CJ Egan-Riley back in OM frame as Beye opens the door | OneFootball

CJ Egan-Riley returned to OM’s starting XI in Friday’s 1-0 win over Auxerre and, according to L'Équipe, could now force his way into the rotation for the run-in.

The 23-year-old was a pre-season starter under Roberto De Zerbi, then slipped to third or fourth choice. His previous start was the 0-2 home defeat to Nantes on 4 January, seen as a possible turning point before De Zerbi was removed in early February.

De Zerbi had approved his signing last summer, using him in most warm-ups. Manchester-born, he arrived from Burnley after what was billed as an exceptional Championship season in one of Europe’s best defences, 16 conceded in 46 games. He joined on a free with limited Premier League competition.

Early signs were encouraging, then a frantic end to the window brought rivals for his role, notably Nayef Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard, and his minutes dwindled amid competition and less-than-ideal fitness. Close to English-speaking team-mates such as Mason Greenwood and Timothy Weah, he nevertheless struggled with the day-to-day, and staff felt he had not yet done enough to shift the hierarchy.

Habib Beye’s arrival appears to have reset things. Emphasising merit, he views Egan-Riley as capable on either side of a back four and in different roles in a back three, praising his personality in build-up and impact, while noting the need to build his match rhythm.

Aguerd has since undergone surgery for pubalgia and could be out for at least one month. With that absence and his versatility, Egan-Riley has a genuine opening as the season closes.

Source: L'Équipe