In the same way as his predecessors, Patrick Vieira turned to the youngsters in his squad throughout the season that has just come to a close. In fact, of the 31 Aiglons used by the coach this campaign, 10 of them were born after 1 January 1999. 

Malang Sarr, always in advance 

Named Young Player of the Season by the fans, Malang Sarr is almost considered as one of the senior members of the squad, already having 99 pro matches under his belt (82 appearances in the league, two goals). A pure product of the Nice Academy and the flag bearer for the “Class of 99”, the defender even made it onto the podium of most used Aiglons this season, at just 20 years old. His consistency even impresses on a national level, given that he has racked up the most appearances in Ligue 1 of any player born after 1 January 1999 this season (35).

Six first steps 

Named captain against Saint-Etienne (3-0 in Week 37), Sarr set an example for his fellow youngsters. Although Ganago (scorer of three goals since his debut in September 2017), Myziane and Mahou already had professional game time

behind them, Pelmard, Sylvestre, Diaby-Fadiga, Jaziri, Brazão (the youngest player to play a match in the top five European leagues in 2018-19 at just 16 years and three months old - during Week 33 of L1 against Caen, 0-1 defeat) and Wade were all given their first chance at the top by Coach Vieira.

Unlike his academy teammates, Mahou didn’t feature in Ligue 1 this year, but in the Coupe de la Ligue (Round of 16 against EA Guingamp, 0-0, 1-3 defeat after penalties). 

---