New Delhi: Ligue 1 has been the top professional football league in France for quite a while, even with its new name. French football, though, was often overshadowed by the other bigger European Leagues. It has gained some viewer traction after featuring big names in the league.
There were quite a few prolific goal scorers last season, with quite a few players who had a brilliant performance for their country during the continent tournaments. With Kylian Mbappe moving to Real Madrid, who has won the Golden boot six consecutive times, this year will see a new winner of the trophy. Paris Saint-Germain have been in great form over the last decade and have won the last six Ligue 1 trophies. Still, it is a new trophy and quite a few players will be entering the competition high on confidence and could alone be a deciding factor for their respective teams.
Fabian Ruiz
BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 14: Fabian Ruiz of Spain gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Fabian Ruiz, though, struggled in his first season with PSG; the 2023-24 season was a turnaround for the 28-year-old. He formed a brilliant partnership with Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery. Ruiz’s goal in the final ensured that PSG won the Coup de France.
Ruiz has made 29 appearances for his country and, in his recent exploits, was an integral part of the Spanish side that won the Euros. He was crucial in La Roja’s midfield, scoring twice and assisting twice. Missing only one game in the entire tournament when he was rested in Spain’s last group game against Albania, Ruiz started all other six games either on the left as a double pivot with Rodri or on the left of a midfield three. His performance often goes unnoticed despite his stellar performances. He will be a player who can make an impact on the PSG lineup that has yet again lost a star player to its name.
George Mikautadze
RHEINENERGIESTADION, COLOGNE, GERMANY – 2024/06/30: Georges Mikautadze of Georgia looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 football match between Spain and Georgia. Spain won 4-1 over Georgia. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
George Mikautadze had a fantastic Euro 2024 on a personal level as he found the net thrice and shared the Golden Boot for the tournament along with Cody Gapkop, Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Jama Musiala and Ivan Schranz. He scored in every of Georgia’s group games. The former Ajax forward helped Georgia reach the final-16, where his side lost 4-1 to the eventual champions Spain.
This season will see him return to his hometown club, Lyon, after being bought from Metz. He made six appearances for Ajax last season before spending the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan to Metz. For his youth club he scored 13 goals from his 20 appearances. Despite his efforts, he wasn’t able to help Metz from being relegated from Ligue1. He will come to Lyon after signing a four-year deal. The Georgian international has shown his ability to be a dangerous dribbler and has great speed. Lyon will hope that the 23-year-old keeps finding the nets at regular intervals.
Mason Greenwood
GETAFE, SPAIN – MAY 26: Mason Greenwood of Getafe CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and RCD Mallorca at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 26, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
On a loan to Getafe, Mason Greenwood had a decent term with the club. Greenwood scored 10 times in 36 appearances for the side across competition last season. The 22-year-old was hailed as one of the best future prospects from Man United. He was agile and lightning-quick, which made him a potential threat in the final third.
He came to Getafe after Man United wanted to move away from Greenwood following a criminal case against him. At Getafe he got a chance to reinvent his career and concentrate just on football. He was able to add a new layer to Getafe’s front line and played a major role in the club’s European football push. At Merseilles, he’ll be able to play in various positions across the club’s attack. He has become a versatile forward since his snub at Man United and will benefit the Ligue 1 club’s front line well.
Jonathan Clauss
GEWISS STADIUM, BERGAMO, ITALY – 2024/05/09: Jonathan Clauss of Olympique de Marseille in action during the Uefa Europa League semi-final second leg match beetween Atalanta Bc and Olympique de Marseille. Atalanta Bc wins 3-0 over Olympique de Marseille. Atalanta Bc went through to the next round with an aggregate score of 4-1. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Jonathan Clauss was one of the best fullbacks last season and made 27 appearances for Marseille across competitions. He started in 25 of these appearances in 24 fixtures and played as a substitute twice. He found the net thrice and provided nine assists in the Ligue 1 campaign.
The 31-year-old will play for Nice this year after his contract was supposed to expire with Marseille next year. Marseille cashed on the deal and allegedly received €5 million on a transfer fee. Nice have been targeting Claus for a while, and they believe he will bring a lot of experience to the backline, with Jordan Lotomba and Antoine Mendy reportedly on the verge of departure from the club.
Jonathan David
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JULY 13: Jonathan David of Canada celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 third place match between Uruguay and Canada at Bank of America Stadium on July 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Jonathan David was one of the key figures in Lille’s success last season. He had the second-highest goal total in the season, with 19 goals from 34 appearances in Ligue 1. He was one of the most exciting players in Europe last season.
In Copa America, the 24-year-old scored the first-ever goal for Canada when he scored against Peru in their second game of the tournament, which resulted in the team’s first win ever in the competition. Canada ultimately bowed out of the tournament in the semi-final losing to eventual winners Argentina. David would be sought after in the upcoming season of Ligue 1. With Mbappe no longer playing in the French league, the Lille Forward would be hoping his chances are good of winning the Golden Boot this season.
As the Ligue 1 2024-25 season starts soon, here are some players who have been in great form lately and will make an impact from the start of tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
