Montpellier might have missed out on Europe late in the season, but overall they had a successful campaign which saw them finish well up the league.
It was a triumph of Michel Der Zakarian’s pragmatism, with the 3-4-1-2 system they employed over the course of the campaign ensuring that the whole added up to more than the sum of the parts.
The key aspect to their play was defensive. In their starting rearguard, they did not have a single failure and there was no sign of a depreciation in the form of Hilton, who has signed on to play another year despite being the wrong side of 40. Alongside him, Daniel Congre was a strong partner, while goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte had an excellent season in goal that saw him rewarded with a call up to the France national side.
Montpellier concentrated their attacking strength down the right, where wing-back Ruben Aguilar had another excellent campaign, albeit one interrupted by injury. If they were to lose him over the summer, it would be a significant blow.
Meanwhile, in attack the unlikely partnership of Gaetan Laborde, an August signing from Bordeaux, and Andy Delort dovetailed superbly. Both hard-working and physical players, they struck 25 goals between them, Delort having the best season of his career to date.
Behind them, Florent Mollet was the man to orchestrate their attacking play. He became increasingly effective as the season wore on, gathering goals and assists increasingly. He was something of an unsung hero.
The midfield, meanwhile, was quietly effective. Damien Le Tallec had an excellent season, having been preferred in this role to a defensive one, while Ellyes Skhiri was again a steady performer.
Montpellier can be more than content with what they have achieved this season, which was their best since they won the title in 2012. Matching this performance next term will be tough as they were overachievers, though with unfashionable players, they may not be pillaged too much in the summer.
