Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been nominated for the 2018 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

The Atletico Madrid man is on a five-man roster announced on Saturday.

Senegal and Liverpool star Sadio Mane, reigning Caf African Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah, Morocco and Juventus ace Mehdi Benatia as well as Senegal defender, who plays for Napoli Kalidou Koulibaly complete the list.

Partey is a first-time nominee after the Atletico Madrid midfielder cemented his place as an important figure for both club and country this year.

The 25-year-old helped Diego Simeone's side to a second-place finish in La Liga last season and they won the Europa League.

Although he has sometimes been overlooked by Simeone this term, Partey continues to be a leading light for his nation.

He captained Ghana in friendlies against Japan and Iceland in the summer and has become the driving attacking force in the team.

Partey will be hoping to become the sixth Ghanaian after Abedi Pele, Sammy Kuffour, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew to win the award. 

The vote opened on Saturday, 17 November at 19:00 GMT and closes on Sunday, 2 December.

The result will be revealed in a programme on BBC World News on Friday, 14 December at 17:30.

The shortlist was compiled by a panel of African football experts.

Liverpool forward Salah won last year's award, with previous winners including Jay-Jay Okocha, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Riyad Mahrez.

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