BBC have announced the five man shortlist for the African player of the year award and it includes Yaya Toure and Sadio Mane alongside other stars.
Toure surprisingly made the shortlist as he featured only once for Pep Guardiola this term for Manchester City. Premier league is fortunate to be graced by African talent including the nomination of last season’s champion Riyad Mahrez.
Sadio Mane has broken into the top five contenders for the award with his fine form for Liverpool this campaign. He has scored 6 goals this term in 11 league appearances for the Merseyside club.
Riyad Mahrez’s formidable form sealed the first top flight success for the Foxes as he stands in strong contention to win the prestigious award. Yaya Toure’s nomination has raised many questions as he has failed to start more than once during the last six months for Manchester City. After announcing his retirement from International football in September, the Ivorian is left with only domestic form to prove his worth.
Andre Ayew is another Premier league player in the list as he plundered 12 goals in 34 games for the Swans last season but has endured an injury-plagued campaign so far in East London.
The final spot in the list is occupied by last year’s winner, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who is shinning bright in the black and yellow colors of Borrusia Dortmund.
The 27 year old Gabon forward has scored 14 goals in 14 outings for his club this season. Four of which came in the 5-2 win against Hamburg.