A career that seemed to have come to a standstill a few seasons ago was reborn for Rémy Cabella in the 2022-2023 season. The Frenchman enjoyed a strong opening campaign at Lille OSC and continues to contribute in many ways as part of a rotation of exciting attacking options. Returning from a spell with Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, few could have anticipated the revival that the Ajaccio-born attacking midfielder has shown.
When he returned to France on a free transfer, first to Montpellier and then to Lille a few months later in July 2022, little was expected from a man who had fallen out of favor since the 2014 World Cup, a tournament for which he was selected. an injury to Frank Ribéry. Since joining Les Nordistes, he has shown that he is still fit and eager to contribute. He scored seven goals and led his side in assists (10) during his first season at the club.
Under Bruno Génésio, you could argue that the veteran attacking midfielder has become a more versatile and multi-dimensional player than we have seen in a while. He is in double figures for tackles won and possession won in the final third, while he also boasts more than 30 recoveries. His name hasn't appeared on the scoresheet much in recent seasons, but that doesn't mean he's been invisible on the pitch.
We haven't seen him blow away with moments of magic often, although he has found a way to remain helpful to a Lille squad that has consistently found ways to earn points in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League. Cabella doesn't see as much ball as in recent seasons, but he still has a high passing accuracy of over 80% and likes double figures for chances created.
His contract expires at the end of the current season and as he will be 35 by the end of this season, it is entirely possible that he will play his last few months for Les Dogues. Should the club choose to release him, Cabella's experience and leadership would still be valuable to another Ligue 1 club. At the same time, Lille are among the most consistent sides in Ligue 1 this season, at least partly thanks to Cabella. He may not be the youngest or most youthful striker in Lille's ranks, but he is still effective.
GFFN | Joel Lefèvre
Comments