The continual stream of talent pouring out of Lyon's academy is the one major positive for the seven-time champions right now, and the all-action performances of youth-team graduate Jordan Ferri highlight the importance and the effectiveness of France's most productive footballing school.

Confidence

"He's an important player in our team and he's playing with confidence now," declared OL boss Hubert Fournier, who has had to contend with injuries to big-name midfielders Yoann Gourcuff, Clément Gernier and Gueïda Fofana - at the very start of his tenure at the helm of the club. "He has great technique and while he still needs to find more fluidity, he works incredibly hard on the pitch."

Versatility

A tenacious, tough-tackling midfielder, Ferri is also an assured passer - as the statistics testify - and despite Lyon's poor start, Ferri is top of the Ligue 1 assists chart having set up three of his team's four goals this season. The 22-year-old's all-round qualities mean coach Hubert Fournier can employ him in a variety of roles.

"He's more comfortable playing on the side of a midfield diamond," explained Fournier. "It's harder for him to play at the apex, but he has such good technique that he has emerged as an automatic starter."

Big future

Now in his third season with the first team, Ferri is almost a senior player these days - and his coach is counting on him to deliver as the club look to bounce back from a troubled start to the season and get on with the task of securing a return to European football next season after failing to qualify for Champions League or Europa League group-stage football for the first time in 18 years.

"If he keeps the same attitude, if he is demanding with himself, he should have a great season," predicted Fournier, whose side face their next test at home to AS Monaco on Friday night.