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Ligue 1 is often considered the least competitive among the top five leagues in Europe. That is primarily due to PSG's dominance in the last decade in a world where fans are more accustomed to competitive leagues like the Premier League.
The French top flight has an abundance of world-class players. While Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe have been ruling Ligue 1 for a few years, Lionel Messi joined the ranks in the French capital last summer.
Ligue 1 is home to several young superstars
Along with the big names, several talented prodigies earn their bread in the French top flight. Aurelien Tchouameni, Jonathan David and Sven Botman are touted as the nest 'big things' in their respective positions.
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On that note, here's a look at the ten most valuable players in the French top flight according to CIES, as of January 2022:
#10 Nuno Mendes - €41.9 million
Nuno Mendes is part of a host of new signings made by Mauricio Pochettino at PSG. One glaring area where PSG had to improve was left-back. In his short stay at the Parc des Princes, Mendes has proven to be an exciting option.
The 19-year-old is nowhere close to being among the ten best Ligue 1 players at the moment. However, given his age and potential, it makes sense why he features on this list.
The Portuguese youngster has been a regular in the left side of defence for the French league leaders. Mendes has contributed an assist in 12 league games. While he might not be as attacking as his teammate Achraf Hakimi, Mendes is one to watch out for.
#9 Lionel Messi - €42.5 million
Lionel Messi's transfer to PSG last summer broke the internet. The Argentine magician left his beloved Barcelona after two decades, and got united with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to form an unrivalled front three in Europe. However, he has struggled to get going in the French capital.
Given his age, the 2021 Copa America winner's market value is slightly on the lower side. Moreover, he has 18 months left on his contract with the Parisians, which could further diminish his transfer value, if his underwhelming returns continue.
'La Pulga' won an unprecedented seventh Ballon d'Or award last year. PSG are still chasing their first Champions League title this season. Many believe Messi could soon lead them to a continental title.
Messi has scored five times in as many games for his new club in the competition. However, he has massively underwhelmed in Ligue 1, scoring once in 11 games.
#8 Sofiane Diop - €46.7 million
Sofiane Diop is one of the most promising Ligue 1 midfielders. The Frenchman has represented his national team at youth level for the last four years. Despite the competition he will face to break into the senior team, Diop should earn his first cap pretty soon.
The Monaco youngster is the most valuable players at his club. That is largely due to his age and the length of his current contract. The 21-year-old is valued higher than his fellow teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.
Diop is capable of contributing with goals from midfield. He has netted thrice in nine appearances in the 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign. In five games for the French U21 side, the pacey midfielder has bagged three goals.
#7 Lucas Paqueta - €55 million
Lucas Paqueta is valued at over €50 million. The Brazilian attacking midfielder swapped AC Milan for Lyon before the 2020-21 campaign. He has transformed his attacking gameplay since joining the seven-time Ligue 1 winners.
During his time with the Italian giants, Paqueta scored just one league goal in 37 games. In contrast, he already has 16 strikes under his belt in 48 appearances for Lyon. That has helped him earn him a place in the Brazilian squad.
The 24-year-old was one of the best players in Ligue 1 last season. He has been even more efficient this campaign, scoring seven goals so far. His exploits more than merit his current valuation estimated by CIES.
#6 Neymar Jr - €56.1 million
Many fans would be surprised to see Neymar Jr so low on this list. That is largely down to his age and inconsistency. In the last few years, Neymar’s teammate Kylian Mbappe has been far more prolific than the Brazilian.
Neymar is often out with minor injuries. His importance to the team has slowly but surely decreased over the years. Since arriving at the club in the summer of 2017 on a world-record €222 million transfer, Neymar has played only 80 league games, scoring 59 times.
One wouldn’t even consider him the most prominent Brazilian player at the club anymore, given Marquinhos’ growing significance.
With a newer generation of superstars coming through, Neymar has to try and make the most of his prime years. Considering PSG spent €222 million to sign the 29-year-old to win the Champions League, the investment hasn’t been fruitful so far.
#5 Marquinhos - €60.9 million
PSG have certainly reaped massive dividends from the €31.4 million they shelled out for the services of Marquinhos. At the club for nearly nine years now, Marquinhos has turned into one of the best players in his position across Europe.
The Brazilian centre-back is quite versatile and can be deployed at right-back or in defensive midfield. The former Roma defender has become a leader at the back since Thiago Silva moved to Chelsea on a Bosman deal.
Marquinhos is virtually an ever-present for PSG. Not only is he the best Ligue 1 defender, but he also chips in with key goals. In over 200 games in the competition, he has scored 20 times, including thrice this campaign. PSG’s defensive frailties are often overlooked due to Marquinhos covering up for the mistakes of his defensive colleagues.
#4 Jonathan David - €61 million
Jonathan David has been on fire in Ligue 1 in the last 12 months. The 22-year-old marksman has continued in the same vein after an impressive first season at the French club. After scoring 13 times in 2020-21, he is already up to 12 goals this season.
The Brooklyn-born player is the highest valuable non-PSG player in Ligue 1 at the moment. Along with Alphonso Davies, he is one of the most gifted Canadian players in a long time. The 5’ 11” forward has scored an impressive 18 goals in just 24 games for Canada.
The defending Ligue 1 champions have struggled with defence this season, and are currently languishing in tenth place in the league standings. However, given the potential David possesses, it is no surprise that top European clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal are eyeing his signature.
#3 Kylian Mbappe - €71.5 million
Just like Messi and Neymar’s positions in this list, the one occupied by Kylian Mbappe is also surprising. Apart from Erling Haaland, it is difficult to find a striker with as much potential as the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Mbappe’s transfer value would suggest otherwise. However, that is only due to the 23-year-old’s contract situation. The Ligue 1 star’s tenure at PSG ends in the summer, and he has only a few months left. Hence, his market value, according to CIES, is only €71.5 million.
He has scored ten goals and claimed eight assists in the ongoing term. Overall, the four-time Ligue 1 winner has bagged 117 goals and 59 assists in the competition.
It goes without saying that Mbappe has been PSG’s best player this season. Touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner, Mbappe, considering his contract situation, is keeping many top clubs interested.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma - €82 million
Gianluigi Donnarumma agreed terms with PSG in June 2021. A month later, he played a key role in his nation’s second European Championship triumph. His heroic displays, especially in the penalty shootouts, helped him earn the Player of the Tournament award.
Donnarumma was brilliant for AC Milan, and was dubbed the heir to Gianluigi Buffon in the national team. The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined PSG to take his career to the next level, as he wished to compete at the highest level in the Champions League.
Despite his young years, Donnarumma is already seen as one of the most secure shot-stoppers in the world. Last year, he was awarded the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best performing goalkeeper. In nine league games for his new team, the Italian has kept four clean sheets.
#1 Achraf Hakimi - €108.2 million
Achraf Hakimi is currently the most valuable Ligue 1 player, and by some distance. Valued at over €100 million by CIES, he is worth more than Neymar and Messi combined. Just like Donnarumma, Hakimi arrived at PSG from San Siro last summer.
The flying full-back enjoyed a fine start to his PSG career. The 23-year-old has racked up three goals and as many assists in 18 Ligue 1 games this season. Like his teammates Marquinhos and Mendes, Hakimi has been a regular in PSG’s defence.
The Moroccan is among the best right-backs in the world. In 2021, he was massively impressive for both Inter and PSG. The Moroccan international helped the Italian club win the Scudetto before earning a €60 million move to Paris.
