French league continues to produce talent

For the past few years I‘ve considered the French league one of the most entertaining in the world. Just a sample of players that the French league has delivered includes Pires, Viera, Henry, Zidane, Thruam, Trezeguet and Djorkaeff, all players who won the ‘98 World Cup.

More recently, new players like Didier Drogba and Ludovic Guily, Jerome Rothem, Papa Bouba Dioup, Samuel Eto’o, Djibril Cisse, Ronaldinho, and Jay Jay Okocha have all played great football in France and propelled themselves to bigger clubs.


So who in France is now on course for a bigger stage?

France's Answer to Juventus's Pavel Nedved is in Brazilian Juninho from Olympique Lyonnais. Just his passing range and outstanding free-kicks are enough to warrant a bigger club.

Zimbabwean striker Benjamin Mwaruwari (“Benjani”) scored seven goals in his first seven games when he entered the French league but was hampered by injury. Now fully fit, he is showing great ability.

French international and Bordeaux midfielder Rio Mavuba continues to attract the attention of Europe’s largest clubs. Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked. I guess they all realize it’s nice to have your own Claude Makelele (even if you already have one), and considering Eric Djemba-Djemba has moved to Aston Villa, Man U have a gap to fill.

Congo international Shabani Nonda has already expressed his intention to move from Monaco, but, as impressive as he has been at times, questions are still unanswered. In general though, AS Monaco has been making impressive signings for a few years now.

Jeremy Menez for Sochaux gets a mention only because at 17, is the youngest player ever to score a hat trick in Le Championnat. Well, talent too, let’s be fair, he is an excellent player.