10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #4 Baba Rahman

Baba Rahman of Schalke looks on during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Schalke 04 and OGC Nice at Veltins-Arena on November 24, 2016 in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

(Nov. 23, 2016 - Source: Stuart Franklin/Bongarts)

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?

LB – Abdul Baba Rahman

Abdul Baba Rahman can be seen by many as a victim of the vicious Chelsea loan system which rarely yields opportunities to the youngsters. The Ghanaian left-back is currently on-loan at Joel Matip’s old club, FC Schalke 04 where he has played only three matches this campaign. When looking at Maurizio Sarri’s style of play, a quick defender with an ability to play quick short passes looks destined to be treasured by the Italian coach in his Chelsea setup, but that’s not yet the case. It has not been the case either for the previous manager Antonio Conte who vetoed moves for Marcos Alonso and even acquired Emerson Palmieri to play ahead of the African defender in the left-back spot. Although Baba Rahman is just 24, the youngster needs a clear picture of the future plans of the club. If he is not careful, he could fall into the trap that swallowed youngsters like Lucas Piazon, Nathaniel Chalobah, Tammy Abraham, and Tomas Kalas whom are unlikely to feature in a Chelsea jersey anytime soon.

Verdict: He should sit down with Chelsea and find out if he is going to be a part of their future plans. If not, he must be allowed to leave this coming summer.  

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.