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Africa is on the path to becoming one of the powerhouses in the world of football. After Europe and South America, Africa has been supplementing the footballing fraternity with world-class football players.
The continent of Africa has given us some footballing greats which include the likes of Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Yaya Toure and is continuing to influence the world by nurturing quality footballers.
Many African players have been plying their trade at elite European clubs. The list of players includes Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly, Naby Keita, Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, Thomas Partey among many more.
Here we take a look at the top 3 African players in the world football right now.
#5. Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez had a fantastic year as he bagged the Premier League with Manchester City and Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria. The Algerian scored seven goals and assisted four in the 27 appearances he made for the Cityzens in Premier League in 2018/19 season.
Carrying his red hot form to the Africa Cup of Nations, he led the Algerian national football team to win the coveted prize against all the odds. He scored three crucial goals for his side in the seven appearances he made in the tournament.
Although the Sky Blues have hit a seemingly rough patch, the 28-year-old has played very well this season. Mahrez has already scored four goals and assisted four in the Premier League. Meanwhile, he's scored one and set up four in the Champions League.
He has staked a genuine claim to start every game and has given Pep Guardiola quite a selection headache.
Also Read: Breaking: 10-man shortlist for African Player of the Year announced
#4. Kalidou Koulibaly
The Senegalese is SSC Napoli's powerhouse. His rock-solid performances caused a stir in the transfer market as big guns like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus were all ready to break the bank to sign him.
Kalidou Koulibaly was named the Serie A's defender of the season for his spectacular displays in 2018/19 campaign. The 28-year-old managed 135 clearances, 35 blocks and won 66 per cent of his total tackles throughout the season. He won 54% of his ground duels and 55% of his ariel duels.
The Senegalese also reached the AFCON finals with his national team, but his side could not get past Algeria. Even though Napoli may be struggling in the league, Koulibaly has been his usual self. The player has won 61% of his duels and won 64% of his tackles and has been rock solid at the back.
Also Read: Top 3 centre-half pairings in football this season
#3. Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a spectacular year on a personal level as he raked in the Premier League Golden boot for scoring 22 goals in 2018/19 season. The Gabon international has started this season on a similar note as he has already netted 11 goals in the 17 appearances.
Things may not seem to go Arsenal's way, but Aubameyang is proving his mettle despite his team's struggle to consolidate their place in the top six.
The striker was vital to Arsenal's Europa League run in 2018/19 as well where they ended the campaign as runners-up. But as things stand, Arsenal may be far off from qualifying for the Champions League.
Also Read:Top 6 contenders for the Premier League Golden Boot
#2. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is enjoying the best phase of his career. The Egyptian international lifted the Champions League last campaign and is eyeing more success with the Reds this season.
Salah scored 22 goals last season in the Premier League and shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Sadio Mane and Aubameyang.
The 27-year-old has started this season in a similar fashion. He already has nine league goals and four assists in the 14 appearances he has made for Liverpool. Meanwhile, he has scored four goals in the Champions league with the knockout stages yet to come.
Salah finished in the 5th spot in the Ballon d'Or rankings for the spectacular year he had with the Reds. The Egyptian would be vying to bring home the Premier League trophy and successfully defend Liverpool's Champions League crown this season.
Also Read: Premier League 2019-20: 3 most outstanding performers from December 14th 2019
#1. Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane enjoyed his best season on a personal level as well as a collective level. The Senegalese international lifted the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the finals.
Mane was quite vital for Liverpool's success last campaign. He scored 22 goals in the Premier League last campaign and shared the Premier league Golden Boot with Salah and Aubameyang. The Liverpool forward also scored four goals in the Champions League last season.
Mane has been in red hot form this season as well. The 27-year-old has scored nine goals and assisted four in the Premier League already. The Senegalese also led his national side to the AFCON finals as well but could not get past Algeria in the finals.
His impressive displays over the year saw him finishing 4th in the Ballon d'Or rankings, coming in behind his compatriot Virgil van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Also Read:Top 10 Liverpool players of the decade
