The Best Centre Backs
The presence of skilled central defenders in front of a goalkeeper greatly facilitates their task. These defenders play a crucial role in preventing the opposing team from approaching your team’s goal in a dangerous manner.
Two attributes are particularly significant for central defenders: defending and physicality. A player with strong defending abilities has a higher likelihood of successfully dispossessing opponents and preventing them from reaching the penalty area. The physical attribute measures the players’ ability to use their bodies effectively in winning possession.
Global Overview (CB)
Marquinhos possesses tremendous defensive skills and is also adept with the ball at his feet. While Kimpembe is slightly faster and more robust, Marquinhos excels in every other aspect. Together, they are the best two CBs you can use in Ligue 1.
In our opinion, Škriniar is the top alternative to them. He’s fast, strong, and proficient in defense. Lucas Hernández is also an intriguing option
The Best Right Backs
The role of Ligue 1 right backs is similar to their counterparts on the opposite flank. Their primary objective is to make it challenging for opposing wingers and actively contribute to their team’s offensive strategies.
Defending and pace are crucial attributes for any right back in the French League. As defenders, they need to possess strong defensive abilities to minimize the risk of conceding goals.
Given the nature of play on the flanks, which tends to be faster than the central areas of the field, right backs need to be quick, capable of both defensive and attacking movements, and able to penetrate the opposition’s defenses. They play a vital role in supporting the team’s overall gameplay.
Global Overview (RB, RWB)
Hakimi is the most exciting right-back playing in France, and it’s easy to understand why. He wins in four out of six key face stats!
The PSG defender is an amazing player, but he comes at a high price. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, we recommend trying Frankowski. Clauss is also a decent option, although not as fast as the Polish player.
The Best Left Backs
Left backs have the same role as their team mates on the other flank. In other words, they try to make a winger’s job hard and participate in the team’s offensive manoeuvres.
Defending and pace are vital attributes for any left back.
As defenders that they are, they should have good defending capacities. This reduces a team’s risk of conceding. A flanked game tends to be faster than a game in the middle of the field. The players that fill these spaces need to be fast, penetrating, defensive and attacking moves of the team.
Global Overview (LB, LWB)
Left fullbacks aren’t the strongest players in Ligue 1. Only a select few are truly playable, as the rest either lack the necessary speed or are better suited for other positions.
In our opinion, Nuno Mendes is by far the best option. However, Frankowski and Tagliafico are also viable choices, particularly if you want to emphasize pace or defense, respectively.