As the 2017-18 La Liga season draws to a close, KweséESPN's Ed Dove reviews Africa's best and worst performers in Spain this term.
Top performer: Thomas Partey has taken his game to a whole new level with Atletico Madrid this term, where he's established himself as a key performer under Diego Simeone.
Over the last two Spanish top-flight seasons, Partey had played a combined 1,064 minutes over 29 appearances, this year - partly a result of Atleti's reduced squad options - he's already amassed 2293 minutes over 32 outings.
He's built effective relationships with Saul Niguez and Gabi, while also weighing in with several key strikes - notably against Qarabag and Deportivo La Coruna.
As well as stints at full-back, the powerhouse also netted a hat-trick in Ghana's World Cup qualifying victory over Congo-Brazzaville , although an all-round midfield display against Depor in April was arguably the season's finest showcase of his blooming qualities.
Underperformer: Ryad Boudebouz - Even though Boudebouz's switch from Montpellier to Real Betis last summer appeared something of a sidewards move, the Algeria international still appeared ideally suited to life in La Liga.
Plus, Betis have indulged flamboyant playmakers over the years, and Boudebouz has the quality to be a cult hero at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Instead, injury delayed his start to the campaign, and he only has two goals and three assists to date - it's a significant decline from the 20 decisive contributions he made in Ligue 1 last term.
Top performer: Djene - One of the more underrated centre-backs in La Liga, Djene has averaged 2.5 tackles and 5.3 clearances per game this term to help Getafe up to eighth.
They have the third best defensive record in the division and have conceded 10 fewer than Real Madrid, with the Togolese stopper playing a big part in establishing their fine record.
He's arguably been their stand-out performer during a fine campaign, and few could have foreseen how the West African - who isn't the tallest centre-back - would have adapted so seamlessly after moving from Belgium's Sint-Truidense last summer.
Underperformer: Isaac Success - After a miserable first half to the season, where he was ostracised at Watford, suffered fitness problems and was involved in an unsavoury incident in a Hertfordshire hotel, a loan move to La Liga had the potential to be a boost for Success.
Indeed, considering Nigeria's lack of in-form options to lead the line at the World Cup, the striker could have harboured realistic hopes of playing himself into Gernot Rohr's plans.
However, the youngster's fortunes have barely improved back in Spain with relegated Malaga, and he's managed just seven outings - five of which have been from the start.
Admittedly, he joined a struggling club, but having failed to find the net all term - he's scored just once league goal since leaving Granada at the end of the 2015-16 season - Success can kiss Russia goodbye.
Top performer: Achraf Hakimi - The teenaged full-back has only made a handful of appearances for Real Madrid this term, but he's fulfilled the lifelong ambition of many African players by turning out for Los Merengues...and is still only 19!
He deputised admirably for Dani Carvajal during the right-back's injury absence, making eight La Liga appearances and a further two in the Champions League.
Hakimi was particularly effective in the away victory at Getafe and in the 5-0 rout of Sevilla - when he found the net - and should have done enough to make Morocco's World Cup party.