Ligue 1 is tied up, with big-spending PSG the runaway winners, and here Goal selects the best 11 performers of an intriguing campaign
GettyGK: Benjamin Lecomte
Montpellier will finish the season with the second best defensive record behind Paris Saint-Germain, and goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is a major reason for their solidarity at the back.
He has played every minute of league football for his club and has saved 73% of the shots that have come his way – a vital contribution given that only two teams have scored fewer goals than the 34 that the European challengers have mustered this term.
AdvertisementFRANCK FIFE/AFP/GettyRB: Dani Alves
Signed from Juventus last summer to lend experience to PSG both on the field and off it, the 35-year-old Brazilian has perhaps not quite lived up to his billing, but he has still impressed at right-back.
After a somewhat unconvincing start to the season, which saw Thomas Meunier challenge him for a starting berth, Alves has re-established himself as first pick, scoring once, setting up six and helping Unai Emery’s side to the best defensive record in the league.
Getty ImagesCB: Marquinhos
Marquinhos completed his graduation from promising centre-back to world-class performer this season, turning in countless displays of the highest level to potentially eclipse Thiago Silva in the heart of the PSG defence.
The 23-year-old has all the attributes to become the finest in his position in the world and took another step towards that goal with a very consistent campaign. His partnership with fellow youngster Presnel Kimpembe holds great promise for the future.
Getty ImagesCB: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva has admitted that he will leave PSG when his contract is up in 2020, but the 33-year-old Brazil international defender remains a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1.
On the few occasions when PSG have been rocked this season, he has been the man to lead them out of trouble, notably turning in a superb display against Guingamp, when he held the rearguard together when it threatened to disintegrate around him.
Perhaps past the very peak of his powers, but still a very fine defender indeed.