Top five Africans in the Bundesliga this season

With the German top flight having come to an end, Goal review Africa’s top five players of the campaign

#5 Nordi Mukiele

One of several young Franco-African players on this list, Mukiele has thrived in the Bundesliga since signing from Montpellier, and built on his encouraging showings last term with a successful season this time out.

He’s impressed up and down the right flank, as well as in the heart of the defence, and is clearly enjoying life under the tutelage of Julian Nagelsmann.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring the defender’s services, although at just 22, he could do with a year or two more working with Baby Mourinho at Leipzig to continue refining his game.

#4 Dayot Upamecano

Admittedly, Upamecano hasn’t hit the ground running following the return of football following the coronavirus suspension, but he can nonetheless look back on an excellent campaign at the top level.

Still only 21, Bensebaini has demonstrated the poise and maturity of a much more experienced player, while his athleticism make him an excellent defensive prospect.

The centre-back’s excellent form for RB Leipzig has prompted intense rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea or AC Milan.

Will the Franco-Bissau-Guinean centre-back follow in the footsteps of teammate Timo Werner and swap Leipzig for the Premier League?


#3 Ramy Bensebaini

One of several players on this list who ultimately fell short in the title race, Bensebaini adapted seamlessly to life in Germany after moving from Stade Rennais in the summer.

He’s been a key asset for Borussia Monchengladbach, representing an adventurous option down the left back as the Foals mounted an unlikely title challenge, and played his part in eight goals during the course of the campaign.

The highlight for the Africa Cup of Nations winner was surely his performance against Bayern Munich in December, when Bensebaini netted twice in a 2-1 victory.

#2 Christopher Nkunku

Only Thomas Muller and Jadon Sancho registered more assists in the Bundesliga than Nkunku this season, who weighed in with 13 assists during a campaign as RasenBallsport Leipzig’s creative fulcrum.

What’s most impressive, is that a third of his 32 league appearances came from the bench, as the 22-year-old adapted to life in the German top tier following his move from Paris Saint-Germain.

At only 22, there’s much more to come from him, while his versatility—he can play across the midfield and as a frontman—can make him a key asset when Leipzig return to action in the Champions League.

#1 Achraf Hakimi

Admittedly, Hakimi wasn’t able to inspire Borussia Dortmund to the title, but it’s been yet another exceptional season for the 21-year-old.

He ends the season with 10 assists and five league goals, having also demonstrated his abilities in the final third in the Champions League group stage, and has cemented his standing as one of the most exiting right-backs in the world game.

A big-money move to Internazionale was just rewards for a magnificent campaign, and once he teams up with Antonio Conte, expect Hakimi to start demonstrating why Real Madrid were premature to let him go.