Who is the best French footballer to have played in England?
Eric Cantona is one of the most influential French footballers to have played in England, but can any other player claim to be better? We at the FCF have decided on the top French footballers for you to choose the best. As welcome as a gift of free bets, here are France’s greatest exports to the Premier League:
Eric Cantona
If this video – of Eric Cantona’s time in France – doesn’t prove his remarkable achievements playing in England, then it’s hard to imagine what might. Anyone suggesting a video of his time in England might be of use is clearly giving the world of football a very, very shallow reading. Eric Cantona came, scored, kicked and conquered. Was his peak kicking that hooligan? Yes. The ‘perceived sin of kicking a gobby cockney’ is not celebrated enough. We look in expectation towards this new generation of footballers to do what’s right.
Didier Drogba
Is there another French forward who can rival Eric Cantona for his feats in the Premier League? Probably only Didier Drogba. Compared only to other black forwards because he’s black, he highlights the rampant idiocy of football commentary. Useless in his first season under Jose Mourinho, excellent ever since. This is probably his last season in England, but one question remains outstanding. Why has he yet to win a single cap for the French national side? A disgrace and no mistake.
Adam Le Fondre
A leftfield choice, admittedly, but the journeyman from Bordeaux demonstrates that not all French players lord it in the Premier League with fancy dan trickery. Le Fondre has played at Rochdale, Rotherham and Reading in his time in England, having no trouble moving up from the lower leagues to the higher reaches of the Championship. With Paris Saint-Germain looking to boost their frontline in the summer, surely a return to his native country is calling for Le Fondre?
Simon Mignolet
While the French might be known for their attacking nous and guile, it would be foolish to discount the contribution they’ve made to the other end of the pitch. Simon Mignolet has displaced Craig Gordon, the most expensive Irish player in the Premier League, to establish himself as first choice for the Black Cats, or as he might say, the ‘Chats Noirs.’
So. Croissants, Cassoulet, Cantona. All obviously French and all obviously excellent. Above are another three contenders: fax us your favourites.
