Italian football tactician Antonio Conte has been keeping a close eye on the World Cup, singling out several players who have caught his attention.
Among the African players Conte has been impressed by are Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi, as well as two members of the Ivory Coast and Egypt teams that progressed to the knockout stages.
Conte was quoted as saying that he has a high regard for Bouaddi, an Egyptian winger, as well as Oulai, the Ivorian midfielder, and Hassan, the Egyptian midfielder.
However, Conte's attention turned to the semi-final match between England and Argentina, where he highlighted the skills of England's Harry Kane and Argentina's Lautaro Martinez.
Conte praised Kane's exceptional technical ability, noting that he is a great centre forward who can also play as an attacking midfielder.
Conte also praised Kane's leadership qualities, saying that he is a leader in his own way, perhaps not with words, but certainly with his play.
Meanwhile, Conte highlighted the importance of Lautaro Martinez to Argentina's team, saying that his presence makes a huge difference and that he understands the situation and puts the needs of the team first.
Conte was reluctant to pick a winner of the semi-final match, but hinted that Argentina's collective spirit could prove decisive.
He noted that the odds are even, with both teams being very strong, but that Argentina's remarkable human depth and impressive synergy could give them an edge.
