FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CAM - Riyad Mahrez

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking for the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CAM - Riyad Mahrez [Leicester City & Algeria]

Not surprising to see the Algerian international being named as one of the best performers from the African continent in the 2017/18 season. A former winner of the PFA Player of the Year Award in 2016, that he guided Leicester to an English Premier League crown. This season did not start off as well for the player who was declined a move to AS Roma by Leicester City, when clearly he is in need of a better club that will give him the opportunity to challenge for trophies. He was not as motivated until he gradually came back to his best before the winter transfer window. Manchester City came calling for the player in January and the deal looked to be closed until Leicester rebuffed any attempts from the club to take their most-prized asset away. The player was disappointed and took a break from his club in protest. He eventually returned and contributed 12 goals and 10 assists. Imagine what his season could look like without any disturbances.