Ligue 2 Review #17: Team of the Half-Season

At the halfway stage of the season and with plenty to play for, we pick out an XI of the standout players in Ligue 2 BKT.

Goalkeeper: Obed Nkambadio

Odeb Nkambadio (Paris FC) 

Things are looking increasingly positive for Obed Nkambadio at Paris FC. After featuring in France's Olympic side in the summer, the 21-year-old has gone into this season with a renewed vigour and has played a huge part in Paris FC's impressive defensive record. Over 16 games, Nkambadio has kept nine clean sheets with 13 goals conceded. 

Defenders: Bouchouari, Talbi, Sasso, & Sissoko

Right-back: Mohamed Bouchouari (Rodez) 

The 24-year-old has played in all 16 matches for Rodez this season with an outstanding attacking output for a defender. He has scored four goals and provided five assists this season so far from right-back. 

Centre-back: Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient) 

Lorient have held one of the best defensive records in the league this season, and a lot of it has been down to a solid partnership between Julien Laporte and Montassar Talbi. The 26-year-old Tunisian has played in 13 games this season, winning 70 duels and has been effective in build-up play. 

Centre Back: Vincent Sasso (Dunkerque)
The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers for a high-flying Dunkerque side who currently sit third in the table. Starting in all 16 matches for Les Maritimes, Sasso has been effectively outperforming other defenders in defensive recoveries, clean sheets, and interceptions. He has also chipped in offensively with three goals from corners this season so far. 

Left Back: Alpha Sissoko (Guingamp) 

Okay, he's really a right-back- but he had to make the team for the half season as the top assist provider in the league and being a defender. In 16 Games Sissoko has already provided seven assists, as he tries to keep pushing Guingamp up to those play-off spots.

Midfielders: Lopez, Hein, Kebbal

Midfielder: Maxime Lopez (Paris FC)

He was Paris FC's big-name signing in the summer, and so far has been living up to the hype, with expectations raising at the club. Since joining the club, the former Marseille and Sassuolo man has made 12 appearances and scored twice for Les Parisiens. But the stats don't tell you how important he is as a defensive pivot in midfield and in possession for Stéphane Gilli's side. 

Midfielder: Gauthier Hein (FC Metz)

The former Auxerre man made a huge gamble when he decided to return to his hometown club in FC Metz, but he has proceeded to settle down well with Les Grenats. In 16 matches the Frenchman has scored five goals as Metz currently hold a spot in the playoffs.

Midfielder: Illan Kebbal (Paris FC)

Last season's top assist provider has once again been performing in Ligue 2 this season. Kebbal has been the technical driving force for the last year and half for Paris FC, and has already scored four goals in 15 matches this season.

Attackers: Kroupi, Meïssa Ba, Sabaly

Left Winger: Eli Junior Kroupi (Lorient)

The Lorient youngster took some time to get going, but he has emerged as a key player now in Olivier Pantaloni's side, especially in the creative attacking areas. He is up there in the goalscoring rankings with seven goals in 12 matches this season, and is proving deadly with his lightning pace and finishing ability this season.

Striker: Pape Meïssa Ba (Grenoble)

Whilst Grenoble haven't exactly been consistent this season, one thing has been certain: give Pape Meïssa Ba half a chance and he will score. He has been a deadly poacher full of confidence over the past six months with GF38. The Senegal forward tops the goal-scoring rankings in Ligue 2 this season with 10 goals in 15 matches. He is only one goal away from already surpassing his total from the previous campaign.

Right Winger: Cheikh Sabaly (FC Metz)

Following a somewhat muted 2023-2024 campaign in Ligue 1 with Metz, he has been the club's attacking revelation this season. Blinding pace, technical ability, and a growing relationship on the pitch with Gauthier Hein is producing some great results. The Senegalese striker sits joint-second in the goalscoring charts with Guingamp's Jacques Siwe. 

Honourable Mentions (The BEnch)

Johny Placide (Goalkeeper) - SC Bastia

Jean-Phillipe Krasso (Striker) - Paris FC

Alexandre Mendy (Striker)  - SM Caen

Timothé Nkada (Attacking Midfielder) - Rodez

Antonin Bobichon (Midfielder) - Pau FC 

Laurent Abergel (Midfielder) - Lorient

Moustapha Mbow (Defender) - Paris FC

Manager: Luis Castro (USL Dunkerque)

READ MORE: 

>>Ligue 2 Review #16: Lorient new leaders after win over Paris FC