The Serbian midfielder joined OL in the winter transfer window, but has already made a huge impact in Les Gones' midfield under Pierre Sage's stewardship
The former Chelsea and Manchester United man was part of a wave of signings by Lyon in the winter to address their troubled situation at the wrong end of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats table. After being frustrated by his short stay at Rennes in the earlier part of the season, the holding midfielder made the switch from the Breton club to join Lyon's mid-season rebuild.
After signing at the Groupama Stadium, Matic immediately filled an immediate need at the number 6 spot in midfield. It allowed Maxence Caqueret to play higher up the pitch, and rely less on Tolisso. From his first match, the 35-year-old imposed his calmness and assured technical ability in the middle of the park.
Matic brings calm and serenity to Lyon midfield
It's an assuredness in midfield which has seen Lyon keep more meaningful possession, and act as a springboard for attacks out wide to Ernest Nuamah and now Saïd Benrahma. Matic's presence has also freed up space for Caqueret, who has been at his best this season after Matic's arrival. Matic's passing was at its best during Lyon's latest victory against Lorient (0-2) where the Serb held a 100% pass success rate, completing all 83 of his passes over the 90 minutes.
Lyon are now just perched outside the top half of the table as Ligue 1 Uber Eats approaches its final third of the season. Pierre Sage's side go into it as the most in-form side in the league with five wins out of their last six matches.
