Gervinho can hardly be heralded a rampaging success since arriving at Arsenal in the summer of 2011, however he showed just why Arsene Wenger forked out for him this week for Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

This year’s edition of the Afcon had been a bit of a damp squib in its early clashes but as it has ebbed along, the games have increased in entertainment, and Gervinho’s electric, goalscoring performances were among the first impressive ones of note.

Goal.com managing editor for Africa Peter Pedroncelli explains: “The Arsenal man has been in phenomenal form during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, with his performances in attack providing the inspiration Cote d’Ivoire have been looking for.

“The Ivorians’ No.10 scored and assisted in each of the two group stage matches played during this past weeks. Those contributions led to victories against Togo (2-1) and Tunisia (3-0), securing their progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. The talented Elephants playmaker can be proud of both strikes, which were of sublime quality.

“His leadership skills have also been on show, with a visually more active and determined Gervinho becoming involved with the grooming of the youngsters in the team, who are likely to get a run in the side’s third group stage match against Algeria on Wednesday.”

The Shortlist

Paul Alo’o Efo – Nancy Jack Braddick: “A star in France this week!” Goal.com’s Naim Beneddra: “The architect in Nancy’s cup qualification, and led team to victory in Ligue 1. With Alo’o Efoulou, they can escape from relegation.”
Ryan Giggs – Manchester Utd Gaby Lopez: “Man United were great against Fulham, but it was Giggs was the best for me.” Goal.com’s Ryan Kelly: “Giggs may be 39 but he continues to enthral the Old Trafford crowd with his performances.”
Mauro Icardi – Sampdoria @AkadGeorges: “Scores four goals and [is an] upcoming star.” Goal.com’s Pablo Aro Geraldes: “The Sampdoria youth, who is just 19, was irresistible against Pescara’s defence.”
Lionel Messi – Barcelona @DonClyt: “Four goals in a match and [the] youngest player to reach 200 La Liga goals.” Goal.com’s Kilian Caballero: “Fantastic against Osasuna, and led Barcelona to their win over Malaga in midweek.”