Paris Saint-Germain’s Idrissa Gueye and Achraf Hakimi are marquee talents playing for African national teams. With the Africa Cup of Nations taking place in a few months, Goal has ranked the best 25 African players in Europe.
Gueye is the first of the two PSG players to make the ranking. The 31-year-old midfielder comes in at No. 14 and is ahead of some notable players, such as Arsenal’s Nicolas Pépé and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“Early signs that Gana may be back to his best this season. His defensive work in the heart of the park for Paris Saint-Germain has been efficient, while he’s also weighed in with two goals in four league outings—as many as he managed in the entirety of last term,” Goal wrote.
The PSG midfielder appears to be hitting his stride this season and turning into one of the vital pieces to the capital club’s midfield.
Meanwhile, the other PSG player in this ranking is Hakimi, who comes in at No. 5. with Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah the only players ranked ahead of him.
“The outstanding right-back in Ligue 1 so far this season, and one of the finest in his position in the world game, Hakimi has settled quickly at PSG,” Goal wrote.
“While his defensive game is impressive, he’s truly caught the eye with his contributions in the final third. To date, the wideman has had a hand in five goals in seven league outings.”
However, the 22-year-old could claim the best African player if he continues the pace he’s currently on. Hakimi recently scored a brace to give PSG a 2-1 victory over FC Metz.
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