PROFILE | Corentin Tolisso – a return to form and a return for France? | OneFootball

No club over the last 12 months has suffered from more uncertainty than Lyon. However, throughout all the financial difficulty and threat of relegation, one constant source of reliability could be found in their captain, Corentin Tolisso. When the World Cup winner returned to his boyhood club, doubts were cast over whether he would be able to recapture the form that earned him a move to Bayern Munich. Over the past year, those doubts have been eradicated with the Frenchman looking back to his best at the Rhône club. 

The 31-year-old’s return to form pre-dates this year. In 2023/24, Lyon looked as though they could be relegated through performance rather than their financial difficulties. The midfielder was one of the driving forces behind their revival under now-Lens manager Pierre Sage, and has carried that momentum into a new period of difficulty. 

With the threat of administrative relegation looming over the football club, Tolisso did not let this affect his performances last season. The Frenchman became a real influence from midfield with 14 goal contributions (seven goals and seven assists) in Ligue 1 for OL. These figures represent the best of his career at both Lyon and Bayern Munich. Whilst this personal best influence in the final third was an impressive feat, the UEFA Champions League winner has eclipsed that with the role he has played this season. 

During the summer transfer window, Lyon survived the threat of relegation, leaving all those associated with Les Gones breathing a sigh of relief. Whilst the biggest worry was removed, the hard work was just beginning as OL began an era of change under the leadership of Michelle Kang. With senior figures, including former club captain Alexandre Lacazette, leaving the club, the responsibility of leadership has been transferred to Tolisso this season. Amid the mass exodus of senior and key players, the midfielder was one who remained committed to the cause despite links with clubs like Manchester United; such a move would not have been unwarranted in the slightest. The 31-year-old has taken this renewed responsibility with two hands, with OL’s young squad starting the season impressively. 

Tolisso registers career-best stats

Many expected this season to be a transitional year for the seven-time Ligue 1 winners. However, despite all the adversity, Les Gones have proved they can be competitive with a smaller and younger squad. This has seen certain players step up and none more so than Tolisso. The Frenchman has been imperious in midfield since the season started, no matter where he has played. Given the reduced numbers within Paulo Fonseca’s squad, the Lyon academy graduate has been tasked with playing in multiple roles. At times, the France international has operated in more attacking areas and even as a striker. 

While last season was Tolisso’s greatest season as far as attacking prowess is concerned, he has carried that form into this season. Operating in advanced areas more frequently, the former Bayern midfielder has found himself picking up dangerous positions in the final third and has been rewarded for it. The French playmaker has already matched his goalscoring tally from last season (seven goals) with only half of the season played. His seven goals include the first professional hat trick of his career. In the UEFA Europa League, the 31-year-old played a starring role with three goals that any striker would be proud of as Les Gones completed a  6-0 thrashing against Maccabi Tel-Aviv. 

In addition to Tolisso showing an increased versatility in his game, his presence has enabled new recruits and academy graduates to slot alongside him in midfield with next to no problems. Tyler Morton has impressed in midfield since he arrived at Lyon, and both Mathys De Carvalho and Khalis Merah have graduated to the first team and adapted to life well alongside the OL captain. Acting as the senior presence in a small cohort of available players in the middle of the pitch, the 31-year-old has allowed new players to settle in with ease, whilst thriving in his own sense. 

Deschamps leaves door open

He has made it no secret that he wishes to represent his country once again. Speaking of his desire to play for France, Tolisso has targeted the World Cup. He said, “I still have hope. There are still six months. I won’t give up. If I went, I would be very happy, and if I don’t go, then my daughters will be happy that I stay with them.” The Frenchman has not represented his country since 2021, but Florian Thauvin’s recent recall following a six-year absence can be a source of the slightest of hopes. Tolisso last played for France in a 2-2 draw against Portugal during UEFA Euro 2020. 

Injury problems and inconsistent form had removed him from the radar of Didier Deschamps. Yet, this season, that has changed. Whilst the World Cup-winning head coach has not yet recalled Tolisso to the international set-up if his performances continue in the same trajectory, it cannot be ruled out. When asked about the possibility of the Lyon midfielder returning to represent Les Bleus, Deschamps said, “The door is not closed. He’s back on the shortlist after being out for a while. I don’t need articles or overtures to know that he has a profound attachment to the France national team.”

With the door still ajar and Tolisso back to the best form of his career, representing his country may not be out of reach. If Lyon can continue their impressive challenge for Europe and put together a run in the UEFA Europa League with the midfielder at the heart of it, there is no reason that he couldn’t be at the World Cup representing Les Bleus again once more. Regardless of his future at international level, he has surpassed expectations at Lyon, becoming a crucial player and instrumental leader during a time of crisis at his formative club.

GFFN | Liam Wraith