The statistically best players in France…
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Football statistics aggregator WhoScored rank a player’s performance by their overall contribution to a match, and the player is then rated out of 10 every game. Based on a player’s average performance, the ten in this list have outperformed anybody in France’s top flight so far…
Unsurprisingly following their superb start to the season, two Marseille stars feature, but strangely, eight goal Andre-Pierre Gignac does not.
Defenders dominate the list, which also features football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
10) Simon Kjaer – Lille – 7.54 rating
Danish centre-back has been as solid as a rock so far, bagging one goal in six starts.
9) Lamine Sane – Bordeaux – 7.55 rating
The holding midfielder has put in countless interceptions, and also got forward to assist a goal, too.
8) Issa Cissokho – Nantes – 7.61 rating
The right-back has been a fixture for Nantes, focussing primarily on defensive duties rather than getting forward.
7) Giannelli Imbula – Marseille – 7.68 rating
Imbula is being heavily linked to Chelsea as a result of his excellent form.
The French winger is excelling under Marcelo Bielsa, and he’s notched three goals and three assists apiece.
The brilliant Italian sits deep in PSG’s midfield and controls the tempo. No player in France has played more passes than the diminutive ace. Arsenal were linked with Verratti back in April, but would now have to pay astronomical money to bring him to the Emirates.
The Brazilian is rarely compromised defensively, and while he only completes 67& of his passes, he’s virtually unbeatable in the air.
3) Jordan Amavi – Nice – 7.74 rating
Amavi plays at left-back for Nice, and his 2.8 aerial duels won per match and his 4.6 interceptions per match see him rated so highly.
2) Zlatan Ibrahimovic – PSG – 7.74 rating
The only surprise here perhaps is that the legendary Swede isn’t no.1. In five appearances, the giant forward has scored five goals, although injury has stunted his season.
1) Layvin Kurzawa – Monaco – 7.8 rating
The young Frenchman is the highest rated player in France judging by this season’s statistics. His bombarding runs up the left have led to two assists, and his average of 2.3 completed dribbles and 2.9 key passes per match are extremely impressive.
