Once dubbed the new Dani Alves, injury-free Tiago Santos praised for “extraordinary quality” by Lille boss Ancelotti after golaço in France [video] | OneFootball

Santos is in fine form in France [Getty Images]

Lille are the surprise early leaders in France’s Ligue 1 following the opening four rounds of action, with their impressive start in no small part aided by the contribution of exciting Portuguese right-back Tiago Santos.

Les Dogues have 10 points from a possible 12 so far this term, and Davide Ancelotti’s side will be frustrated at not protecting a 100% record given their only dropped points saw them give up a two-goal lead over champions Paris Saint-Germain in stoppage time. A 2-0 victory over Troyes at the weekend means Lille head into this weekend’s trip to bottom-placed Nice with the prospect of leading the standings going into the international break.

The win over Troyes was instigated by right-back Tiago Santos, who got his second goal in four league matches with a stunning shot rifled into the top corner to put Lille ahead. Former Estoril man Santos also scored in the opening-day victory at Angers, while his penetrative attacking runs down the right side of Lille’s attack have become a regular feature of the team’s play.

“Tiago? His goal was extraordinary, but Tiago is a player with extraordinary technical qualities,” Ancelotti said of the 24-year-old. “I’m very happy with him; he’s serious, he works hard. He just needs to know that all the qualities he has, he needs to express them in the final third. Before that, he needs to keep things simple. We’ve already discussed this.”

Santos’ return to form is a heartwarming story following an ACL injury suffered in October 2024 which saw him miss over ten months of action, leading to a gradual return to regular duties. Before the setback, Santos had been compared to Brazil legend Dani Alves and linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona, with his form under Paulo Fonseca at Lille drawing the attention of a host of scouts.

Still just 24, there are signs that the Lisbon native is back to his best, which will surely lead to both a revival of interest from other clubs, as well as the attention of Portugal boss Jorge Jesus.