The top eleven of the 2022 transfer window in Ligue 1

Each year, the summer transfer window allows teams to strengthen and there are always players who manage to surprise or meet expectations. For this start of the 2022/2023 season, we have taken stock in order to draw up a typical team of recruits who arrived this summer. And the competition was tough for the goalkeeper position. Participating in the good first parts of the season in Clermont (10th) and Lorient (5th), Mory Diaw and Yvon Mvogo were in the discussion and could have legitimately gleaned this reward. However, one keeper has shone even brighter and it’s about Brice Samba. The Lensois who keeps the second defense of the championship (10 goals conceded) has already achieved 7 clean sheets in 15 matches. Efficient and regular, he has already amply justified the 5 million euros spent to bring him from Nottingham Forest this summer. For the right flank of the defense, we thought of a former Lensois with Jonathan Clauss who adapted well to Olympique de Marseille but that’s good Bafode Diakite who took over. Performing in central defense or as a right-back, the former Toulouse player is one of Lille’s best picks this summer.

The hinge sees Chancel Mbemba occupy the right side. Arriving free from Porto, the Congolese is impressive and has already established himself as one of the bosses of the Marseille team. Solid in the duels, clean in the revival and able to project himself, he was able to establish himself as one of the best in his position in Ligue 1. At his side, we could have evoked the Rennais Arthur Theathe, but it is another player playing in Brittany who was chosen. Arrived freely from Rubin Kazan, the Tunisian Montassar Talbi shines brightly with Lorient and brings serenity to the defense of the Hakes. He is one of the training executives who caused a sensation at the start of the season. Finally, the defense is completed by Ismaili. Brought back by Paulo Fonseca from Shakhtar Donetsk, the Brazilian quickly joined Ligue 1. Author of 2 goals and 2 offerings, the 32-year-old brings an additional technical touch to the Mastiffs and a significant impact at the start of the season.

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At the heart of the game, we thought of Mohamed Camara from Monaco, but two players took the advantage in the double pivot. Recruited from FC Porto for nearly 40 million euros by PSG, Vitinha quickly made its mark. The 22-year-old has established himself as a starter alongside Marco Verratti and is having a very satisfying first half of the season. At his side, we find the Lensois Salis Abdul Samed. Rewarded by a summons with Ghana for the World Cup, the former Clermont was dominant in the second place of the Northerners after 15 days. Alongside Seko Fofana, he was able to make people forget the departure of Cheick Doucouré for Crystal Palace. Coming out of a few complicated months in Montpellier, Remy Cabella signed free in Lille in stride and took it well. Magnified by the game of Paulo Fonseca, the 32-year-old player has 3 goals and 5 offerings in 9 games. Despite some small physical glitches, he has established himself as one of the leaders of his training.

Up front, the fight was tough with six players battling to be among the three attacking positions. We could have thought of Amine Gouiri (Rennes), Alexis Sanchez (Olympique de Marseille) or even Breel Embolo (Monaco). These three elements were very close, but we decided in particular for Lois Openda. Landed from Bruges for €9.8m, the Belgian striker has scored 7 goals in 15 matches. Precious in the Lensoise animation, he is no stranger to the beautiful second place of the Artésiens. Next to him are Folarin Balogun. Loaned by Arsenal, the young 21-year-old Englishman carries the Stade de Reims in the maintenance mission and has already scored no less than 8 goals and 2 offerings in 15 matches. Its very presence is a danger to opposing defences. Finally, a former Gunners completes the team since the Lyonnais Alexandre Lacazette is one of the rare satisfactions of the Gones. Arrived free, he scored 9 goals and delivered 3 offerings in 15 matches. If his team is disappointing, “General Lacazette” is on the front line and shoots everything!