On Saturday, at the Beaujoire, Maxime Le Marchand completed an impressive return to the Nice starting eleven. Defensively present and composed with the ball at his feet, the centre back was on form for the entire game. Tidy and encouraging, just like the stats that he clocked up during the game.

AT EASE DEFENSIVELY

His early involvements proved quickly that he was up to speed. For his 3rd start of the season, big Max kept the pace throughout the game, including during the intensive press of the Nantais. A stat supported by the the rigour shown in his game: his duels won, which finished at 86%. Impeccable on the floor, the former Le Havre captain also dominated in the air, with 83% of aerial battles won. He was also the sharpest defender on the pitch, with 14 clearances - more than any other player. All of this was combined with intelligence,  given that the defender didn’t commit a foul in the 93 minutes played.

APPLIED WITH THE BALL AT HIS FEET

The number 20 didn’t hide with the ball at his feet either. In an elegant style, he always looked for the right pass. These passes fed the Red and Black game, making short passes and moves starting from the back. In this area, the statistics don’t lie either. During the 30th game of the season, Le Marchand made 76 touches and succeeded with 85% of his passes. Without hesitating to break down the first line on the Nantes press, as is illustrated by his 15 passes completed in the opposition’s half.

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