Ghana and Atlético Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey was named in the 2018 Africa Best XI announced at the Caf Awards Gala held in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday.

The Best XI award is the first of its kind in Africa. Some 500 national team players from 27 countries voted for their best team in 2018. 

Not surprisingly, Mohammed Salah, who picked the flagship African Player of the Year award at the event led the way alongside Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane and Senegalese/Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Partey deservedly earned his spot after an outstanding year, helping Atletico Madrid to Europa Cup glory and finishing the season as runners up in the La Liga. He played over 50 games for the Spanish giants last season.

The 25 year old has also become one of the most important players at national team level scoring 6 goals in his last 6 appearances for the Black Stars, including a hat trick in a World Cup qualifier against Congo.

Here is the full team below: