One club's near miss can become another's triumph. This has certainly been the case for OGC Nice and their talented defender, Jean-Clair Todibo. The young, risk-taking, ball-playing center-back was on the verge of joining Manchester United in the summer, but fate took a turn, and he found himself at staying with Les Aiglons. Now, as he continues to make waves in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, it's clear that Nice are reaping the benefits of his decision.

In a recent interview with The Ligue 1 Show, Todibo expressed his contentment with staying at OGC Nice, emphasising his love for the fans and the club. "In the summer, there was an opportunity for me to leave that for better or for worse didn’t end up happening. But I’m happy to stay at OGC Nice, it’s been 2 and a half years, I love the fans, love the club! I’m happy here. I’m playing football and I’m happy on the pitch!" Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future during the summer transfer window, Todibo has returned to the pitch with a smile. Since his comeback against Lyon in late August, Nice have conceded in just one game

National Recognition
Todibo's performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a call-up to the French national team. This marks a significant achievement for the Toulouse academy product, highlighting his rapid progress since arriving at OGC Nice. Dante, his Brazilian defensive partner, commended Todibo's development, noting the positive influence the national team experience has had on the young defender. "Firstly, it’s a pleasure to be alongside him now, he’s made so much progress! When he arrived, he hadn’t played too many professional games despite being at a few clubs already. He didn’t have much practical experience, now he’s well rounded. I think the national team is doing him a lot of good!"

Todibo's journey has seen him refine his playing style, particularly in his ability to carry the ball out of defense. In the past, his risk-taking approach led to mistakes during his stints at Barcelona, Schalke, and Benfica. However, according to Dante, Todibo has now found a balance between taking risks and maintaining defensive solidity. This evolution is timely, aligning with the possession-based style of play that coach Francesco Farioli is implementing at Nice this season. "He always played a risky game, far too risky. Now he has found real balance in his game between taking risks, dribbling out from the back because it’s the best thing to do and having fun on the pitch! I’m not saying he should kick the ball out into touch, never! I’d rather he takes a risk. And he’s progressed in that domain!"

OGC Nice the top clean-sheet holders in Europe's top 5 leagues
Nice's defensive record speaks volumes about Todibo's impact, contributing to the team's status as the top clean-sheet holders in Europe's top 5 leagues with an impressive nine clean sheets. Despite having two center-backs with an inclination for forward play in Todibo and Dante, manager Francesco Farioli attributes the defensive success not only to their ability to defend but also to their controlled and attacking style of play. "It’s not just because we defend well, I think it’s also because we are attacking in a way that is giving us a lot of control!" 

"I adapt to any style of play!" says Todibo about Farioli's style of play. "This year the coach wants this, last year the old coach wanted something else. I just adapt! I’m not sure our football is the greatest to watch because people like transition football these days. We play possession based football, that’s what the coach wants. If we finish our chances, people will enjoy watching us!"

As Jean-Clair Todibo gears up to face his former team Toulouse and help Nice secure an eighth consecutive clean sheet, it's evident that he has become one of the hottest defensive properties in Europe. 

>>Todibo reveals France's half-time challenge