The 25 year-old Modibo Maiga is a recognised striker, but also a capricious footballer.

At Mans and then Sochaux, the Malian left contrasting memories as he never hesitated to engage in a battle with his employers to leave.

Last year, he could not leave Sochaux to Newcastle as planned because of a medical diagnosis that was deemed unacceptable by the Magpies.

Modibo Maiga now plays in England for West Ham.

Not always a first pick for the national team, he is still one of the best offensive strikers in Mali.

He has scored in matches, home and away, and in the final round of the 2013 Afcon qualifier against Botswana (won 3-0 and 4-1 by the Eagles).