Ligue 1 may not have the blood and thunder of the Premier League or the superstars of La Liga but it is the perfect place to develop your talents. From the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini in the past to Samir Nasri and Juninho Pernambucano in the last few years, France is becoming the perfect breeding ground for fantastic creative and influential talent.
Last season Marvin Martin led Sochaux to a fantastic fifth place finish in the league; a superb eye for a pass and deadly right-foot led to the French international midfielder leading the league in 2010/11 with 19 assists. Assists have only been officially counted in Ligue 1 since the 2007-08 season and no one had come close to Martin’s fantastic tally, very rarely does one player exuberate such a hold over a team’s creativity.
This season so far there have been some excellent performances from the creative sparks in the league. With a mixture of classic #10’s and direct wingers, danger has come from all over the pitch. Four names have stood out and impressed, and while some have continued to add to their reputation, some are finally coming to the forefront.
NENE – Paris Saint Germain – 3 assists, 3.6 key passes
One of Ligue 1’s most exciting and talented midfielders, after a slow start the Brazilian is finally getting back to his best. Nene’s season started under the shadow of Javier Pastore but now the left-midfielder has grabbed the PSG reigns and isn’t looking back.
Last year he finished the season with nine assists and fourteen goals and it looks like this year could be even more productive. A partnership is developing with fellow winger Jeremy Menez and although Pastore and Kevin Gamiero have been poor recently the Nene/Menez partnership is starting to blossom.
With coach Antoine Kombouare changing from 4-4-2 last season to 4-2-3-1 this year, the extra man in the midfield gives Nene the option to drift inside, causing defences even more problems. Now if PSG could just get Pastore and Gameiro to click into the quartet, they would be devastating.
JULIEN FERET – Rennes – 3 assists – 2.7 key passes
Julien Feret is without a doubt one of the most stylish and graceful midfielders in France. After impressing for Stade de Reims in Ligue 2 it was Nancy who brought Feret to Ligue 1. After 120 games and 21 goals for ASNL, Frederic Antonetti added much needed creativity to his Rennes side and the 29-year old has slipped into his midfield seamlessly.
Deadly with both feet and with amazing balance and ability, he is a joy to behold. Feret plays his best when in-behind the striker but can easily shift to the wings, where his excellent delivery and deadly crosses have helped him to three assists so far this season.
When Feret plays well it seems that Les Rouges et Noir take his cue and an excellent performance follows. Highlights this season include a wonderful slalomed run through Evian’s defence before placing the ball past Stephen Andersen. It seems a shame that at 29, we are only seeing the best of Feret late in his career.
JAROSLAV PLASIL – Bordeaux – 3 assists – 2.4 key passes
During the summer there were rumours of Plasil making a move to champions Lille. If the midfielder had been up for a move it’s clear that the northerners wouldn’t have been the only club interested. Last season the Czech finished with 12 assists and 4 goals and quickly became Bordeaux’s most influential player.
This season started slowly for Plasil, the poor start was brought about by new coach Francis Gillot’s indecision and constant changing of Bordeaux’s formation. Recently Gillot has decided to stick to 4-4-2 and beside the defensive presence of Landry N’Guemo, the creative midfielder has begun to flourish this season.
Plasil’s left foot is one of the most cultured in France. This weekend in Bordeaux’s 2-0 win over Nancy it was Plasil that picked up the man of the match award and also provided both a goal and an assist. It seems that if Bordeaux’s season is to improve, the form of Plasil is critical.
YANN JOUFFRE – Lorient – 5 assists – 1.4 key passes
Easily one of the most improved players in Ligue 1 this season. After the departure of Morgan Amalfitano to Marseille, the 27-year-old has stepped up and since the first game of the season he has been consistently impressive. Jouffre really impressed in Lorient’s opening day win at the Parc des Princes as PSG struggled to control Jouffre down the right hand side.
In comparison, the midfielder only started five games last season so no one predicted his blossoming form. His direct style, excellent pace and wonderful left foot has led to Lorient playing some of the best football in France and once again, mercurial coach Christian Gourcuff seems to have unearthed another gem.
Two assists in a Man of the Match performance against Nancy, combined with one of this season’s best goals against Ajaccio, he may have started the season as an unknown quantity, but if his performances continue there is no doubt Jouffre’s name will be up in lights soon enough.
