FEATURE | Alexandre Lacazette, GFFN’s Ligue 1 Striker of the year

It has been a roller-coaster of a season for Olympique Lyonnais. Dutch manager Peter Bosz got the sack and was replaced by 1998 World Cup winner Laurent Blanc last autumn. Then, American businessman John Textor completed the a takeover of the club, which culminated with the departure of historic president Jean-Michel Aulas. On the pitch, Lyon struggled badly too, but one thing is for sure. If Les Gones are mathematically still in a position to fight for a European qualification, they owe it to the returning Alexandre Lacazette (31).

The Lyon youth product, who will turn 32 this Sunday, has taken the league by storm, five years after sealing a €53m move to Arsenal. To put it simply, “Le Général” is close to averaging one goal contribution per game in all competitions this season with Lyon. Lacazette has scored 30 goals and registered six assists in 37 games played.

The 16-time France international is giving PSG’s Kylian Mbappé (24) a run for his money in the race to the top of Ligue 1 goalscoring leaderboard, which is no easy feat. Lacazette has scored two fewer league goals than the France skipper. He is only two goals short of his league record achieved six years ago.

But Lacazette is not only a free-scoring forward. He has showed true leadership credentials, taking under his wing promising attacking prospects such as Rayan Cherki (19) or Bradley Barcola (20). “On a personal level, I believe it’s a good comeback“, said the Lyon forward in Thursday’s pre-game press conference. “I’m pleased with my season so far.” Lyon fans share that feeling too.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval