Lille boss Genesio praises two-goal Portuguese star Félix Correia: “He plays generously with and without the ball” | OneFootball

Lille 6-1 Metz

Portuguese midfielder Félix Correia had a day to remember on Sunday in France, scoring twice and registering an assist in Ligue 1 as Lille hammered Metz.

The 24-year-old, who arrived at the club from Gil Vicente in the summer, has now reached six goal contributions in nine matches so far in the league this term. Lille’s two other Portuguese players missed the match: Tiago Santos was rested after playing in the Europa League on Thursday, with coach Bruno Genesio saying “he needed to recover mentally” after a recent injury lay-off, while veteran midfielder André Gomes was unfit to feature.

Correia’s first goal was a brilliant piece of opportunism, capitalising on a poor kick by Metz goalkeeper Pap Sy to score from distance, while his second was a nicely-finished effort from inside the box. Correia, who was on the books of Sporting, Manchester City and Juventus, later set up Benjamin Andre’s goal with a cross from the right.

"I'm very happy with Félix's performance, he's a very important boy for the team,” Lille manager Genesio said after the match. “He plays generously both with the ball and without it. His first goal was full of composure because it's not an easy move to achieve, his second bodes well for the future,” finished the French boss, who saw his side move up to 5th in the table.