Ligue 1 is one of the best and most competitive leagues in Europe. The French top flight has showcased many exceptional players over the years. In particular, made great midfielders like Ronaldinho, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Payet have demonstrated their incredible skills in the French league. Today’s generation of midfielders are also great performers in their own right. In this article,, we will be profiling some of the best midfielders in the Ligue 1 2022.
1. Neymar Junior
The enigmatic Brazilian international didn’t feature in many games last season for Paris Saint Germain due to issues around injuries and fitness.
Despite this, the 30-year-old was still able to drop some quality performances in the 22 league games that he featured in.
Neymar scored 13 goals and contributed 6 assists to help his club win yet another Ligue 1 title.
The world-class attacking midfielder will be hoping for an injury-free season so he can have more opportunities to showcase his amazing talent.
2. Marco Verratti
The 29-year-old central midfielder didn’t have the best of campaigns last season due mostly to injuries.
In spite of his limited appearances, the Italian international was still able to feature 23 times in the league, scoring twice and assisting 1 time for his club PSG.
Verratti was able to help his club win another French Ligue 1 title and will be hoping for more silverware next season.
3. Benjamin Bourigeaud
Bourigeaud is a bit of a late bloomer who has only started coming into his own in recent years.
The 28-year-old had a fantastic season last term with Rennes. The attacking midfielder featured in all 38 games for his club scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists to earn them a 4th place finish.
Benjamin will most likely play in the UEFA Champions League this season, and it will be interesting to see if he can transfer his great form to the continental competition.
4. Martin Terrier
The French attacking midfielder was in excellent form for his side Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 last season. He was one the little-known players who impressed in the 2021/22 season.
The 25-year-old found the back of the net an incredible 21 times in 37 matches. Martin also contributed 4 assists to help his side finish 4th and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Terrier’s impressive displays last campaign have generated wide interest from various clubs, and it seems a matter of time before he moves to another club.
5. Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta is a 24-year-old attacking midfielder on the books of Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais.
The Brazilian is among the best and brightest young talents in the French top flight.
Last season Lucas was in impressive form for his side Lyon scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists in 34 league matches.
The Brazil international has been generating interest from various clubs in France and Europe, proving that is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the French League.
Should he decide to remain in France, there’s no doubt he could become one of the best in the league in no time.
Notable Mentions:
Other top midfielders in the French Ligue 1 are:
- Téji Savanier (Montpellier)
- Houssem Aouar (Lyon)
- Gerson (Marseille)
- Flavien Tait (Rennes)
- Florian Tardieu (Troyes)
- Benjamin André (Lille).
