Rachid Ghezzal has not finished talking. Barely landed at Groupama Stadium, the Algerian international already arouses internal questions. His return, presented as obvious by official communication, actually hides differences within the Lyon management. The consensus was not there.
Ghezzal, a default choice that questions
Because the truth is that Ghezzal was not the priority. OL had set its sights on Facundo Buonanotte, the Argentinian winger of Leicester. The 19 -year -old even agreed to the Gones. But the Foxes slammed the door, preferring a loan to England rather than in France. Chelsea won the bet, leaving Lyon on the tile.
It is in this context of failure that the ghezzal track was activated. A plan B that does not convince everyone. The former resident of the Lyonnais training center, now 32, arrives with his qualities but also his limits. After mixed passages in Leicester, Fiorentine and Beşiktaş, some leaders question the relevance of this homecoming.
Doubts persist in its form
Paulo Fonseca may display his confidence (“He is well physically, he will be in the group”), the signals remain mixed. The Portuguese technician immediately specifies that Ghezzal “Will not start to play” and that he
“Need to do more training.” A diplomatic way to admit that the player is not at the expected level.
Competition promises to be tough with Karabec, Merah or Sulc. And if experience can be an asset, age becomes a handicap in an increasingly physical football. The bet seems risky for a club that targets Europe and must deal with an already plethoric workforce. Will Ghezzal be able to prove that this return is not just a nostalgic blow?
