Paqueta, air of revenge?

After a thunderous start to the season, Lucas Paqueta lived through a few more complicated months, like his OL club, between December and February.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has scored just one goal since the end of November and the winter transfer window saw him lose one of his locker room relatives, his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, to Newcastle.

"All the players have difficulties in a season because we can be tired and we produce less of a good game. It's normal because the season is long. I always try to be consistent to give the best of myself", a he assured Friday at a press conference.

Paqueta nevertheless continues to burst the screen in certain matches, such as during the convincing victory against Nice (2-0) on February 12, where his little bridge, blind, on Evann Guessand gave chills to the supporters.

For the technical midfielder, the reception of Lille will bring back some bad memories, after a catastrophic pass which cost a goal last season during the 3-2 defeat on the wire.

At the time, Lyon was 4th and Lille was going to be crowned champion, in a much more successful season on both sides, far from the delay in the standings by the two teams this year.

Lucas Paqueta during the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice and Lyon on February 12, 2022 at Decines OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP / Archives

This blunder of April 25, 2021, "it's in the back of my mind but in a positive way because I learn all the time from my mistakes. This mistake makes me better. We are working well so that the coming game is won by "OL", he said on Friday, assuring that he felt "happy" in Lyon, despite rumors of a potential interest from Paris SG for next season.

"With the experience he has gained today, he has to overcome this," insisted his coach Peter Bosz.

Renato, tenacious fragility

In Lille, Renato Sanches is probably living his most complete season since his arrival in the summer of 2019, but physical glitches continue to handicap this fragile player.

Back from a hip injury, the Portuguese played only 9 minutes against Metz (0-0) last week.

And there was no guarantee that he could start Tuesday at Chelsea (0-2) in the Champions League, until the last moment.

Lille's Renato Sanches shone against Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge, February 22, 2022 Glyn KIRK IKIMAGES/AFP/Archives

"In a match like that, if we could not have used it, we would have done it. He is able to make so many differences with his vista, his pass, we bet on it", explained Jocelyn Gourvennec, coach of the Mastiffs.

Aligned on the right side but regularly refocusing in possession, the usual torchbearer midfielder was the best Lille player on the pitch.

If he lowered his foot after the break, the differences made on the ball legitimized this relocation.

What to satisfy Gourvennec: "He knows this position, on which he has already performed well on several occasions. He allowed us to create the surplus and he was very effective in one against one."

Not enough to overthrow a superior Chelsea team but enough to remind us that, when he is at the top, the 2016 European champion is cut out for the very highest level.

Already successful during the group stage, Sanches is more irregular in the league… when he is available.

Lille midfielder Renato Sanches overflows Brestois Steve Mounié during the defeat of LOSC in Brest, January 22, 2021 Fred TANNEAU AFP / Archives

Holder only 11 times in 25 days, and never more than 16 times in his first two seasons, his injuries are hampering his progress.

They also prevented him from leaving for a big club last summer, he who was courted by a good part of Europe.

This is the greatest paradox of the 24-year-old player.

Forced to do regularly without him, his team then finds other ways to be dangerous.

But, on the ground, he has a background that allows him to make a difference at any time.

Exactly like Paqueta.

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© 2022 AFP