If in recent years it’s felt like Europe’s finest teams have had their eyes on Ligue 1’s players, it’s likely true. And it’s due to an increase in the level of quality of the French league. Today we take a look at five of the best forwards you can pick for your fantasy team. (Note that the text has bee updated since the date of the original post)
For more information regarding FootballCoin fantasy contests representing the French championship, please visit our Ligue 1 fantasy page or our contest page.
Julio Tavares (Dijon FCO)
A fixture on just about all the current Ligue1 – team of the season lists. Granted that only two games have been played so far. But Tavares has the potential to continue his run of form throughout the season. The Cape Verde striker enjoys some of the best FootballCoin stats from Ligue 1. He’s managed 45.45 points. Tavares has scored three times in two games, most recently helping Dijon to a 2-0 victory against FC Nantes. (The player is free in FootballCoin contests).
Update July 17th 2019: Tavares continued to represent Dijon for mucch of the season, racking up 36 appearances in Ligue 1
Le doublé pour Julio Tavares ! #DFCOFCN 2-0 #TEAMDFCO pic.twitter.com/jo6n401IDk
— Dijon FCO (@DFCO_Officiel) August 18, 2018
Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Brazilian is likely the biggest star in Ligue 1, still. But his below par performances in the World Cup, not to mention the great form enjoyed by PSG forwards Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, threaten his status. Knowing this, Neymar is back to do some serious work and dominate the competition.
He has scored two goals and provided one assist so far. It’s a season that could prove vital to Neymar’s career. And the player looks determined to prove his critics wrong. He’s managed 43.6 points thus far. He’ still one of the best picks for your Ligue 1/Champions League fantasy team. (Currently listed as 5* card in FootballCoin).
Update July 17th 2019: It was a mixed season for the superstar Brazilian. On the one hand, Neymar did contribute 15 goals to PSG’s successful bid to retain the Ligue 1 crown. However, frequent press scandals drew unwanted attention to the player’s by now well-known antics. At the end of the season, Neymar attempted to force a departure from PSG to Barcelona. However, the move remains in limbo following Barcelona’s long list of expenditures on transfers that included Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann.
Dimitri Payet (Olympique Marseille)
There was plenty of heartbreak for Payet at the end of last season. A potentially serious injury forced the attacking midfielder out of his country’s World Cup squad. With the player fully fit and having earned a good deal of experience throughout his eventful career, Payet is once again one of the top picks in Ligue 1. He has already scored twice in two appearances. OM have a strong squad with which to try and challenge for the spot in France. (They haven’t won the league since 2011) However, Payet is likely their most influential player. (The player is free in FootballCoin contests).
Update July 17th 2019: Still missed by West Ham supporters in England, Payet’s move back home looks to have suited the player. The 32-year-old was a starting player for OM throughout the season. His performances were, however, muted on most occasions. Payet managed to score 4 goals and prove 6 assists in Ligue 1.
With Marseille having failed to qualify for next season’s European competitions, Payet could be among a group of players that the club is ready to part. Is a return to the Premier League still on the cards for the Frenchman?
Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco)
Another one of Ligue 1’s biggest stars, Falcao has found consistent form following his return to France. The Colombian has already netted more than 50 career goals while at Monaco. The new season has started off well enough for the player, scoring once and providing an assist.
Falcao may have some work to do in winning a starting place on the team. However, the overall feeling remains that if any team is to truly challenge PSG, it will be AS Monaco. Falcao could likely again be depended upon throughout the season and he may prove a top pick. (The player is currently free in FootballCoin contests)
Update July 17th 2019: AS Monaco’s most famous player continued to shine in spite of a dreadful season for the club that saw it nearly relegated from the top tier. Falcao managed to score 15 goals. At 33 years old it is likely that the Colombian will end his prestigious career playing for the former French champions.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
First game, difficult win, two goals 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/qI4CMhpzeI
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) August 18, 2018
There’s little that has to be said about this pick. At just 19, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner, one of the most highly valued players in the world and a hero to French supporters. Alongside Neymar and Cavani he is expected not only to score an abundance of goals in France, but also to help the team challenge for the top prize in the Champions League. He’s scored twice already in the 2018/19 campaign and the new year could add to the legacy Mbappe is building for himself. (The player is currently free in FootballCoin contests)
Update July 17th 2019: Mbappe lost none of his zest for the game and continues on his trajectory to becoming the world’s greatest player. The youngster ends his Ligue 1 campaign with 33 goals. In spite of PSG, once again, failing to reach the Champions League final, Mbappe is sure to remain at the club for at least one more season. His star status seems to have had repercussions elsewhere, however, with his attacking partner, Neymar, no longer considered by the PSG board a top-priority. It is expected that when and if Kylian Mbappe does get transferred, the deal would represent the highest-paid sum for a football player.
Honorable mentions:
Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Mario Balotelli (Nice) – Note that Balotelli left OGC Nice at the end of the season and it is yet to be determined whether he will continue in Ligue 1.
Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Memphis Depay (Lyon)
Angel Di Maria (PSG)
If you’re anxious to try out these picks for your fantasy football team, join our FootballCoin contests or create your own. We’re looking for the best managers and looking to reward them.
