UEFA Europa League Matchday 2: Our African Fantasy Five

The second best European club competition commenced last Thursday and we witnessed some stellar performances by individuals who have been in and out of their teams since the beginning of the 2018/19 season. These soccer players will be looking to continue their form into Matchday 2. But before we pop some popcorn and get ready for the second round, let's look at the five African players that stood out in the competition last week. Here's FirstTouch’s UEFA Europa League Fantasy 5. We have one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and a striker up top in a diamond formation.

Goalkeeper

It is quite unfortunate that no African goalkeeper was in action on Matchday 1. Therefore, this position will be reserved for a goalkeeper that pushes into the Starting XI of their respective clubs and prove their worth on Matchday 2.

Joseph Aidoo of Ghana shows his frustration after a Mali goal during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Round of 16 match between Ghana and Mali at Wellington Regional Stadium on June 10, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(June 9, 2015 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Joseph Aidoo (Centre Back) - Sarpsborg vs Genk

The Ghanaian international plays for Genk in the Belgian division. He was a starter in the UEFA Europa League match between Genk and Malmo FF. He helped his team keep a clean sheet against the Swedish giants. Who would not want to have a defender that won 4 arial duels, cleared the ball 6 times out of danger, and made 3 crucial interceptions. The 23-year old was a class above the rest on Matchday 1.

Iwobi (Left Midfield) - Qarabag FK vs Arsenal

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal (r) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Alex Iwobi during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe

Of course, the Naija boy deserves plaudits for his man of the match performance for Arsenal against Vorskla Poltava. He provided an assist for Aubameyang to score his second goal of the season on the 32nd minute. Iwobi created chances that went bagging as his teammates failed to finish off their opponents. The young midfielder was a constant menace on the left flank and would probably have been at the very top of the Power Rankings if the Europa League had a fantasy team of the week.

Metz's Senegalese midfielder Ismaila Sarr (L) vies with Rennes' French defender Ludovic Baal during the French L1 football match Rennes against Metz on October 30, 2016 at the Roazhon park stadium in Rennes, western France. / AFP / DAMIEN MEYER

(Oct. 29, 2016 - Source: AFP)

Ismaila Sarr (Right Midfield) - Astana vs Rennes

Fantasy football is based on efficiency and results as opposed to personal affection towards individual soccer players. This warrants a place for Sarr in the team on the right. The Senegalese international scored a stunner for Stade Rennais which is goal of the season contender. He produced the goods and would definitely be in our fantasy team heading into matchday 2.

Aubameyang (Centre Forward) - Qarabag FK vs Arsenal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2018 - Source: Henry Browne/Getty Images Europe)

Another Arsenal player to make it to the team. Well deserved if you ask me. The Gabonese international was hungry for goals against Ukrainian side, Vorskla Poltava. He scored a brace on the night and almost scored made it three had it not been for a shot that hit the upright. We would be confident having a world class striker like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang leading the line in my UEFA Europa League team.

(Super Sub) Mbwana Samatta - Sarpsborg vs Genk

Some special mention should be reserved for the Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta who plays for Genk. The forward scored one of the goals that sealed a 2-0 victory against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s old club. Had it not been for the Aubameyang, Samatta would be leading the line in my UEFA Europa League Fantasy 5 side. Oh maybe we could play two strikers with no goalkeeper, if that were possible.

Which Africans would make it into your Matchday 2 Europa League Fantasy Five?

Aubameyang shows enduring class but is Iwobi the winger that Arsenal needs?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 19, 2018 - Source: Henry Browne/Getty Images Europe)

Arsenal got off to a flying start in the 2018/19 Europa League campaign under the management of “Europa King” in Unai Emery who won the cup three consecutive times with La Liga side, Sevilla. The Gunners were in total control in the match against Ukrainian side, Vorskla that finished 4-2 at the Emirates courtesy of two goals from the Gabonese international, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, one from Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil also getting his name on the scoresheet for the second game running. It was a great team performance but two of the names that stood out were obviously Aubameyang and Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi.

The story of Arsenal’s “failed” wingers

“Iwobi neatly setup Aubameyang’s first goal in a flowing Arsenal move started by Mkhitaryan, hit a powerful shot from a few yards out of the box that curled off the post, completed two crosses and created at least four chances in only seventy minutes. He was the quickest running forward, unrelenting in tracking back the few times he had too, confident in his dribbles, taking on defenders directly and simply explosive if I were to use a single word to describe his performance.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

For a while now, the North London club has been in search of an out and out winger that has become increasingly important in Unai Emery’s philosophy, the heir apparent to Arsene Wenger’s throne. The Spaniard has introduced a high pressing game at the Emirates that hinges on having an intense attacking midfielder that runs at the opponent and forces mistakes and a pacey, similarly unrelenting midfielder in pressing the opponent who also knows how to cover the defensive full-back. This has seen Emery playing Aaron Ramsey in the number 10 role in recent matches ahead of Mesut Ozil who has been deployed on either of the wings, simply because of Aaron’s pressing style and better work-rate. The 2014 world cup winner has still managed to string through a couple of excellent performances even though being played out of his favorite position including an arguably man of the match performance at Newcastle in the Premier League match-day five. However it always looks obvious on the pitch that Mesut becomes a completely different player more he goes central leaving the wing position still with no proper takers. The Armenian captain, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has also been regularly played on the right hand side of the wings which has worked just okay but still comes up short in providing defensive cover to the right back, Hector Bellerin simply because Mkhi is simply not a natural winger. The winger problem is no secret as the club was clearly on high alert for natural flankers with the likes of Bayern’s Kingsley Coman, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele and RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg being consistently rumored to join the Gunners in the summer transfer window.

Now, Arsenal faithfuls were mostly definitely encouraged by one of Africa’s hottest young football talents on Thursday night. Perhaps they have what they have always been looking for in the 22-year old Nigerian international.

Big 17, Running up and down the wing

Alvaro Morata of Chelsea is pressured by Alex Iwobi and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on August 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Aug. 17, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Iwobi has hardly put a foot wrong whenever he came on for Arsenal in this 2018/19 season and the story was no different in the Europa League. He got his first start under Unai Emery in the 3-2 loss to Chelsea at stamford bridge in an applaudable performance which they were unlucky not to get at least a point from. “Big 17” as he calls himself, was a constant menace on the left wing, getting the better of Chelsea Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, even creating Mkhitaryan first goal by pulling off some lovely dribbles before he crowned the performance by a goal of his own, finishing from close range after a great football move of 19 straight passes by the Gunners with no reply by the Blues. Most know what happened afterwards, the Nigerian shaku-shaku dance by the young forward told the story of his form and confidence.

Similarly, it was business as usual against Vorskla, his third start under Emery after the West Ham United appearance where he was substituted early into the second half for reasons Emery knows best as he had been quite decent. Iwobi neatly setup Aubameyang’s first goal in a flowing Arsenal move started by Mkhitaryan, hit a powerful shot from a few yards out of the box that curled off the post, completed two crosses and created at least four chances in only seventy minutes. He was the quickest running forward, unrelenting in tracking back the few times he had too, confident in his dribbles, taking on defenders directly and simply explosive if I were to use a single word to describe his performance. The Arsenal faithfuls seem to agree with me, calling him out as a man of the match by a mile. The official Arsenal twitter account couldn’t afford to ignore the Nigerian's performance offering plaudits for his excellent stats in 1 goal, 2 assists in only the three matches for the Gunners this campaign.

Emery may still be in the process of figuring out his best XI but Alex Iwobi looks like a name he will have a hard time ignoring.

Atletico Madrid fire warning shots with Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid

Who is the ‘realest’ in Madrid now? Perhaps Diego Simeone’s men can claim this accolade proudly created by me I suppose. The Europa League champions began the 2018/19 campaign on a high after getting one over the UEFA Champions League holders who also happen to be local rivals with a 4-2 win after extra time in Estonia.

It was the first competitive match for the 13 time European champions in the Cristiano Ronaldo-less and post-Zidane era after the former joined Juventus in the summer whilst the latter seemed to have journeyed to the Middle East or maybe Manchester as we speak. It took less than a minute for Diego Costa to put Atleti ahead with a sublime finish from a tight angle. It was really a half chance but the Spaniard did what he does best, conjuring a goal seemingly out of nothing. Benzema then equalised for Los Blancos in the 27th minute before Captain Ramos deservedly scored from the penalty spot to put the men in white ahead, after a good spell when they seemed to have controlled the match. It had to be that man again, Costa. The 29-year-old finished from close range, 11 minutes from time after an eye-catching movement spearheaded by Juanfran from the right which also caught the eyes of some Real Madrid defenders.

Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid lifts the trophy as Atletico Madrid celebrate victory in the UEFA Super Cup between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Lillekula Stadium on August 15, 2018 in Tallinn, Estonia

(Aug. 14, 2018 - Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Europe)

Things really went from bad to worse for the Bernabeu residents in extra-time. Two great goals from Saul Niguez and Koke put the match beyond Real and perhaps started exposing some ailments of the new Lopetegui era. I saw some high school defending moments by two of the best centre backs in the world, a spineless but Modricfull midfield and many other things that would piss Real fans. It really was surreal and I hope it was just a one day thing for the European Champions. Ronaldo fans are well in their right enjoying an “I told you so moment right now.”

In summary, Real Madrid were not at their best but Atletico were scary good as well. New signing, Thomas Lemar enjoyed a free role on the pitch for Los Rojiblancos and this performance could really be building up to the FirstTouch ‘prophecy.’

Make no mistake, this was definitely a statement to the rest of Europe. Atletico is ready for anyone.

FT Spanish La Liga Preview: Title Favorites? Do Not Forget About Atletico Madrid

Over the last few years, we have seen the Diego Simeone assembled, Atletico Madrid transform from being just a club to a real-world phenomenon. They have notoriously appeared in two UEFA Champions League finals, won the Spanish League title, won three Europa league titles and two UEFA Super Cups in a space of just 9 years. In that process, we have also seen them switch stadiums in search of more breathing space for their success, moving from Vicente Calderon to the acclaimed Wanda Metropolitano. This is the kind of progression we saw under the Arsene Wenger era, at least during the days he was worshipped by the Arsenal fans. For a time such as this, where football clubs seem to be “buying their way to success”, more often the legendary clubs who were adored way before Atletico - what’s their place? I would argue that they will actually be going for the kill. They have what it takes to win anything this season.

Zero pressure for Los Rojiblancos

When people talk about the Spanish Premier League, more often than not, two clubs come to mind. Barcelona and Real Madrid - the hosts of the infamous El Clasico derby, one of the most popular matches in all sports entertainment. These two teams are literally always competing against each other, on and off the pitch. In the 2018/19 season, Real Madrid will be looking to prove that they are still a force to reckon with when it comes to domestic football. After winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, the La Liga crown might just be the priority. Rest assured, Barcelona will not let their hold on the top spot go without a fight, especially after the near perfect 2017/18 campaign in which they lost only a single game. Furthermore, Lopetegui’s Real Madrid will also be keen on proving that there is life after the 40+ goal machine, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mr. Champions League, Zinedine Zidane. Barca will have to make a case for their huge spending on the field of play. All these and many other factors leave Atletico with the least pressure to win titles under the microscopic lens of journalists, fans, and pundits - the kind of freedom that actually permits teams to grow and win. Remember they claimed 2nd place last season in the La Liga table, my money is on them now winning it this season.

They have all the right ingredients to win

There aren’t a lot of football managers who are as animated and demanding as Diego Simeone. He has been at the helm of the club during these remarkable nine years and is not slowing down. Manager, check! Let’s talk about the squad. Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now lines up in goal for Atletico - Jan Oblak. The 25-year-old Slovenian conceded the least number of goals in Spain last season. Atleti’s defense is Uruguayan made, with perhaps the best center-back pair in the world, Diego Godin and Jose Jimenez central to that wall of Jericho. Most of us might have seen how the defensive brilliance of these two carried Uruguay to the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In fact, Uruguay finished the group stages without conceding a single goal. Let us not forget to mention the 2018 World Cup winners in that setup, Lucas Hernandez, and Antoine Griezmann, who showed up big time for France in Russia. Did someone say, Diego Costa? Saul Niguez, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Koke etc - they will be eager to again represent Atleti’s colors.

Most interestingly, they have become quite a boring side, in the opinion of some, despite all their successes by reason of their conservative style of play. But who knows, perhaps this coming season will see some form of dynamism from Simeone’s men, after acquiring two dynamic and pacey young wingers in the form of Thomas Lemar and Gelson Martins.

The Partey Factor

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona fouls Thomas Partey of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on March 4, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

(March 3, 2018 - Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)

Here at FirstTouch, we try to highlight and emphasize more focus towards African players, and Thomas Partey is a real force in that midfield and deserves special mention. Not much can be said about his statistics because the game has almost been reduced to measure performance by the number of goals scored, irrespective of the position one plays. The 25-year-old Ghanaian is pretty much in that bracket of Barca’s Sergio Busquets and Real Madrid’s Casemiro when it comes to breaking up play, winning tackles and starting the attack. He appeared 28 times for Atletico Madrid last season and will most certainly be a crucial part of the midfield backbone.

Be afraid, be very afraid!

If you are a Juventus, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich fan or anyone else who fancies themselves winning the UEFA Champions League trophy, Atletico might just stop you in your tracks on their day. More than just frustrating your favorite team, they have real sharpshooters who can also score for fun with the slightest of chances. And yes, the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final will be held at their home, Wanda Metropolitano. I am sure they will be extra motivated to be playing in a Champions League final hosted in their cauldron of a stadium.

Liverpool qualify for Champions League at the expense of Chelsea

Newcastle hosted Chelsea at St James’ Park with the away team looking for a win in hope of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Liverpool sat in 4th place with a 2-point advantage over Chelsea in 5th. A result at St James’ Park would not be enough so they hoped that Liverpool would lose against Brighton. What a complex situation that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic is not comfortable with. The match kicked off and there was not much a difference between the two teams until Thibaut Courtois saved a rocket of a shot from Jonjo Shelvey who tried his luck 30 yards out. On the 22nd minute, Dwight Gayle scored the opener of the match from a rebound after Murphy’s effort was punched into his path by the Chelsea goalkeeper. That was the only goal of the first half in a must-win match for Chelsea who had their UEFA Champions League qualification on the line. The London side came close to scoring in the 52nd minute when Olivier Giroud connected to Ross Barkley’s cross before flicking it towards goal. The ball looked destined for goal and would have been a contender for one of the best goals of the EPL this season but Dubvraka was having none of that as he produced a fingertip save to deny the French striker. Ayoze Perez diverted in Shelvey’s shot on the 58th minute to make it 2-0 to Newcastle. The Spanish striker scored the third and final goal of the match from a pass by Florian Lejeune. This victory means that Chelsea will join Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League tournament next season.

In other news, Mo Salah broke the record of goals scored in 38-matches league. He converted his 32nd English Premier League goal in Liverpool’s 4-0 win against Brighton which means that he has scored more than EPL Legends like Shearer, Ronaldo, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy etc. The African player has had an outstanding season having led his team to the UEFA Champions League final which will be played against Real Madrid on the 26th of May. His goal also managed to seal Liverpool’s participation in the UEFA Champions League for next season. The player walks home with the English Premier League Golden Boot. What an awesome season he has had.

Reiss Nelson close to signing new deal

The young Arsenal forward who has been on everyone’s lips since his pre-season match against Benfica, has been handed a couple of first team appearances this season. The player was primarily deployed in the right-wingback position in a make-shift 3-4-3 formation when the manager wanted to rest Bellerin and the Ox before he left for Liverpool. He has made 15 appearances in total and his full debut in the EPL came in the last match between Arsenal and Southampton which was played at the Emirates and he was placed in a more advanced position i.e. right wing. Reiss Nelson is an energetic 18 year old winger who has the confidence of beating any defender he comes against. The player has revealed that the club have decided to reward him with a new contract after his decent performances for Arsenal and he is willing to sign it.

Here’s what he had to say, “It is a big achievement to sign for a big club like Arsenal so I'm just delighted with the contract and hopeful that I can sign it soon.”

The England under 19 player was one of the many names that were anticipated to be handed first team opportunities by Wenger after the club fell back in the top 4 race and the club shifted their focus towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League through the Europa League.  

Madrid derby ends in a draw

Not much was expected in this Madrid derby as both teams have almost conceded the La Liga title to Barcelona who lead the table with 79 points and Real Madrid with 64 points after the derby match. There was little fight in the teams to make the derby interesting as both teams have their eyes set on their second leg clashes in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Nonetheless, Zidane called on Ronaldo to start the match in a much rested squad that saw players like Mateo Kovacic, Bale and Vazquez make the first 11. Both teams looked off and the match did not really feel like the derby as the levels of intensity was a little bit lower than expected. The first half reflected the poor energy levels of both teams and it is no surprise that it was goalless. Cristiano Ronaldo then scored for Real Madrid on the 53rd minute. The Portuguese forward scored a volley from a Gareth Bale cross that found him at the far post. This goal means that Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in his last 15 matches. What a turnaround in form for a player who was starting to be regarded as finished. His celebrations were shortened as Antoine Griezmann scored for Atletico just 4 minutes later. Ronaldo was taken off by Zidane who did not want to his star man to get injured in a match that was not as important as it should be. Both teams found opportunities to win it as Varane’s effort and Ramos’ freekick was clawed out by Oblak while Costa also saw his shots saved by Navas. This result means that Barcelona have edged closer to winning the La Liga title with a 11 point advantage with just 7 games remaining. It’s all in your hands Barca.

Ozil artistry saw Arsenal beat CSKA Moscow by 4 goals to 1

A master class from Ozil stunned the Russian side in the first leg of the Quarter-Final clash between the two teams. The artistry of the German was the highlight of the match as we were at the heart of almost all the action that led to goals for the Arsenal side. Arsenal started well in the match and managed to score early in the first half with a goal from Ramsey in the 9th minute. This came 2 minutes after the player put the ball in the net but was correctly ruled offside as Ozil, the man who found him in the box, was just offside before squaring for the Welshman. CSKA Moscow were having none of this as they replied with a beautifully taken free kick from 25 yards out by Golovin in the 15th minute. Game on, it was. About ten minutes later, Ozil found himself in the box and was brought down before he could pull the trigger. The resulting penalty was converted by Lacazette who recently returned from injury. Ozil was at it again when he provided a dinked pass to Ramsey who lifted himself up and flicked past Akinfeev. A 2 goal advantage for Arsenal and the home side were not satisfied. Mesut Ozil got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Lacazette to finish his second of the night from 15 yards out. This meant that Arsenal went into the break with a 4-1 lead. Ramsey found other opportunities to score the third but spared them and one curler hit the far post in a match that was dominated by the Arsenal side. Wenger’s men have started to play beautiful football again. Can they replicate this performance in the away leg and qualify for the next round?

On the same night, Atletico Madrid played against Sporting Lisbon and ran away with a 2-0 win courtesy to goals from Koke and Griezmann.

Lazio won 4-2 against Salzburg with Lulic, Parolo, Anderson and Immobile scoring a goal apiece while Berisha and Minamino scored the two for the away side.

Timo Werner scored the decider for RB Leipzig in their match against Marseille which leaves the clash very open and up for grabs in the return clash.

Abroad: The Batman, Aubameyang is in predatory mode

The Arsenal forward is hungry to play more games and score more goals for his new club. The UEFA cup-tied rule that impedes him to participate in the Gunners’ Europa League campaign because he played champions league football for Borussia Dortmund, is a cause for frustration for the Gabonese international. He is having a relatively strong start to life in London, scoring 3 goals in 5 matches for the club and more than eager to add to his tally.

"I am really frustrated because the rules are a bit... I don't know how to say in English but I am disappointed because I can't help my team," Aubameyang told British media.

Pierre will be watching from the stands on Thursday as Arsenal face AC Milan in a second leg match of the Europa League round of 16.

Dortmund Snatched a Late Win Over Frankfurt

Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi has stepped in to fill Aubameyang’s shoes and has not disappointed. The striker has been on fine goalscoring form since his move as he has registered 7 goals and 1 assist in just 8 appearances in both the Bundesliga and the Europa League. 2 of those goals came in today’s match against Eintracht Frankfurt which his team won 3-2. Typical rollercoaster it was as Reus’ own goal was canceled out by Jovic in the 75th minute. Batshuayi then scored two minutes later and gave the advantage to Dortmund. When Blum scored in the 91st minute, everyone thought that they had rescued a point for their team only for Batshuayi to go behind the Frankfurt defense and score the 94th-minute winner past Lukas Hradecky. This means that Borrusia Dortmund (3rd place) are only just a point behind Schalke 04 in the league. The race for UEFA Champions League qualification continues.

Battle of the Struggling

The UEFA Europa League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan on Thursday evening represented the battle of two teams that have pretty much been poor over the course of the season so far. AC Milan, much like Arsenal, has been a giant in their country Italy and their fans have a lot of expectations for the club that used to deliver titles when they had players like Seedorf, Pirlo, Maldini and current coach Genaro Gattuso. Gattuso’s team invested in young players like Andre Silva, Hakan Cahlanoglu, Rodriguez, Bonucci among others who were sought after by big clubs in Europe last summer. To the fans’ disappointment, the club has been underperforming regardless of who plays. The same can be said about the Arsenal side that took pride in beating poor AC Milan 2-0 in the San Siro. It was arguably a miracle for the team to turn up against their counterparts whom they lost 4-0 during the days of Robin van Persie. Last night, Mkhitaryan justified his switch to Arsenal with the opening goal less than 15 minutes into the game. Ramsey scored the other right on the stroke of halftime but all credit must go to Mesut Ozil who was bossing the game in midfield as he assisted both goals. This result does not fool the Arsenal faithful though because they face a mountain to climb if they keep progress in this tournament which is their only hope of UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.