Hello guys, over the next days we shall be publishing our team of the year in the top five European leagues just as we preview FESIG weekly till the suspension of football due to the pandemic the world is battling. We don’t know when all this would be over but if this season were to end today, who would have made your team of the year in these leagues.
I didn’t come up with this teams alone; a seasoned sports event consultant and pundit on Radio and Television – Adeyemi Adesanya is the brain behind all of it. You can follow him on Twitter @yemiTM442.
We begin in France like we do. The team is set up in a 3-4-3 system.
Goalkeeper – Predrag Rajković. The 24-year-old Serbian international plays for Stade de Reims. He is the one of the reasons David Guion’s team were overperforming in the league sitting fifth on the log and chasing a European spot. Rajković has played 27 times in the Ligue 1 this season, conceding just 18 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.
Defense, Left – Jordan Amavi. Jordan operates on the left-hand side of defense primarily as a left full back or wing back but he has improved on his game and can fill in in a three-man defense. His exceptional work rate and skill has made him an indispensable player for Olympique Marseille. He has made 26 starts and scored once in the league.
Defense, Centre – Gabriel Magalhães. After a rather shaky start to the season, Lillle have rediscovered themselves since the turn of the year putting in solid performances and the platform to which Christopher Gatlier’s men have done this is down to this Brazilian. His composure, organization and leadership have been so good that Carlo Ancelotti has convinced Everton to pay £30m for his services for next season.
Defense, Right – Marquinhos. Does he need an introduction? This is another Brazilian defender but he plies his trade for the rich and powerful capital club – PSG. For all the attacking talent in Thomas Tuchel armoury, Marquinhos exceptional qualities is why Les Parisiens have found the right balance between attack and defense. His versatility means he can slot any where at the back and operate as a defensive midfielder. In addition to his primary role of preventing opposition from scoring, he has chipped in three in the league as well as one assist.
Left Midfield – Angel Di Maria. The experienced and well decorated Di Maria is Ligue 1’s top assist provider for the season with 14 and he has chipped in eight league goals as well. DiMa continues to produce the goods for PSG and has consistently found a way to ensure Thomas Tuchel cannot leave him out of the starting XI.
Right Midfield – Eduardo Camavinga. It’s not everyday you get to see a 17-year-old teenager being courted by some of the biggest European clubs. The Stade Rennes midfielder steady performances has seen become an important part of Julien Stéphan plans. He has made 36 first team appearances this season scoring once and providing two assists from midfield.
Central Midfield – Téji Savanier. His appearances might be limited but that hasn’t stopped his influence for Montpellier HSC. Téji joined La Paillade last summer from Nîmes Olympique having shown his ability as a goal-scoring midfielder. He has scored six in Ligue 1 this campaign as well as providing two assists. He is a midfield general who outshone his contemporaries in Ligue 2 and now doing same in the top division in France since last season.
Central Midfield – Dimitri Payet. His career can be likened to the cat with nine lives; Dimitri has always found a way to roar back after every set back in his career. Under André Villas -Boas, Payet is looking like he is back to his best as he approaches his 33rd birthday. The title is out of reach for OM but Les Phocéens look good for the runners up position and Payet’s contribution has been significant.
Left Attack – Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian international has been one of the revelations of the season in France. Osimhen has taken the league by surprise with his qualities and finishing prowess, to see him line up against household names in the top-scorers chart. 13 Ligue 1 goals and five assist sees Victor take his place in the left side of our attacking trio.
Right Attack – Kylian Mbappé. The 21-year-old World Cup winner is one of the best if not the best player in the division. He is currently the league’s top scorer with 18 Ligue 1 goals in just 20 appearances. In a star-studded team like PSG, Kylian continues to show the world why he is highly sought after by Real Madrid and other big European clubs. His contribution to his team goes beyond just goals, he creates as well with seven assists. It is impossible to leave out such a talent so he takes his place on the right-hand side of attack.
Centre Forward – Wissam Ben Yedder. The Monaco striker completes the attack as he rightly deserves his place as he shares top scoring position in the league with his compatriot Mbappé. The former Sevilla striker joined Monaco this season and has taken over the scoring responsibilities for the Monégasques after Radamel Falcao left. His intelligent runs and awareness in the box are the reasons he beats the likes of Moussa Dembele and Mauro Icardi for the central attack role.
Entraîneur – André Villas-Boas. The 42-year-old manager is the one to lead this team; AVB’s return to football after trying his hands in Motorsport was seen as many as a risky move taken by Olympique Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud. He has transformed his team into a genuine Champions League contender even if the title is out of reach. His good work has not gone unnoticed that’s why we believe he is the right man to coach this team.
This is our Ligue 1 team of the season so far. Feel free to disagree with Yemi and I, do not hesitate to use the comment section beneath to put in another player you feel deserves a place in the team.