Much has been said about the recent arrivals in Ligue 1 with some high profile players arriving in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 ahead of the new season
This summer's transfer window has already seen some top brass players arrive in the country most notably, at Parc des Princes. Paris Saint-Germain have so far acquired the services of some of the best players in the world. The cash-laden club from Paris
has brought in the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-c38029.
Defending champions, Montpellier have attained the services of highly-rated Argentinean, Emanuel Herrera from Union Espanola.
2010/2011 champions of France, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786.
Other clubs in Ligue 1 have also added some good players to their ranks as they seek to perform well in this season.
However, few performers, who lighted up the top tier of French football in the 2011/2012 campaign with their amazing skills and sheer brilliance, have left the Ligue 1 in order to play in more competitive leagues across Europe.
Several clubs have lost their star players from the last season and some are bracing for the likely of departures of few more in the upcoming days.
Bettor.com now takes a look at two players, who were brilliant for their respective sides last season, but have left the country to play abroad.
Olivier Giroud – Montpellier
Age: 25
Position: Striker
Nationality: French
2011-12 SEASON STATS
Appearances: 36
Goals: 21
Assists: 9
The France international was the main reason behind Montpellier’s surprise rise in French football. Despite having a very low budget, La Paillade managed to beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC to the title.
The strong striker was a goal-scoring machine in Ligue 1 last season, scoring goals for pleasure. The 25-years-old was a blessing for his side and was a nightmare for the opponents. The Frenchman not just only scored 21 goals in a single season that earned
him golden boot in the previous campaign, but also provided 9 assists for his team-mates in the process.
On June 26, 2012, Olivier Giroud left the French champions and signed for English Premier League outfit, Arsenal for a fee believed to be in the region of 12 million Euros. His departure will be a big blow for the French football and it will be very hard
for Montpellier to replace a player of his calibre.
Eden Hazard – Lille OSC
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Nationality: Belgian
2011-12 SEASON STATS
Appearances: 38
Goals: 20
Assists: 15
Known for his creativity, pace, and skills, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eden-Hazard-c11863 is arguably the best emerging player in Europe. Although he is still pretty young, great things are expected from him in the future.
Despite being only 21 years old, the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Belgium-c2850 international is a familiar name in footballing world. Hazard has played five seasons with Lille at the senior level and has the potential to become one of the best in the business.
Scoring 20 goals in a single season and providing 15 assist is an amazing feat. Hazard was honoured Ligue 1 player of the year last season and season before that and was influential in Lille’s title winning 2010/2011 campaign.
On June 4, 2012, the young prodigy signed for English Premier League giants Chelsea for 40 million Euros.
His departure is a huge blow for Rudi Garcia’s side who seek to rival Montpellier and Paris Saint-Germain for the title.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect bettor.com’s editorial policy
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