The 2nd part of the blog featuring the hottest talents from Ligue 1 in season 2010/11 will focus on the defenders that have left a huge impression on me:
Mamadou Sakho, PSG (Age: 21, Nationality: French)
Mamadou Sakho is probably the best young defender on the planet right now. At the age of 21 he has already notched up well over a 100 appearances for PSG. Despite a relatively unimpressive season for the Parisian club, the same cannot be said of Sakho. He has been a rock at the heart of defence and also chipped in with 4 goals. The player has indicated that he wants to stay at PSG at least for another season. Could he be the guy to replace John Terry in the heart of Chelsea’s defence? His performances this season have been recognised, as he was voted Ligue 1’s young player of the year.
Taye Taiwo, Olympique de Marseille (Age: 26, Nationality: Nigeria)
Taye Taiwo has continued to impress this season. His surging runs from left back to support the Marseille’s attack were commonplace. Didier Deschamps has relied a lot on his fullbacks this season to create chances for the team and Taye certainly played his part in reaching Champions League knock-out stages and finishing runners-up in Ligue 1. He has chipped in with the odd goal and proved once again his status as one of the best full-backs on the planet. Taye declared his ‘dream’ of joining Chelsea in the summer, but Chelsea seemed relatively uninterested. Milan didn’t wait around long and have signed him without having to pay a fee.
Mathieu Debuchy, Lille OSC (Age: 25, Nationality: French)
Often under-appreciated, Mathieu is another player instrumental to Lille’s unprecedented success this season. Like Taiwo, he is an example of another attacking full-back, having started out his career as a winger. Debuchy has played in number of positions, showing his versatility during the injury crisis. However, it is his performances in his natural right-back position which made him stand out.
Notable mentions:
Adil Rami, Lille OSC (Age: 25, Nationality: French)
Rami has been a defensive rock, at the back for Lille. Whilst he is not as exciting as Sakho, he showed his value with a number of last-ditch goal-saving tackles this season. He has been sold to Valencia in January, but has spent the 2nd part of the season on loan at Lille and will join his new club this summer.
Raphaël Varane, RC Lens (Age: 18, Nationality: French)
Varane has broken into the first team at the age of 17 during the current campaign and hasn’t looked back since. He has impressed with his ability and calmness on the ball, unusual to see in such a young player. His physical attributes are also very impressive. Although Lens have been relegated already, Varane is apparently set to join Manchester United in the summer. One to look out for in the future.
Romain Danzé, Stade Rennais (Age: 24, Nationality: French)
The full-back has been Mr Consistent this season having started all of Rennes’ matches this season. Danzé has played his part in his team’s defensive record. Whilst he perhaps lacks the panache that Taiwo or Debuchy have offered this season, he has certainly impressed.
Sakho may be 21 but he’s your typical ‘old skool’ centre half. If Chelsea could get him to partner David Luiz once JT hangs up his boots then that would be immense. Also, Chelsea should look at Eden Hazard, he can play on the wing and is a creative midfielder. Hazard should definatley be considered as a long term replacement for Lampard.