Ligue 1 2016/17: Top 10 players of the season
After nearly 10 months of competition, the season is finally in its business end. The course of the next handful of weeks will determine the outcome of a year’s worth of work for Europe’s top sides.
Much of the attention will, of course, be focused on the team prizes, but it is that time of the year when individuals are recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout the campaign.
The nominations for the outstanding Ligue 1 players were made on Thursday, with two Paris Saint-Germain stars, one from Lyon and, surprisingly, just one from league leaders Monaco up for the gong.
From PSG, top scorer Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti represent the capital side, while Alexandre Lacazette is once again Lyon’s candidate. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva got the nod from Monaco.
It is a vote that necessarily has caused a great deal of discussion. For scorers like Cavani and Lacazette, it is easy to win the headlines, but that does not necessarily bring their sides more value than some more understated performers.
Meanwhile, big names inevitably attract a greater share of the vote, even if their performances have dipped below their usual high standards.
Here is a list of the top ten players in Le Championnat this term…
#10 Yoan Cardinale (Nice)
Outrageously overlooked for a nomination to the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, the goalkeeper may not be the most fashionable face in France’s top flight, but he has been one of the most dependable. He did not even start the season as the first choice for his club, but he has developed into a very solid shot-stopper.
Perhaps his best performance of the season came in the 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the end of April, when he made numerous fine saves, doing so with apparent comfort. Playing behind such an open team is no easy challenge, but Cardinale has risen to it.
#9 Benjamin Mendy (Monaco)
Mendy joined Monaco in the summer from Marseille and has comfortably exceeded expectations. He has formed a terrific tandem with Djibril Sidibe, who plays on the opposite flank, with both incredibly willing to push forward and create for others. It has meant that their side have been open at times, but it makes for thrilling football.
There is perhaps no better crosser from open play in the game today than the former Marseille left-back, who has created five goals for his team-mates this season.