With AFCON 2021 set to kick-off on Sunday, we have scoured all of the leagues we cover in detail and put together our best rated XI of players at this year's tournament.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Liverpool / Senegal) - 6.82 rating
His form has taken a hit in recent months but he illustrated his class once again in Chelsea's recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool, making a number of impressive saves. Only three goalkeepers have kept more clean sheets than Mendy in the Premier League this season
Right-back: Youcef Atal (Nice / Algeria) - 7.12 rating
Was one of the brightest young talents in Europe at one stage before knee surgery in December 2019 put the brakes on his career. Has taken time to rediscover his best form but the signs for Nice this season have been encouraging.
Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli / Senegal) - 7.09 rating
Has been one of the best defenders in Serie A for some time now and it's a surprise Napoli have managed to keep hold of him all this time. Has even popped up with two goals and two assists in Serie A this season to help them in both boxes.
Centre-back: Romain Saiss (Wolves / Morocco) - 7.02 rating
Has been one of Wolves' best players this season and will be a big miss over the next month. Only three players are making more clearances per game than Saiss (5.1) in the Premier League this season and the 31-year-old is Wolves' third top scorer with two goals.
Left-back: Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto / Nigeria) - 6.99 rating
Branching out of Europe's top 5 leagues for the first time, FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi makes the best rated XI at left-back. THe 24-year-old has filled in since Alex Telles joined Manchester United and is a well-rounded full-back.
Central midfield: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli / Cameroon) - 7.16 rating
Certainly the leading light for host nation Cameroon, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been in sparkling form for Napoli this season. His drive from midfield, illustrated by 2.1 dribbles per game, has been key for Napoli and Cameroon will look to him for inspiration this month.
Central midfield: Ibrahim Sangare (PSV / Ivory Coast) - 7.59 rating
A move to PSV caught everyone by surprise when Ibrahim Sangare did leave French club Toulouse and it's worked out brilliantly for the Dutch side. Sangare has been one of their best players this season, with 3.2 tackles per game and 2.4 interceptions per game backed up by a return of 1.9 shots per game and 2.1 dribbles per game.
Central midfield: Yves Bissouma (Brighton / Mali) - 7.13 rating
Brighton's Yves Bissouma completes our midfield meaning there is no place for the likes of Thomas Partey, Wilfred Ndidi or Naby Keita. Bissouma is integral to the way Brighton play and it would be a surprise if they can keep hold of him for much longer. A return of 3.6 tackles per game is the joint best in the Premier League this season.
Right wing: Mo Salah (Liverpool / Egypt) - 7.82 rating
With more goals (16) and more assists (9) than any other player in the Premier League this season, Mo Salah kickstarts our front three and keeps Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez out of the team. Salah has also picked up the most WhoScored Man of the Match awards in the Premier League this season.
Striker: Sebastien Haller (Ajax / Ivory Coast) - 7.74 rating
After a nightmare spell at West Ham, Sebastien Haller has rediscovered his best form since moving to Ajax. His Champions League form has defied belief and he has been in similar goalscoring touch in the league with 12 goals and four assists in 17 league matches.
Left wing: Sadio Mane (Liverpool / Senegal) - 7.22 rating
Has gone off the boil of late for Liverpool with just one goal across his last eight in the league but he still has eight for the campaign. The 29-year-old remains one of the marquee names at this month's tournament.
