Ranking Africa’s top La Liga players so far this season

African players have made notable contributions to the Spanish top flight so far this season, with the continent’s stars representing clubs across the division.

With the league drawn to a premature halt due to the coronavirus outbreak, Goal have taken the opportunity with picking out our top five African players in La Liga so far this term.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

The midfield powerhouse finally appears to have settled at Valencia after previously losing his momentum at Internazionale earlier in his career.

When the France call-ups died up, he opted to represent the Central African Republic, and appears to relish the responsibility that comes with being his nation’s key man.

Domestically, Kondogbia has helped Valencia to seventh, and they remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll still be at the club next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be keen on his services, while Everton are also monitoring the midfielder, who is the second most effective interceptor in La Liga so far this term.

Mohammed Salisu

The Accra-born starlet has adapted well to life in La Liga after making his debut for Real Valladolid last year.

He scored his first goal for the club in October’s 2-0 victory over Eibar, and has delivered a number of key defensive performances—notably away against Real Mallorca in early February—as Valladolid have kept their heads just above the dropzone.

Could Salisu be the future of the Black Stars’ defence?

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Zambo Anguissa is enjoying a new lease of life in Spain, with Villarreal, after enduring relegation with Fulham last season.

His move to the Premier League didn’t go to plan, although there were glimpses of his quality, but the Cameroon international is establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in Spain this season.

He averages 2.4 completed dribbles per match, changing the complexion of Villarreal’s midfield play, and is relishing life on loan with the Yellow Submarine.

Youssef En-Nesyri

After netting four goals in the top flight for Leganes during the first half of the campaign, En-Nesyri was snapped up by Sevilla, who brought him to the club during the January transfer window.

The powerful Morocco striker hit the ground running at his new employer, striking four goals across five matches in February and early March, including a goal against CFR Cluj in the Europa League.

At 22, the attacker still has a lot of development ahead of him, and Sevilla represents an ideal platform for him to take the next steps in his career.

Thomas Partey

For some time now, Partey has been the standout African player in La Liga, and in this season of transition for Atletico Madrid, he’s largely maintained his high levels of performance.

He continues to enjoy the trust of Diego Simeone, having made 21 starts so far this term, and has also weighed in with goals in both the Champions League and domestically.

The powerhouse’s form at Atleti has not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring his availability, although Los Rojiblancos are understood to be moving to increase the Ghanaian’s buy-out clause in order to dissuade potential suitors.