Abroad

Happy Boxing Day to our former Aiglons!

26 décembre 2019, 15h46

While Les Aiglons and the rest of the Ligue 1 is enjoying a Christmas break, they are still playing hard on the other side of the Channel, where 26 December means Boxing Day and that means football for several Rouge et Noir old boys…

Ricardo Pereira, Papy Mendy, Leicester

Nearly top of the tree. Ricardo is in superb form at the moment with a Leicester side currently sitting second in the Premier League standings. One of the key men for coach Brendan Rodgers (18 matches, 2 goals and 1 assist), the Portugal international is ready for the top of the table clash against leaders Liverpool.

The Foxes will then travel to West Ham on 28 December, and Newcastle on 1 January.

There is another former Aiglon at Leicester as well, in the form of Papy Mendy. The ex-Gym captain has made one appearance in the league this term.

Neal Maupay, Brighton

After making his L1 debut at just 16 years of age for Les Rouge et Noir, Neal Maupay is continuing his progression in England. After a great season in the Championship with Brentford last year, scoring 25 goals, the Franco-Argentine striker is now starring for Brighton, 13th in the Premier League.

He has already netted seven times in his first ever EPL season and travels to Tottenham on Boxing Day!

The Seagulls then entertain Bournemouth on 28 December and Chelsea on 1 January.

Allan Saint-Maximin, Newcastle

After two seasons with Le Gym, Allan Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle last summer. He has made 12 Premier League appearances in his first six months, scoring 1 goal.

On Thursday, the Magpies travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

They then host Everton on 29 December and Leicester on 1 January.

Saint-Maximin hasn’t played since the home match against Southampton on 8 December where he went off late in the game with a muscle strain.

Maxime Le Marchand, Fulham

After a first year and 26 appearances in the Premier League, Maxime Le Marchand couldn’t save Fulham from relegation and now turns out for the Cottagers in the Championship (D2).

Max has suffered from a number of niggles this term that have seen him make just 8 league appearances in the first half of the season.

Fulham travel to Luton Town on Boxing Day, before playing at home to Stoke City on 29 December and Reading on 1 January.

Saïd Benrahma, Brentford

After a fantastic season last term alongside Neal Maupay, who since joined Brighton in the top flight, Saïd Benrahma is the only ex-Aiglon at Brentford.

But the Algeria international has once again been in excellent form, making 19 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists.

This Thursday, Brentford (6th) host Swansea (7th).

Saïd and his teammates then travel to Milwall on 29 December and Bristol on 1 January.

Hugo Lloris, Tottenham

After dislocating his elbow against Brighton, on 5 October, Hugo Lloris will not be taking part in Boxing Day 2019. But it’s impossible to talk about our former Nice stars across the Channel without a thought for our former ‘keeper.