Nabil Fekir: From Playmaker to Striker – A Positional Evolution Confirmed by OL Insiders
Nabil Fekir’s transformation at Olympique Lyonnais is now fully recognized: once seen as a creative playmaker, Fekir has become a dynamic second striker — a shift that’s paid dividends.
When he first emerged during the 2013-14 season, Fekir was often used as a left winger, dazzling with his dribbling and ability to stretch defenses. Later, OL repositioned him centrally, hoping he’d be the man to dictate the game as a No. 10. However, this experiment proved underwhelming.
Coach Hubert Fournier then opted to move him forward, placing him as a support striker, just behind Alexandre Lacazette — and the results were immediate. Fekir’s power, quick acceleration, and lethal left foot made him a constant threat.
Even Bernard Lacombe, one of OL’s most respected voices, is convinced:
“I think he’s more of a striker than a true playmaker. He’s powerful, has a great shot. His technique and explosive acceleration over 5 to 10 meters are remarkable. And being a left-footer, he’s unpredictable,”
Lacombe stated in Tribune OL, adding:
“If everything goes well, he can go very far. I have confidence — he’s a good kid.”
With the full backing of the club and continued growth, Nabil Fekir’s future as a top-level striker now looks firmly in focus.
