The season has ended in Europe, bringing down the curtain on hundreds of African players on the Old Continent. Which of them stands out in the year under review?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Dortmund, Germany - Forward
31 goals in the Bundesliga have given the Gabonese star a first league top scorer award. His progression has been obvious, as evidenced in his numbers since the 2013/14 season: 13, 16, 25, and now 31. His ability to forge combinations with different players remains a key asset, and with a stated dream of always playing for Real Madrid, will the former African Player of the Year make a move this summer?
Jean Michael Seri
OGC Nice, France - Midfielder
Winner of the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foe prize given to the best African player in Ligue 1, Seri has been likened to N’Golo Kante due to his energy. The Ivorian is in actual fact a little more versatile than the diminutive Frenchman. He has more of an eye for attack when asked to – and the six goals he’s scored this season illustrate that. But yet another dimension to his game is his vision. Nice were expected to struggle but in the end, did not miss the injured Alassane Plea and Wylan Cyprien too much while the 25-year deputized, scoring six and assisting nine more.
Victor Moses
Chelsea, England - Winger
A player, reborn. Although Moses would have to get Chelsea coach Antonio Conte a huge thank you present for this career turnaround, he has to be given credit for applying himself diligently to the Italian’s strict methods. 29 appearances, mostly from the wings, saw him become an effective outlet in the Blues marauding defense. Not only has he been a threat going forward as is his instinctive style of play, his willingness to contribute defensively has made him an even more rounded player.
Keita Balde
Lazio, Italy - Winger
The 22-year old has incredible close control and his movements are unpredictable for defenders. The highlight of his season came in April, when Senegalese striker found the net three times in just five minutes in a 6-2 thrashing of Palermo -- the first player to score a hattrick since Pietro Anastasi for Juventus 42 years ago, quite ironically against Lazio. His biggest problem is his temper. He finished the season with 16 goals and 3 assists.
François Kamano
Girondins de Bordeaux, France - Attacking midfielder / forward
The Guinean has come into his own this season after barely featuring for SC Bastia last term. His pace and power have drawn parallels with Thierry Henry, but with more of a penchant for assisting goals than his more illustrious elder. Kamano has scored just six goals, but has undoubtedly been a reason why Bordeaux were a constant feature in the struggle
