Five Best African Players In The Premier League Including Former Man United & Chelsea Stars
The Premier League has been host to plenty of excellent African footballers over the years – Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and Jay Jay Okocha, to name a few. But who are the best African players currently playing in England’s top division?
For the purposes of this list, we’re only looking at players who represent an African team internationally.
If a player was born in Africa, but represent a team outside of the continent on the international stage, then they won’t be eligible for this list.
Bryan Mbuemo
Perhaps a surprise inclusion on this list, nevertheless, we think Bryan Mbuemo is more than worth his place. He was born in France, but plays for Cameroon internationally.
He’s been in inspired form for Brentford this season. So far, the 23-year-old has five goals and three assists in the Premier League for the Bees.
He’s very versatile, too. While he is most natural as a winger, he can also play as a centre forward or at wing back.
Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha is a player who needs no introduction for fans of English football. He’s been playing for Crystal Palace for almost his whole career, outside of a brief stint with Manchester United.
Zaha initially represented England internationally, winning two caps, he was only played in friendlies. In 2016, Zaha was able to switch allegiances to his native Ivory Coast – and he did, to the chagrin of Three Lions fans.
A tricky winger with explosive pace, Zaha has never managed to develop a consistent end product – regardless, he still remains a defender’s nightmare.
Riyad Mahrez
Legendary winger Riyad Mahrez has been consistently good ever since he won the league with Leicester City back in 2016. Skilful, creative and with an eye for goal, Mahrez is the complete winger.
At 32, Mahrez is approaching the end of his prime, but is showing no signs of slowing down just yet. This season, he’s scored five goals and notched up four assists in the Premier League.
He plays for Algeria internationally. Across 79 caps, he’s scored 28 goals for the Desert Warriors, making him their joint-third all time top goalscorer.
Thomas Partey
Is Thomas Partey the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League? If not, he’s certainly well within that conversation.
While very capable of playing in the box-to-box role, he has found new life in as a holding player this season. Arsenal are in a very strong position to win the Premier League this year and Partey has played a huge role in that.
The Gunners have been searching for a Patrick Vieira replacement ever since he left the club – in Partey, they may have found it.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah simply has to occupy the top spot. Not only is he one of the best players in the Premier League at this current moment, he’s one of the best Premier League players of all time.
Breathtaking pace combined with precise dribbling ability and sniper-like finishing has made the Egyptian a force to be reckoned with ever since he landed in Merseyside. After scoring last night in the Champions League Vs Real Madrid Sala became the highest scorer for Liverpool in Europe which is a super impressive stat given the success his club has had in Europe over the years.
He’s also played for Chelsea in the past – can you believe the Blues let such a superstar slip through their fingers? Chelsea’s loss was Liverpool’s gain.