5 reasons we are excited about Ligue 1 this year

Although France has had one of the finest national teams in the world for the last two decades, Ligue 1 has grown to become a division sneered upon by certain critics.Such criticism has often been unfair and has inevitably been excessive, as Le Championnat has proven the most prolific contributor of top-class talent in Europe.

There is barely a big club in Europe that does not have a first-team regular who has come through one of the French academies – and more often than not there are two or three in any one side.

Ligue 1 is no longer about producing young players, though. Significant investments have been made in the likes of Marseille and Lille over the course of the summer, while Nice pushed Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco all the way last summer.

After surprisingly losing their crown to Monaco, PSG have reinforced over the summer months, aiming not just to become kings of France, but Europe too. And this year promises to be another thrilling race to the Championship.

It has been many years since Le Championnat could be considered so exciting. Here are the best five reasons to watch Ligue 1 this season, though:

#5 Watch one of the world’s most influential coaches in action

Bielsa is back in action - this time with Lille

Bielsa has been hailed by Pep Guardiola as one of his major footballing influences, and while the Argentine does not have a trophy cabinet of any particular regard, he is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating modern-day coaches.

Something of a cult hero, Bielsa has thrived at clubs where money has been tight. Although Lille’s budget this year is hardly exorbitant compared to PSG, he has been allowed to build a team along with Gerard Lopez, the club’s new owner and a friend of Bielsa.

It seems a situation that is set up perfectly for the South American, who has become famed for his preference for a unique 3-3-1-3 formation, incredible pressing intensity and idiosyncratic approach on the training ground.

It’s early days yet, but on the evidence of the opening 3-0 victory over Nantes last weekend, this is a project that may just hit the French football by surprise. Lille were incredibly vibrant going forward, with a team boasting an average age of just 23 and the oldest player at just 26.

LOSC may not win the league, but there is little doubting they will be one of the most fun sides to watch in the whole of Europe.

#2 To get a glimpse of football’s future

Young talent has the potential to explode in Ligue 1 like it cannot do anywhere else. A comparative lack of finance compared to Europe’s biggest clubs means that team’s in France’s top flights have been forced to focus on their academies, and they have received rich rewards.

Kylian Mbappe, the 18-year-old striking sensation who broke through with Monaco last term, is simply the best example. He is now reckoned to be worth €180 million by his club but may not stay beyond the transfer deadline day.

He is just one of a huge number of youngsters to have broken through the ranks in recent times, with the likes of team-mate Thomas Lemar, PSG’s Adrien Rabiot and Alban Lafont at Toulouse all promising big careers after establishing themselves as regulars last season.

And Ligue 1 clubs are starting to retain this talent, too. Rennes, who produced Barcelona target Ousmane Dembele, now of Dortmund, managed to secure the signing of Ismaila Traore for €20 million from Metz, beating off Barcelona for the youngster, who felt he would stand a better chance of developing in France.

Such signs can only be positive.

#3 To see if Balotelli will continue his renaissance

One of the most compelling stories in Ligue 1 last season was the rise of Nice, who seriously pushed for the title until the last few weeks.

With his reputation for bizarre off-field antics, Italy international striker Mario Balotelli inevitably drew much of the media interest at the Allianz Riviera, yet it was with some disappointment the ex-Liverpool man seemed more mature and relaxed.

Of course, there was the occasional blow-up, such as his foolish dismissal against Lorient, but such was the success he enjoyed, he has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

If he can maintain the level of maturity he showed for much of last season and enjoy more luck with injuries, Balotelli has a legitimate shot at winning his place back in the Italy set up for the first time since World Cup 2014.

He will have some fine support on the south coast, too. Wesley Sneijder has signed a one-year deal to lend his experience to a side that hopes to reach the Champions League group stages for the first time, while Alassane Plea and Wylan Cyprien, top performers from last season, are back fit after long-term knee injuries.

If Lucien Favre’s attack-minded side, who love to play short passing out of their defence, can also keep Jean Michael Seri, they will be hopeful of another strong campaign.

#2 It’s Europe’s most competitive major league

Monaco and PSG resume their rivalry again this season

Paris Saint-Germain have a reputation for monopolising Ligue 1, but that could hardly be further from the truth. Although they had won four-titles in succession before they were unseated by Monaco last May, the French top flight is actually the most competitive in the whole of Europe.

Indeed, in the last 10 years, seven different teams have been French champions. None of Europe’s other major leagues can boast a record like it – in the history of La Liga, for example, there have only been nine winners in its near 90 years.

It was still a huge shock that PSG were beaten to the crown last season, but the manner in which Monaco achieved their title success was hugely impressive. For the defending champions, though, a summer of change means that they face an even bigger challenge to retain the title, even if they have managed to keep hold of Kylian Mbappe for now.

#1 To watch the world’s most expensive player

Neymar will be star to watch for PSG

Quite simply, Neymar is the reason that Ligue 1 can expect a great deal more media coverage in the weeks, months and years ahead.

The Brazil international striker became the world’s most expensive player earlier this month when he was bought by PSG for €222 million from Barcelona. Now it is expected that he will live up to this monumental billing.

Neymar is not only expected to lead PSG to their domestic crown, it is hoped that he can do likewise in Europe, where the capital side have failed to break the quarter-final barrier in each of the last four seasons.

Unai Emery will have a plethora of attacking options to select from this term, and nothing short of spectacular displays from the Parc des Princes outfit will do. Neymar will be the man leading the charge.