga Lions, as they secured their place in the title-decider for just the second time in their history.
Not a lot of people will disagree with the fact that he brings more than just goals and speed into the team - he adds invaluable quality to his side and inspires players around him to elevate their game and play at his level.
He's had a shooting accuracy of 60%, while also maintaining a decent passing accuracy of 77.4%, while also winning 17 fouls for his team, including one penalty, leading to dangerous set-piece opportunities.
Though he was not named their captain for this competition, he led their charge to the final of this showpiece event from the front, as the Senegalese chase their first-ever continental success.
If he has been saving his best for the final, there's not a lot that can stop from him winning the player of the tournament this time around, along with the top-scorers prize.
#3 Riyad Mahrez
It would not be an understatement to hail Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez as the most important player for Algeria on the pitch in this tournament.
There's no doubt about the quality he possesses - from his exquisite passing to creating attacking moves out of nothing, and who can forget his insane set-piece abilities which make him such a dangerous player anywhere near the oppositions box.
He showcased his prowess from free-kicks in the semi-final against Nigeria to hand his side a victory in the very last minute of the game.
It was his third goal of the tournament and it is his ability to score at such crucial junctures, combined with his performances so far that make him indispensable to his side and a major contender for the player of the tournament award.
He has been very clinical throughout the tournament and has maintained an impressive 75% accuracy in both passing and shooting, whilst also contributing in defense, winning 53% of his duels and 57% of all the tackles he's made.
Like Mane, his claim for the award will very much depend on the fact as to whether he can give his best when it matters the most and win the biennial competition for his country.
Honorable Mentions
Youcef Belaili:
The forward has been one of the key attacking players of his team that has scored the highest number of goals at the tournament.
He is perfectly stationed by coach Belmadi between the lines to receive passes and combine with the center-forward Baghdad Bounedjah, with whom he has an excellent relationship.
He has also scored two goals so far, including the one crucial goal that gave them the victory over their opponents in the final, Senegal.
Idrissa Gueye:
Idrissa Gueye holds the key to balance in the Senegal squad, which was evident when he had to miss out on their fixture against Algeria, which resulted in a 1-0 loss for the Teranga Lions.
Known for his hard-tackling and ball-winning style of play, he has played a more attacking role for his team in the tournament and has also found the back of the net on one occasion.
Others: Odion Ighalo and Adam Ounas.
