Ranking the 5 best French players in the Premier League this season (2021-22)
Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been home to some of the best French superstars.
From the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry to N’Golo Kante and Hugo Lloris, many French World Cup winners have plied their trade in the Premier League.
Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was one of the first to acquire a ton of France internationals in the Premier League. During his stint at the Emirates, several player from the country plied their trade for the North London club.
Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Arsène Wenger on Premier League open top bus parade with @Stuart_PhotoAFC and Pat Rice in the background in 2004. https://t.co/sRARI7c9B5
Along with the usual suspects, many Premier League cult heroes have also been French. These include the likes of David Ginola, Hatem Ben Arfa, Dimitri Payet and Allan Saint-Maximin. Despite not having any notable international careers, the streets will never forget them.
Many members of France’s victorious 2018 World Cup-winning squad currently play in the Premier League. Some of them have been very impressive this season. On that note, here’s a look at the five fest French players in the English top flight this campaign:
#5 Odsonne Edouard
Odsonne Edouard was signed from Celtic for £14.67 million last summer. He set the league on fire, scoring a brace on his debut for Crystal Palace in their 3-0 win over Tottenham. He has netted twice in their last three games while also bagging a couple of assists.
Edouard hasn’t been as impressive as Connor Gallagher, but he has come up with some key goals. The Frenchman has scored five goals in the Premier League, second-most from his nation in the competition this season. Moreover, he has three assists too.
Tottenham
Goals - 2
Rating - 8.00
It was the joint-best rated sub appearance in a Premier League match this season!
🦅 Odsonne Edouard's @CPFC debut 🆚 Tottenham
⏱️ Mins played - 6
🏹 Shots - 2
⚽️ Goals - 2
📈 Rating - 8.00
💪 It was the joint-best rated sub appearance in a Premier League match this season! https://t.co/31lypVsnIQ
Crystal Palace haven’t been great this campaign under Patrick Vieira, who is in his first campaign in the English top flight. With a France legend like Vieira at the helm, Edouard will have no shortage of inspiration at Palace.
#4 Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier is the most promising French goalkeeper at the moment. The Leeds United shot-stopper has made 63 saves this season, ranking third for most saves in the Premier League. His compatriot Hugo Lloris, who captained France to glory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has made just 48 saves in comparison.
Meslier has been immense for Leeds. The Yorkshire-based club have shipped many goals, but Meslier’s heroics have limited the damage. Marcelo Bielsa’s side has relied heavily on their 21-year-old goalkeeper this season.
Illan Meslier has signed a new long-term contract with @LUFC! We've taken a look at his 20/21 @premierleague stats ahead of the season opener tomorrow!
📝Illan Meslier has signed a new long-term contract with @LUFC! We've taken a look at his 20/21 @premierleague stats ahead of the season opener tomorrow!
@Rossmetals1 #LUFC #MOT https://t.co/VcPHcZKvVU
The youngster has completed more passes than any other French player in the English top flight this season. That is noteworthy, as Meslier is a goalkeeper. However, it also shows how inconsistent French outfield players have been in the competition this campaign.