8) Florian Thauvin (Marseille)
An exceptionally talented young winger, the 22-year-old has been one of his side’s deadliest attacking weapons so far this season. He has been described as the ‘next Franck Ribery’ by one French football manager.
7) Papy Mison Djilobodji (FC Nantes)
The wonderfully named Senegalese international has proved himself a commanding presence at the heart of his side’s back four over the years. The 6ft4 giant has made 141 appearances for Nantes since joining in 2010.