Seko Fofana's penning a new contract out on the Stade Bollaert pitch - in front of 37,000 RC Lens fans - in August 2022 was a seminal moment in the second-placed club's excellent season.

"With Seko extending his contract, the club is sending out a strong message," said wildly popular coach Franck Haise. "It's also a strong message from him."

The rise...

The love affair between Fofana and Lens started in 2020 when the muscular midfielder made his debut against Bordeaux - and he has been the fans' darling ever since.

and rise...

Appointed captain last year, Seko enjoyed a superb season. He was an ever-present, scored eight goals and inspired Lens to a seventh-placed finish.

and rise!

This year, it has been the same story… with the only difference that Lens' results are even better! Fofana was in match-winning form against Rennes back in August, and he has continued to inspire those around him with his all-action midfield displays. Fofana can finish, but he's also a creator – as he showed against PSG recently, setting up Loïs Openda to score.

Fofana was exceptional in the win over Paris, which shouldn't have surprised anyone. He always performs in the big matches – as Marseille discovered to their cost back in October.

"He has been playing brilliantly for a long time now," said Haise. "That's for sure."

Fofana has huge quality but his versatility is also important to Haise. The midfielder played as a No.8 against PSG, but was positioned higher up, as a No.10, against Marseille. Then, in the 4-1 win over Monaco, he even played as a defensive midfielder - and still managed to score one goal and set up another.

The Premier League's loss in Lens' gain! With Fofana now established as one of the very best midfielders in the division, Les Sang et Or are understandably dreaming of a Champions League finish!

Their next test comes in the form of promoted AJ Auxerre, who will travel to the Bollaert for their Round 19 clash on Saturday 14 January.