It was a season in which African players did not particularly shine in La Liga, unlike their counterparts in Ligue 1 or Serie A, who were on fire. Nevertheless, Sport News Africa has compiled a top 5 list featuring two promising players, Ezzalzouli and Chukwueze.
Samuel Chukwueze: The yellow racing car
Samuel Chukwueze has had a successful season with Villarreal, but he can do better. His statistics have improved, but he has yet to live up to expectations. Chukwueze scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists. His inclusion in SNA's list of the best African players in La Liga is explained by his dazzling performance against Real Madrid. Given the potential he shows on certain occasions, Chukwueze has yet to make the most of his talent. He could have doubled his standards. Despite this, clubs are interested in his profile. There is talk of Real and Aston Villa interested in the 24-year-old.
Abde Ezzalzouli: A new star at Osasuna
Abde Ezzalzouli, the player FC Barcelona have loaned out to Osasuna this season, has lit up La Liga with his talent. A fine technician, the Moroccan scored a number of fine goals with some classy technical moves. Admittedly, the 21-year-old's La Liga statistics are not exactly flattering. But for his first season, they are promising figures. The Moroccan is an outstanding creator who makes his team-mates shine. Abde Ezzalzoul is a rare gem that no club produces any more, with the possible exception of Barcelona's Masia academy, where he has produced the likes of Messi and Munir El Haddadi. He belongs to that class of winger and hybrid number 10. So much so that his return to Barcelona is being discussed in the Spanish media. Failing that, there are numerous teams ready to welcome him. Bayer Leverkusen seem to be the most interested. Osasuna, with the notable participation of Ezza, qualified for the Europa League Conference and reached the final of the Copa del Rey.
Nicolas Jakson: The emergence of the submarine
After a difficult first half of the season, Nicolas Jackson literally exploded into life in La Liga against all the odds following his aborted transfer to Bournemouth. After returning from injury, he piled on goal after goal. Jackson has 12 goals and 4 assists in 2023. The figures speak for themselves, but they are not the only ones. His overall performances in recent games, with his relentless runs that wear down defenders and often leave them on their kneecaps, are beginning to become his trademark. His man of the match and player of the month awards in May are further proof of his talent, which is exploding at the highest level. A new dimension? Only time will tell, but there is no doubt that clubs will be lining up to sign this promising player.
Youssef En-Nesyri: The flying Sevillian
It's a long way from the 18 goals he scored in La Liga two years ago. But Yousef En-Nesyri, whom many had buried at Sevilla, has made a thunderous comeback. Fantomatic in the first half of the season, he rejuvenated himself with the Moroccan squad at the World Cup. En-Nesyri was reborn on his return, and showed off his extraordinary release and his qualities as a fox in the box. His partnership with Pape Gueye worked particularly well.
Inaki Williams: Mark of consistency
Inaki Williams, like En-Nesyri, was sorely lacking in success in the first half of La Liga. But after his World Cup with Ghana, he rediscovered his verve. Williams, like a phoenix, experienced a completely different dynamic on his return from the world football festival. He scored a total of 10 goals this season, as well as providing 3 assists.
