Ranking the 5 favorites to win the Ligue 1 Player of the Season Award (2021-22)

#3 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

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

This might look like a curious choice but we all know that form is temporary while class is permanent. Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has had a rather dull start to life in Ligue 1. But it looks like once he hits his stride, there will be no stopping him.

His numbers are quite low right now, with just one goal and three assists nine Ligue 1 appearances. But fans who have watched PSG play will know that it's not for a lack of trying. He has created 28 chances for PSG in just nine league appearances. The PSG frontline has just not been in great goalscoring form.

Messi has also hit the woodwork far too many times already this term. That's why we say that he will kick into gear soon. Messi endured a tough start to proceedings in the 2020-21 season as well. But he was unstoppable in the second half of the campaign. The 2021-22 season should be no different.

#2 Ludovic Ajorque (Strasbourg)

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Strasbourg are currently sixth in the Ligue 1 table and are just three points adrift of Marseille in third. The majority of the credit for that ought to go to their striker Ludovic Ajorque, who has been in sublime form in the 2021-22 season.

Standing at 197 cms, Ajorque is a physically dominant customer and his hold-up play is quite good. The left-footed striker is also excellent at timing his runs and has the ability to pop up in the right place at the right time.

The 27-year-oold has done a stellar job in attack for Strasbourg this term and has been one of the best players in the league. He has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

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

With so many of their high-profile stars failing to match expectations, PSG have had to once again rely on Kylian Mbappe to be the difference maker. The Frenchman has obliged and has been rather generous with his contributions up front.

Mbappe continues to torment defenders with his electric pace and mesmerizing dribbling ability. The French forward is excellent with the ball at his feet and his movement and link-up play have been great too.

Mbappe's overall playmaking has also improved quite a lot this season. He is currently the favorite to go on and win the Ligue 1 Player of the Season Award as things stand. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far this term.