C'est plus en forme et en photo sur mon blog...
Allez c'est parti, je prends tous les commentaires et les débats.
A few informations first.
The cut off date is 1/1/87.
You’ll find reference to my may 2008 list. You can ask me to publish it for comparison purpose, but you’ll find the progression [former rank between ()].
In order to describe each player’s potential and chance of reaching it, I put up a number and a letter :
- From 1 to 10 ranks the estimated potential of the player (10 being a Maradona or Pele)
- From A to F the chance of reaching it (A being there already and F being pretty much no chance)
- Next to the rating, you’ll find the player’s ranking a year ago and the name of a pro or former pro, whose style is the closest to the style of the prospect. Take note that it doesn’t mean they’ll become similar to this player. We’re only comparing STYLES here.
You’ll only find on this list players that have at least played one L1 game as of today.
Main graduates (86 born) since last year :
Gourcuff, Lloris, M’Bia, Gouffran, Ederson, Cabaye, etc….
Main transfered players since last year :
Obertan, Menez, Benzema, Nasri, N’Gog, etc...
So now that we’re set, here we go :
1- Eden Hazard (5), Lille, AM, 91, Belgium
Rating : 9.5C, Messi
Talent : Hazard is one of the world’s prime young talents. He has a great touch, great vision, great speed and great dribbling. His technique is up there with the best of them.
Season : He is seeing more and more opportunties and he is making the most of it. He has scored some nice goals, and has looked dangerous all the time in every single game. He is Lille’s main weapon as can be shown from their recent Europa League game where his goal and assist gave Lille a 2-0 win. Phenom on the way!
2- Mamadou Sakho (7), PSG, CB/LB, 90
Rating : 9B, Gallas
Talent : Sakho is a combination of a good footballer, physical freak and born leader. He has a good accurate left foot, has good long passes and is a good tackler. He is maturing extremely fast and is the closest thing to a dominant defenseman L1 has.
Season : Sakho was quickly seen as the starter in Paris and made the most of it. Except for one or two mistakes, he was dominant and PSG’s best defenseman. However, he was injured for a while and during that time. Apparently, PSG refused to make a move for Heinze so that Sakho continues to develop, a sign of confidence.
3- Hatem Ben Arfa (4), Marseille, AM/LW, 87
Rating : 9.5C+, Maradona
Talent : Ben Arfa is most likely the most talented prospect in all of L1, and probably the most talented player in all of L1. He does things that nobody even thinks about doing in training. He has speed, dribbling like few others, a good shot. His weakness right now is both defensively, and mostly mentally (he lacks maturity). He often either tries to do to much and even though his game is based on individual difference, he has to find the right balance.
His trademark move is short dribbling with one or two touches, similar to his idol Maradona.
Season : Even if he had a few very good performances, this season was a disappointment for Hatem. He has to get his head in the game, and I think Deschamps is the right guy for that.
4- Miralem Pjanic (6), Lyon, AM/CM, 90, Luxemburg/Bosnia
Rating : 9 C+, J. Cole
Talent : An incredible touch on the ball, Pjanic is loaded with technical talent. Everything seems smooth and easy. He still lacks the goal scoring instinct, and should be more decisive around the net. But his transition game is amazing.
Season : Pjanic didn’t play much this season season, esepcially after a long term injury. Let’s hope we see more of him.
5- Blaise Matuidi (10), St Etienne, DM, 87
Rating : 8.5B, Essien
Talent : Matuidi has developped nicely. He is a good DM with good participation in the offensive game, including a huge shot.
Season : The St Etienne capain is arguably been the best DM in L1. An eternal target of Arsenal, he still hasn’t signed abroad. His season was bothered by many injuries.
6- Aly Cissokho (U), Lyon, LB, 87
Rating : 8B+, A. Cole
Talent : Cissokho is a very good shutdown LB who is not afraid to go forward. Very athletic and solid on his feet.
Season : After signing for Setubal in Portugal, he joined Porto last winter and was amazing in CL action. His huge 15M€ transfer to Lyon will add some pressure on this Gueugnon formed defenseman.
7- Kévin Gameiro (16), Lorient, Striker, 87
Rating : 8.5B, Owen
Talent : Gameiro is a speedy striker that has a good nose for the goal and that can create his own opportunities.
Season : When a player reaches doublt digits in goals and assists, you know he’s had a great season. Gameiro was a hot commodity this summer but so far, he’s stayed in Lorient. Watch for St Etienne to make a move though since they have lots of money from the Gomis transfer.
8- Mevlut Erding (20), PSG, Striker, 87, Turkey
Rating : 8B, Owen
Talent : Erding is a very quick agile striker who has a nifty touch in front of the goal. He isn’t a great technical or physical player, but he has a nose for the goal.
Season : Erding has continued to be a nice poacher for Sochaux and has benefited from Sverkos’ arrival. Now at PSG, he should form a great tandem with Hoarau.
9- Loic Rémy (18), Nice, RW/ST, 87
Rating : 8.5B, Henry
Talent : Rémy is a powerful winger, fast and who has a powerful shot. He’s a load to defend. He has a lot of enthousiasm when he plays. He also uses both feet with ease.
Season : Rémy reached double figures in goals and was his team’s main weapon. After a missed transfer to Lyon worth around 20M€, a lot of people will keep an eye on his progression. He reached the NT as well.
10- Gervinho (12), Lille, AM, 87, Côte d’Ivoire
Rating : 8.5C, A. Keita
Talent : Gervinho is a guy that could dribble your whole team including the goalie and then put the ball over the goal. Yes, he’s that good and that bad in front of the net. Once he is better in the last play, he’ll be a force.
Season : A very disappointing season for Gervinho who seemed to suffer from Sessegnon’s departure. His transfer to Lille could mean a really good supporting cast and he could regain his form hopefully.
11- Henri Saivet (11), Bordeaux, LW/RW, 90
Rating : 9C+, Robben
Talent : Saivet is an extremely fast winger with impressive dribbling skills. He has a good knack for scoring too and is the leader of the golden 90 generation.
Season : Unfortunately, even though Blanc likes him a lot nad wanted to play him, Saivet was injured for most of the year. Let’s hope to see him in action this year, he could be the sleeper this year like Hazard last year.
12- Kévin Monnet-Paquet (15), Lens, LW/ST, 88
Rating : 9C+, Henry/Ribéry
Talent : KMP is a guy I have a soft spot for. Not only is he a great dribbler, but he has that great shot reminiscent of JP Papin.
Season : He has established himself as a key player for Lens even though he’s only 20. I expect him to see time and produce in L1 this year, though Lens buying Eduardo is not a good sign.
13- Kévin Mirallas (17), St Etienne, Striker, 87, Belgium
Rating : 8.5B, Papin
Talent : Mirallas is a good striker who has a great shot. He really has a nose for the goal and has a similar style to Papin.
Season : Was never put in a good position, with St Etienne having too much depth up front. He made an awful career move since he could have been starting for top of the table Lille rather than bottom feeder St Etienne as out of position. This year however with the selling of Gomis, he could see more time at striker.
14- Sofiane Feghouli (19), Grenoble, AM, 89
Rating : 9C-, Deco
Talent : Feghouli likes to play one touch football and accelerate the game. He has a big shot and good passing ability.
Season : I was very disappointed by his season. He was invisible most games and couldn’t take the game into his hands (or feet rather) when his team needed it. He has a lot of strides to make, but his upside is huge.
15- David Ospina (22), Nice, GK, 88, Columbia
Rating : 8.5B, Casillas
Talent : Ospina is a strong goalie with great reflexes. He needs to work on his aerial outings.
Season : After some great starts, he started to struggle in a few games. Still I think very highly of him, it’s not common to see 20 year old goalies starting and doing well in a top 5 league.
16- Issiar Dia (23), Nancy, Winger/Striker, 87
Rating : 8.5C-, Wright-Phillips
Talent : Dia is a pinball, highly hyped but IMO way over-hyped. Sure he has amazing speed, but his skills aren’t that impressive and most of all, he just isn’t decisive. Few goals, few assists. Frankly, I expect much more from him.
Season : Dia has shown a couple of good moves in some key games in terms of expoure (OM game for instance). Still his inconsistency is really scary.
17- Yohan Benalouane (25), St Etienne, CB, 87
Rating : 8.5 C, Thuram
Talent : Benalouane is the defenseman of the future in St Etienne. Strong on his man, physical presence, he makes some nice offensive runs from time to time.
Season He was I think the best player for Les Verts last year.
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18- Moussa Sissoko (22), Toulouse, DM, 89
Rating : 8B+, Vieira/A. Diarra
Talent : Sissoko is a rock defensively. Great tackling ability, lots of energy and a lot of running too. He isn’t bad in front of the net either.
Season : Sissoko is an integral part of his team and seen as either a starter or the first sub.
19- Yannis Taffer (U), Lyon, Striker, 91
Rating : 9 C-, Trézéguet
Talent : Taffer is a deadly scorer, a real poacher. He isn’t over physical nor fast, but extremely good in front of the net.
Season : Taffer is being seen very highly among OL officials and coaches. He’s pencilled as the 4th striker, maybe even 3rd.
20- Ryad Boudebouz (U), Sochaux, AM, 90
Rating : 8 C+, Pirès
Talent : Boudebouz is a talented attacking midfielder who can use both of his feet very well and creates danger most games.
Season : As the season went on, it became clear Boudebouz was one of Sochaux’ main weapons. Expect a lot of playing time this year.
21- Etienne Capoue (U), Toulouse, DM, 88
Rating : 7.5 A-, M. Diarra
Talent : Capoue is a good candidate for a future DM spot on the national team. Very strong, physically imposing, he is a workhorse.
Season : Capoue was a starter from start to finish this year. One of the most important and consistant player for Toulouse.
22- Juan-Pablo Pino (U), Monaco, AM/ST, 87, Columbia
Rating : 8.5 D, Okocha
Talent : Pino is a superb technical player with a heavy shot. He’s a bit inconsistant but is Monaco’s main offensive weapon.
Season : Didn’t see much time for half a year and then suddenly he seized his chance and exploded.
23- Yohan Mollo (U), Monaco, AM, 89
Rating : 8.5 C-, C. Ronaldo
Talent : Mollo is a talented attacking midfielder, very good technically, but who doesn’t like to pass the ball, tries to do too much and can be frustrating at times.
Season : Mollo established himself as a starter for Monaco late in the season. He is in a contract dispute (as can be expected from his behaviour on the field) right now, so we’ll see how that evolves.
24- Grégory Sertic (U), Bordeaux, AM, 89
Rating : 8C+, Pirès
Talent : Sertic is a nice solid player with good technical skills and a good shot.
Season : Sertic had to play late in the season after some injuries and after a good game in Rennes, managed a great goal in his second game.
25- Lukman Haruna (U), Monaco, DM, 90, Nigeria
Rating : 9D, Essien
Talent : Haruna is a bull in midfield. He is incredibly talented, going from box to box. He however needs to watch his temper.
Season : Haruna didn’t play much and earned a red card late in the season.
26- Garry Bocaly (U), Marseille, CB/RB, 88
Rating : 8.5 B-, Abidal
Talent : Bocaly is a strong defenseman with very good offensive instincts.
Season : Bocaly established himself as a very good L2 defenseman and showed enough not to be loaned by OM this year.
27- Sandy Paillot (U), Grenoble, CB, 87
Rating : 8.5 B-, Blanc
Talent : Paillot is a tall CB who has a knack for scoring goals, especially off set plays. He is good on his man and rarely beaten one on one.
Season : Loaned to Grenoble by Lyon, Paillot established himself as a L1 CB. He even became a serial scorer by getting some crucial goals (interesting stat : his 4 goals brought 7 points to Grenoble, without him, they would have been relegated). Grenoble bought him this offseason, which I think is a big mistake by Lyon.
28- Clément Grenier (U), Lyon, AM, 91
Rating : 9D-, Kaka
Talent : Grenier is a very technical playmaker with a very good shot. He has a high upside but seems to feel the pressure at times.
Season : Grenier saw a few L1 minutes which helps him reach this ranking. However, his pro experience is very small.
29- Anthony Mounier (U), Lyon, LW, 87
Rating : 8C, Pirès
Talent : Mounier is fast, really fast and has good technique. I think he has a good upside but I’m not sure Lyon feels the same way.
Season : Deemed quickly as starter, he was pushed on the bench by Puel and stayed there for most of the season.
30- Jirès Kembo-Ekoko (U), Rennes, LW, 88
Rating : 7.5B-, Diomède
Talent : Kembo is a pinball who loves dribbling. He really only plays well when he’s trying to beat defensemen one on one.
Season : Kembo played more and more and better and better as the season went on. He can be trusted as a starter this year. He was also selected for youth selections.
31- Nicolas Nkoulou (U), Monaco, CB/DM, 90, Cameroon
Rating : 8.5C, Blanc
Talent : Nkoulou is a very smart and talented defenseman who needs to grow in his body and become more physical. He has trouble against physical forwards but he has a lot of tools to become a world class defenseman.
Season : Nkoulou started most games early on but after a few bad games was benched and only played rarely, usually as DM.
32- Cheikh M’Bengué (U), Toulouse, LB, 88
Rating : 7.5 B, Sagna
Talent : He is a solid LB who plays a simple yet efficient game. He’s not always at east going forward but he is making strides.
Season : M’Bengué is a clear cut starter for Toulouse.
33- Dimitri Payet (33), St Etienne, LW, 87
Rating : 8.5C-, J. Cole
Talent : Payet can dribble and shoot very well. He’s too weak physically and is not consistant.
Season : Payet struggled again and looked invisible sometimes. He did score a few goals and was never really an impact player.
34- Malaury Martin (41), Monaco, CM/AM, 88
Rating : 8.5C, Bodmer
Talent : Martin is the leader of the 88 selection and a real talent. He has excellent skils with the ball but also plays well in the spaces.
Season : He was loaned and didn’t play enough to my liking.
35- Fabien Lemoine (39), Rennes, CM, 87
Rating : 7.5B, Tiago
Talent : Lemoine is a great passing CM. A lot of activity defensively.
Season : Lemoine did his job very well defensively but needs to impact his team more offensively using his good passing.
36- Clément Chantôme (31), PSG, CM, 87
Rating : 7.5B, Tiago
Talent : Chantôme is a solid CM that has some nice passing touch. He is inconsistant and a tad weak physically. Still he is a good player whose main asset is his versatility.
Season : Chantôme took a backseat this year with less starts then previous years. He did well when he had the chance.
37- Charles Kaboré (29), OM, CM/DM/RB, 88, Burkina Faso
Rating : 8.5C-, Vieira
Talent :Kaboré is a very solid player, physically very strong and with good technical ability. His tackling is his main asset. He really reminds me of Vieira.
Season : Kaboré played RB most of the end of the season. Deschamps seems to like him there as well since he’s done an adequate job.
38- Alfred N’Diaye (U), Nancy, CB/DM, 90
Rating : 8B-, Desailly
Talent : N’Diaye is a physical phenom, very strong and quick. He has trouble adapting to his new position DM, probably because he’s a natural CB.
Season : N’Diaye played DM most of the time and did an OK job defensively, as expected but was invisible in the other half of the field. He should be played at CB to use all his talents.
39- Frédéric Nimani (U), Monaco, Striker, 88
Rating : 8.5D, Kanouté
Talent : Nimani is a tall striker with good technical skills and a big body. He lacks physical force, he could weigh on defenses more. His biggest drawback is his lack of speed and inconsistency.
Season : Nimani started strong and scored 4 goals very early in the season. He tamed off a lot after that. He can be expected to start a few games this year.
40- Marvin Martin (U), Sochaux, CM, 88
Rating : 8C, Xavi
Talent : Martin is a small CM who controls the play and dictates the rhythm. He has a very interesting package of technical skills as well as defensive awareness.
Season : he has been used more and more as the season went on, and we could expect him to play even more this year.
41- Emmanuel Rivière (U), St Etienne, ST/RB, 90
Rating : 8.5C-, Gomis
Talent : Rivière is an athlete and has good awareness. He is fast and physical.
Season : Rivière was used as an emergency callup to play…. Right back. He is a striker though but played admirably well on defense.
42- Cédric Mongongu (U), Monaco, RB/CB, 89, Congo
Rating : 8B-, Thuram
Talent : Mongongu is a physical and strong player who is not horrible going forward. He isn’t natural up front but is adequate. His main quality however is his defensive abilities.
Season : he played quite a few games and important ones. There’s a good chance he starts next year.
43- Rémy Riou (13), Auxerre, Goalie, 87
Rating : 8.5C, Coupet
Talent : Riou is just a perfect goalie with exceptionnal reflexes and a fearless attitude. He’s very relaxed, and inspires confidence in his teammates.
Season : For reasons I can’t understand, it’s twice in a row that Riou has lost the starting job. However, he did a good job every time in my opinion. He never quite carried his team, but that’s a lot to ask for a goalie. I think he has to leave Auxerre.
44- Djamel Bakar (17), Monaco, AM/Striker, 89
Rating : 8.5C-, Eto’o
Talent : Bakar is a speedy small forward, with great technique and a lot of activity.
Season : Unfortunately, Bakar was often injured and never really has a chance last year. When he did, he didn't have much impact. Monaco still has very high hopes for him.
45- Tripy Makonda (U), PSG, AM/LB, 90
Rating : 8C-, Malouda
Talent : Makonda is a nice smart player who has speed and desire. Good technique and good passing.
Season : A surprising callup, he was used more as LB when PSG had injured players than at his real position. He did very well however.
46- Razak Boukari (36), Lens, Winger, 87
Rating : 8C+, A. Keita
Talent : Boukari is a very talented winger with great dribbling ability. He has a lot of work to do on his finish and last pass, but the rest of his game is impressive.
Season : Boukari finally played in L2 last season. He did pretty well and finished with 4 goals.
47- Sébastien Corchia (U), Le Mans, RB, 90
Rating : 7 B+, Réveillère
Talent : Corchia is a solid RB with very good offensive instincts. He lacks physical impact but seems like a very smart defenseman.
Season : Corchia established himself as a reliable L1 defenseman in the games he played and he is also a fixture of the U19 youth selection.
48- Roland Lamah (U), Le Mans, AM/St, 87, Belgium
Rating : 7.5 C, B. Kalou
Talent : Lamah is really talented technically but highly inconsistant.
Season : he was used more and more as the season went on with Le Mans but should see ample playing time this year with Gervinho’s departure.
49- Ab. Traoré (U), Bordeaux, AM, 88, Mali
Rating : 7.5C-, B. Diomède
Talent : Traoré likes to dribble and create danger with the ball. He has to work on his game without the ball and needs to simplify his game.
Season : He was used in some keys games by Laurent Blanc and had a couple of nice performances. Still inconcistant, but that’s to be expected at this position and his age.
50- André Ayew (45), OM, RW, 89, Ghana
Rating : 8D, S. Kalou
Talent : Ayew is a very fast dribbling machine that has a lot of maturity and works well defensively. Still very raw offensively.
Season : He was loaned to Lorient where he scored a couple of important goals. However, he has yet to establish himself as a L1 player.
) sois pas si méchant.
