On Saturday, against LOSC (1-1), Arnaud Lusamba put in another convincing performance in the heart of midfield, confirming his impressive start to this season.

“I see him in training every day. He is very technical and really knows how to play with the ball. His recent performances have been very good” delighted Patrick Vieira after the match against Les Dogues. Before admitting that it would be “tough to take him out of the team now, after such impressive performances.” 

93% pass completion 

“It’s important to rely on the coach’s confidence” explained the player who came through the ranks at Nancy, who was on the bench for the derby against Monaco (3-1 defeat). “I knew that there were three matches this week, my job is to do my best every day and then it’s down to the coach to decide. We are professionals, it’s down to us to accept his decisions. Then, when we get our chance out on the pitch, you need to show what you are capable of...” And against the Runners Up of Ligue 1 in 2018-19, Lusamba did just that. Showing impressive strength (16 duels, the most of any player during this match), comfortable with the ball at his feet, and accurate in his passing (93% pass completion, 90.5% in the opposition’s half). 

“He is becoming very important” 

“We play in a way that suits his strengths, explained the coach. At the start of the season, he played at number 9 which isn’t his position but he was there for the team. With what he has shown in the middle, he is becoming very important.” The 22 year old’s coming of age out on the pitch can be seen in his stats, with a first assist for Kasper Dolberg, who hadn’t converted his gem the week before at Dijon (2-1).

“We laughed about it together just after the goal”, explained the man who now boasts five starts in L1. “Today, I am playing matches one after the other, and of course I am happy. I feel delighted.”

F.H.

---