France is the reigning world champion in football. They have been a powerhouse throughout history and the country is rich in football heritage. Even so, the rate at which France has been producing world-class talent has been nothing short of astounding.
Didier Deschamps could field three top teams with the kind of talent he has at his disposal. An unexpected early exit from Euro 2020 would have hurt them but it can’t be long before Les Bleus get back to their dominant best.
They are stocked to the brim with extremely gifted players. That is true of all departments. France has some of the best defenders, midfielders and forwards in the world. French players ply their trade all across Europe and there’d be at least one of them among the best players in any of the top European leagues.
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Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the best French players in the world right now.
#5 Raphael Varane
A Rolls-Royce defender is something that Manchester United have lacked for a very long time. Raphael Varane’s arrival has sorted that issue out. The French centre-back is one of the most well-rounded defenders in the world.
He is technically adept and is generally good in all aspects of his game. Varane has won some of the biggest prizes in football. He was a vital cog in the Real Madrid side that won three back-to-back Champions League titles. Varane also played a major role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.
He is experienced but still has quite a lot of years left in the tank. The 28-year-old’s excellent reading of the game, coupled with his decision-making and impressive pace on the pitch, make him a nightmare to go up against.
#4 Paul Pogba
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been having an excellent year. He was arguably France’s best player at Euro 2020, scoring one goal and providing one assist in four appearances. But his influence lies beyond the numbers as he orchestrated play for France with aplomb from deep.
Pogba has played in an advanced position for Manchester United this season. Although he is still occasionally deployed in midfield, the 28-year-old is at his best when he is playing further forward and is given the freedom to roam.
He has registered seven assists in five Premier League games so far this season and seems intent on making a statement this season.
#3 N’Golo Kante
The UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Year, N’Golo Kante was sensational for Chelsea in their 2020-21 Champions League triumph. The defensive midfielder’s industry and link-up play were crucial to their cause.
Often lauded for his work ethic and relentlessness, Kante is also an excellent passer of the ball. His movement and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third are qualities that aren’t talked about enough.
With Kante patrolling the midfield realms, it is difficult for oppositions to assert their dominance and dictate the tempo of games. It’s his disruptive qualities like anticipation and tackling that make him an asset like no other.
Kante was a standout performer for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph. The diminutive and soft-spoken midfielder continues to be one of the best in the business.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
The electric Kylian Mbappe is a nightmare to defend against. He is excellent with the ball at his feet, is one of the leading causes for twisted ankles in Ligue 1 and is already a prolific goalscorer at the age of 22.
It feels like Mbappe has been around for a very long time but the truth is that he still has the lion’s share of his career still ahead of him. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph. He has only gone from strength to strength from that point on.
Although he had a rather forgettable outing at Euro 2020, Mbappe is already back to his best. In the 2021-22 season, he has already scored four goals and provided four assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
#1 Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema will go down in history as one of the finest strikers of his generation. In his younger days, he showcased a great deal of tactical intelligence and maturity to accommodate other world-class players in the Real Madrid squad.
He has now taken the job of being the main man at Real Madrid and is doing a stellar job at it. Benzema earned a call-up to the French national side after a six-year absence this summer. He marked his return by scoring four goals in four appearances in the continental competition.
Benzema has been absolutely unstoppable so far this season. Despite being 33-years-old, the Real Madrid striker seems to be playing at the peak of his powers. In seven appearances across all competitions so far, he has scored eight goals and provided seven assists. [Sportskeeda]
