PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Christian Bassogog - Will the Cameroon star inspire Henan Jianye to a top three finish?

epa06049960 Christian Bassogog (R) of Cameroon and Antonio Ruediger of Germany in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 group B soccer match between Germany and Cameroon at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, 25 June 2017. EPA/ARMANDO BABANI

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Feb 13, 2018. 19:00

There’s no doubt that the Cameroon international is one of Chinese Super League outfit Henan Jianye’s key players.

Bassogog proved to be a great signing after joining the club from Danish side AaB at the end of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals 12 momths ago.

The forward had played an important role in helping Cameroon clinch the 2017 AFCON title in Gabon and he deservedly walked away with the Player of the Tournament accolade.

Jianye offered Bassogog a lucrative five-year deal which he signed and the 22-year-old went on to make 24 appearances in the Chinese Super League.

Bassogog hit the back of the net 10 times in the process and his crucial goals helped the club survive relegation from China’s elite division.

The club has since appointed Croatian tactician Dragan Talajić as its new head coach - replacing Guo Guangqi.

Bassogog, who has recovered from his knee injury, has been featuring regularly under Talajić during their pre-season friendly games as they prepare for the 2018 Chinese Super League season.

The former Kuwait SC head coach is expected look to Bassogog and Portuguese forward Ricardo Vaz Te for goals during the upcoming campaign.

Vaz Te, who scored five goals in five league matches for Jianye last season, has a good understanding with fellow forward Bassogog.

If Bassogog and Vaz Te can maintain their scoring form in the new campaign, Jianye will start a good change of challenging for a top three finish in the league.