EPL 2016/17: 7 African players who are shining in the Premier League this season
The Premier League is the home of some of the greatest African footballers of all time. When you think of the greatest African players to have graced the Premier League, the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Jay-Jay Okocha, Michael Essien, Nwankwo Kanu and Emmanuel Adebayor come to mind.
However, there is one African player who achieved something that none of the above mentioned players could and he is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian was awarded the PFA Player of the year award for his incredible performances in the 2015/16 season as he helped Leicester win the league title.
In the ongoing Premier League season, many African players have proved to be a vital member of their respective teams. However, last season's stars like Riyad Mahrez and Odion Ighalo have struggled this time around and have hence failed to make our list of best performing African players in the league.
#1 Sadio Mane - Senegal & Liverpool
Liverpool have signed several players from Southampton over the years, but none have settled into their new side as quickly and as well as Sadio Mane has. The Senegalese international is arguably the best summer signing in the Premier League and has played a big role in the sensational start to the season Liverpool are enjoying.
Mane has added some much-needed pace and directness to Liverpool's attack and the difference is evident. He scored his first goal in a Liverpool kit during the preseason in a match against Barcelona and followed it up by scoring a sensational goal against Arsenal on his Premier League debut for Liverpool. So far in this Premier League season, Mane has scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists. In addition, he also has 2 assists in the EFL Cup.
Liverpool's worst performance of the season in terms of attacking prowess was a defeat to Burnley and Mane was unable to play the game due to an injury. This sort of highlights the fact that the team is not the same without the Senegalese international.