Nathan Ngoy rebuilds at Lille after injuries, making up lost time | OneFootball

Nathan Ngoy, 22, is rebuilding his career at Lille after a run of injuries, with 14 Ligue 1 outings this season. L'Équipe reports the summer signing from Standard Liège has tightened his professionalism to make up lost time.

Club president Olivier Létang believes such setbacks can sharpen hunger. Belgium boss Rudi Garcia handed Ngoy a first senior call-up in November, stressing he still has steps to take. The defender was also eligible for DR Congo.

Now just past 70 senior games, his progress was stalled by a fractured tibia, then hamstring, calf and meniscus problems. Ngoy says those spells toughened him and improved his habits, while acknowledging he must remain careful.

After leaving Anderlecht’s academy for Standard in 2019 to quicken his path, neglect of his body backfired and a 2024 move to Luton Town collapsed. A strong finish to 2024-25 followed a reset with physios, better diet, sleep and strength work.

Signed for three million euros to offset Bafodé Diakité’s departure, he has been urged to become more ferocious, with Létang highlighting his mentality and high ceiling. Started by Bruno Genesio then competing with Aïssa Mandi and Chancel Mbemba, he now leads a depleted back line while the pair are at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: L'Équipe