In recent years, Ligue 1 has proven to be quite the breeding ground for star talents to emerge.
But not just for young, gifted players like Kylian Mbappe.
While the quality of the league may not measure up to its continental rivals, the talent pool from regions like Paris is enormous and the opportunity is equally as high.
The financial disparity between French clubs and the rest of Europe means that development is poured into youth products and when clubs do buy, aside from Paris Saint-Germain of course, it’s never for absurd money.
The result is that virtually every season unheralded names come to the fore, and 2019/20 has been no different.
From the top and bottom of Ligue 1, here’s a look at five unlikely stars to have emerged this season.
Eduardo Camavinga, Rennes
When we look back at the career of Eduardo Camavinga in the many, many years to come, one game will always emerge.
Camavinga will recall his performance, as a 16-year-old, in one of the most difficult positions on the pitch, against one of the biggest teams in world football, and a smile will creep across his face.
He’ll never cease to enjoy the memory of that game. Indeed, back in August the teenage centre-midfielder had all of football salivating after a marvellous display against PSG.
He was fearless, absurdly composed, produced laser-guided passes, accelerated with ease from his DM position into midfield and started dangerous counter-attacks at will.
Since then, he’s made huge strides – metaphorically and in reality – scoring a glorious late winner against Lyon, becoming a key component of a side sitting pretty in third and is now being heavily targeted by Real Madrid.
Camavinga has not just been the unlikely star of Ligue 1 this season, but perhaps all of Europe, too.
Hassane Kamara, Reims
Hassane Kamara could be the most underrated defender in Europe this term.
Not many are taking notice of his exploits in 2019/20, but the Gambian has quietly put together a superb campaign at Reims, a side who sit 5th in Ligue 1 in just their second season back in France’s top flight.
Initially signed as a defensive midfielder from third-tier Chateauroux in 2015, he’s since switched to left-back with great effect, borrowing his defensive instincts from his previous vocation.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent force this season, even drawing comparisons to Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka such is his prowess in one v one duels. Unsurprising then that Crystal Palace tried and failed to sign Kamara in January.
In games against PSG, Monaco, Marseille and Lyon he’s stood out on both sides of the ball, but unlike Wan-Bissaka he doesn’t possess those daddy-long legs to swipe the ball away.
Kamara’s pocket sized frame – he’s just 5ft 5in, though he did score a header in a 2-0 win over PSG – means he’s quick but it’s his tackle timing which makes him so effective in duels.
Only two players in Ligue 1 have earned more WhoScored MOTM awards this campaign, Dimitri Payet and Neymar, evidence of his quality season.
Islam Slimani, Monaco
What exactly happened to Islam Slimani at Leicester City? The Algerian forward scored 31 goals for Sporting Lisbon in the season prior to his summer 2016 club-record switch to the 2015/16 Premier League champions.
But the transfer would prove to be a complete disaster with just 13 goals scored across two seasons before two very mediocre loan spells at Newcastle and then Fenerbahce.
A third loan has proved far more beneficial though as Slimani has rebooted his career at Monaco this season.
Indeed, the 31-year-old has formed one of Europe’s most prolific strike duos with his 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 18 Ligue 1 games complementing Wissam Ben Yedder’s stunning return of 18 goals and four assists.
Only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are more prolific in Ligue 1 in terms partnerships and it’s fair to say the loan move has saved his career.
The goals have dried up recently with just one strike in his last four league outings, but his overall impact this season has been superb.
Victor Osimhen, Lille
The next generation has already landed in 2019/20 and they are making their mark all across Europe.
Browse the list of top-scoring players aged 21 and under and the obvious two sit in first and second. Kylian Mbappe is top with 18 Ligue 1 goals, behind him is Jadon Sancho on 14 Bundesliga strikes.
But in third sits a new young star this term. Yes, Victor Osimhen is the third-highest scoring player currently aged 21 and below with 13 league goals for Lille this season.
The Nigerian has been an inspired signing from Charleroi after the Belgian club took up an option to buy the striker following a successful loan spell from Wolfsburg last season, before flipping him to Lille for €12 million.
He’s earned senior caps for his country thanks to his explosive debut campaign which has now, typically, seen him linked with the world’s biggest suitors.
And to no surprise either. Ligue 1 is a bit of a shopping mall for the elite clubs and Osimhen is one of the most appealing talents from the striker section.
The 21-year-old roasted Chelsea in their first Champions League group stage game, scoring Lille’s only goal in a 2-1 reverse.
He’s super quick and crucially very confident in front of goal, embarrassing goalkeepers with several deft lobs this season.
Mauro Icardi, PSG
It might be a surprise to such a heralded name included, but there weren’t too many voices predicting a happy season for Mauro Icardi at PSG.
In a changing room full of egos, adding the sharp tongue of Icardi could easily have burst the ballooned-up personalities at PSG.
After all, their attacking stocks at No9 appeared well full with Icardi joining on loan from Inter, following the chaos of last season, to compete with Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for a central role.
But the Argentine has reminded us all of his predatory capabilities in front of goal.
In 31 games across all competitions, he’s scored 20 times, including five in six Champions League contests.
He’s not changed his game under Thomas Tuchel, if his touch isn’t a finish, he’s not touching the ball at all, but when service is provided he’ll score with supreme efficiency.
Now there is a caveat to all of this. His form has certainly tailed off in 2020 and there are rumours he doesn’t just remain unchanged on the pitch, but off it as well.
French newspapers have reported some unrest, particularly after being dropped for the first leg Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund.
So perhaps when the season is over, his inclusion might look a little silly. But for now, he’s an unlikely star on the basis of this season’s exploits.
