The most valuable XI in Ligue 1 (November 2021)

Ligue 1 has revived itself in the last decade or so to become an elite European league.

Following PSG's takeover by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, there's been an influx of top stars to the French top-flight.

Meanwhile, feeder teams like AS Monaco, Lyon, St. Etienne, Lille, etc. have also produced so many young talents, making the league all the more watchable.

Now, with Lionel Messi also plying his trade in France, Ligue 1 is garnering more attention than ever before.

Mocked as a farmer's league, it's now become a breeding ground for both rising stars as well as seasoned professionals.

So on that note, let's look at the most valuable XI in Ligue 1 right now:

Note: All data obtained from Transfermarkt unless mentioned otherwise.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) - £58 million

Donnarumma is looking to nail down a starting spot at PSG

Long touted as Italy's next big thing, Donnarumma shone bright on the international stage during their triumphant Euro 2020 campaign. He came up with a series of sensational displays that also earned him the best player award.

He's taking his time to settle at PSG as Mauricio Pochettino has rotated between him and Keylor Navas. But it won't be long before the 22-year-old becomes the No.1 choice.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi (PSG) - £63 million

Overlooked by Real Madrid, Hakimi moved to Borussia Dortmund to refine his talents. He later became a bona fide star of the sport during one glorious season at Inter Milan. Now at PSG, he's looking to make a mark in another major European league.

Classy, supremely creative and fast with an eye for goal, the Moroccan is everything you need at a modern full-back. He's already contributed five league goals from 11 games, suggesting Hakimi is going to have another impressive campaign ahead.

Centre-back: Marquinhos (PSG) - £67.50 million

Marquinhos has stepped up following Silva's departure

Thiago Silva's departure allowed Marquinhos to come out of the Brazilian's shadow and take the reigns as PSG's new leader in defense. And given his performances in Europe in particular, suffice to say he's overachieved.

Marquinhos is known for his anticipation, pace, intelligence and ability to break down attacks. His dominance in the air is well-documented too, often popping up with a goal or two from set-pieces.

Centre-back: Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) - £36 million

Kimpembe is developed into an influential figure at PSG

Kimpembe first shot to fame with a heroic display in PSG's 4-0 drubbing of Barcelona in 2017. The Frenchman, then only 22, famously kept his current teammate Messi quiet.

He hasn't looked back ever since, going from strength to strength to become a mainstay at the heart of their backline. Kimpembe's passing range is his best asset, and currently boasts the highest accuracy in Ligue 1 (95.8%) among players with at least 10 appearances this season.

Left-back: Nuno Mendes (PSG) - £36 million

The 18-year-old is a talent earmarked for the future

Mendes only made his professional debut last year. So for such a player to feature on this list is truly remarkable. His eye-catching performances with Sporting convinced PSG to snap him up in the summer.

Known for his offensive capabilities, speed and technical qualities, Mendes boasts excellent crossing and dribbling ability. He uses his physical prowess to beat opponents to the ball.

Defensive midfielder: Marco Verratti (PSG) - £49.5 million

Verratti is one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 and beyond

Marco Verratti has been around the block for so long, it's easy to forget that he's still only 29. Since moving to PSG in 2012, the Italian star has established himself as among the world's best midfielders and is currently valued around £50 million.

An underrated operator in PSG's star-studded squad, Veratti is quick, agile and technically-gifted playmaker. He's also known for his work-rate, dynamism and ball-winning abilities. He's currently the most decorated PSG star active in the squad with 27 titles.

Defensive midfielder: Houssem Aouar (Lyon) - £31.5 million

Arsenal have been one of the biggest admirers of the Frenchman

After impressing in bits and parts, Houssem Aouar has started to deliver regularly this season, alerting many big sides around Europe. He's already contributed seven goals in all competitions, which is more than half of what he managed in the whole of last season.

Having kept himself fit, there's a renewed sense of belief and a bullish competitiveness about his game. It could help him become the player he's long touted to become.

Right-winger: Lionel Messi (PSG) - £72 million

PSG signed him on a free transfer from Barcelona at the last minute but Messi remains one of the most valuable players above the age of 30.

It's no secret that the Argentine great has endured a difficult start to life in Ligue 1, failing to score in 325 minutes of action so far. But his valuable contributions in Europe show he ain't done yet.

Second striker: Lucas Paqueta (Lyon) - £31.5 million

Paqueta has discovered his best form at Lyon

An AC Milan flop, Paqueta has turned his career around at Lyon since joining last year. He found his best form to become one of the most exciting young prospects in the French top-flight.

With 13 goals and seven assists in 42 Ligue 1 games, the Brazilian is a key cog in Lyon's talented squad. He has firmly established himself as a mainstay in Tite's Brazil side too.

Left-winger: Neymar (PSG) - £90 million

He may not win many awards when it comes to discipline and sportsmanship, but Neymar's performances on the field remain top-notch when he's in form.

With 88 goals and 55 assists in 125 games for PSG, the Brazilian has had tremendous influence on their fortunes since joining from Barcelona in 2017.

But he's more than just stats. Neymar also stands out for his creativity and eye-catching trickery. There are few sights more exciting in football than watching him dance around intricate defenses.

Striker: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - £144 million

France's golden boy is Ligue 1's most valuable player!

Who else could it have been? Mbappe, at 22, boasts the kind of accomplishments that will put the most seasoned professionals to shame.

He recently added the UEFA Nations League to his ever-growing trophy cabinet. He has 18 goals and assists combined in 16 games for PSG this season, reminding everyone of his remarkable talents.

About the author

He's been a die-hard football fan for the past 12 years and found love in Real Madrid while Cristiano Ronaldo is his all-time favorite player. Won't shut about Real Madrid's three-peat in the Champions League.

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Edited by Diptanil