This Wednesday, Atlético de Madrid will host Lille at the Metropolitano Stadium at 9 PM, with a squad that’s notably lacking French players. Despite having four players born in France and four who have played in Ligue 1, only Antoine Griezmann is guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup for this match.
Interestingly, out of the four players born in France, only two have actually played in the French Ligue 1. These are Clement Lenglet and Thomas Lemar. Lenglet, who will miss this match due to injury, played one season at AS Nancy before moving to Sevilla FC. Meanwhile, Lemar had one season at Caen and three successful years at AS Monaco before his move to Atlético.
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What’s surprising is that Griezmann and Robin Le Normand have never played in Ligue 1. In Griezmann’s case, he joined Real Sociedad during his development years, bypassing the French league entirely. As for Le Normand, he played just one match in Ligue 2 before signing with Real Sociedad B. Both players blossomed in the txuri-urdin first team, bypassing Ligue 1 altogether.
The French Players with Ligue 1 Experience
The other two players who have played in France’s top division are Reinildo Mandava and César Azpilicueta. Reinildo, who made his mark at Lille OSC, spent four seasons with the French club after impressing in Portugal. His performance there led to his eventual signing by Atlético de Madrid. On the other hand, Azpilicueta, who will also miss the match due to injury, spent three seasons at Olympique de Marseille before his high-profile move to Chelsea.
Who Will Face Lille?
Of these players, only three have the chance to feature in the match against Lille tonight at the Metropolitano Stadium. Griezmann is expected to start, while Reinildo and Lemar will likely begin the game on the bench, waiting for their opportunity to contribute. This match could also see a debut for Thom, who has yet to feature this season.
Antoine Griezmann: A French Star Without Ligue 1 Experience
Despite being one of France’s most renowned footballers, Antoine Griezmann has never played in Ligue 1, which is somewhat unusual for a player of his stature. He moved to Spain at a young age, joining Real Sociedad, where he spent five seasons before transferring to Atlético de Madrid. His journey has been unconventional compared to many French players, who often make their mark in Ligue 1 before moving abroad. Griezmann, however, made a name for himself entirely in Spain, where he’s become a fan favorite both at Real Sociedad and later at Atlético.
The Importance of Ligue 1 Experience for Atlético Players
Playing in Ligue 1 can offer players a unique footballing experience due to the league’s physicality and tactical variety. Clement Lenglet, who had a brief stint at AS Nancy before joining Sevilla, developed crucial defensive skills that helped him transition smoothly into La Liga. Thomas Lemar, who had his breakthrough at AS Monaco, learned to harness his technical abilities and creative flair in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Reinildo, after playing four seasons at Lille, gained significant experience in French football, particularly in defensive robustness, which has been a valuable asset to Atlético de Madrid’s backline. His time in France helped mold him into a versatile player capable of playing multiple defensive positions, a trait highly appreciated by Diego Simeone.
César Azpilicueta’s Time at Marseille
Perhaps the most experienced in Ligue 1 among Atlético’s French contingent is César Azpilicueta, who spent three seasons at Olympique de Marseille. His time in France was pivotal in shaping his defensive abilities, which later made him a standout at Chelsea. Azpilicueta’s time in Ligue 1 honed his tactical awareness and defensive discipline, attributes that he carried with him to the Premier League and eventually to Atlético.
While Azpilicueta’s presence will be missed in the upcoming match due to injury, his experience in France provides insight into the importance of Ligue 1 in shaping top-tier defenders. His time at Marseille was critical in his development into one of the most reliable right-backs in world football.
Reinildo’s Rise in Lille
Before joining Atlético, Reinildo spent four seasons with Lille OSC, where he played a crucial role in the team’s defensive setup. Reinildo’s time in France allowed him to grow as a player, particularly in terms of physicality and tactical awareness. His performances in Ligue 1 were consistent, which eventually caught the eye of Atlético de Madrid, leading to his transfer to the Spanish capital. Reinildo’s adaptability and versatility have made him an important part of Simeone’s squad, particularly in matches requiring a strong defensive presence.
Conclusion
Although Atlético de Madrid doesn’t have a heavily French-influenced squad, the experiences of its players in Ligue 1 have been crucial in shaping their careers. While Griezmann and Le Normand never played in Ligue 1, their teammates Lenglet, Lemar, Reinildo, and Azpilicueta benefited greatly from their time in France’s top division. These experiences have not only helped them grow as players but have also enriched Atlético’s squad with a mix of technical, tactical, and defensive skills developed in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
