Alexis Sanchez and Nuno Tavares may have hit the ground running since arriving at Olympique de Marseille this summer, but for coach Igor Tudor, unsung midfielder Valentin Rongier might be his most important player.
Former Arsenal man Alexis has scored three goals in five Ligue 1 Uber Eats games since arriving from Inter Milan, while Tavares - who is on loan from the Gunners this season - has matched the Chilean forward for goals scored.
Marseille could leapfrog RC Lens into first place on Saturday, in the unlikely event Paris Saint-Germain also slip up against Stade Brestois 29, and for Tudor, Rongier is the glue that holds his aspirational team together.
"Rongier gives me everything," he enthused. "He's smart, he's got the legs and knows how to time his runs. He's underestimated by the press and the fans, but he really is a fantastic player!
"I might make some changes against Lille, but it'll be the best team possible."
Rongier is undoubtedly in that strongest XI. The former FC Nantes man has played more minutes for OM than any other central midfielder this season, despite having Mattéo Guendouzi, Jordan Veretout and Pape Gueye for company.
An asset on both sides of the ball, Rongier has won an average of four tackles per game this season whilst also completing 90 per cent of his passes.
