Ligue 1 is known for utilizing and developing their youth talent to the point the league has even coined itself as “The League of Talents”. Some clubs more than others are known for their academy products, but who actually used their youth players the most this season?
In a report published by Ouest-France that questioned was answered. Each Ligue 1 team was ranked by their utilization of their young players, 21-years-old or younger, and how many minutes they actually played on the field. 1 – MHSC
Montpellier was not only ranked number 1 but was especially impressive with 7 players 20-years-old or young. The young players of La Paillade have played 3730 minutes of field-time since the start of the season. Given that the total amount for each club was 14,850 minutes (15 days played x 90 minutes x 11 starters), Montpellier’s youth represents 25.4% of the entire total, the highest record at the current time.
The eight players involved : Axel Guegin, Khalil Fayad, Elye Wahi, Béni Makouana, Enzo Tchato, Maxime Estève, Sacha Delaye and Joris Chotard.
2 – OL
OL is renowned for their academy products. This year is no different. Les Gones’ fell just behind the MHSC, with 3,612 minutes given to their prodigies during the 2022-2023 season, which is equivalent to 24.5% of the total. While the payoff on the league table has not been the same as past years, OL’s youth are top talents in not only Ligue 1, but the world.
The six players involved : Sael Kumbedi, Rayan Cherki, Malo Gusto, Johann Lepenant, Castello Lukeba and Bradley Barcola.
3 – Rennes
In third, Rennes were a team that actually used their young talent to find success on the league table in third. Like the other two clubs mentioned, the Bretons have a playing time of more than 3000 minutes for their U21s. With 3331 units granted to their proteges, the winners of the Coupe de France 2019 therefore represent 22.4% of the total.
The eight players concerned : Désiré Doué, Lesley Ugochuwku, Matthis Abline, Jérémy Doku, Dogan Alemdar, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Christopher Wooh.
In last, RC Lens had the least amount of youth minutes in league play. Only one youngster used (3 minutes, 0.02% of the total), but that did not prevent the Lens from performing in the league. The Blood and Gold sit in second just behind PSG. It is worth noting that Lens do have a strong academy, but you can not argue with their league production.
The full list does not directly correlate to the league table, but it does paint a picture of the clubs and who they are at least for this season.
1. Montpellier Hérault SC: 3730 minutes (25.4% of the total)
2. Olympique Lyonnais: 3,612 (24.5%)
3. Stade Rennais FC: 3,331 (22.4%)
4. Reims Stadium: 2,871 (19.7%)
5. FC Lorient: 2,350 (15.9%)
6. ESTAC Troyes: 1,655 (11.2%)
7. FC Nantes: 1,226 (8.3%)
8. Toulouse FC: 1,133 (7.7%)
9. PSG: 1007 (6.8%)
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10. RC Strasbourg Alsace: 889 (6.0%)
11. LOSC: 854 (5.8%)
12.OGC Nice: 760 (5.2%)
13. AS Monaco: 675 (4.6%)
14. AC Ajaccio: 519 (3.5%)
15. Angers SCO: 311 (2.1%)
16. AJ Auxerre: 243 (1.7%)
17. Stade Brestois 29: 149 (1.0%)
18. Olympique de Marseille: 65 (0.4%)
19. Clermont Foot 63: 39 (0.3%)
20. RC Lens: 3 (0.02%)