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10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #1 Serge Aurier
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. Since its Thanksgiving, we letting it out number 1 & 2 at the same time!
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?