Kanoute is what people refer to as a ‘mercurial talent’. This is usually a euphemism used by football writers to describe someone who can do the incredible, but more often than not looks like he would rather be anywhere else than on a football field. However, this season the Malian has almost single-handedly dragged Seville into contention for the Champions League and maybe even for the La Liga title.

Seville travelled to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening with the knowledge that leaders Barcelona had slipped up in recent weeks. Perhaps because of this extra pressure, they began the match apprehensively and both teams struggled to create any chances in the opening exchanges. The game eventually settled down and Seville began to dominate. However, Bilbao opened the scoring against the run of play after Igor Gabilondo managed to sneak an effort underneath Seville ‘keeper Andres Palop.

This spurred Kanoute, the former Tottenham striker, into action. The Malian equalised five minutes before half-time after good work from Aquivaldo Mosquera. Kanoute controlled Mosquera’s deep cross and hammered a shot home from close range to make it 1-1.

The second half saw Kanoute take centre stage. The Malian missed excellent opportunity just seconds after the restart. Argentine Aldo Duscher found the in-form striker, who turned and dragged his effort just wide of goal. Minutes later, Kanoute brought a brilliant save from Armando Riveiro in the Bilbao goal after a smart half-volley.

The winning goal came with 30 minutes remaining. Kanoute received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and skilfully left two Bilbao defenders for dead. He then shifted his body weight and placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal knocked any remaining resistance out of Bilbao and the game finished 2-1, with Kanoute deservedly receiving the Man of the Match award. The Malian is in lethal form, and if Seville do manage to qualify for Europe’s premier competition, they will have him to thank.