African players in Europe: Mane helps Liverpool back to top

Germany

CHADRAC AKOLO (Stuttgart)

Akolo made the most of his first start under Markus Weinzierl, proving a constant threat on goal for Stuttgart in a 2-1 home win over Hertha Berlin. The Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder’s 68th-minute header forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Rune Jarstein and his presence created the space for Stuttgart’s goal-hunter Mario Gomez to put the home side ahead minutes later.

ACHRAF HAKIMI (Borussia Dortmund)

While Dortmund attackers Marco Reus, Paco Alcacer and Jadon Sancho dominate the headlines, little has been said about the club’s defensive transformation under coach Lucien Favre. At the heart of it all has been 20-year-old Morocco defender Hakimi, who again neutralised Bremen’s principal attacking threats Max Kruse and Milot Rashica in a 2-1 win for the Bundesliga leaders. Hakimi, on loan from Real Madrid, has grown into a key component in Dortmund’s defence, and is also quick to launch counter-attacks.

France

NICOLAS PEPE (Lille)

In-form striker Pepe scored what proved to be the winner as 10-man Lille claimed a 3-2 victory at Nimes to consolidate second place in Ligue 1. The Ivorian is forming a deadly partnership with Jonathan Bamba, who also scored. Losing coach Bernard Blaquart said: “After the PSG strikers, Pepe and Bamba are the best.”

MOUSSA DOUMBIA (Reims)

Malian Doumbia scored the opening goal for Reims as they beat Strasbourg 2-1 to move into the top half of the table. After the game his manager David Guion complained that Doumbia should have made the game safe but wasted his second golden chance.