Fekir Impresses as Lyon Youngster Stakes Claim for Starting Role
Rising star Nabil Fekir continues to impress at Olympique Lyonnais, making a strong case for a starting spot in the new season following a standout performance in a pre-season clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder opened the scoring with a thunderous strike, underlining both his sharpness and growing confidence ahead of the 2014–15 campaign. His form has not gone unnoticed by Lyon’s newly appointed manager Hubert Fournier, who praised the youngster’s impact and hinted at the increased competition his presence brings to the squad.
“He’s scoring points. That will create competition in this sector of the game, in any case,” Fournier told Footmercato after the match, suggesting that Fekir is well in contention for regular minutes this season.
Fekir, who rose through the ranks of Lyon’s academy, is seizing the opportunity to cement his place in the senior team. Speaking after the match, the player expressed his determination to break into the starting XI.
“I’m going to try to establish myself, to be a starter in this team,” said Fekir. “Why not score and make assists? I think that like every player, the objective is to be a starter. These are the coach’s choices and we must respect them.”
Fekir’s technical skill, versatility, and eye for goal have already made him one to watch within the Lyon setup. Able to play both as an attacking midfielder and a second striker, his style has drawn comparisons to some of France’s elite talents, and his latest performance only strengthens his case for more responsibility in a squad undergoing transition.
With Lyon aiming to bounce back from a disappointing previous season, fresh energy and homegrown talent could be key to the club’s ambitions. Fekir, it seems, is ready to play his part.
