Defence
Africa puts up a decent back-four when in comparison to their European and South American counterparts. A host of European clubs regularly scout African academies for defenders given their natural strength and engine.
At left back, we have Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam as the first member of this back four. The Algerian has been one of the standout full-backs to come out of the African confederation of countries in recent years and is a real asset for the Serie A side as they chase a league title this season. Ghoulam is valued at €15 million.
The left-sided centre-back on this list is also a Napoli player and someone who’s regularly linked with a move to some of the biggest clubs in the world. Senegal’s 25-year-old Kalidou Koulibaly is a sensational centre-back capable of shutting down the best of forwards with his pace, strength and ability to read the game at a much quicker pace. Koulibaly is valued at €30 million making him the second most valuable player on this list.
Koulibaly’s partner at the heart of the defence is a young and upcoming talent of whom a lot is expected. Manchester United’s Eric Bailly might not have been the go-to name before the start of the current season but given the way he’s played for Jose Mourinho, nobody can write him off now. Bailly is currently valued at €25 million and at 22 years of age, is currently the youngest player to appear on this list.
The right-back on this list is Paris Saint-Germain’s Serge Aurier. Once touted as one of the best young full-backs in the game, the 24-year-old has since let disciplinary issues on and off the field affect his play. He’s still an excellent player and should he purge himself of these distractions, can go on to live up to his true potential. Aurier is currently valued at €15 million.
