1) AS Monaco: 1st in Ligue 1
Trending
Most of France rejoiced as one as the hegemony in Ligue 1 was put to an end following the rise of two clubs to challenge Paris Saint-Germain. Nice was on, AS Monaco were the other.
No longer funded by a cash-rich owner, Monaco had to change tack to fall in line with their curtailed spending and Leonardo Jardim was the chosen one to enforce the new philosophy at the club. He needed to build a team without loosening the purse strings and he succeeded – and then some. While Radamel Falcao has regained his goalscoring touch following two nightmarish seasons in the Premier League, it is the supporting cast that requires special attention.
At the back is summer signing Benjamin Mendy (22) who was bought from Marseille. His crossing and dribbling have been instrumental while Tiemoue Bakayoko (22) in a central position has given the team some steel in midfield where he averaged over three interceptions a game in the Champions League this season.
His role has been key to liberating Fabinho (23) in attack and the Brazilian has nine goals and four assists in the league and Europe this season as a result. Thomas Lemar (21) and Bernardo Silva (22) have also been exciting to watch on either flank supporting the two midfielders and the forwards up front with their pace and attacking instincts. Silva has also occasionally played in Joao Moutinho’s role behind the striker.
Finally, up front is the toast of Europe at the moment – Kylian Mbappe (18). The teenager has the world at his feet with 23 goals in all competitions so far. While every other French forward with pace has been compared to Thierry Henry in the past, Mbappe could be the real deal and even resembles the Arsenal and France legend who tore defences apart with his electric pace.
Monaco have been in top spot ever since Ligue 1 resumed after the winter break. PSG are tied with the side from the principality on 80 points but Jardim’s side still has a game in hand. What’s more, they are in the semi-finals of the Champions League and Coupe de France. Is a treble on the cards?
