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Diamonds in the rough: Unearthing Ligue 1's next superstars
by Astorre Cerebrone
17 Oct 2024
The French top division, also known as Ligue 1, is a league well known for constantly producing world class talents. It is no surprise that the league’s tagline is ‘the league of talents’. The evidence of their production line is seen everywhere. It is, therefore, no surprise that loads of clubs across Europe have France as their favourite shopping destination.
In terms of finances, French clubs are the bottom compared to other top 5 leagues, so they have to rely on the production and sale of talents regularly, to stay afloat. Outside of PSG, every club in France is a selling club.
This means that clubs do not have the option of keeping players whose transfer values have skyrocketed, and who are attracting a lot of attention from other clubs.
Players are sold as quickly as they emerge, which also means that many more players have opportunities to showcase their talents as quickly as those spaces open up.
Wenger’s plan
It was not always like this. Now, Ligue 1 has always produced talents in their numbers, but most clubs from the other top 5 leagues were asleep to this production.
At the time, only the best of the best really got any attention, and majorly if they shone beyond the Ligue 1 stage, whether in international competition or in continental competition. There was one club, however, that was ahead of the rest in identifying talents coming out of France and getting them in – Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger, who had previously coached in France with Nancy and Monaco, brought major attention to French and French-based talents and products of the French league as a whole, signing a bunch of unknown players who would go on to star in the Premier League.
It was he who led the way in the hunt for international talents, something which ultimately played a major role in the explosion of the Premier League.
Even though Chelsea would go on to be the first English team to name a fully foreign XI in 1999, Wenger would become the first to name an entire matchday squad of foreign players in 2005.
That matchday squad included Pascal Cygan (signed from Lille), Gael Clichy (signed from Cannes), Robert Pires (signed from Marseille), Patrick Vieira (signed from Milan having played only five games, on the evidence of what he had done at Cannes), Thierry Henry (signed from Juventus, but whom he had coached at Monaco) and Mathieu Flamini (signed from Marseille).
Ligue 1 Products
Wenger’s success rate with French league products inspired others to start looking that way, leading to more attention on the French market and the gems in the league.
No matter how often you go there to shop, there is always a budding star waiting. No top 5 league gives more opportunities to teenagers than the French league.
This means that top talents are tested early and given enough opportunities to develop away from the pressure of a league like the Premier League, making their mistakes and improving without the kind of overwhelming scrutiny that can break youngsters.
By the time bigger clubs come calling, these players are often refined and ready to be thrown into the pressure cooker.
Wenger’s knowledge of the French market ultimately delivered Arsenal’s greatest ever player, a player widely regarded as the English Premier League’s greatest player as well. Although he had spent 7 months at Juventus, he was already a player Wenger knew very well at Monaco.
In fact, Wenger had given him his senior debut. Nicolas Anelka was another player who arrived at Arsenal courtesy of Wenger’s knowledge of the French market, in 1997. Aged just 17, he was a relative unknown to Premier League fans.
He would go on to become a starter later, scoring 17 league goals in the 98/99 campaign in which he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He forced a move to Real Madrid that summer, however.
The French top division, also known as Ligue 1, is a league well known for constantly producing world class talents. It is no surprise that the league’s tagline is ‘the league of talents’. The evidence of their production line is seen everywhere. It is, therefore, no surprise that loads of clubs across Europe have France as their favourite shopping destination.
In terms of finances, French clubs are the bottom compared to other top 5 leagues, so they have to rely on the production and sale of talents regularly, to stay afloat. Outside of PSG, every club in France is a selling club.
This means that clubs do not have the option of keeping players whose transfer values have skyrocketed, and who are attracting a lot of attention from other clubs.
Players are sold as quickly as they emerge, which also means that many more players have opportunities to showcase their talents as quickly as those spaces open up.
Wenger’s plan
It was not always like this. Now, Ligue 1 has always produced talents in their numbers, but most clubs from the other top 5 leagues were asleep to this production.
At the time, only the best of the best really got any attention, and majorly if they shone beyond the Ligue 1 stage, whether in international competition or in continental competition. There was one club, however, that was ahead of the rest in identifying talents coming out of France and getting them in – Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger, who had previously coached in France with Nancy and Monaco, brought major attention to French and French-based talents and products of the French league as a whole, signing a bunch of unknown players who would go on to star in the Premier League.
It was he who led the way in the hunt for international talents, something which ultimately played a major role in the explosion of the Premier League.
Even though Chelsea would go on to be the first English team to name a fully foreign XI in 1999, Wenger would become the first to name an entire matchday squad of foreign players in 2005.
That matchday squad included Pascal Cygan (signed from Lille), Gael Clichy (signed from Cannes), Robert Pires (signed from Marseille), Patrick Vieira (signed from Milan having played only five games, on the evidence of what he had done at Cannes), Thierry Henry (signed from Juventus, but whom he had coached at Monaco) and Mathieu Flamini (signed from Marseille).
Ligue 1 Products
Wenger’s success rate with French league products inspired others to start looking that way, leading to more attention on the French market and the gems in the league.
No matter how often you go there to shop, there is always a budding star waiting. No top 5 league gives more opportunities to teenagers than the French league.
This means that top talents are tested early and given enough opportunities to develop away from the pressure of a league like the Premier League, making their mistakes and improving without the kind of overwhelming scrutiny that can break youngsters.
By the time bigger clubs come calling, these players are often refined and ready to be thrown into the pressure cooker.
Wenger’s knowledge of the French market ultimately delivered Arsenal’s greatest ever player, a player widely regarded as the English Premier League’s greatest player as well. Although he had spent 7 months at Juventus, he was already a player Wenger knew very well at Monaco.
In fact, Wenger had given him his senior debut. Nicolas Anelka was another player who arrived at Arsenal courtesy of Wenger’s knowledge of the French market, in 1997. Aged just 17, he was a relative unknown to Premier League fans.
He would go on to become a starter later, scoring 17 league goals in the 98/99 campaign in which he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He forced a move to Real Madrid that summer, however.
Years later, after many more transfers from the French market started to happen, Real Madrid discovered an unknown gem in the French market courtesy of Zinedine Zidane.
The teenager, Raphael Varane, would go on to star for the club, becoming one of the most successful players in history and one of France’s greatest players. He retired with a world cup triumph and four Champions League titles. Real Madrid’s latest signing from the French market didn’t come as an unknown, although they had first spotted him as one.
Once again, it was Zidane who brought the club’s attention to the then 14-year old Kylian Mbappe who joined Monaco instead. Mbappe would go on to star for France, alongside Varane, as they won their second World Cup, eventually becoming a global superstar and a Galactico in his own right.
Meanwhile, Arsenal took a leaf out of Wenger’s book, raiding the French market for relatively unknown French centre-back, William Saliba, nicknamed ‘the Mbappe of defenders’. Interestingly, Saliba was coached by Mbappe’s father as a child.
Despite a difficult first couple of years, Saliba has now established himself as arguably the best defender in the Premier League. Manchester United sought to replicate that when they beat Real Madrid to the signing of Lenny Yoro from Lille during the summer transfer window.
The 18-year old is yet to play a competitive game for the club, having picked up an injury in preseason. Many who saw him at Lille already expect him to become a superstar and one of the greatest of his generation.
The Next Set
If you are a bet guru or just generally experienced with online sports betting, then you must already know that one of the most underrated markets to stake on is transfers. Every transfer window, there are speculations.
With the attention the French market has been getting in recent years, especially because of the sheer volume of top players coming from it yearly, there is more to come. Clubs are already queuing up to find the next gems from that market that will turn out to be great investments, perhaps reaching and even surpassing the heights of the Henrys, Varanes and Mbappes.
If you're looking for free betting tips on key gems to watch from the French league, we have you covered. Whether you are aiming to make an informed football prediction on upcoming transfers or seeking to rake in profits, this is for you.
Here are 10 gems from the French League that could be joining new clubs in January or in the summer:
● Keito Nakamura - Reims
The 24-year old joined Reims last year after lighting up the Austrian League. Despite a quiet first season, he showed flashes of brilliance. Any Ligue 1 aficionado who followed his progress could see the imminent explosion. It is finally happening this season. In just 7 games, Nakamura has already equalled his goal tally from last season.
A very direct player, his chemistry with compatriot Junya Ito and African Champion Oumar Diakite is starting to look irresistible. For Japan, he has scored 8 goals in 11 games, since making his debut in 2023. He looks set for a whirlwind season that will definitely catch the eye of ambitious clubs across the top 5 leagues.
Years later, after many more transfers from the French market started to happen, Real Madrid discovered an unknown gem in the French market courtesy of Zinedine Zidane.
The teenager, Raphael Varane, would go on to star for the club, becoming one of the most successful players in history and one of France’s greatest players. He retired with a world cup triumph and four Champions League titles. Real Madrid’s latest signing from the French market didn’t come as an unknown, although they had first spotted him as one.
Once again, it was Zidane who brought the club’s attention to the then 14-year old Kylian Mbappe who joined Monaco instead. Mbappe would go on to star for France, alongside Varane, as they won their second World Cup, eventually becoming a global superstar and a Galactico in his own right.
Meanwhile, Arsenal took a leaf out of Wenger’s book, raiding the French market for relatively unknown French centre-back, William Saliba, nicknamed ‘the Mbappe of defenders’. Interestingly, Saliba was coached by Mbappe’s father as a child.
Despite a difficult first couple of years, Saliba has now established himself as arguably the best defender in the Premier League. Manchester United sought to replicate that when they beat Real Madrid to the signing of Lenny Yoro from Lille during the summer transfer window.
The 18-year old is yet to play a competitive game for the club, having picked up an injury in preseason. Many who saw him at Lille already expect him to become a superstar and one of the greatest of his generation.
The Next Set
If you are a bet guru or just generally experienced with online sports betting, then you must already know that one of the most underrated markets to stake on is transfers. Every transfer window, there are speculations.
With the attention the French market has been getting in recent years, especially because of the sheer volume of top players coming from it yearly, there is more to come. Clubs are already queuing up to find the next gems from that market that will turn out to be great investments, perhaps reaching and even surpassing the heights of the Henrys, Varanes and Mbappes.
If you're looking for free betting tips on key gems to watch from the French league, we have you covered. Whether you are aiming to make an informed football prediction on upcoming transfers or seeking to rake in profits, this is for you.
Here are 10 gems from the French League that could be joining new clubs in January or in the summer:
● Keito Nakamura - Reims
The 24-year old joined Reims last year after lighting up the Austrian League. Despite a quiet first season, he showed flashes of brilliance. Any Ligue 1 aficionado who followed his progress could see the imminent explosion. It is finally happening this season. In just 7 games, Nakamura has already equalled his goal tally from last season.
A very direct player, his chemistry with compatriot Junya Ito and African Champion Oumar Diakite is starting to look irresistible. For Japan, he has scored 8 goals in 11 games, since making his debut in 2023. He looks set for a whirlwind season that will definitely catch the eye of ambitious clubs across the top 5 leagues.
● Bet on Keito Nakamura to score Over 20 Goals in Ligue 1
@15.0
● Rayan Cherki - Lyon
Rayan Cherki’s talents are widely known, but there have been doubts about intangibles, with talk of his work ethic not being good enough and some perceived nonchalance putting many off. Still, the only reason that talk exists is because of Lyon’s inconsistent form and the toxicity that resides in the club.
Cherki has begun the season playing like someone with a point to prove, putting in a string of incredible performances so far. The 21-year old finally looks like he is settled and ready to take down all the challenges before him, lighting up France while putting the whole of Europe on notice.
You can rest assured that the big clubs will be back, and a transfer will almost certainly happen. Before that, Cherki could yet lead Lyon to an unlikely title challenge, a first in years. He certainly has it in him to shake up the league, especially considering the level he is operating at currently. If Burak Yilmaz could, why not Cherki?
● Rayan Cherki - Lyon
Rayan Cherki’s talents are widely known, but there have been doubts about intangibles, with talk of his work ethic not being good enough and some perceived nonchalance putting many off. Still, the only reason that talk exists is because of Lyon’s inconsistent form and the toxicity that resides in the club.
Cherki has begun the season playing like someone with a point to prove, putting in a string of incredible performances so far. The 21-year old finally looks like he is settled and ready to take down all the challenges before him, lighting up France while putting the whole of Europe on notice.
You can rest assured that the big clubs will be back, and a transfer will almost certainly happen. Before that, Cherki could yet lead Lyon to an unlikely title challenge, a first in years. He certainly has it in him to shake up the league, especially considering the level he is operating at currently. If Burak Yilmaz could, why not Cherki?
● Bet on Lyon to win Ligue 1
@15.00
● Edon Zhegrova - Lille
There hasn’t been a more exciting player in a Lille jersey than Edon Zhegrova since Eden Hazard announced that he was signing for Chelsea in 2012. Zhegrova embodies everything Hazard was while in France; a fearless dribbler and ball-career capable of making magic happen every single time he touches the ball.
At 25, he isn’t exactly a youngster but it is also what makes a transfer within the next year almost inevitable. While many bemoan the dearth of wingers in the mould of Hazard and Zhegrova, many clubs are heavily searching for the rare ones still out there.
Zhegrova is not raw or lacking fundamentals. In fact, his prime starts now. With Lille in the UEFA Champions League, many will finally get to see him light up a grand stage.
He seems to have finally added goals to his game, and he has already scored 6 in 10 games so far. With 3 goals in Ligue 1 so far, just 3 off the top scorer, he could well compete for the Golden Boot.
● Edon Zhegrova - Lille
There hasn’t been a more exciting player in a Lille jersey than Edon Zhegrova since Eden Hazard announced that he was signing for Chelsea in 2012. Zhegrova embodies everything Hazard was while in France; a fearless dribbler and ball-career capable of making magic happen every single time he touches the ball.
At 25, he isn’t exactly a youngster but it is also what makes a transfer within the next year almost inevitable. While many bemoan the dearth of wingers in the mould of Hazard and Zhegrova, many clubs are heavily searching for the rare ones still out there.
Zhegrova is not raw or lacking fundamentals. In fact, his prime starts now. With Lille in the UEFA Champions League, many will finally get to see him light up a grand stage.
He seems to have finally added goals to his game, and he has already scored 6 in 10 games so far. With 3 goals in Ligue 1 so far, just 3 off the top scorer, he could well compete for the Golden Boot.
● Bet on Zhegrova to win the Golden Boot
@25.00
● Tiago Santos - Lille
When Lille defeated reigning European Champions Real Madrid, one name that was on everyone’s lips was Tiago Santos’. Many could not believe his unbelievable showing in the game, wondering where such a talent had been hiding all along.
Yet, fans of French football were not surprised in the slightest. The 22-year old is exactly what the ideal modern fullback looks like; exceptional in possession, relentless, a solid dribbler and an excellent defender.
Since last season, Santos has been averaging over 60% of ground duels won while completing 60% of his dribbles. At a time when more clubs are embracing data, it is impossible for him to remain under the radar. Expect a big move for him within the next year. It is inevitable.
● Lamine Camara - Monaco
Lamine Camara is Ligue 1’s best kept secret, at least for those who either aren’t familiar with the French league and then missed AFCON 2023. The 20-year old was already Player of the Tournament at the U-20 Africa of Nations, but he took his excellence into the Senegalese senior national team at the main event.
A sublime showing added more hype, but it is his move to Monaco this summer from Metz that has taken his stock further higher. He has already started the season well and is increasingly looking like the next great midfielder in football.
With Monaco in the title race, he could play a major role in landing them their first title since 2017.
● Tiago Santos - Lille
When Lille defeated reigning European Champions Real Madrid, one name that was on everyone’s lips was Tiago Santos’. Many could not believe his unbelievable showing in the game, wondering where such a talent had been hiding all along.
Yet, fans of French football were not surprised in the slightest. The 22-year old is exactly what the ideal modern fullback looks like; exceptional in possession, relentless, a solid dribbler and an excellent defender.
Since last season, Santos has been averaging over 60% of ground duels won while completing 60% of his dribbles. At a time when more clubs are embracing data, it is impossible for him to remain under the radar. Expect a big move for him within the next year. It is inevitable.
● Lamine Camara - Monaco
Lamine Camara is Ligue 1’s best kept secret, at least for those who either aren’t familiar with the French league and then missed AFCON 2023. The 20-year old was already Player of the Tournament at the U-20 Africa of Nations, but he took his excellence into the Senegalese senior national team at the main event.
A sublime showing added more hype, but it is his move to Monaco this summer from Metz that has taken his stock further higher. He has already started the season well and is increasingly looking like the next great midfielder in football.
With Monaco in the title race, he could play a major role in landing them their first title since 2017.
● Bet on Monaco to win Ligue 1
@4.00
● Lucas Chevalier - Lille
Didier Deschamps has stated that he is close to calling up the 22-year old Chevalier, and it is not hard to see why.
His form since becoming Lille’s number one has been impeccable. Many are already touting him as a future France number one, the successor to Mike Maignan.
In the Champions League against Real Madrid, he showed that he can handle pressure and that all the hype is justified. On the night, he kept a clean sheet against their lethal attack, thwarting all their attempts. In Ligue 1, only Brice Samba has kept more clean sheets so far.
Any top clubs looking for a goalkeeper by next summer will certainly be in for him, especially if he keeps this up.
● Lucas Chevalier - Lille
Didier Deschamps has stated that he is close to calling up the 22-year old Chevalier, and it is not hard to see why.
His form since becoming Lille’s number one has been impeccable. Many are already touting him as a future France number one, the successor to Mike Maignan.
In the Champions League against Real Madrid, he showed that he can handle pressure and that all the hype is justified. On the night, he kept a clean sheet against their lethal attack, thwarting all their attempts. In Ligue 1, only Brice Samba has kept more clean sheets so far.
Any top clubs looking for a goalkeeper by next summer will certainly be in for him, especially if he keeps this up.
● Bet on Chevalier to keep the most clean sheets in Ligue 1
@3.00
● Eliesse Ben Seghir - Monaco
Not many players have had dream debuts that rival Ben Seghir’s. Coming on at halftime against Auxerre aged just 17, with the score at 1-1, he scored to give them a 2-1 lead.
Auxerre equalised 10 minutes after but he was not done. In the 85th minute, he produced a moment of pure magic, picking up the ball out wide before driving centrally and sending a sublime shot that won Monaco the game.
A star was born, at the club that produced Kylian Mbappe. The 19-year old has continued to progress steadily and has already featured multiple times for the Morocco national football team. His stocks continue to rise, and this season could see him fully catch the eye of Europe’s elite teams. He looks destined for the top.
● Oumar Diakite - Reims
Whenever Cote d’Ivoire ran into trouble at AFCON 2023, one player they turned to was 20-year Oumar Diakite. It was not mere coincidence. Diakite had shown that he had a lot to offer in his cameos, as his minutes increased.
It was he who ultimately scored the winning goal in the quarter finals against Mali, in the final minute of extra time, to drive his country forward. One thing that will have clubs chasing Diakite is his profile. How often do you see a powerful 182cm forward with pace, technique and the bravery to constantly take on players?
As he continues to develop steadily at a Reims team increasingly looking sensational, Diakite’s stocks will definitely continue to rise. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a club like Chelsea showed up for him. If he does good numbers this season, a transfer could happen next summer.
● Eliesse Ben Seghir - Monaco
Not many players have had dream debuts that rival Ben Seghir’s. Coming on at halftime against Auxerre aged just 17, with the score at 1-1, he scored to give them a 2-1 lead.
Auxerre equalised 10 minutes after but he was not done. In the 85th minute, he produced a moment of pure magic, picking up the ball out wide before driving centrally and sending a sublime shot that won Monaco the game.
A star was born, at the club that produced Kylian Mbappe. The 19-year old has continued to progress steadily and has already featured multiple times for the Morocco national football team. His stocks continue to rise, and this season could see him fully catch the eye of Europe’s elite teams. He looks destined for the top.
● Oumar Diakite - Reims
Whenever Cote d’Ivoire ran into trouble at AFCON 2023, one player they turned to was 20-year Oumar Diakite. It was not mere coincidence. Diakite had shown that he had a lot to offer in his cameos, as his minutes increased.
It was he who ultimately scored the winning goal in the quarter finals against Mali, in the final minute of extra time, to drive his country forward. One thing that will have clubs chasing Diakite is his profile. How often do you see a powerful 182cm forward with pace, technique and the bravery to constantly take on players?
As he continues to develop steadily at a Reims team increasingly looking sensational, Diakite’s stocks will definitely continue to rise. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a club like Chelsea showed up for him. If he does good numbers this season, a transfer could happen next summer.
● Bet on Oumar Diakite to score Over 15.5 goals in Ligue 1
@8.00
● Malick Fofana - Lyon
Lyon may have 99 problems, but constantly putting together squads of talented players is not one. As Bradley Barcola headed to Paris to light it up, they were in the market looking for more talents. Malick Fofana arrived months later and validated their decision to let Barcola go.
The 19-year old is still very much under the radar but it won’t be for long before many start looking his way. His talents certainly deserve the attention.
With Lyon looking like they are finally heading in the right direction, Fofana could be set to have the kind of season that forces the spotlight to find him. He has already started the season well, but there is still a lot of progression left. Within a year or two however, many more people will know his name.
● Johann Lepenant - Nantes (On loan from Lyon)
21-year old Lepenant was in Thierry Henry’s silver-medal winning team at the 2024 Olympics, and for good reason. The kid is quality. Lyon’s dysfunction getting in the way of his progression has not blinded people to his quality, and the loan move to Nantes was a great decision.
Already a starter there, the 21-year old is lighting things up and showing exactly why he is one of the most highly rated youngsters in France.
Consistent gametime in a settled environment like Nantes currently are, where he has greater responsibility and freedom to express himself, will speed up his development within the next year.
By summer, he will certainly attract a lot of attention. Keep an eye on this one.
Make smart money off BetKing’s Transfer Market Specials
Like Wenger, you can use your knowledge of the French market for great outcomes. There is no better place to tap into it and make cool profits than BetKing, the best betting site in Nigeria. We offer the opportunity to make money by staking on possible transfers.
Book a bet with our Transfer Market Specials and get the best odds anywhere, along with many other markets that you can explore. We also offer a bunch of tasty bonuses that you can enjoy, on the best betting app to cater to your online sports betting needs. Sign up now and take advantage of this often overlooked market.
● Malick Fofana - Lyon
Lyon may have 99 problems, but constantly putting together squads of talented players is not one. As Bradley Barcola headed to Paris to light it up, they were in the market looking for more talents. Malick Fofana arrived months later and validated their decision to let Barcola go.
The 19-year old is still very much under the radar but it won’t be for long before many start looking his way. His talents certainly deserve the attention.
With Lyon looking like they are finally heading in the right direction, Fofana could be set to have the kind of season that forces the spotlight to find him. He has already started the season well, but there is still a lot of progression left. Within a year or two however, many more people will know his name.
● Johann Lepenant - Nantes (On loan from Lyon)
21-year old Lepenant was in Thierry Henry’s silver-medal winning team at the 2024 Olympics, and for good reason. The kid is quality. Lyon’s dysfunction getting in the way of his progression has not blinded people to his quality, and the loan move to Nantes was a great decision.
Already a starter there, the 21-year old is lighting things up and showing exactly why he is one of the most highly rated youngsters in France.
Consistent gametime in a settled environment like Nantes currently are, where he has greater responsibility and freedom to express himself, will speed up his development within the next year.
By summer, he will certainly attract a lot of attention. Keep an eye on this one.
Make smart money off BetKing’s Transfer Market Specials
Like Wenger, you can use your knowledge of the French market for great outcomes. There is no better place to tap into it and make cool profits than BetKing, the best betting site in Nigeria. We offer the opportunity to make money by staking on possible transfers.
Book a bet with our Transfer Market Specials and get the best odds anywhere, along with many other markets that you can explore. We also offer a bunch of tasty bonuses that you can enjoy, on the best betting app to cater to your online sports betting needs. Sign up now and take advantage of this often overlooked market.