Summary
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards compiled a list of the top ten African players in Premier League history.
Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, for example, made fans of the teams they represented very happy.
However, they are not the only stars that have had tremendously successful football careers in England.
There have been many exceptionally gifted African players who have participated in the Premier League over the years, and separating the finest is a daunting challenge. This is exactly what Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards were instructed to perform on an episode of Match of the Day’s Top 10.
The three experts are recognised for their sense of comedy and hilarity when discussing football, but they are also incredibly informed about the beautiful game. They’ve all been there and done that, so they understand how to identify the greatest players.
In this episode of the show, 10 African players were supplied, and Shearer and Richards had to rank them from one to ten. Lineker then got the deciding vote, which he used to split the top two nominees. Football is a game of opinions, but the outcomes of the commentators’ debate can be found below.
10Jay-Jay Okocha
PL Clubs: Bolton Wanderers
When asked about his memories of Jay-Jay Okocha, Shearer stated, “I remember someone who was happy.” Bolton had excellent players.” The gorgeous Nigerian was a sight to behold on the football pitch, and it was clear that he enjoyed the sport as well.
Many people were surprised when Bolton Wanderers signed the attacking midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Okocha may only have scored 14 goals in the English Premier League, but Lineker opted to emphasise how: “He was so skilful.” With those four simple sentences, he brilliantly summarises his four-year effect with the club.
Jay-Jay Okocha’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
124
Goals
14
Assists
11
9Emmanuel Adebayor
PL Clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Crystal Palace
Emmanuel Adebayor, one of several players on this list with whom Richards formerly shared a dressing room, with the talent to finish higher than ninth. The Togo international’s former colleague said:
“Someone who is very undervalued. Adebayor had so much at Manchester City: touch and technique. He just spoilt himself when he got comfortable, and he stopped doing what he was good at.
Of course, the most memorable moment of his Premier League career has to be mentioned. Adebayor fell just short of joining the 100-club, but he did score one of the most famous headers in league history against his previous side, Arsenal. Richards, who was on the pitch that day, recalled the memorable celebration in front of the travelling Gunners fans as “the fastest I’ve ever seen someone run.”
Emmanuel Adebayor’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
241
Goals
97
Assists
36
8Nwankwo Kanu
PL Clubs: Arsenal, West Brom, Portsmouth
The forward was one of the lesser-known players of the ‘Invincibles’ side from the 2003/04 season, but he was a real headache for opposing defences. Lineker summed up the two-time Premier League winner’s dribbling skill brilliantly, saying, “He was gangly but graceful at the same time.”
Kanu’s later years with West Brom and Portsmouth were less profitable in front of goal, but he remains one of the division’s most prolific substitutes. Shearer expressed gratitude for what he contributed to the table, saying, “He was quick on his feet. That’s unbelievable. He made it appear easy at times with his control and technique.”
Nwankwo Kanu’s Premier League Stats
Statistic
Number
Games
273
Goals
54
Assists
29
Premier League Titles.
2
7Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
PL Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea
With Shearer and Lineker in the room, there was plenty of knowledge about putting the ball in the back of the net, and the latter expressed his deep admiration for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s clinical nature in front of goal: “I’ve got a lot of time for him as a goalscorer, finisher, and striker. It was unfortunate how it ended at Arsenal.”
This episode occurred before to the Gabon international’s disappointing season at Arsenal’s archrivals Chelsea, and the ex-England attacker continued to say: “He was a stunningly good finisher.” The three guys felt Aubameyang’s time in north London came to an end following a disagreement with Mikel Arteta, but they believed the situation was handled well in the end, as the attacker left the Emirates with 68 English top-flight goals for Arsenal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Premier League Stats
Statistic
Number
Games
143
Goals
69
Assists
16
Premier League Golden Boots
1 (2018/19)
6Michael Essien
PL Clubs: Chelsea
Michael Essien is one of those players who contribute much but do not receive the recognition they deserve. Richards revealed his belief that the former Chelsea defensive midfielder was underappreciated, saying, “I just think it’s because he was in a team with Frank Lampard, who scored so many goals, and we just go off goals and assists.”
The man who marshalled the engine room in two successive Premier League winning campaigns at Stamford Bridge was given flowers by the trio, with Lineker adding: “Wonderful, intelligent, really great footballer for Chelsea.” Essien was a hard-tackling player who could see a pass and even carried a long-range rocket in his locker.
Michael Essien’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
168
Goals
17
Assists
10
Premier League Titles.
2
5Riyad Mahrez
PL Clubs: Leicester City, Manchester City
Lineker will always be vaguely associated with Riyad Mahrez, as the Algerian is partially responsible for the Match of the Day host appearing in his pants on the opening broadcast of the season following Leicester City’s title victory in 2015-16. The former England forward held him in high respect, stating, “He was a beautiful footballer and absolutely pivotal to Leicester’s success.”
Shearer backed up his colleague’s comments by discussing the former Manchester City star’s dribbling ability. The Geordie icon revealed how difficult the five-time Premier League champion would have been to defend against:
“He’s one of those guys that, when he’s racing at you, is nearly hard to stop due to his stepover. Could go either way.”
Riyad Mahrez’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
284
Goals
82
Assists
61
Premier League Titles.
5
4Yaya Toure
PL Clubs: Manchester City
Yaya Toure was such an excellent player that the panel of analysts felt no need to examine his on-field abilities. Instead, the famed story of his rage at not receiving a birthday cake, as well as his entire demeanour while playing alongside Richards at Manchester City, dominated the conversation.
However, behind the guy was a tremendous football player who could rarely be denied on his day. The powerful Ivorian was technically brilliant and physically intimidating. His driving dashes through an opposing midfield before unleashing a curling attempt into the corner of the net became his signature as he won three Premier League titles at the Etihad.
Yaya Toure’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
230
Goals
62
Assists
32
Premier League Titles.
3
3Sadio Mane
PL Clubs: Southampton, Liverpool
Sadio Mane is synonymous with a player he worked so well with at Liverpool – who will be mentioned shortly – and Lineker waxed lyrical about the pair, describing the similarities in their games: “Diminutive but powerful, quick, super smart, brilliant runs, brilliant movement, can beat players, can score any kind of goal.”
The three guys also mentioned how outstanding the Senegalese international was while at Southampton, where he memorably established the Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick, which still stands today. Mane’s remarkable spell at Anfield saw him score numerous goals and win every prize available to him.
Sadio Mane’s Premier League Stats
Statistic
Number
Games
263
Goals
111
Assists
38
Premier League Titles.
1
Premier League Golden Boots
1 (2018/19)
2Didier Drogba
PL Clubs: Chelsea
Lineker was handed the final vote for the number one place since Richards had Drogba second on his list and Shearer had the Chelsea star first. The presenter sided with Richards, who stated, “He was a nightmare to play against.” “He was excellent.
Shearer recognised there wasn’t much between the top two players, but he did an excellent job of summing the Ivorian’s incredible achievements while at Stamford Bridge: “Four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, nine goals in nine cup finals, Champions League, and 177 goals for Chelsea.”
Didier Drogba’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
254
Goals
104
Assists
55
Premier League Titles.
4
Premier League Golden Boots
2 (2006/07, 2009/10)
1Mohamed Salah
PL Clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool
It’s difficult to argue against placing the ‘Egyptian King’ at the top of this list as the highest-scoring African player of all time. Only nine players have surpassed his overall goal total in the English Premier League, which stands at 156 as of this writing. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Mohamed Salah has scored more than 20 goals in all competitions in each season. Richards spent time in Italy with the winger and was full of praise for his ex-teammate:
“I played with him at Fiorentina, so I believed he would succeed. He’s always smiling. Salah knew from the start; at Fiorentina, he stated, ‘I’ll be playing for Liverpool, and I’ll be one of the best.’ He simply believed in his ability. “He knew he was going to be great, and I could see it in training.”
Mohamed Salah’s Premier League statistics
Statistic
Number
Games
289
Goals
181
Assists
84
Premier League Titles.
1
Premier League Golden Boots
3 (2017/18, 2018/19, 2021/22)
