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Gabriel Agbonlahor has referred to Ligue 1 as a farmer's league. Ligue 1 took a hit in the Champions League as the third-placed side from last season, AS Monaco, failed to qualify for the group stage and Olympique de Marseille finished last in Group D. Meanwhile, PSG finished in second place with 14 points in Group H due to Benfica winning on the sixth tiebreaker. 

As a result, Premier League pundits are taking shots at French football for how these three clubs performed in Europe’s top competition. “What I mean by farmers league is that all the best players in that league leave,” Agbonlahor said. “Unless they’re getting the big bucks at PSG. They’re leaving to other European leagues, a lot of them."

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“So it’s a farmer’s league. Still, I stand by them comments. You know Marseille bottom of their group in the Champions League. Not playing Europa League this season either. PSG, on goal difference, finish second. But they don’t dominate Europe, you know?” Agbonlahor does ignore that Ligue 1 clubs in the UEFA Europa League did qualify for the knockout stage.

It is easy to see his point as the second-tier competition is the Cinderella-league, where unfashionable teams go to get a taste of European football. Agbonlahor's argument is illustrated by the widespread shock that circulates whenever PSG do not win the French title. It is almost expected to be a procession for them every season.

Only one team is expected to win Ligue 1

Are players of the highest quality getting the sternest test in that league. PSG's deep campaigns into the Champions League would suggest that they can still mix it with the best. In terms of exposure Ligue 1 is still regarded as a bit of a backwater. La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League sell far more replica shirts, and have more than one team that could realistically win the league.