I have been thinking about this a while and with new young talent and many players at the top level, who would you place in a best XI. We can do this by week to represent performance in respective leagues in Europe and Africa, along with performances in other leagues like MLS and the CSL.
4-4-2 Odion Ighalo - Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng Ahmed Musa - Yaya Toure - Serey Die - Riyad Mahrez Serge Aurier - Kalidou Koulibaly - Nicholas N'Koulou - Faouzi Ghoulam Vincent Eneyama This is my 2015-2016 Africa XI. I'm a bit iffy on N'Koulou and Serey Die though. There aren't many in-form central midfielders and centerbacks from Africa this year. Typically players like Benatia or Obi Mikel had that spot locked down.
That is a very good starting XI based on form. I agree with you that the midfield options are pretty thin this season but I think that more will show up over time.
Die is a good call. Guy is a key player for Stuttgart and could certainly make it at a bigger club as long as that requires not that much technical ability. Salomon Kalou deserves an honourable mention. Didn't do so well last season but this one he's been exceptional.
Non-debatable: Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng Riyad Mahrez Serge Aurier Kalidou Koulibaly Vincent Eneyama Debatable: Odion Ighalo - not much debate, but there are arguably player with a larger upside, most notably Kelechi Iheanacho Ahmed Musa - massively overrated, have many better players in his slot Yaya Toure - on his last legs, very subpar season Serey Die - vastly underrated, but I see a couple of players similarly underrated. Faouzi Ghoulam - a few alternatives I believe should be taken into account Nicholas N'Koulou - I think Joel Matip is on par, if not better Alternatives: FW - Kelechi Iheanacho AML/R - Hakim Ziyech, Gervinho, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Traore, Sofiane Boufal, Wahbi Khazri AM/DM - Cheikhou Kouyate, Idrissa Gueye, Salif Sane DL - Adam Masina, Djibril Sidibe DC - Joel Matip
Missed Kalou. I'm not just saying that because he plays for my club. The guy is having a great season.
As far as forwards go, I think Slimani deserve a mention. It might "only" be the Portuguese league, but he's had 18 goals in 23 apps this year. His record in Europe isn't too great but he's mostly played as a sub in the EL.