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Ligue 1’s prominence is increasing each year due to the rise of PSG in European football.
It was an enthralling year for Ligue 1 fans as Lille broke PSG’s juggernaut in the French league. That marked only the second time PSG failed to win the title since 2012.
Lille's Ligue 1 triumph was down to a robust defence
Football has always been about scoring more goals than the other team. However, the importance of having a strong backline cannot be understated. Lille’s title-winning campaign was built on the foundation of a rock-solid defence. The four-time Ligue 1 winners conceded just 23 goals in 38 games last season.
Lille have been shaky at the back this term. As a result, they are languishing in mid-table. Marseille’s potent defence, meanwhile, has propelled them to a top-four place in Ligue 1 this season.
League leaders PSG have also been solid at the back. Considering the significance of a strong defence, here's a look at the five best Ligue 1 defenders in 2021:
#5 William Saliba
William Saliba has been one of the chief architects in Marseille’s impressive defence this season. The ten-time French champions have conceded the fewest goals (15) in Ligue 1 this term, thanks to the 20-year-old.
On loan from Arsenal, the French defender is particularly potent in pressing. He has won the ball 65 times in 147 attempts this season. His 44.2% success rate is the second-best in Ligue 1 this term.
Another critical facet of Saliba’s game is his incredible passing prowess. He has completed 1334 passes this season, registering an excellent completion rate of 94.1%. No Ligue 1 player has completed more than his tally of 735 medium range (15 to 30 yard) passes this campaign.
#4 Sven Botman
Lille won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title on the back of some extraordinary defensive performances. Along with Jose Fonte, Sven Botman formed an impenetrable duo for them. He helped keep over 20 clean sheets for Lille last season.
The Dutch youngster has been on the radar of big European clubs since coming into the limelight last season. Botman was injured earlier this campaign, which explains why he's down in fourth in this list.
The Lille No.4 made 193 clearances in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign. An ever-present in their backline last season, Botman ensured his side conceded only 23 times en route to the title.
#3 Jonathan Clauss
Jonathan Clauss is the only non-centre back from Ligue 1 to feature in this list. The Frenchman, who plays as right-back or right wing-back, created chances for fun in 2021. He already has seven assists in Ligue 1 this term.
A part of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 Team of the Season, Clauss knows a thing or two about providing assists. He had six assists last season, and has already surpassed that figure this time around.
The Lens defender has made almost 100 key passes in the last two seasons, which is impressive for any player, let alone a full-back. He also has an eye for goal, scoring twice this Ligue 1 campaign, adding to his three strikes from last season.
#2 Jose Fonte
Sven Botman’s defensive partner Jose Fonte has had a great year in Ligue 1. The former Southampton man and Lille captain was a prominent player in their title-winning campaign.
Now 38, Fonte might not be in peak physical condition. However, he used his defensive awareness and tactical nous to great effect. Along with Mike Maignan and Botman, he thwarted opposition attackers to help Lille to the Ligue 1 title.
Maignan’s transfer to Milan and Botman’s injury meant the Ligue 1 winners couldn’t maintain the same defensive record this season. Although Lille haven’t been as assured at the back as last season, Fonte has been in his elements, and has also provided two assists.
#1 Marquinhos
Marquinhos has been the best defender in Ligue 1 this year. A much more mature player now, Marquinhos has truly inherited Thiago Silva’s throne. The PSG captain has been brilliant in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this year.
Unlike last season, Marquinhos has played every game this campaign. The difference is clearly visible, as PSG are running away with the Ligue 1 title. He also has a knack for scoring goals. The Brazilian already has three goals this season.
In the last two Ligue 1 seasons, Marquinhos has had a pass completion rate in excess of 90%. The 27-year-old, who has played every minute for PSG this season, has led his team from the front.
