Jonathan David arrived at Lille OSC in 2020 and has become one of Ligue 1’s top goal scorers. Furthermore, the 23-year-old’s time in France has allowed him to garner international recognition as a quality striker.
David’s arrival from Gent came with plenty of expectations since Lille brought him to replace Victor Osimhen, who left for Serie A to join Napoli. Les Dogues were betting on the Canadian to fill some prominent boots, and so far, the club has hit the jackpot.
In his four years with Lille, David has appeared in 158 appearances in all competitions, scoring 65 goals, including a dramatic game-tying goal against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, and registering 11 assists.
So, how has he been so successful in replacing Osimhen? It’s all in David’s mindset while on the pitch, as he told The Guardian in November 2022.
“My job is to score goals. But playing well and being involved in the game is what’s going to get me my goals. Getting my touches, combining, making my runs in behind. After that everything is set.”
𝟗𝟎 + 𝟒' @ItsJoDavid’s header to draw us level at the Stade Pierre Mauroy 😍❤️🔥#LOSCPSG
— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) December 18, 2023
pic.twitter.com/M5htpmcDbI
While David has been flourishing from an individual perspective at Lille, he’s also experienced club success. As they beat out Paris Saint-Germain, the striker was crucial to their Ligue 1 title run in 2020-21.
Furthermore, the Lille star likely hopes that his success at the club level can carry over to his international career. David and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies are the faces of this golden generation of Canadian footballers who helped their country reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending a 36-year drought.
Much like Lille, David hopes to take Canada to the top of Concacaf, or the Americas, to be exact. The Canadians can punch their ticket to the 2024 Copa America via a one-match playoff against Trinidad & Tobago on March 23.
A win over Trinidad & Tobago would put David in front of the eyes of many as the playoff winner will open the tournament against Argentina on June 20 in Atlanta. Furthermore, they’d join a group that also includes Peru and Chile. As a result, David has a chance in 2024 to raise his profile even more.
