This summer, Olympique Lyonnais welcomed seven new players, including notable recruits like Georges Mikautadze and Moussa Niakhaté. While some, such as Veretout, have made a positive impact, others like Wilfried Zaha and Tanner Tessmann struggle to find form. Coach Pierre Sage emphasizes the need for improved performances, especially ahead of critical matches, as Lyon sits 7th in Ligue 1 but shows promise in the Europa League. Niakhaté’s leadership and recent improvements highlight potential recovery.
This summer, Olympique Lyonnais welcomed seven new players to their roster, including star striker Georges Mikautadze from Metz, French international Jordan Veretout, and the club’s most expensive acquisition to date, Moussa Niakhaté. Currently positioned 7th in Ligue 1 and 2nd in the Europa League after two matches, Lyon has integrated several new faces into the starting lineup, yet the overall impact has been underwhelming as they prepare to face Turkey’s Besiktas this Thursday evening at 9 PM.
Lack of Impact
Warmed Omari, a central defender on loan from Stade Rennais, had a mere 7 minutes of playtime in his debut with OL. The 24-year-old had built a solid reputation in Brittany, even earning two caps for the French U-21 team. His coach, Pierre Sage, expressed hopes for Omari to regain his form, highlighting the importance of confidence. However, after a brief appearance against Le Havre in a 0-4 victory, it’s evident that he currently trails behind teammates Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata, and Duje Caleta-Car in the pecking order.
In contrast, Wilfried Zaha, on loan from Galatasaray, has not made a significant impression. The seasoned winger, with over 300 appearances in the Premier League, appears more as a luxury signing by club owner John Textor. After a brief appearance against Olympiakos and an early exit in his first start against Toulouse, Zaha has been omitted from the squad for the last two matches, indicating underlying issues with performance and attitude.
Georges Mikautadze has seen more action, participating in all of OL’s league matches. However, despite his impressive tally of 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 games last season, he has yet to find the net in his first eight appearances for Lyon. Once a key player with promise, the 23-year-old striker is struggling to regain his previous form.
Meanwhile, Tanner Tessmann, a 23-year-old midfielder signed for €6 million from Italian club Venice, is also searching for his footing. With aspirations to solidify his position in the U.S. national team, he has only started once, in a match against Toulouse that didn’t go as planned. Coach Sage remains optimistic about Tessmann’s potential, envisioning him to thrive, especially considering his promising profile reminiscent of former player Nemanja Matic.
Positive Contributions
On a brighter note, Jordan Veretout is making his mark. The French international has started the last four Ligue 1 matches and a Europa League match against Glasgow Rangers, helping the team secure four victories despite a challenging defeat against Marseille (2-3). His technical skills and high energy have been vital for OL’s midfield, reminiscent of his successful stint in Marseille.
The left-back position saw the arrival of Abner, who has proved to be a stronger choice than his predecessor, Henrique. Abner has become a regular starter in the league, aside from one match against Nantes, showing promise with inconsistent performances, particularly on the defensive end. His recent international debut for Brazil, coupled with a stunning goal against Le Havre, highlights his potential and growing confidence.
Finally, Moussa Niakhaté has been a focal point due to his hefty transfer fee of €31.9 million. With experience from the Bundesliga and a mixed recent tenure in the Premier League, he was expected to solidify the defense. Although he had a rocky start with a costly mistake against Rennes, Niakhaté has since improved, bringing vibrant leadership and solid performances to the team’s backline. With Lyon conceding only one goal in the last four matches, he is gradually establishing himself as a reliable presence in Ligue 1.