Which African Ligue 1 stars have spent a better 2021-22 campaign?
Ligue 1 has long hosted African talents who take their first steps in European football. Some of the greatest names in the continent’s football history have started their careers in Ligue 1.
That trend has not stopped in recent years. In addition, more and more established African stars have moved to Ligue 1 as a result of the league’s improved financial situation.
Let’s take a look at the best African players who are currently active in the French Ligue 1.
5- Youcef Atal 🇩🇿
Atal has spent a mixed season, with injuries keeping him out of action for weeks. However, his overall form earns him a spot on our list.
The Algerian right-back has played a crucial role in Nice’s backline, which has conceded fewer goals than any other club in the French top-flight.
In his 17 appearances for the Eagles, Atal has registered two goals and two assists. With Nice battling for a Europa League spot, we might hear more from the young defender next season.
4- Habib Diallo 🇸🇳
One of the most underrated strikers in Ligue 1, Diallo has spent a brilliant 2021-22 season at Strasbourg.
The Senegalese star has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in his 29 appearances for Strasbourg in their current campaign.
The former Metz star has attracted interest from West Ham ahead of the summer transfer window. However, Strasbourg’s potential qualification for the Europa League might convince him to stay in Ligue 1.
3- Idrissa Gueye 🇸🇳
The arrival of Georginio Wijnaldum intensified speculations over Gueye’s future at PSG last summer. However, the Senegal international proved his doubters wrong by continuing his key role in the Parisians’ midfield.
Gueye’s incredible versatility enables Mauricio Pochettino to pair him up with different attacking and defensive players. The former Everton star made 25 appearances for PSG this season, winning his third Ligue 1 title.
Tottenham have intensified their efforts to sign Gueye ahead of the summer transfer window. Let’s see if Antonio Conte’s reported interest in the player convinces him to leave Parc des Princes.
2- Karl Toko Ekambi 🇨🇲
Toko Ekambi spent an incredible Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Cameroon, scoring five goals during the tournament.
Upon returning to Ligue 1, the 29-year-old managed to continue his form despite Lyon’s unstable displays. He has scored 12 goals and registered five assists in his 28 league games this season.
Ekambi’s AFCON performances have attracted interest from Newcastle. But it is unlikely that Lyon would sell their star striker after such a disappointing campaign.
1- Achraf Hakimi 🇲🇦
Following a Scudetto-winning campaign with Inter, Hakimi moved to PSG last summer. Despite a slow start at the beginning of the season, the Morocco star soon regained his best form to establish himself as a regular starter under Pochettino.
The former Real Madrid right-back star has made 30 league appearances for PSG, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
Hakimi won his first Ligue 1 title at PSG this season, but that won’t satisfy the Parisians’ dreams of claiming European glory. Next season, we will see Hakimi and co push for the Champions League title once again.
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