Consisting of 20 clubs, the English Premier League is the highest level of the English football league system and has long been host to some of the best football in the world. Throughout history, footballers of African descent have played a huge part in premier league success, and, with African players making up around 7% of this year’s EPL names, 2023 doesn’t look set to be any different.
With the season still fresh and everything to play for, it can be difficult to determine how things will go for teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, who are currently riding the helm of EPL predictions. One thing that we can say with some certainty is that this is set to be a big season for our African players, and it’s all thanks to top names currently taking the EPL by storm, including –
# 1 – Mohamad Salah
Egyptian-born Mohamad Sala is widely considered to be the best player of African descent in the EPL right now after he began the year guiding his own country to the Africa Cup of Nations final. Playing as a forward for Liverpool for the sixth year, Sala has already been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which marks the best player. Previously, Salah has helped Liverpool to win the EPL, the Carabao Cup, and the Club World Cup.
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# 2 – Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Another one of the season’s most prolific scorers, French-born Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is the son of former Gabonese international footballer, Pierre Aubameyang. In his time at Chelsea, Aubameyang was the club’s most successful striker, and that’s not changed since his move to Arsenal last year, which has already seen him scoring three goals across eighteen appearances.
# 3 – Riyad Mahrez
Captain of the Algeria national team, Riyad Mahrez is a key figure for EPL favourites, Manchester City, this season. Considered one of the best African players in EPL history, his record sheet of 158 career goals has already seen him awarded several titles, including the Premier League shield. So far, a solid performance means that he’s well on the way to continuing his great run with the club.
# 4 – Patson Daka
After beginning his football career at Zambia’s Kafue Celtic Academy, Leicester City’s Patson Daka has earned his reputation for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring capabilities. His performance is such that, when his transfer to AC Milan and Bournemouth fell through earlier this season, Enzo Miresta was insistent he’d be considered for Leicester City off the back of his complete player capabilities.
Always wear a smile @ClatousCC #MakeJesusYourAim pic.twitter.com/UtD4hI3pkF
— Patson Daka (@PatsonDaka20) September 7, 2023
# 5 – Bertrand Traore
Now a right-winger for Aston Villa, Bertrand Traore began his career with Chelsea’s Youth Academy before a brief stint with French club, Lyon. Now back in the EPL, Traore continues to show an impressive ability to finish and is scoring consistent goals as a result.
These are just a few of the African players set to take the EPL by storm this season. In each instance, fans can expect great goal-scoring, solid performances, and a tight race to the top spot.