Thauvin, Thomasson, Saïd and Aguilar driving Lens with Ligue 1 experience | OneFootball

RC Lens may have fielded their youngest starting XI in 18 months, yet the leaders are built on seasoned heads.

L'Équipe notes Lens are the only Ligue 1 side with four players on 200 or more games, including one beyond 300, their quartet surpassing 1,000 combined. That XI averaged 26.04 years, but experience remains a pillar.

Adrien Thomasson, on 361 Ligue 1 matches, sets the standard. His deal ends in June and, with nothing decided, staying would put 400 in sight after turning 32 on Wednesday. His pressing and recovery numbers rank among the best in Europe’s top five leagues, and Sage hails his professionalism.

Florian Thauvin, on 274, has made his return a success. Recalled by France with the 2026 World Cup in view, the 2018 champion has shone in big moments, from beating OM 2-1 and winning 4-1 at Monaco to a brace at Angers to take Lens top. Sage views him as an ambition-raiser.

Wesley Saïd, at 226, is regarded as the pure talent and leads Lens with six league goals. In late November, Sage felt he was managing the season differently and working more after injuries held him back. Quiet for an hour at Nantes, the 30-year-old then took charge and hit the winner.

Ruben Aguilar, on 216, delivered his sixth Ligue 1 assist at La Beaujoire by finding ‘Flotov’, his old Grenoble academy friend. The 32-year-old once popped his shoulder back mid-match, then had surgery in October 2024. Thomasson praises his positioning and intelligence, and since Przemyslaw Frankowski’s January exit he has been undroppable.

Source: L'Équipe