This year was also one of revelations. Young talents from the youth academy got a taste of the top flight. True to their principles and footballing philosophy, Nice brought several youngsters through to the senior squad, where some made their mark while others learned some lessons.

Lucien Favre's most used player so far in season 2016-2017 is a pure product of Nice's youth academy. The Swiss coach had placed all his confidence in Malang Sarr, 17, who is a regular in the centre of defence (19 starts in 19 Ligue 1 rounds). Solid and serene, the kid from Moulins - a member of Generation 99 - signed his first professional contract this autum before he was even eligible to vote.

Along with Malang, several other youth academy lads turned up regularly in the first team. A starter in Week 1, box-to-box midfielder Vincent Marcel (19) gained some valuable game time in an area not short of competition (two L1 appearances, two in the Europa League and one in the Coupe de la Ligue) and proved that he has what it takes.
 

This was also the case for Patrick Burner (20 years old). Injuredi nthe pre-season, the full-back fought his way back to fitness, got back into the swing with the reserves and ended the year back in the running. A professional since the summer time, he appeared in three competitions (L1, the Europa League and the Coupe de la Ligue) and acquitted himself well, most notably with a superb performance in the final clash of 2016, in Bordeaux.

Although he hasn't made a Ligue 1 appearance this season, Dorian Caddy (21 years) was thrown into the deep end at the beginning of 2016. Robust and at ease with the ball at his feet, the 21-year-old striker has seven top-flight matches under his belt. Looking for game time, he went on a loan move to Clermont in Ligue 2 at the end of November. 
 

Gautier Lloris also took his first steps in France's footballing elite before the summer break. Handed a debut in the Coupe de France by then-coach Claude Puel, the 21-year-old defender went on to play two Ligue 1 matches including as a starter away to Nantes in a pitched battle for European qualification. He picked upo an injury in pre-season and is currently working his way back to fitness.

 

Honourable mentions

Some other youngsters also showed up on the radar. Young winger Antony Ranieri made two appearances last season, clocking valuable minutes and showing his qualities. Hicham Mahou made the most of his substitute appearance against Krasnodar, scoring a goal in Les Aiglons' last European match for the season - which also featured a full 90 minutes for Romain Perraud.

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