Christian ATSU – Everton/Ghana/10/01/1992
Winger who is on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea. Was in outstanding form as Ghana reached the African Nations Cup Final in February.
Pierre-Emerick AUBAMEYANG – Dortmund/Gabon/18/06/1989
Striker or wide attacker, one of African football’s leading forwards. Has found his feet at Dortmund this season.
Serge AURIER – PSG/Ivory Coast/24/12/1992
Attacking right-back for the African champions. His loan from Toulouse is seen as a bid by PSG to get round Financial Fairplay regulations.
Irwin AVILA – Sporting Cristal/Peru/02/07/1990
Nippy little striker who played a major part in his club’s league titles of 2012 and 2014. The jury is still out on whether he can tip the balance for his country.
Andre AYEW – Marseille/Ghana/17/12/1989
Leading striker for club and country who led Ghana to the 2015 African Nations Cup Final. The son of legendary Ghana forward Abedi Pele.
Sardar AZMOUN – Rubin Kazan/ Iran/1/1/1995
Iran’s young player of the year, making waves in the Russian league, and who impressed at the recent Asian Cup. On loan from Rubin Kazan.
Cesar AZPILICUETA – Chelsea/Spain/28/08/1989
Versatile defender who displaced Ashley Cole as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back. Has represented his country from under-16 upwards.
Demba BA – Besiktas/Senegal/25/05/1985
French-born Senegalese striker who is enjoying a prolific first season in Turkey after being sold by Chelsea last summer.
Abdul Rahman BABA – Augsburg/Ghana/02/07/1994
Whether bursting forward on the overlap, putting in good quality crosses, biting into the tackle, or providing cover and maintaining tactical discipline, the 20-year-old from the northern Ghanaian city of Tamale does a fine job in all areas.
Carlos BACCA – Sevilla/Colombia/08/09/1986
Striker on song for Sevilla. Late starter who worked as a bus conductor and sold fish before Colombian top-flight debut at 23.
