European Football Desperately Needs African Players – Almeida

Speaking in a chat with Brila.net de Almeida expounded on the importance of African Players to European football.

The former FC Porto chief emphasized the physicality and directness that African players bring to the game—qualities that are increasingly rare in Europe.

Zaidu Sanusi battles for possession with Neco Williams during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and FC Porto at Anfield. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“When scouting in Africa, the first thing to understand is what you’re looking for,” de Almeida explained. “I wouldn’t go to Africa expecting to find players who excel in possession or positional play because those aspects aren’t typically trained there.

“Instead, African football is more about raw, street football—kids playing every day, learning the game on their own without structured coaching.”

Nuno de Almeida is now Rio Ave’s sporting director. Photo | flashscore

De Almeida pointed out that this unstructured style of play leads to the development of players who are physically dominant and direct in their approach—traits that have become less common in Europe.

“In Africa, players learn by playing constantly, and this gives them a unique edge in terms of physicality and directness. That’s why scouts come to Africa: to find what Europe lacks.”

He also noted the significant impact that African-born players or those of African descent have had on European football, particularly in France.

Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolves FC at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“You see the influence of African physicality in European leagues, especially in French football, where many players of African descent bring a blend of physicality and game understanding that is hard to find elsewhere.”

However, de Almeida also highlighted the challenges African players face in adapting to European football.

“In Europe, the game is well-structured and task-oriented. African players often bring an intensity that can be seen as overly aggressive by European standards. But it’s precisely this intensity and physicality that European teams sometimes lack, which makes African players so valuable.”

Stefano Turati and Victor Osimhen in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli / DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

De Almeida’s insights underscore the importance of understanding the unique attributes that African players bring to the table, and how these can complement the more structured, tactical approaches prevalent in Europe.

Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“Scouts must recognize what Africa has to offer that Europe doesn’t. This understanding is crucial when entering the African market to find the profiles that can fill gaps in European teams,” he concluded.