The French Ligue 1 has maintained its status as one of Europe’s top five leagues despite the departure of some really big stars in recent years.
The most recent of such departures, Kylian Mbappe’s summer move to Real Madrid, now feels like a distant memory with young stars like Bradley Barcola and Mason Greenwood lighting up France’s top flight division.
In this article, Soccernet.football takes a look at the top 10 performing stars in Ligue 1 so far.
10. Moses Simon (Nantes)
The Nigeria international has had a decent start to the campaign so far, scoring thrice and providing four assists in 10 Ligue 1 appearances. Nantes find themselves struggling at this stage of the season and Simon’s contributions could go prove pivotal in changing their fortunes.
9. Kang-In Lee (Paris Saint-Germain)
The 23-year-old winger has already surpassed his total goals tally for the whole of last season so it’s safe to say Lee is having a fantastic campaign this term. His seven goal involvements are sure to increase when clubs return to action after the international break.
8. Zuriko Davitashvili (Saint Etienne)
The Georgian striker is holding his own well enough in France’s top division, having joined from Ligue 2 side Bordeux in the summer. With 5 goals already this season, Davitashvili is certainly Saint-Etienne’s main man upfront. It remains to be seen whether his scoring prowess will be enough to keep 16th placed Les Verts in the first division.
7. Jonathan David (Lille)
David is the main largely expected to take over Ligue 1’s scoring charts after the departure of Mbappe from PSG this summer. So far, the Canadian striker is yet to hit top gear as he trails PSG’s Barcola and Marseille’s Greenwood on the top scorers’ charts. Nonetheless, his impressive tally of 7 goals in 8 Ligue 1 starts earns him a place on our list.
6. Luis Henrique (Marseille)
The Brazilian winger has been a pivotal player for Roberto Di Zerbi’s young Marseille side so far this season. Henrique has registered eight goal involvements in nine league starts for Les Olympiens and we expect the 22-year-old to continue playing an important role for Di Zerbi’s charges this season.
5. Gaetan Perrin (Auxerre)
Another right winger enjoying fine form in the French top flight at this stage of the season, Gaetan has been impressive for Auxerre so far. The 28-year-old Frenchman has registered eight goal contributions in eight Ligue 1 starts, notching 3 goals and 3 assists in his last 4 appearances.
4. Evan Guessand (OGC Nice)
Guessand is having a good campaign upfront for Nice so far this season. The Ivorian striker has been a pivotal figure for his team, starting all 11 of their Ligue 1 matches and notching 6 goals and 2 assists. Guessand will certainly be looking to add more to his tally when he returns from international duty.
3. Mason Greenwood (Marseille)
Greenwood’s decision to leave Manchester United and move to France hinged on the need for him to leave the noise behind and get his career back on track. It’s safe to say the 23-year-old is doing just that having become an instant hit under the watchful eyes of Di Zerbi at Marseille. Greenwood has notched 8 goals in 11 appearances so far.
2. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
After a largely disappointing debut season at the Parcs des Princes where he managed a meager 6 goals across 42 appearances, Dembele has now come to life at the French capital. So far this season, the Frenchman has registered nine goal involvements in seven starts. The Frenchman finally seems to be enjoying his football under Luis Enrique.
1. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Barcola can certainly be identified as the biggest winner after Mbappe’s departure from the French capital. While his compatriot is struggling to settle down in Spain, Barcola is establishing himself as Ligue 1’s hottest property this season. The 22-year-old, who already has 10 goals to his name so far, is looking set to fire PSG to yet another Ligue 1 title.