AFRICAN PLAYERS IN EUROPE: Wissa’s historic double and Foster back among the goals

We are very much at the business end of the season in Europe’s elite leagues, where every point becomes crucial, and each goal or assists is celebrated that little bit more.

African players continue to play a huge role in their teams’ successes, and we pick out the best performers from this weekend’s action.

YOANE WISSA (DR CONGO & BRENTFORD)

In the long absences of Ivan Toney at Brentford this season, Wissa has been outstanding, and he netted his first ever Premier League brace in the 5-1 victory over Luton Town on Saturday that ended any lingering doubts that his side may be drawn into a relegation battle. His first was a superb shot from 25-yards after being played through by Bryan Mbeumo, and his second more of a bundled finish when he found himself in the right place at the right time. They were different in their construction, but all count! That is now 10 goals this season for them 27-year-old in what is his best campaign to date.

BRYAN MBEUMO (CAMEROON & BRENTFORD)

Mbeumo may not have got on the scoresheet for Brentford in their thumping win over Luton, but he ran the show and was simply superb. He is credited with two assists, the first a beautifully weighted through-ball for Yoane Wissa and the second a dink to the back post for Keane Lewis-Potter to score. But he also had a hand in others earlier in the build-up as Brentford ran riot and might have netted plenty more. Mbeumo himself struck the woodwork with a curling shot from the edge of the box. That is eight goals and five assists in a season where he missed three months due to injury. He has been Player of the Season for Brentford for sure.

LYLE FOSTER (SOUTH AFRICA & BURNLEY)

Foster’s Burnley are still fighting for survival, and he helped their cause with