He has been coach Lucien Favre’s most-used midfielder since the start of the Ligue 1 season. A physical player, a ball winner, a box-to-box player, Wylan Cyprien has quickly adapted to Nice’s style of football. Capable of providing the difference for his side, the No.25 has quietly and assuredly taken the next step up in class.

Favre: 'A big potential'

When his name appears on the team-sheet, there’s always that same question: Is he playing along in front of the defence, in central midfield, or as a second playmaker? Nice’s very own Swiss army knife, the France U21 international offers his coach a number of solutions. And the Swiss coach has already tested that versatility. "He has a huge attacking potential," declared the coach, about the former Lens skipper, last week. "But he’s only 21 and has a lot of work ahead of him, and that’s the most important thing."

Defensively, the No.25 is a tireless worker on the pitch. With the ball at his feet, he is capable breaking the opposition lines with a dribble or a pass. In front of goal, his thunderous shot is more and more and show.

He has many strings to his bow, a symbol of the Rouge et Noir midfield, that can quickly and efficiently change its game, depending on the players and the formation.

Cyprien in numbers

                                                    In 10 L1 matches

• 8 starts, 2 apps off the bench (763 minutes)
   
• 2 goals in L1 (+1 in the Europa League)
   
• 2 assists
   
• 693 possessions
   
• 84% successful passes
   
• 67 balls won

 

The skill

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