Solomon Asante believes his international teammate Asamoah Gyan deserves to be crowned African Footballer of the Year for 2014.

Gyan, who plays for UAE side Al Ain, has been made CAF’s five-man short for the award.

But he must battle holder Yaya Toure, Nigeria duo Vincent Enyeama Ahmed Musa and Gabon and Dortmund striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang for the topmost prize.

For TP Mazembe star Asante, Gyan’s personal achievement under the year in review makes him the undisputed African king.

“For me I think Gyan it he has been exemplary not just this year but for the last couple of years,” Asante told GHANASoccernet.com

“He deserves to win the best player for Africa given his consistency with goals at both club and national level.

“Some are doing well at club level but fail to replicate form at international level but Gyan has found that balance and for me I think he deserves it more than anybody else.”

Gyan became Africa’s top scorer in World Cup history after scoring two goals in Brazil to topple Cameroon legend Roger Milla with six goals.

He was crowned goal king in the UAE and Asian Champions League.