Who have been the continent’s star performers in the French top flight this year?

Getty ImagesGK: Alban Lafont

Ouagadougou-born stopper who has excelled at FC Nantes after signing permanently for the Canaries permanently last year.

There are queries about why the former France U-21 international hasn’t been called up for Les Bleus, but as things stand, he remains eligible for Burkina Faso.

AdvertisementBackpagepix.LB: Ghislain Konan

Not as much intense African competition for the left-back berth as there have been for other positions on the pitch, but Konan makes the cut after helping Stade de Reims to a safe mid-table position.

The former European Cup finalists also registered the seventh best defensive record in the division.

GettyCB: Boubakar Kouyate

The Mali international was part of a Metz side who ultimately dropped into the second tier, but he was immense in the heart of the backline, prompting transfer rumours linking him with a move to LeicesterCity.

He averaged 3.1 headers won per match this season—only three players managed more throughout the division.

gettyCB: Nayef Aguerd

Similarly effective in the air to Kouyate, Aguerd continues to demonstrate why he ought to be considered one of the finest centre-backs in the European game.

Linked to West Ham United at various stages during the season, he caught the eye at times during the Africa Cup of Nations and helped Stade Rennais reach the top four, with his deft use of the ball proving particularly valuable.