The Premier League is one of the most culturally diverse leagues in the world of sport. Players from all over the world are welcomed into the league to show off their skills and prove themselves against the very best players on the globe. This season, there will be a number of African players playing in the English top-flight, but what can fans expect to see and what will be their aims for the season?
Kelechi Iheanacho looks set to be the player that is handed the responsibility to be the long-term replacement of Jamie Vardy. That always looked to be the plan after the Foxes brought in the 24-year-old from Manchester City for a £25 million fee in the summer of 2017, but it took a while for the Nigerian to settle at his new club. He scored just nine goals in his first 71 games across three seasons for the Foxes, and there were rumours last summer that the club were ready to cash in. However, Brendan Rodgers gave Iheanacho one more opportunity to prove that he had what it takes to thrive at a Champions League-chasing outfit. He more than proved himself last season, as he scored 12 goals in 25 games, which was his best goalscoring season in a Premier League season. Iheanacho was also a focal point of the FA Cup-winning team, and also scored the winner in the Community Shield against Manchester City to kickstart their season. However, a place in the Champions League this season must be the goal for the Foxes.
Wilfred Ndidi is set to be another of the African stars that are set to star in the Premier League in 2021-22. Like Iheanacho, Ndidi will be playing for Leicester City this season. However, instead of scoring the goals to finish in the top four, Ndidi will be tasked with putting out fires in the middle of the park. The 24-year-old is already regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and there was a little bit of a shock that none of the bigger teams in the league made a move for him over the summer. However, their loss is almost certainly Leicester’s gain. Ndidi has formed a dynamic partnership with Youri Tielemans in the Foxes midfield, and their partnership ensures that the club has one of the best midfields in the league this season. The Nigerian will be integral to Leicester’s chances of finishing in a Champions League place this season.
Liverpool’s 2020-21 season wasn’t exactly what fans were hoping for. The Reds went into the season as the defending champions, but eventually found themselves in a struggle to finish in the top-four. Ultimately, they were able to get over the line, and finished the season in third, but their eyes will certainly be fixated on the Premier League title this season. Although many of the stars underperformed for Jurgen Klopp’s side last season, Mohamed Salah continued to do his job in the attacking third. Salah scored 22 league goals in 37 games to finish second in the race for the Golden Boot. That was his second-best return in the league for the Reds, and his goals will once again be pivotal towards their chances of regaining the Premier League title in 2021-22.
Another African player that will be targeting the Premier League title this season is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian was one of the standout players for Manchester City last season, as the club won the league title. There were fears that Mahrez would be surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola, but he has become a vital part of the City attacking output. Mahrez will be looking to win a fourth Premier League crown this season, but it will be fascinating to see where he fits into the City plan following the arrival of Jack Grealish. However, his numbers certainly can’t be overlooked, as he scored nine goals and recorded six assists in the league last season. He offers something slightly different to all the other wingers at the club, as he is left-footed and dynamic on the ball with an eye for goal.
With the start of the new Premier League season upon us, gamblers will be making their online soccer betting selections for the new season. Outright betting is extremely popular before the start of the season, as bets can be made on the team that will win the league title, as well as wagering on the teams that will be relegated. Betting throughout the season is also hugely popular, with markets such as full time result, over/under, and both teams to score available for every fixture throughout the campaign.
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