OUT OF AFRICA, TRIO WHO LIT UP THE SEASON
MANY years ago, when Sky’s coverage of the Premier League was in its infancy, a very famous former England footballer was the studio guest. He was asked what he expected to see from a young winger, a talent on the rise, tipped for international honours. ‘Not much, really,’ he replied. Pressed to explain, he offered the devastating analysis: ‘I don’t fancy the black lads much, when it gets cold.’ Suffice, he made two appearances on television that night: his first and last. We appear to have moved on since then. And for those who have not, perhaps the sight of three African players — Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — sharing this season’s Golden Boot with 22 goals each will persuade. It’s not where you’re from that counts, it’s where you’re at.