Ligue 1 2020/21 Season Review: 5 Things We Learned

The Ligue 1 season is officially over. Much to the shock of most observers,Paris Saint-Germain did not win the title and were pipped to the crown by Lille on the final day of the campaign. As the dust begin to settle, let us nowreflect on what we learned.

Sacking Thomas Tuchel was a mistake

Thomas Tuchel guided PSG to the Ligue 1 title in 2019-20 and also led the team to the Champions League final. However, in December 2020, the German was sacked by the French giants. At the time, PSG were just a pain behind then leaders Lyon and were to face Barcelona in the last-16 stage of the Champions League. Under Tuchel’s successor Mauricio Pochettino, PSG could not reach the Champions League final and also finished a point behind eventual champions Lille. Tuchel was appointed the Chelsea manager in January 2019. The German guided the Blues to the Premier League top four from a bad position and has also taken to the team to the Champions League final.

Memphis Depay is quality

Memphis Depay could not make a massive impact at Manchester United, but the Netherlands international forward has revitalised himself at Lyon. The 27-year-old scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists in 33 Ligue 1 starts this season. Depay is out of contract at Lyon this summer and would be a bargain signing for any top club in Europe.

PSG simply cannot sell Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has been linked with moves away, with Liverpool’s chances of signing the PSG striker this summer rated at 6/1 by Betfair. PSG simply cannot afford to sell Mbappe. The France international is arguably the best player in Ligue 1, and this season, the forward ended as the top scorer with 27 goals. PSG would struggle without Mbappe.

Dimitri Payet remains a class player

Dimitri Payet may be 34 years of age now, but the former West Ham United star still remains a quality footballer. The France international, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, scored seven goals and gave 10 assists in Ligue 1 this season. 

Next season could be another thriller

Lille won the Ligue 1 title on the final day of the season. PSG ended up just a point behind them, with AS Monaco finishing third, five points off the top. Lyon were in the race for the championship until the final few games. Next season could be just as enthralling and exciting.