With 10 goals in four games, Montpellier Hérault SC came into the weekend as Ligue 1 Uber Eats’ most prolific team.
OGC Nice, Olympique Lyonnais and Angers SCO can all testify just how difficult it is proving to contain the 2012 champions’ front line of late.
“That’s three good performances in a row. We’ve got a great team and things are starting to gel. We’re high on confidence too. It’s the ideal start to the season,” said forward Andy Delort, who netted twice in last week’s 4-1 win over Angers.
Traditionally under Michel Der Zakarian, Montpellier have been lauded for their defensive stability, but that has been changing since last season. The coach’s preferred 3-5-2 formation creates room for his full-backs and midfielders to create for well-oiled attacking duo Gaëtan Laborde and Delort.
Delort and Laborde's understanding
“Some of our crossing has been extraordinary,” said Der Zakarian. “And we’ve been putting our chances away too. We’re scoring goals. It’s a great thing for the team, and for the club.”
Delort and Laborde have scored 44 league goals between them since joining Montpellier in the summer of 2018, and if the last three games are anything to go by, their understanding is only growing stronger.
Watch: Montpellier blow away Angers in Round 4
“We give 100 percent every game. Whether we’re competing against each other for a starting spot or not, I think it’s clear to see that we’re breaking our necks out there for the team,” said Laborde.
Star man Savanier
Delort added: “The understanding we have means we’re really enjoying ourselves. We’re scoring nice goals, so it’s entertaining, and great fun for us.”
Montpellier’s star man, though, is Téji Savanier. Playing in behind the front two, the tireless, technically gifted midfielder is back to his best, and has been an absolute joy to watch.
“He’s capable of even better. I think he can surprise a lot of people. He’s an exceptional footballer and we’re very lucky to have him,” said Laborde.
If Savanier and co’s early form continues, this could well be the season Montpellier return to the European scene after a seven-year absence.
