Top 5 young footballers in Ligue 1 this season

#3 Lucas Tousart – Lyon

Lucas Tousart (in white) captained the U-19 France squad to European glory

Age - 20 (Born 29 April 1997)

Nationality - French

When France won the U-19 Euros in 2016, a piece of recognition also went to their captain. A rock in the midfield, he played an important part for that team in their journey to success. That tournament was enough to know the potential of that one player – none other than Lucas Tousart – who is now one of the best defensive midfielders in France.

His career began in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes, but his services were soon acquired by Lyon. He started playing in Lyon’s B team and made into the senior team within a year. Even though he was supposed to be an understudy to club Captain Maxime Gonalons, he soon started getting more playing time, thanks to some stellar performances.

By the second half of 2016-17 season, it was evident that Tousart had developed a lot in a short span of time and was ready to replace Gonalons. As expected, Gonalons departed to Roma in the summer.

If one saw matches of Lyon this season, he wouldn't say they are affected by the departure of Gonalons. Tousart as a replacement has been that instrumental for Les Gones. A player who can tirelessly work the whole 90 minutes and provides defensive protection, Tousart literally became an integral part of the squad.

He has already picked up the nickname “The Scavenger” with comparisons made to the likes of Didier Deschamps and N'Golo Kante. Defensive midfield is a position which often gets less credit and Tousart, who is already considered being the future club captain knows it well.

He has started all the 19 league matches of Lyon this season and worked so well that several European giants such as Manchester City and Juventus sent scouts to monitor him.

With France national team currently having immense squad depth, a call-up to the 2018 World Cup squad seems unlikely for Tousart. However, with his set of skills and potential, Tousart will be representing the Les Bleus sooner or later.