Football Season Guide

Monaco were involved in the Ligue 1 title fight to the final day of the season but were ultimately made to pay for a disappointing start to the campaign. Nevertheless, Niko Kovac built perhaps the most exciting side to watch in Ligue 1 and the foundations of that team remain as the Stade Louis II side welcome back Champions League football this season. Of their regular starters, the only player to leave entirely is Fode Ballo-Toure, who has joined Milan. The left-back had the best season of his career but is unlikely to be a player Monaco sorely miss given that they have Caio Henrique to step into the role. Ballo-Toure’s athleticism, though, was impressive. Otherwise, they have cut down their squad size, with no key players departing with the potential exception of Stevan Jovetic, who was an excellent option from the bench. New faces, too, are few and far between. While an army of loan players has returned, the only fresh faces are Ismail Jacobs to play on the left and Alexander Nubel, who has arrived on a two-year loan deal in goal and should prove to be a significant upgrade. Monaco played with two centre-backs last season and a versatile full-back who was able to tuck in and become a third member of a back three. Meanwhile, they had two defensive midfielders in the form of Aurelien Tchouameni and Youssfou Fofana. Both have developed impressively into strong Ligue 1 players. Going forward, meanwhile, they were super offensive, often fielding two wingers and two offensive midfielders, spearheaded by Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland, who formed an outstanding partnership last season. Monaco have a good balance of the young and experienced throughout their side, with players like Cesc Fabregas having a role to play even if they are not used regularly. There is good balance to this season and, while the squad numbers are unmanageable, that will surely change as players get sent out on loan.