Experts weigh up Zakaria and Tolisso before Lyon v Monaco | OneFootball

Sunday at 15:00, Lyon v Monaco will showcase captains Denis Zakaria and Corentin Tolisso, rated among Ligue 1’s leading midfielders. According to Nice-Matin, former top-flight midfielders Benjamin Nivet and Benjamin Corgnet have broken down what sets them apart.

After injuries and a slow start, Zakaria, 29, has flourished since 28 January when Sébastien Pocognoli dropped him into the centre of Monaco’s back three. He still features in midfield at times, so he may not directly face Tolisso, 31.

Corgnet views them as kindred midfielders with big engines and physicality, shaped by defensive schooling. Both adjust to team needs, with Tolisso deployed higher in recent seasons and Zakaria capably covering at centre-back.

Nivet argues both can carry the ball and break lines, but sees Zakaria as the more athletic, powerful and quick profile. He considers Tolisso the more polished technically and more precise in front of goal, reflected in 11 goals this season. Tolisso also has three assists, while Zakaria has two goals and three assists.

Corgnet believes both are decisive and their absence is felt. Nivet says firm rankings are tricky, yet when fit they operate at a high level in their roles. Among other standout Ligue 1 midfielders they highlighted were Vitinha and Joao Neves, plus Valentin Rongier, Sangaré and Benjamin André.

Nivet adds that 28-32 is often a footballer’s prime, a blend of athletic peak and experience, and both sit squarely in that window.

Source: Nice-Matin