Bryan Okoh steadies Auxerre back line after winter move from Lausanne | OneFootball

Bryan Okoh, a 22-year-old Swiss-American centre-back, joined from Lausanne Sport for €2.5m in late January. Long touted as a prospect but hampered by a serious injury, he has quickly stiffened Auxerre’s defence as they sit 16th in Ligue 1 and host 17th-placed Nantes on Saturday at 19:00 in the 29th round.

In his eight appearances, seven as a starter, Auxerre have conceded an average of one goal per game, compared with 1.45 across 20 matches without him.

He headed a brace in the 3-0 win over Brest on 21 March, then struck the bar in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Le Havre.

Head coach Christophe Pelissier says Okoh has brought a positive mindset, relish for duels and leadership. He adds that the defender must avoid being caught in behind and improve concentration, noting a late error that let Metz pull one back on 15 February in a 3-1 win. Pelissier also highlights his rare two-footedness, building play with either foot, though his left is listed as his stronger side.

Discussing the serious right-knee injury he suffered in late 2021, Okoh said: "It did not help me, but it is not an excuse", speaking to L'Yonne Républicaine.

Source: L'Équipe