Lille (AFP)

Former replacement, now irreplaceable: more titular with Lille, Brazilian winger Luiz Araujo hopes to finally show "all (his) potential" against Nantes, Friday (9:00 p.m.) at the opening of the 5th day of Ligue 1, with the provisional first place of classification within reach of Mastiffs.

Little used during the first two days, the attacking midfielder first offered the victory to Lille at the very end of the match against Metz (1-0) by leaving the bench, then he confirmed as holder in Marseille on Sunday (1- 1) by achieving a full match punctuated by a new goal.

"He seized a great opportunity in Marseille. He had a complete and very interesting match", underlined his coach Christophe Galtier, who judges him "decisive".

Often confined to playing supporting roles since his arrival in the North from Sao Paulo FC in the summer of 2017, the left-hander (24) wants to finally win in Lille this year.

"I hope to have the opportunity to show my qualities. I am very happy with my start to the season, I have worked a lot to get there. I will continue to be able to show my value and help the team", a- he explained Wednesday at a press conference.

- Slow maturation -

In three seasons, Luiz Araujo has certainly achieved several brilliance thanks in particular to his superb strike and his technical quality (14 goals), but he has never managed to become an indisputable holder.

"Of course, I'm not happy to be a replacement," he admitted.

"I want to show that I can be a good start, not just a good substitute."

The last Brazilian in the Lille squad after the departures of Thiago Mendes and Gabriel and the loans of Thiago Maia and Leo Jardim, the left-hander will have a new chance to shine against the Canaries on Friday.

"Against Nantes, he will restart as the holder because I believe that when a player is hot, decisive, gives you what you expect, he must start the match", announced Christophe Galtier.

"There is healthy competition in the offensive sector, it's up to me to take advantage of each other's form."

The Lille technician, who recently mentioned the player's slightly slower maturation, knows that to put him in the best conditions, he must show him that he is counting on him.

- "Show my full potential" -

"All players need confidence but also playing time," confirms Araujo.

"From the moment I have the confidence and the pace, I can be even better to show all my potential that I have not yet fully exposed", promises the native of Taquaritinga.

Several times announced at the start, the winger should stay in the North, although things could change for him if he is maintained in his role of "super-sub" (super-substitute).

"I want to stay at Losc and have the chance to show my talent. However, if I did not have my chance, I would discuss with my managers to discuss the best solution for me and the club," he said. Wednesday.

While Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz, the two attackers who arrived this summer are still struggling to express themselves in the Lille collective, the lane players, Luiz Araujo and Jonathan Bamba, scorer for his part during the first two days, will still have great responsibilities Friday against Nantes.

It will be for the Losc, 5th and still undefeated, to evacuate the frustration of his draw in Marseille, where he dominated the match but was punished at the end of the match for his lack of offensive efficiency.

The opportunity also to seize the provisional first place while waiting for the shock of the coleaders between Saint-Etienne and Rennes, Saturday.

© 2020 AFP