Predicting AS Monaco 2017/18 Ligue 1 credentials

AS Monaco 2017/18 Ligue 1 Title Credentials

AS Monaco had a fantasy campaign last season where their young dynamic squad who were hungry for silverware overcame their giant rivals PSG to the Ligue 1 crown. Their performances every single week were absolutely faultless. Every player was at their peak stage and performed exceptionally.

However, their title defense this season isn’t going to be easy by any means. PSG have made big name additions to the squad as they are looking to once again regain the Ligue 1 crown.

The club has already begun with a scrappy 3-2 win against Toulouse. Monaco has made youthful additions but have sold a number of players from their title winning squad. Departures include Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Now, how does the road look for Monaco ahead?

Goalkeepers

Their No.1 in goal Danijel Subasic was exceptional last season and is expected to continue as the first choice this year too.

New back up goalkeeper signing Diego Benaglio has experience and leadership which will be vital for the squad.

Defenders

Their back four was the strongest defense in the league last season with the combination of youth, power and agility. However this year, they have lost a vital member of that unit, left back Benjamin Mendy.

In the central defensive positions, Jemerson and Kamil Gilk have committed their long term future to the club and look set to resume their partnership this season.

On the bench, they have the long serving Andrea Raggi whose experience will once again be vital for the club.

On the Right, Djbril Sidibe is still at the club and is expected to resume his role as the first choice Right back.

On the left, the club has signed Terence Kongolo who can play as the left back but may be converted into a CB for the future.

The manager has got good options on the bench with Almamy Toure and new signing Jordy Gaspar ready to challenge for the first choice role.

Jorge may be the player who will step out and prove himself to be the club’s long term first choice fullback.

Midfielders

In defensive midfield, despite losing Bakayoko, the club has once again turned to youth to solve their crisis.

Fabinho is still at the club but no one knows for how long. As long as he is there, he is their first choice holding midfielder.

Their experienced creator in midfield Joao Moutinho will be used well from time to time.

They have added youth to their side by signing defensive midfielder Soualiho Meite who could be a star future midfielder.

Youri Tielemans, Diego Benaglio, Jordy Gaspar & Jordi Mboula "AS Monaco's newest arrivals!!"

Their most impressive signing has come in central midfield; Youri Tielemans who can lead the Monaco side to victory.

Youth players who could get a chance in the first team this season are Kevin N’Doram, Youssed Ait Bennasser and Adama Traore.

Attackers

Having lost Bernardo Silva, the club has just completed the Bosman signing of Rachid Ghezzal who can be their new Right winger for the season.

Young exciting attacker Jordi Mboula has also arrived from Barcelona who looks to be the future of the Monaco attack.

On the left, for now Thomas Lemar is continuing to play as the left winger. But he may depart the club this transfer window as there are still doubts regarding his future.

Rony Lopes has also returned after his successful loan spell last season and will look to make a breakthrough into the first team this season.

The backup options include Gabriel Boschilia and Gil Dias.




In the No.9 role, the man of the moment Kylian Mbappe is still at the club despite heavy links suggesting he will depart this month. However, as long as he is present he will start for the club without any doubt.

He will partner their hitman Radamel Falcao upfront who will provide power and strike a fierce partnership upfront.

On the bench, Guido Carrillo looks a very decent player to get game time this season along with new young addition Adama Diakhaby. Lacina Traore looks set to leave the club.

Predicted Formations

Players Still Needed

AS Monaco need to spend this season if they really want to challenge for trophies especially after they have lost a number of players.

Centre Back

They have a strong centre back pairing of Jemerson and Gilk but need backup in the form of a youngster who can potentially be a future first team player.

Lucas Hernandez
He is a fantastic young talented player currently with Spanish side Atletico Madrid and could be on Monaco's radar come January.

Dayot Upamecano
An 18 year old centre back who is a first team player, Upamecano can be a future target for Monaco with their trust in youth.

Jonathan Tah
A German international, Tah is a young rising star who can really shine for a club like Monaco.

Defensive Midfielder

Although the Monaco midfield would look stable for now, players still haven't committed their futures to the club and they could be short of options especially in the holding midfield role.

Giannelli Imbula

Imbula has recently been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 champions and could be the most likeliest player to sign with the club.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

It wouldn't be surprise to see the former Monaco midfielder re-sign with his former club. With limited options at Inter, Kondogbia can provide stability to the Monaco midfield.

Francis Coquelin

Similarly for Coquelin, first team opportunities are limited at Arsenal and his presence in the Monaco midfield can be essential, but a move this month looks unlikely.

Winger

After losing Bernardo Silva, the club may even end up losing Thomas Lemar come the end of the month. Reinforcements have already come in on the right side, its the left side which needs strengthening.

Alexis Sanchez

It could be a blockbuster deal as Monaco were linked with a move for the player about 2 weeks ago. If the player wants to leave, Arsenal would gladly sell him abroad instead of an English club. But Monaco will have to make a decent offer for the player.

Yacine Brahimi

He is an experienced winger who would want a new challenge in his career at a higher level and Monaco could be the answer if they think of signing him.

Mikel Oyarzabal

Out of the blue, but he among the young talented wingers in Spain following a fantastic season with Real Sociedad. Monaco are known for trusting in young players and could consider him as a future target.

Verdict

AS Monaco will find it very difficult to retain the Ligue 1 title this season against a strong PSG side. They may just fall short this time around and finish runners up in the Ligue 1 table.