Best Left-Backs in the Ligue 1 (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Ligue 1 Left-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 35 Ligue 1 Left-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €246.3M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Left-Backs is €7.0M, with the average age at 26.8 years old.
The most valuable left-back in the Ligue 1 is Nuno Mendes, worth €70.0M and playing for Paris Saint-Germain at 23 years old. The top 5 Left-Backs average €28.0M in market value, including Lucas Hernández and Quentin Merlin.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked left-back is Nhoa Sangui (19 years, Paris FC, €2.5M), while the oldest is Ismaily is a 35-year old football player aus Brazil (35 years, Without Club, €1.2M). Research shows Left-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 12 Left-Backs (34%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Ligue 1 market for Left-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in Ligue 1
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 18 clubs with €246.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Left-Backs
The Ligue 1 LB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (11 players, 31% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €106.7M, averaging €13.3M per player.
Top Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (4 players)
27-29 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Left-Backs (11% of players) control €125.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 3% of the Ligue 1 LB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Left-Backs
Among 18 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 2 Left-Backs worth €95.0M (averaging €47.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 63% of tracked Left-Backs.
Paris Saint-Germain (2 Left-Backs)
AS Monaco (2 Left-Backs)
OGC Nice (2 Left-Backs)
RC Strasbourg Alsace (2 Left-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Nuno Mendes
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €78.0M
93.4
Lucas Hernández
Paris Saint-Germain • 29 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.7M
75.9
Quentin Merlin
Stade Rennais FC • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
70.4
Melvin Bard
OGC Nice • 25 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.7M
69.5
Ben Chilwell
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 28 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €13.1M
69.2
Caio Henrique
AS Monaco • 28 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €13.1M
69.2
Emerson
Olympique Marseille • 31 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.3M
60.9
Bradley Locko
Stade Brestois 29 • 23 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.6M
60.5
Abner
Olympique Lyon • 25 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
56.4
Kassoum Ouattara
AS Monaco • 21 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.7M
56.1
Nicolás Tagliafico
Olympique Lyon • 33 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.3M
54.8
Ulisses Garcia
Olympique Marseille • 29 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.1M
52.1
Romain Perraud
LOSC Lille • 28 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
52.0
Darlin Yongwa
FC Lorient • 25 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
49.4
Gideon Mensah
AJ Auxerre • 27 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
49.1
Jhoanner Chávez
RC Lens • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.7
Matthieu Udol
RC Lens • 29 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.6
Nicolas Cozza
FC Nantes • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.3
Deiver Machado
RC Lens • 32 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.6M
42.5
Ali Abdi
OGC Nice • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
42.3
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 10.00×. That means Nuno Mendes is valued 10.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Paris FC's Nhoa Sangui, who is 19 years old, with a 3.13× PPVE. Third is Melvin Bard of OGC Nice, who is 25 years old with a 2.14× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 10.00× means the player is worth 900% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €7.0M | 10.00× |
| #2 | Nhoa Sangui Paris FC | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €800K | 3.13× |
| #3 | Melvin Bard OGC Nice | 25 | 24-26 | €15.0M | €7.0M | 2.14× |
| #4 | Quentin Merlin Stade Rennais FC | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €7.0M | 2.14× |
| #5 | Bradley Locko Stade Brestois 29 | 23 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €7.0M | 1.29× |
| #6 | Justin Bourgault Stade Brestois 29 | 20 | U21 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #7 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Abner Olympique Lyon | 25 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €7.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €7.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Darlin Yongwa FC Lorient | 25 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €7.0M | 0.57× |
| #11 | Jhoanner Chávez RC Lens | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €7.0M | 0.50× |
| #12 | Achraf Laâziri Olympique Lyon | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €7.0M | 0.11× |
| #13 | Jacques Ekomié Angers SCO | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €7.0M | 0.11× |
| #14 | Fredrik Oppegård AJ Auxerre | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €7.0M | 0.09× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Paris FC's Nhoa Sangui at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Nhoa Sangui is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Stade Brestois 29's Justin Bourgault, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Mahamadou Nagida of Stade Rennais FC, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nhoa Sangui Paris FC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #2 | Justin Bourgault Stade Brestois 29 | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #3 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #4 | Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | 21 | 5 | €7.0M | €10.1M | +30% |
| #5 | Achraf Laâziri Olympique Lyon | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #6 | Jacques Ekomié Angers SCO | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #7 | Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 3 | €70.0M | €87.0M | +20% |
| #8 | Fredrik Oppegård AJ Auxerre | 23 | 3 | €600K | €746K | +20% |
| #9 | Bradley Locko Stade Brestois 29 | 23 | 3 | €9.0M | €11.2M | +20% |
| #10 | Jhoanner Chávez RC Lens | 23 | 3 | €3.5M | €4.4M | +20% |
| #11 | Quentin Merlin Stade Rennais FC | 23 | 3 | €15.0M | €18.6M | +20% |
| #12 | Melvin Bard OGC Nice | 25 | 1 | €15.0M | €16.1M | +7% |
| #13 | Abner Olympique Lyon | 25 | 1 | €7.0M | €7.5M | +7% |
| #14 | Darlin Yongwa FC Lorient | 25 | 1 | €4.0M | €4.3M | +7% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Paris FC's Nhoa Sangui has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Nhoa Sangui has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Stade Brestois 29's Justin Bourgault with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Mahamadou Nagida of Stade Rennais FC with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nhoa Sangui Paris FC | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Justin Bourgault Stade Brestois 29 | €917K | €791K-1.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | €917K | €791K-1.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain | €78.0M | €68.6M-87.4M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #5 | Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | €7.7M | €6.7M-8.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Quentin Merlin Stade Rennais FC | €16.1M | €14.1M-18.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Fredrik Oppegård AJ Auxerre | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Bradley Locko Stade Brestois 29 | €9.6M | €8.5M-10.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Jhoanner Chávez RC Lens | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Achraf Laâziri Olympique Lyon | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Jacques Ekomié Angers SCO | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Nicolas Cozza FC Nantes | €3.6M | €3.2M-4.0M | +3% | 12.0 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: left-back position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
AJ Auxerre's Fredrik Oppegård in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +20.5%. That means Nuno Mendes captures 43.3% of total market value while representing only 22.9% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Stade Rennais FC's Quentin Merlin with a +20.5% ASC (43.3% value share vs 22.9% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain with a +20.5% ASC (43.3% value vs 22.9% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +20.5% ASC means the player captures 20.5% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fredrik Oppegård AJ Auxerre | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #2 | Quentin Merlin Stade Rennais FC | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #3 | Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #4 | Jhoanner Chávez RC Lens | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #5 | Bradley Locko Stade Brestois 29 | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #6 | Achraf Laâziri Olympique Lyon | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #7 | Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #8 | Jacques Ekomié Angers SCO | 21-23 | 43.3% | 22.9% | +20.5% |
| #9 | Florent Hanin Angers SCO | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #10 | Ismaily is a 35-year old football player aus Brazil Without Club | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #11 | Nicolás Tagliafico Olympique Lyon | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #12 | Thomas Delaine Le Havre AC | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #13 | Emerson Olympique Marseille | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #14 | Eduard Sobol RC Strasbourg Alsace | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #15 | Ali Abdi OGC Nice | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #16 | Jordan Amavi Without Club | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #17 | Deiver Machado RC Lens | 30+ | 10.8% | 25.7% | -15.0% |
| #18 | Justin Bourgault Stade Brestois 29 | U21 | 1.7% | 8.6% | -6.9% |
| #19 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | U21 | 1.7% | 8.6% | -6.9% |
| #20 | Nhoa Sangui Paris FC | U21 | 1.7% | 8.6% | -6.9% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 1 immediate targets, 10 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 12 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €600K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nicolás Tagliafico Olympique Lyon | €6.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nicolas Cozza FC Nantes | €3.5M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | €7.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yanis Zouaoui Le Havre AC | €800K | €3.5M | -0.74 | Good Value |
Fodé Ballo-Touré FC Metz | €1.2M | €3.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Florent Hanin Angers SCO | €300K | €3.5M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Thomas Delaine Le Havre AC | €600K | €3.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Eduard Sobol RC Strasbourg Alsace | €900K | €3.5M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Fredrik Oppegård AJ Auxerre | €600K | €3.5M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Justin Bourgault Stade Brestois 29 | €800K | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | €800K | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ismaily is a 35-year old football player aus Brazil Without Club | €1.2M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Emerson Olympique Marseille | €10.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ulisses Garcia Olympique Marseille | €5.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Calvin Verdonk LOSC Lille | €2.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ben Chilwell RC Strasbourg Alsace | €15.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Romain Perraud LOSC Lille | €5.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Thibault De Smet Paris FC | €2.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Caio Henrique AS Monaco | €15.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Melvin Bard OGC Nice | €15.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |