10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #1 Serge Aurier

Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Jose Tasende of PSV Eindhoven during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and PSV at Wembley Stadium on November 6, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Nov. 5, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Preamble

Of course, it is nice to see the likes of Mo Salah, Percy Tau and Hakim Ziyech shine for their nations over the most recent international break but it also raises questions about some popular names who are finding themselves in sticky situations. There are a number of African players dubbed to be the next Sergio Ramos and Xavis of this world but are currently unsettled at club level. Their potential is endangered by their lack of game time. Here’s a list of the XI players whose progress has stalled. What better time to look at these than now when the January transfer window is fast encroaching?

RB – Serge Aurier

Brought in from PSG as a direct replacement to Kyle Walker who had left the club to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Serge Aurier looked the more likely to start for Tottenham considering his CV and boasting a reputation of stopping Cristiano Ronaldo in his tracks when Paris Saint-Germain faced Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League match back in 2015. The 25-year-old  Ivorian has since been used as a back up to Englishman Kieran Trippier which is an unhealthy situation for a right-back once on course of becoming one of the best in Europe.

My Verdict: Aurier should leave Tottenham for better playing opportunities. What’s yours?