Malick Fofana: Lyon's Belgian Wonderkid Primed for a Big Move

France is widely regarded as the most consistent producer of young, first-team-ready talents that go on to be world-class. That reputation was earned on the back of one key thing that isn’t often talked about, with respect to its top division, Ligue 1; the fact that they give so many young players a platform to excel. No other top 5 league sees as many youngsters starting games across the top division or getting so many minutes.

They get to rack up first-team experience, and deal with the pressure and quality of a top 5 league without being too much in the spotlight from global fans and the press. That helps them to develop away from too much noise and stay grounded until they enter a new level that garners them attention. 

How Pierre Sage Took Lyon from Last Place to the UEFA Europa League

Outside the top 5 leagues though, there is another country that mirrors a lot of what the French continue to achieve with youngsters; Belgium. Along with the Netherlands, Belgium is a premium location for youngsters, either to come through academies and get quality minutes in top-flight football or to pass through in their development.