He will definitely have known everything with Borussia Mönchengladbach. By joining Germany and the ambitious Fohlen after four successful years in Nice, Alassane Pléa was not mistaken in his choice. At the heart of a five-star attack with Marcus Thuram and Breel Embolo upon his arrival, the native of Lille notably allowed the German club to reach the round of 16 of the Champions League during the 2020-2021 season. An unprecedented level in the 21st century when the team based in North Rhine-Westphalia had not reached the final phase of the competition since the 1977-1978 vintage. Author of 12 goals in all competitions that season, the OL-trained player stood out above all for his destruction of the shadows which allowed his offensive teammates to shine.
Now 30 years old, Pléa has retained this ability to shine while shining a light on others. Less well surrounded now, the French international (1 selection, in a friendly match) maintains this altruistic playing philosophy. Little highlighted in Daniel Farke’s system, which only played him in a left winger position, the former Aiglon distinguished himself by passing last season. Author of 13 assists in all competitions, Pléa was then targeted for his lack of offensive accuracy when he only found the back of the net twice. Questioned for his scoring qualities, the right-hander has returned in dazzling form since the start of this new edition and silences his detractors who questioned him.
Seoane: “need nothing, want Pléa”
While his contract expires in 18 months and his future across the Rhine has sometimes been called into question in the past, Alassane Pléa has been hitting the screen since the start of the season. Author of 7 goals and 2 assists in 15 Bundesliga matches, the defector from AJ Auxerre is the keystone of Mönchengladbach’s offensives. A redemption that bears the seal of Gerardo Seoane. Arriving this summer, the 45-year-old Swiss technician gave Alassane Pléa carte blanche to lead the Fohlen offensives. A confidence that the Franco-Malian striker has reciprocated since the start of the season. Asked about him, Seoane praised the exemplary involvement of his attacker at a press conference: “Alassane Plea has put himself in a good position thanks to his dedication and performance in training. Lasso worked to improve in many areas and was rewarded with his goals.»
Unable to score for eleven months in the league, Pléa had also explained the importance of Seoane in his redemption after his comforting double against Bochum at the end of September: “if I prefer to play as a striker? In any case, this is the position that I like the most. As a hanging tip you have a lot of freedom and can be creative. Above all, you can shape the game, get involved offensively with assists and goals and thus make your contribution to the success of the team.» Targeted by OL last spring, Alassane Pléa seems to be back in charge on the pitch.
And despite his team’s disappointing eleventh place in the league, Pléa is the ninth top scorer in the Bundesliga, where great scorers have excelled since the start of the season like Serhou Guirassy, Harry Kane and Loïs Openda. Regular for so many years despite his lack of air last season, Alassane Pléa has therefore set the record straight and does not seem ready to stop any time soon. His contract expires in 18 months, and while he has a departure clause next June, his current form could help several teams in Ligue 1 or in the Old Continent…For the moment, Pléa remains focused on Borussia Mönchengladbach that he will be able to help even during the month of January. Indeed, while rumors announced that Lille was going to participate in the CAN with Mali, the latter, according to several German media, ultimately declined the proposal out of respect for the Malian players who had contributed to qualification for the continental competition. A version confirmed by the Fohlens.
