Yahoo Sports GFFN Guide | Ligue 1 Season Preview – Lille
Key man
Four years after his arrival from Belgium outfit KAA Gent, Jonathan David has already had his name written in capital letters in Lille’s history. The fan favourite has been linked to a move away from the Northern side every summer in the past four years but is still there to bring his pace, physical and technical abilities to Les Dogues. While the fans have started a propaganda campaign on social media for the Canadian international to renew his contract, a transfer away from Lille this summer is still likely for David. In the scenario where he would stay this season, the 24-year-old striker would undoubtedly be one of the favourites for the top scorer award, following Kylian Mbappé’s exit. Despite having scored 24 goals during the 22/23 season, David scored five goals less last season but still managed to finish as the second-top scorer. His consistency has been key to Lille’s success over the past few years, and with Bruno Genésio’s appointment, the striker could fit perfectly in Les Dogues’ new tactical setup.
Signing to watch
With Yusuf Yazici gone following his contract expiry and with Hakon Haraldsson’s form inconsistent, Lille had to strengthen their offensive unit, more precisely their left wing. After weeks of rumours and negotiations, Les Dogues have beaten competition from multiple clubs to sign Norwegian international Osame Sahraoui. The right-footed winger came out of a solid season at Heerenveen, logging eight goals and eight assists in the Eredivisie. The Oslo-born midfielder was one of the league’s best dribblers, and could bring his technical abilities to the Northern side, which has lost a few experts in this area with the departures of Adam Ounas and Yazici, while David and Angel Gomes could still be pushed towards the exit as their contracts are set to expire next summer.
Squad analysis
While they’re yet to know if they will play in the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League, Lille are certain to play European football this season. With multiple games a week, their squad seems to be too light to be competitive in all competitions. While club’s president Olivier Létang affirmed that they were waiting to see in which European competition they will play before making most of their signings, time could be an issue for Lille, as most of the best deals are likely to be done before the last week of the summer transfer window.
Lille’s biggest strength is between the posts. Lucas Chevlaier’s development has been skyrocketing since last season, and he could be one of the key players in the Northern side’s success this season. With Genésio’s appointment as the new manager, Les Dogues are likely to be setup in a back three. A tactical change that perfectly fits Lille’s defensive strengths. While Alexsandro cost a few points last season, Bafodé Diakité was one of the standout players and could form a solid trio alongside the Brazilian and, surprisingly, Thomas Meunier. With Leny Yoro having left for Manchester United, a centre-back is still expected to sign before the transfer window closes. If Aïssa Mandi was signed on a free transfer from Villareal, the Algerian international is likely to only have a backup role.
One of Genésio’s biggest changes with former Lille’s manager Paulo Fonseca is the use of wingbacks instead of fullbacks. The Northern side already had two profiles that perfectly fit this tactical setup in Tiago Santos and Gabriel Gudmundsson. With Meunier’s signing, Les Dogues would still probably need another option at the left wing-back position, as Ismaily’s pace could be an issue for such an energy-driven role.
While the midfield was one of their strongest areas last summer with a solid trio of Benjamin André, Angel Gomes and Nabil Bentaleb, the latter will stay away from the pitch until further notice after having suffered from a heart attack in June. The Algerian international is recovering well, but a return isn’t under consideration currently. With a starter gone and backup option, Ignacio Miramon, set to leave on loan, Lille are likely to be on the market for another midfielder before the transfer window closes. While young talents Ethan Mbappé and Ngal’ayel Mukau have both signed early in the transfer window, both are set to have sporadic game time this season to pursue their development.
In attack, Lille are well stocked with David, Edon Zhegrova, Rémy Cabella, Haraldsson, new signing Sahraoui and backup options Mohamed Bayo and Andrej Ilic. Unless David leaves this summer, Les Dogues are unlikely to set their sights on another offensive profile.
The Manager
After two seasons in the North of France, Paulo Fonseca left the club upon his contract expiry, joining AC Milan. The Portuguese tactician brought attractive football to Lille, transforming LOSC into a team based on possession and one of the most offensive sides in Ligue 1. An ideology shared by his successor, Bruno Genésio. The former Stade Rennais and Olympique Lyonnais manager has signed a two-year deal with Lille. While both Fonseca and Genésio are offensive-minded coaches, it will be interesting to watch the likely setup change. While Lille was aligning in a 4-2-3-1 throughout Fonseca’s tenure, Genésio is set to line up in a 3-4-1-2. A tactical setup was used during his first official game, a 2-1 victory against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
While there are some tactical changes between Fonseca and Genésio, Lille players will still be familiar with the key principles. With Genésio, Les Dogues are likely to build from the back and have a possession-based approach. The recruitment of experienced players such as Mandi and Meunier showcased Genésio’s willingness to bring maturity to one of Ligue 1’s youngest squads last season. Genésio’s use of wingbacks rather than fullbacks is the major change from Fonseca’s tactic. A role that fits perfectly the profile of players such as Gudmundsson and Santos, who both shone during Genésio’s first official game, with the latter scoring a goal after a stunning individual run.
Verdict
After experiences at OL and Rennes, Genésio is ready to take another challenge at Lille, who have big ambitions coming into this new season, and are hopeful to qualify for the Champions League group stages. However, LOSC still need depth and quality in some key positions if they are to competitive on all fronts once again.
Line-up (3-4-3): Chevalier; Diakité, Alexsandro, Meunier; Santos, Gomes, André, Gudmundsson; Zhegrova, David, Haraldsson
This article was taken from the GFFN Ligue 1 Season Guide, which can be downloaded HERE.
