Ranking the 5 best players in Ligue 1 this year (2021)

#3 Sven Botman (Lille)

AFC Ajax v Lille OSC - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two

Young Dutch centre-back Sven Botsman was one of the heroes of Lille's Ligue 1 triumph in the 2020-21 season. The 21-year-old started 37 of the 38 league games last term and played a massive role in Lille keeping the best defensive record in the league.

At 193 cms tall, Botman is quite dominant in aerial duels. He is also pretty good with the ball at his feet and his distribution skills have helped Lille play out from the back to great effect. His focus and calmness belie his age and he is not one to rush into a reckless tackle.

Botman garnered a lot of attention during the summer but he eventually ended up staying at Lille. The Ligue 1 outfit have not been able to replicate their heroics from last season in the ongoing campaign. But thanks to his monstrous performances from last term, Botman deserves a place on this list.

#2 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Marquinhos has been one of Paris Saint-Germain's most important players in recent years. The Brazilian international is a well-rounded footballer. Primarily a centre-back, Marquinhos can play in midfield too if the need arises thanks to his excellent technical qualities.

The PSG captain is also a threat from set-pieces thanks to aerial ability. The 27-year-old is not the tallest centre-back around. He stands at 183 cms but he is still excellent at aerial duels thanks to his incredible leap.

Marquinhos scored three goals in the league last season and has already matched that tally in the ongoing campaign. He does a great job at recycling possession from deep and is also known for playing some wonderful line breaking passes.

He is arguably the best defender in the French top-flight and it will be interesting to see how well he fares alongside Sergio Ramos.

#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Kylian Mbappe has been the best player in Ligue 1 in 2021 by a country mile. The Frenchman was chosen as Ligue 1 Player of the Year after the 2020-21 season. He is well on course to be a top contender this term as well.

The Frenchman has been in wonderful form in the ongoing season. He has already scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 17 Ligue 1 appearances so far. Mbappe's blistering pace, trickery and expert finishing have made him one of the best attackers in the world.

The 22-year-old scored 27 goals and provided seven assists in 31 Ligue 1 appearances in the 2020-21 season. Mbappe is one of the best dribblers on the planet. His aerial ability is an underrated part of his game and is a constant menace in the final third and a nightmare to defend against.