The 2024-25 league season, which kicked off in Europe and other parts of the world this weekend, promises excitement, suspense and great goals.
From the English Premiership, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga and French Ligue 1, and the football leagues across Africa, among others, here is a run-down of some African players to watch this new football season.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
With 18 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League last season, Salah will hope to continue his scoring form with his Liverpool side under new coach Arne Slot. The Egyptian has already opened his account for the new season with a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 opening match win against newly promoted Ipswich on Saturday, his 212th goal in 350 games for Liverpool.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli & Nigeria)
The Nigerian has 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances over four seasons. But the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, may pursue his football exploits in another European league this season, with Napoli’s new coach Antonio Conte’s preference for Romelo Lukaku as his main attacker. Nevertheless, Osimhen who led Napoli to the Scudetto title two seasons ago, and still managed 15 goals and three assists in 25 appearances last season despite injuries, would want to improve on his performance this season.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United & Ghana)
Fourteen goals and six assists in all competitions is no mean feat. Kudus had a stellar campaign with West Ham last season, with a sublime volley at Manchester City on the final day one of the main highlights for the impressive Ghanaian. He would look to continue from where he left off.
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford & Cameroon)
The Brentford attacker started the new season with a flourish, scoring in the 2-1 win against Crystal Place on Saturday. With nine goals and six assists in 25 appearances for Brentford last season, only a few would bet against the Cameroonian’s attacking prowess in front of goal this season.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea & Senegal)
The Senegalese has come under criticisms despite his good showing in his debut season with Chelsea, ending with 14 goals and five assists. One thing is clear, Jackson has the potential to become a top striker. However, the 22-year-old may have to improve on his finishing and convert more of those clear-cut chances into goals to win over his critics this new season.
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao & Ghana)
The Williams brothers are a talented duo. While Inaki chose to represent Ghana, his parent’s country, his younger brother, Nico won Euro 2024 with Spain recently. Also, Inaki finished last season with 12 goals and three assists in 34 appearances in La Liga, an impressive tally for a winger. This season, the older Williams would want to prove his mettle again with a developing Athletic Bilbao side. He has the pace, power and skill to match.
Saïd Benrahma (Olympique Lyon & Algeria)
The 29-year-old Algerian international first arrived France last season on loan from West Ham United. His impressive performance for the French side earned him a three-year contract. Benrahma would be hoping to repay the faith Lyon directors had in him to trigger his €14.4 million purchase option.
Bonus players:
Yoane Wissa (Brentford & Dr Congo), Malang Sarr (RC Lens, Senegal), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, Morocco), Cédric Kipré, (Stade de Reims, Cote d’Ivoire), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest & Cote d’Ivoire), Pape Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur & Senegal).
