Africa’s finest continue to shine in the Premier League

• The Premier League is widely regarded as the best domestic football competition 
• Africans have certainly played their part in enabling England’s top flight
• The continent of Africa has elevated the Premier League’s overall appeal

The Premier League is widely regarded as the best domestic football competition around. Africans have certainly played their part in enabling England’s top flight to earn the respect it currently has. From Tony Yeboah and Lucas Radebe to Didier Drogba and Mohamed Salah, the continent of Africa has elevated the Premier League’s overall appeal, given the abundance of talented stars that have plied their trade in it over the years.

These days, it’s a competition that several top African players continue to play in. We aren’t just talking about Salah at Liverpool here either, but a comprehensive selection of Africa’s finest that perhaps don’t hog the limelight as much as they probably should. Of course, Liverpool’s Egyptian king is arguably the league’s best player at this moment in time, but Africa’s impact doesn’t end there. There are plenty of top African players who are regularly turning it on in the world’s biggest and best league.

Throughout the history of the competition, African professionals have helped entertain the mass audiences that the Premier League typically attracts. While the likes of Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha have hung up their boots, the next batch of talent from this side of the pond is showcasing Africa’s involvement in the beautiful game’s most popular league. Let’s take a look at just some of them below.

Tariq Lamptey is Part of an Excellent Brighton Team

Tariq Lamptey. Photo/Sky SPorts

After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Tariq Lamptey appeared to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge. Like many youngsters aiming to make the step up to the first-team level, though, the attack-minded right-back struggled to make the grade at Stamford Bridge in the end. Chelsea’s loss has most definitely been Brighton’s gain, though. Although injuries have disrupted his momentum at times, Lamptey’s ability is clear to see when he does pull on a Brighton shirt. Shining on numerous occasions for the Seagulls since joining the club in 2020, the Ghanaian international has more than played his part in Roberto De Zerbi leading the club to the remarkable heights of the Europa League. Lamptey possesses blistering pace, making him a nuisance for opposition wingers to come up against, he isn’t afraid to get forward and provide assists, and his all-round solid defensive game has made him a standout player for Brighton in recent years.

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is an Underrated Player

Brentford are a side that have won numerous plaudits since winning the 2021 Championship final and being promoted to the highest level for the first time since 1946. While their Danish boss Thomas Frank certainly deserves a lot of the credit, ever-present players like Bryan Mbeumo are another notable reason why the Bees are thriving in the Premier League. This is a side that regularly beats the big boys, hence why fans rave about their defensive stability on YouTube and back them for the win when it comes to football betting. Cameroon star Mbuemo is certainly a key cog in Brentford’s wheel, particularly with Ivan Toney’s absence this season and the need for him to fill the void. Whether he’s being deployed through the middle in attack or occupying a wider position in the frontline, the former Troyes attacker is one of Brentford’s most reliable players and a dangerous forward that many other sides in the league could aim to snap up in the future, particularly as he’s only 24 years old.

Alex Iwobi Has Found form Again at Fulham

Alex Iwobi. Photo/BBC

Although Alex Iwobi shone for Everton on plenty of occasions, his career appeared to stagnate somewhat at Goodison Park. A constant change of manager and the numerous off-the-pitch issues could’ve played a part in the Nigerian’s staleness, while injuries did also hamper his time at the club. After securing a summer move to Fulham, though, the former Arsenal youngster appears to be back to his very best in a side that is scoring for fun at the time of writing. Learning under the likes of Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery during the early days has clearly enabled Iwobi to remain strong during these tough periods in his career, with his mental strength and clear ability on the ball helping him to carve out a successful career in the Premier League for himself. Now, with a seemingly new lease of life at Fulham, Iwobi is back to his very best.

Marvelous Nakamba is One of Luton Town’s Key Men

The fact that Luton Town are in the Premier League is a remarkable achievement, particularly given the limited resources they have at their disposal compared to some of the Premier League’s mega-rich clubs. As such, it was always going to be a tough task for the Hatters to remain in the top flight, although they’re showing more than enough to suggest that they’re up for the fight. Marvelous Nakamba is a player who has set the tone on numerous occasions, with the former Aston Villa midfielder’s experience clearly benefitting a Luton side that lacks it. An enforcer in the middle of the pitch, the midfield linchpin is adored by fans of the club after making a permanent move from the Villains in July 2023. Also playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs, the Zimbabwe international is a player who definitely goes under the radar but performs in a key role in an important area of the pitch for Luton.