There's always value in Ligue 2

Let's start by saying this, I've always thought that Ligue 2 in France has the best footballers for any second division in all of Europe. Players like N'Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, & Olivier Giroud just to name a few have all played in Ligue 2 before. I believe if you're looking for hidden gems that have potential to be top players Ligue 2 is a league where you should definitely be scouting. That's why when looking at players in Ligue 2 who had similar dribbling success rates to Bukayo Saka I was very interested in a player from Troyes, Cyriaque Irié. Watching Irié play it is very evident to see that he as an exciting winger that like to go at players. He's always pushing the game forward which is great to see in young wingers, & he is young. Irié is only 19 years of age, meaning he still has a lot of time to develop & become more productive. What I like about his game like many young french players is that he is not fearful of taking players one on one. Which is evident by his high dribble success %. He is strong so it is not easy for him to be pushed of the ball, but he also carries with him good balance & pace to go by players.

Irié dribble success % vs Bukayo Saka 2025. Stats courtesy @SeifAjax04

With all young players especially in lower divisions, & even those at the top divisions. The key for Irié will be his end product. He finished the season with 6 goals & 3 assists. For someone who is fantastic at beating players one on one, I believe he can improve that final product in terms of providing assists from a wide area.

When looking at his game in totality it is very evident that he is a very talented player with a lot of great tools to work with, I will not be surprised if he makes the jump to Ligue 1 this summer. He's not the first player from Ligue 2 and definitely not the last player that will have made the jump from Ligue 2 & gone on to do great things in their football career. Ligue 2 continues to be a football factory with a lot of good talent.