French Debate: Ligue 1 Team Of 2008/09 – The First Half
Posted by enrictesano on January 1, 2009
Having settled quickly after a summer move from Toulouse, the 28 year-old stopper appears to be coming into his prime, conceding only 13 goals in the first half of the season, four of which came against Olympique de Marseille in the opening game of the term.Honourable mentions: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyonnais), Yohann Pelé (Le Mans), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille)Left-backAn injury crisis has not been allowed to badly hamper the progress of Lorient this season as many of their first team players have stepped forward to take extra responsibility.
Generally used as a left-back, the 23 year-old already has three goals and two assists for the season and is slowly catching the eye of some of the biggest clubs.Honourable mentions: Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Sylvain Armand (Paris Saint-Germain)Right-backDespite the continued emergence of Rod Fanni at Stade Rennais, the outstanding right-back in Ligue 1 during the early part of the season has been Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian, Ceara.
The only player to get near him in the early part of the season has been Juninho of Olympique Lyonnais, although there are a number of players a level down from these two who have impressed.Honourable mentions: Juninho (Olympique Lyonnais), Yohan Cabaye (Lille OSC), Mickaël Pagis (Stade Rennais), Gervinho (Le Mans), Fabrice Abriel (Lorient)Left MidfielderLike the attacking midfield role, there is only one outstanding contender for the spot on the left, Lille’s Brazilian winger Michel Bastos.
His contribution to Lyon’s cause is only truly noticed when he is not playing as the slump in the side’s form can be alarming.Several other strikers have enjoyed terrific starts to the season and, for this reason, it is very difficult to pick out the final member of this elite eleven.
Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/1722/french-ligue-1/2008/12/25/1028287/french-debate-ligue-1-team-of-200809-the-first-half
