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The French league is not seen as the most competitive league in Europe. There's always the question of how far Ligue 1 can push individuals to help them reach the next level of their game. The passion is there, the facilities are there and so is technical management. But if the elites of the game are contesting elsewhere in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, then are you really getting to play against the best?
Despite all those things, France are the reigning world champions and the nation continues to be a hotbed of sensational young talent. Arsene Wenger once ranked Paris as the second-best talent pool for football, just behind Brazil's Sao Paulo. So today we take a look at how France have been doing in terms of producing fresh promising talent.
Here are five of the best French U21 players in the world right now:
#5 Illan Meslier
There is no debate that being an outfield player under Marcelo Bielsa is one of the most demanding things in modern football today. A constant hustle is required on the field from the first whistle to the last, and you cannot not be wearing your running shoes. Some would say that makes the goalkeeper the most comfortable of the lot in the team.
We are sure Illan Meslier would beg to differ and it's not difficult to see why. Leeds United play an all-out attacking mode of football. This frequently allows the opposition to counter them and the man-marking is often too difficult to apply for 90 minutes. That leaves the goalkeeper bearing the brunt of the shots with little help from the defense.
Meslier has so far stood up to the task of guarding the goal for Leeds United. He kept 11 clean sheets on Leeds' return to the English top-division after 16 years. Bielsa's side finished ninth, the best finish for a first-choice U21 goalkeeper in the Premier League. Meslier is a great sweeper and rarely has a lapse in judgement.
The French youngster recently penned a new deal at Elland Road. Meslier, though tender of age, has proven to be highly passionate and expressive on the pitch. His brave display at Craven Cottage in the EFL Cup third-round tie saw his side progress on penalties last week.
#4 Boubacar Kamara
One of the most high-profile midfielders emerging in France, Boubacar Kamara's graph has been on an onward journey since he made his first senior appearance for childhood club Marseille. They are lucky to still have Kamara in their ranks after increased interest from Juventus in the summer transfer window.
Kamara is what many would call a "technical destroyer" in the middle of the park. He is extremely intense while pressing the opposition and supremely firm while contesting duels and making challenges. He has a good sense of positioning which allows him to play progressive passes without relying much on back passes.
The versatile midfielder has occasionally been employed in the centre-back position and has felt pretty comfortable. A notable part of Kamara's play is his tactical fouls. He committed them without much nuisance, picking up just six yellow cards the previous season.
Although only 21, the midfielder has already amassed a century of appearances for the French club in Ligue 1. He is in the last year of his contract at Marseille and it would be such a shame for them if he leaves for free.
#3 Wesley Fofana
Leicester City have built a habit of identifying young emerging talent and helping them grow into some serious stars. Wesley Fofana is no different, in fact a prime example of how good Leicester's recruitment has been. His technical abilities and competitive mindset are clearly on display every time he takes to the field.
Fofana came into the limelight alongside fellow Saint-Etienne star William Saliba. The pair have shown positive signs that in the future they could be France's centre-back pairing if need be. Fofana took no time to settle at the King Power Stadium and his no-nonsense display at the back was important for Leicester in their chase for the top-four last season.
The centre-back's awareness allows him to position himself in ways where he can make tackles with enough time available. Fofana suffered a horrendous injury in a friendly game against Villareal before the ongoing season began. The injury is set to keep him on the sidelines for a considerable period. It will be a shame if the Leicester defender becomes a case of "what could have been if not injured."
#2 Aurélien Tchouaméni
Ever since Kylian Mbappe's rise, eyes have been set on Monaco on the lookout for the next breakout star. Without any ifs or buts, they have delivered a star again in the form of Aurelien Tchouameni. The midfielder received the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season award last year.
To give you an idea of how impressive that feat is, he was competing against the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Amine Gouiri. Manager Niko Kovac cannot imagine his side without the 21 year-old and involved him in 36 games last season in Ligue 1. Tchouameni is a relentless runner, always going shoulder to shoulder with the biggest of figures.
The Monaco midfielder is always ready to pounce on the ball and press the opposition. His awareness and reading of the game has often allowed him to close passing channels and screen the defense effectively.
It has been reported that both Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on signing the youngster. Paul Pogba was recently asked about his fellow Frenchman. The Manchester United star raved about the Monaco player's physical and technical abilities.
Tchouameni will be a clear upgrade over Fred for Manchester United, while Chelsea could view him as the long-term successor to N'Golo Kante. As such, the race for his signature is expected to be hotly-contested.
#1 Eduardo Camavinga
When Real Madrid made their intentions clear that they were going to sign a French sensation this summer, everyone assumed that Kylian Mbappe's time had come. However, Paris Saint-Germain were reluctant to let go of their star come what may, and the Galactico signing couldn't be completed. But Real Madrid did fulfill their promise of signing a French sensation. Enter Eduardo Camavinga.
It might not be what Los Blancos' fan base asked for, but after seeing him under Carlo Ancelotti, no one's complaining either. The midfielder has been defying age with his mature displays. At Rennes, he was their youngest ever player to feature in first-team football.
Camavinga has also been tipped as a strong contender for the Golden Boy Award, which will only go on to certify his claims as the "next big thing." He made his debut for Real Madrid in a La Liga game against Celta Vigo when he replaced Eden Hazard and scored after six minutes on the pitch.
It is exciting that at just 18, he looks to be challenging for a regular starting spot in a side consisting of Luka Modric, Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos. Camavinga has got great reach and quick feet which makes him an imposing figure in midfield.
He has the ability to collect the ball deep and make offensive runs while taking the game to the opposition. Los Blancos probably narrowed down to the right Frenchman as far as this window is concerned.
