English Premier League:Ranking the Best Performing African Players in the League

There is no argument that this season in the EPL has been one of the most promising seasons we have seen.The drama, the goals,the performances of the players and much more have all been magnificent.

Anyway, behind the success in many teams lies brilliance of some African players who have played out their hearts for their respective clubs this season.

During this season, it will do no harm to highlight some African players who have so far played very important roles in the campaign of their individual teams.

10. Victor Obinna Nsofor

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Victor Obinna of West Ham United is challenged by Radoslaw Majewski of Nottingham Forest during the FA Cup sponsored by E.O.N 4th Round match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest at the Boleyn Ground on January 30,

Club: West Ham

Goals: 3

Appearances: 20

Position: Winger

Country: Nigeria

Obinna has certainly not been a mistake. He has provided a lot of speed for West Ham on the wings and has also provided a lot of crosses, giving Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne more scoring opportunities.

He is certainly confident and composed on the field. He is definitely going to play a huge part in West Ham's fight to remain in the top flight.

9. Christopher Samba

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Andrew Johnson of Fulham battles with Christopher Samba of Blackburn during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage on March 5, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathc

Club: Blackburn

Goals: 4

Appearances: 25

Position: Center Back

Country: Congo DR 

Samba has been like an unbreakable rock in the Blackburn defense. His close marking and precise tackling are his key attributes, and it has certainly been a key to some victories in their campaign.

He has also been very helpful in the attack, netting four so far.

8. Kolo Toure

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Kolo Toure of Manchester City on the ball during the FA Cup sponsored by E.On 4th Round replay match between Manchester City and Notts County at City of Manchester Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Manchester, England. (

Club: Manchester City

Goals:1

Appearances: 22

Position: Center Back

Country: Ivory Coast

Toure has made a strong partnership with the Belgian, Vincent Kompany. Together, they have produced one of the best defensive lines in Europe and don't look like slacking.

Anyway, I think they are about to slack because of Toure's ban for failing a drug test. With this, Man City have to find a way to improvise for the Ivorian's absence if they actually want to pose a threat to the top teams.

7. Yaya Toure

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Hal Robson-Kanu of Reading falls under the challenge of Yaya Toure of Manchester City during the FA Cup sponsored by E.On Sixth Round match between Manchester City and Reading at the City of Manchester Stadium on March 13,

Club: Manchester City

Goals: 4

Appearances: 27

Position: Midfielder

Country: Ivory Coast

He has been at the heart of the Manchester City defense. He has been strong defensively and also important in attacks. He certainly didn't lose the creativity he obtained from Barcelona.

Man City fans will have to hope Yaya's performance is not affected by his brother's ban.

6. Salomon Kalou

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Salomon Kalou of Chelsea is seen under the Wembley arch with the Champions League Trophy as adidas present the Official Match Ball for the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium on March 3, 2011 in London, United

Club: Chelsea

Goals: 7

Appearances: 24

Position: Striker

Country: Ivory Coast

Kalou has had an impressive season so far. Despite Chelsea's mid season flunk, Kalou has been able produce a decent performance.

The attacking combination in the Man City game with him, Fernando Torres and Florent Malouda seemed flawless.

5. Asamoah Gyan

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland celebrates scoring the first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light on February 12, 2011 in Sunderland, England. (Photo

Club: Sunderland

Goals: 9

Appearances: 26

Position: Striker

Country: Ghana

After an impressive World Cup performance, the Black Cats wasted no time in acquiring the services of the Ghanaian, and he has certainly played up to expectations. His work rate is impressive and his eye for goal is lethal. He is a key part of the Sunderland side.

Watch out for his slick dance steps!

4. Didier Drogba

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MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 17: Didier Drogba attends the 'Fundaction Privada Samuel Eto'o' Charity Event Red Carpet on March 17, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Club: Chelsea

Goals: 9

Appearances: 28

Position: Striker

Country: Ivory Coast

This might not be his best season, but he has certainly been very instrumental in Chelsea's campaign. He still poses as a threat to any defense and definitely won't lose playing time in the squad despite his age.

Drogba has also silenced critics who say he's selfish by dishing out nine assists so far this season. The Ivorien still has a lot to offer to Chelsea this season before he leaves the club in the summer (still speculations).

3. Michael Essien

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Michael Essien of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on March 20, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Club: Chelsea

Goals: 3

Appearances: 25

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Country: Ghana

You can call him the engine of Chelsea, because he certainly is. Michael Essien has been one of the few Chelsea players to have maintained their form despite the huge slump they had toward the end of last year.

He has been very efficient in his defensive duties, thereby helping reduce the pressure mounted on the center backs.

If Chelsea still have hopes of clinching the Premier League title for a second time in a row, then Essien is probably one of the answers they need.

2. Alexander Song

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Song of Arsenal challenges Stephen Dawson of Leyton Orient during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round match between Leyton Orient and Arsenal at the Matchroom Stadium on February 20, 2011 in London, England. (Phot

Club: Arsenal

Goals: 4

Appearances: 24

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Country: Cameroon

Song has been unbelievable this season. No one would have believed that a stranger bought from Bastia for a meager fee of £1 million would end up being one of the best defensive midfielders in the English Premier league.

He has been magnificent in the defense, helping to thwart counter attacks and lethal strikers.

He holds certain characteristics that the team lacks which include aggresion, strength, stamina and balance. He has also been deadly upfront, notching up four goals and two assists so far. His recent injury has seen Arsenal slip in form.

1. Osaze Odemwingie

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Peter Odemwingie of West Brom seeks out a girl he hit on the head with a shot during practise, to give her his shirt after the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage on Januar

Club: West Brom

Goals: 10

Appearances: 25

Position: Striker

Country: Nigeria

West Brom must feel blessed to have acquired Odemwingie from Lokomotiv Moscow. He has been a miracle for the Baggies. He makes use of all the the opportunities provided for him and also capitalizes on the mistakes made by the opposing team's defense (ask Almunia and Squillaci).

He definitely deserves this top spot for his wonderful performances so far. Anyway, he is facing his real challenge now, which is trying to get West Brom far from the relegation zone.