Ismaëlo Ganiou’s swift rise as RC Lens defensive leader ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool tests | OneFootball

L'Équipe notes that less than a year after his Ligue 1 debut, Ismaëlo Ganiou has begun the season as the defensive leader at RC Lens, his rapid rise continuing as Manchester City and Liverpool await in the Champions League.

Back on 22 May he signed off last season with a defensive masterclass in the Coupe de France final against Nice, a 3-1 win at the Stade de France. His handling of Elye Wahi’s runs that night was a model.

He returned this summer in comparable form, imperious first against PSG 1-0 then against Auxerre 5-2.

Since the restart he has directed a depleted Lens back line in very different contexts, all under new head coach Dino Toppmöller.

At 21, Ganiou’s assurance and timing continue to stand out as bigger European tests draw closer.

Source: L'Équipe

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