Top 5 French players in this decade

Having been at the cusp of winning UEFA Euro 2016 and then going all the way at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, it is impossible to disagree that France's football team is currently one of the best in the world. Didier Deschamps has guided his team to great success in the past few years and many of his players have been brilliant at both the club and international level.

In the 2000s, players such as Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira stole the headlines and dominated French football. Moving forward, a new group of players have stepped up. The 2010s decade will be coming to an end this month and on that note, let us take a look at the creme de la creme of French players. Honourable mentions include Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Kylian Mbappe, all of whom have been brilliant for Les Bleus.

Also Read: Deschamps extends contract as head coach of France

#5 Franck Ribery

Despite announcing his international retirement in 2014, Franck Ribery remains one of the best French players in the decade. Known for his dribbling skills, Zidane once said that he will give the Ballon d'Or to his compatriot who has spent the majority of his career playing for Bayern Munich.

During his 12 years with the bavarian giants, Riber won over 20 trophies with the Bundesliga club and was involved in over 300 goals. He was also awarded the French Player of the Year award in 2013 after Die Bayern secured a historic treble that year.

The 36-year-old can be regarded as one of the most successful players in the world, having won almost every single competition at the club level. Additionally, he is extremely talented when it comes to passing and making cuts on the pitch.

Considering his achievements with Bayern, Ribery will definitely go down as one of the best players in the club's history.

Also check out: Premier League Table Champions League table La liga table 2019-20

#4 N'Golo Kante

Chelsea FC v Lille OSC: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Hampered by injuries this season, N'Golo Kante's playing time has been significantly reduced as compared to previous seasons. The defensive midfielder rose to stardom during Leicester City's title-winning campaign. His impressive and consistent performances earnt him many suitors from Premier League rivals before he decided to join Chelsea.

Following his move to Stamford Bridge, Kante lifted the Premier League trophy for the second consecutive season. This time, he did it with the Blues, led by Antonio Conte. The 28-year-old has often been regarded as one of the most hardworking and humble players on the pitch.

Making his debut for Les Bleus in March 2016, Kante has gone on to make 38 appearances for his nation. He also featured in every single World Cup match and played a vital role in the competition which France eventually won.

Thanks to his contributions for both club and country, the midfielder won both the Premier League Player of the Year and the France Footballer of the Year awards in 2017. With an impressive tackle success and ball recovery rate, Kante is certainly second to none in his position.

#3 Paul Pogba

Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

When Paul Pogba rejoined Manchester United in 2016, the Red Devils had to pay a whooping £89 million to secure his services. At that point in time, the transfer fee made the French midfielder the most expensive player in the world.

Because of the huge fee involved, there has been plenty of pressure on Pogba to perform. The 26-year-old started to build his reputation while playing for Juventus. From 2012 to 2016, Pogba plied his trade for the Serie A club and became an integral player during Massimiliano Allegri's title-winning campaigns.

Although often subjected to scrutiny, Pogba is one of the best in his positions. After World Cup 2014, the midfielder was recognised as the best young player of the competition. Four years later, he played almost every single minute in World Cup 2018 (missing out on only one match).

Known for his accurate through balls, Pogba was praised by Deschamps for stepping up as a leader. Commending Pogba, the French manager said,

“He has taken many things upon himself. He has been a leader.”

“Each time he had to talk and express himself it was always very positive. It’s the words he uses and the atmosphere and feeling that comes across."

#2 Antoine Griezmann

Regarded as one of the best players in La Liga, Antoine Griezmann is another player who has impressed this decade. For years, he has played a crucial goalscoring role for both Atletico Madrid and France.

During his time in Madrid, the French forward made 257 appearances across all competitions and netted over 130 times. Griezmann has also been a prolific goalscorer for Les Bleus. The 28-year-old won the Golden Boot in Euro 2016 and was France's top scorer at the World Cup in 2018, he had a great time playing in Russia as he scored four goals in seven games.

In the upcoming Euro 2020, the Barcelona forward is expected to play a huge role once again. Since making his debut five years ago, the French international has scored 30 goals and is sixth on the list of France's all time top goalscorers. Although he currently appears to be struggling at Barca, Deschamps continues to see Griezmann as an extremely valuable player.

#1 Karim Benzema

If Karim Benzema had been called up to the France national team as often as Olivier Giroud, the Real Madrid striker will probably be one of the top goalscorers for his nation too. The 31-year-old was named the French Player of the Year thrice, in 2010, 2011 and 2014. However, he missed out on major tournaments such as Euro 2016 as well as two World Cups.

Benzema joined Los Blancos in 2009 and in the last decade, he has scored 237 goals and provided 131 assists in all competitions. Besides his knack for scoring, the forward is also known for his ability to hold the ball and his passing skills. Due to his lack of international appearances, the forward is usually underrated by many fans.

However, Zidane has time and again defended his player and claimed that Benzema should be included in the France squad. The Real Madrid manager commented,

"He's always wanted to play for the French side."

"To be honest, I don't know exactly what's going on."

"But from a football point of view, he's the best. I think he should definitely have a place in the French national team. It's beyond my role here, but he should definitely be called up."

Edited by A. Ayush Chatterjee