World Cup Star Count: #96 Rabiu Mohammed

 
Profile
Rabiu Mohammed started his career at Ghanaian club Liberty Professionals; his impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as he was signed by Gimnàstic in January 2008 on a season long loan deal at age 18.

He made his debut on 18 May 2008 against Sevilla Atlético, after 6 months he left the club and moved to Xerez CD.

Rabiu made his Xerez debut on 11 November 2008 against CD Tenerife. On 7 August 2009, U.C. Sampdoria signed the Ghanaian midfielder on loan from Liberty Professionals FC, and was quickly drafted into the youth team.

After one season, he joined Serie A outfit Udinese Calcio, as the club borrowed the registration quota from Sampdoria.

On 28 June 2011,  he joined newly-promoted French Ligue 1 side Évian on a five-year permanent deal, after a successful loan spell with the club.

After making 53 appearances and scoring 2 goals for the French side, Rabiu agreed a three-year deal with Russian side Kuban Krasnodar http://allsports.com.gh/2013/08/19/rabiu-joins-kuban-on-tuesday/ for an undisclosed fee.

He suffered an injury late in 2013 http://allsports.com.gh/2013/09/25/rabiu-back-in-krasnodar-after-surgery/ , which kept him out of contention for Ghana's World Cup playoff game with Egypt.

The highlight of his career was the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, when he helped the Black Satellites overcome Brazil to annex the trophy.

He was also an integral part of the Black Stars team which took part in the 2013 edition of the African Cup of Nations.

 
Key attributes
Rabiu Mohammed is considered one of the most talented players of the younger generation in the Black Stars setup.

He excels in the holding midfield role, where he works hard to close down creative opponents, and to clean up play.

He has an eye for a tackle, but sometimes goes overboard which earns him needless bookings.

This can be attributed to his enthusiasm, given his young age; and with time his maturity will begin to show.

There is no doubt that Rabiu Mohammed is definitely one to keep an eye on for Ghana once he is able to clean up his game.

 
 
Quotes
“He is the most important player who has played the most important role for the Black Stars in the past 2 years. Rabiu must be at the World Cup. To me, he is the only untouchable player.”

This comment was passed by a Black Stars fan who feels Rabiu Mohammed should be an integral part of Kwesi Appiah's team; a sentiment shared by many others.

 
World Cup impact
The midfield is the most competitive area in Ghana's team with the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Agyeman Badu all fighting for spots.

For Rabiu to make an impact in Brazil, he'll need to earn a place in the starting line-up, disrupting the usual flow of things.

Rest assured, he will not let the occasion overwhelm him, as he will be prepared to repay any trust placed on him by the coach.