PROFILE | Moïse Bombito – Jesse Marsch’s world-beater fills Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo-shaped hole | OneFootball

Moise Bombito has taken a highly unorthodox path to European football, never integrating a football academy and only turning professional at the age of 19. Vaunted for his physical attributes, his rise at Colorado Rapids was meteoric. Still, coming to Nice and being charged with replacing France international Jean-Clair Todibo was no easy task, but he has made it look easy.

He arrived with the benefit of already being at his peak physically, having left the MLS mid-season, but it is nonetheless impressive how seamlessly he has slotted in. His profile, as observed by Nice’s scouts, is one suited to Ligue 1. “I am fast, but I am not solely dependent on that,” said the Canadian at his unveiling. “But it is good to be fast,” he hastened to add. Clocked at 37 km/h the former Colorado Rapids man has the ability to match any attacker for pace, whilst at 1.9 metres, he is imposing in both boxes.

Marsch says Bombito is ‘one of the best in the world’

Known as a highly physical league, Bombito has the ideal characteristics to flourish in Ligue 1, and it is why, against PSG, Franck Haise opted to put the Canadian on Bradley Barcola. Prolific for much of the campaign, the France international had a quet night against Le Gym, and it was no coincidence. But beyond his physical attributes, he has a strong reading of the game and rarely gets caught being too aggressive, pushing too high, or being caught at sea.

He has impressed Haise, to the extent that he has quickly become undroppable for Nice. However, he is also making quite the impression on Canada coach Jesse Marsch. Under the former Leeds United manager, Bombito was one of just two outfield players to play every minute for Canada in their six Copa América matches. “His talent is among the best in the world in that position,” said Marsch during the international break in October. Quite the compliment.

With the identities of his centre-back partners changing game by game, either due to injury or lack of form, the conditions haven’t been optimal for Bombito to adapt as quickly as he has but in his short time in France, he has shown himself capable of filling Todibo’s shoes and perhaps mirroring his trajectory. “He was a great player here but if I was signed, it was to make my own mark,” said Bombito. It’s early days, but he is currently doing just that.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle