Samuel Moutoussamy #8

Profile

He never scores, never assists, and yet few players are more essential to DR Congo than Moutoussamy. The most-used outfield player under Sébastien Desabre, the 29-year-old is the foundation of the Leopards’ midfield. Tireless and disciplined, he presses, harasses, intercepts and recycles possession for 90 minutes – or longer if needed. Not always spectacular, but consistently reliable, Moutoussamy’s work rate and fighting spirit set the tone for the entire team. Born to a Caribbean father and a Congolese mother, he has become one of the symbols of a generation that experienced repeated heartbreak before finally reaching the World Cup. “We’ll leave our souls on the pitch to get the win,” he told Leopardsfoot before the playoff against Jamaica. “We can’t play with fear. We have to attack, take risks and give everything we have.” That warrior mentality is exactly what DR Congo hope to carry into the World Cup.

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