Best of the half-season: Defender
As we prepare for the return of Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend, our team of writers have selected some of their favorites of the season's first half. Hear from Eric, George & Luke as they talk about their best moments before the season resumes, continuing with our picks for the best defender.
Eric: Matthieu Udol, RC Lens
The work done this summer by Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca is second to none, as evidenced by the team sitting atop the table. His ingenuity is underscored not only by spending on more recognized names like Florian Thauvin and Odsonne Edouard, but also on the likes of Matthieu Udol. The vastly experienced former Metz man has been a revelation at wingback this season, and has even been mooted as a potential option for France this summer. His leather-lunged running makes Lens tick, and by contributing assists to his defensive duties, he has shone as the epitome of the modern fullback.
3 goals for Charlie Cresswell so far! ⚽️ The scoring defender! 😈 pic.twitter.com/F282077lHp
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 30, 2025
George: Charlie Cresswell, Toulouse FC
Since joining Les Violets, the England U21 has gone from strength to strength. This season has been no different, having started every match for TFC so far this campaign. The Englishman is strong in the air, competitive in duels, and commanding in his defensive line. Cresswell also ranks sixth across Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, sits in Ligue 1’s top 10 for blocks, and is second for clearances.
Luke: Moussa Niakhaté, Lyon
Cast your mind back to the start of the season and you’ll remember Lyon’s excellent defensive record. Bar the three goals conceded against Rennes, all of which came with OL down to 10 men, Paulo Fonseca’s side did not concede a single goal in all competitions until 5th October and a 2-1 defeat to Toulouse. At that point, the floodgates had opened somewhat, but the decrease in performance - un coincidentally - came during a period of absence for Moussa Niakhaté. The Senegal international has taken his game up a notch, formed an excellent partnership with Clinton Mata, and become the leader and organiser of that back line. A lot of OL’s excellent start-of-season form rests on his shoulders.
