Salah, Diallo: Best African Players in the 2024/25 EPL Season
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (top left), Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (bottom left) and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo (right). Photo Credit- Stake/X
The 2024/25 Premier League season has highlighted the immense talent Africa continues to provide to the global football stage. African players have not just been contributors but game-changers, influencing matches with their skill, flair, and determination.
This piece takes a deep dive into the standout African players dominating the league this season, analyzing their performances, styles of play, and importance to their respective teams.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Mohamed Salah’s status as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever African players is beyond doubt, and the 2024/25 season has only reinforced his legacy. At 32, Salah continues to evolve, becoming a more complete forward who contributes as much to creating goals as scoring them.
His leadership and consistency have been instrumental in keeping Liverpool in the title race. Salah’s current record in the league this season includes 31 goal contributions, with 36 chances created and 42 completed dribbles. Salah remains a nightmare for defenders, combining explosive pace with exceptional close control.
Moreover, his ability to cut inside from the right flank and unleash deadly shots has been a hallmark of his game. Under Arne Slot, Salah has also improved his playmaking, delivering incisive passes and crosses. Salah’s presence ensures Liverpool’s attacking fluidity. His ability to score in clutch moments has been crucial, as seen in vital wins over Manchester City and Manchester United this season.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, Nigerian Descent)
Though Saka plays for England internationally, his Nigerian heritage makes him a proud representative of Africa in the Premier League. At 23, Saka has grown into Arsenal’s most consistent and reliable attacker, providing goals, assists, and creativity.
As of December 2024, Saka has made 16 goal contributions, 9 key passes, 31 dribbles completed. Operating as a right winger, Saka excels in one-on-one situations, using quick feet and sharp changes of direction to beat defenders. His ability to cut inside onto his left foot makes him a dual threat as a scorer and creator.
Moreover, his composure in tight spaces and strong work rate also set him apart.Impact:Saka is the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack, forming a formidable trio with Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard. His ability to rise to the occasion in big games, including a goal and assist against Tottenham, highlights his maturity and influence.
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Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea, Senegal)
Chelsea’s New Hero and Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson has been a revelation for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season. After a challenging first year at Stamford Bridge, he has found his rhythm under Enzo Maresca, becoming Chelsea’s main man in the attacking line. Prior to 2025, Jackson has made 12 goal contributions, with 20% shot conversion rate and six big chances created.
Jackson is a modern striker, blending speed, physicality, and technical ability. His movement off the ball allows him to exploit spaces behind defenses, while his link-up play with Chelsea’s attacking midfielders has improved significantly. Jackson’s goals have been vital for Chelsea’s resurgence in their push for a Champions League spot. His performances against big teams, including goals against Tottenham have shown he thrives under pressure.
Amad Diallo (Manchester United, Ivory Coast)
After loan spells to gain experience, Amad Diallo has finally broken into Manchester United’s first team, showcasing why he is considered one of Africa’s brightest young talents. The 22-year-old Ivorian winger has impressed with his flair, vision, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Diallo has been involved in 11 goals this season for United, with 33 completed dribbles and 25 key passes. Diallo’s style of playing operates primarily as a right winger but is comfortable on either flank. His low center of gravity, quick acceleration, and clever positioning make him a constant threat.
Moreover, he is also good at threading through balls and finishing calmly under pressure. Diallo’s contributions have been vital for a Manchester United side struggling with consistency. His ability to unlock defenses and score in key games, including a winner against Manchester City, has endeared him to fans and solidified his place in Rúben Amorim’s plans.
Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur, Mali)
Mali’s Yves Bissouma has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders this season. Under Ange Postecoglou, Bissouma has thrived as the anchor in Tottenham’s midfield, dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. Bissouma records this season includes 89% passing accuracy with 43 tackles won, 28 interceptions made and 38 progressive passes
Bissouma’s style of playing combines defensive solidity with excellent ball distribution. His ability to win duels, retain possession under pressure, and launch counterattacks has been critical to Tottenham’s high-tempo system. Bssouma’s resurgence has been key to Tottenham’s strong start to the season. His partnership with James Maddison has allowed Spurs to dominate midfield battles and sustain their attacking momentum.
Conclusion
The influence of African players in the Premier League is unstoppable, the 2024/25 campaign has further solidify their impact. From seasoned stars like Salah and Saka to emerging young talents like Diallo, these players have shaped their club’s campaigns with their resilient performances and creativity.
Their success this season has become a proof of Africa’s efforts in producing immense talents continuously and serves as an inspiration for future generations of players from the African continent.
