Olympique Lyonnais is starting to make significant progress under the guidance of manager Pierre Sage. With a background in coaching the team's youth players, the 44-year-old has relied on talent developed within the club's academy to improve the team's performance.
Olympique Lyonnais is starting to make significant progress under the guidance of manager Pierre Sage. With a background in coaching the team's youth players, the 44-year-old has relied on talent developed within the club's academy to improve the team's performance.
Sage, who is from the area, has formed strong connections with the squad and understands the significance of the club from both a footballing and cultural perspective. Players from various generations who have come through OL's youth academy have responded positively to the French tactician.
Relying on players developed in their academy is perfect for Les Gones, given the abundance of talent the club has nurtured. Here's a look at some former academy players who are currently making a significant impact for Lyon as they strive to finish this season on a high note under Sage's guidance.
Anthony Lopes - Goalkeeper
Lopes began his journey with Lyon's youth system at just nine years old. Since his professional debut in 2012, he has steadily progressed and become a mainstay in Lyon's lineup for over a decade. The Portuguese goalkeeper has consistently guarded Lyon's goalposts, and this season, the 33-year-old has already managed seven clean sheets.
Corentin Tolisso - Midfielder
Tolisso started his pro career with Lyon back in 2013 and spent a solid five years with the club, becoming a key player on the team. After that, he moved to Bayern Munich and won a UEFA Champions League title in 2020 during his tenure. In 2022, he returned to Lyon as a seasoned player, aiming to provide stability and guidance for OL.
Alexandre Lacazette - Forward
Lacazette broke through into the Lyon squad in 2010, spending seven years with OL in his first spell. In 2017, he'd leave to join Arsenal and play in the Premier League, but like Tolisso, the goal-scorer would return to Les Gones in 2022. The 32-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered two assists in all competitions for Lyon this season.
#OLRétro
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) March 9, 2021
9 mars 2017 : La frappe en lucarne de @LacazetteAlex, le bruit des filets et l'explosion du @GroupamaStadium 😍🙌 #OLRoma pic.twitter.com/QI7VXxDAwS
Rayan Cherki - Forward
At 20 years old, Cherki is a prominent forward for Lyon's attack, having made his professional debut in 2019. Since then, he's been a mainstay for OL, having appeared in 125 matches in all competitions, scoring 16 goals, and registering 20 goals in his young career.
Maxence Caqueret - Midfielder
The 23-year-old also made his debut with OL in 2019 and is another young player that Lyon can rely on to be a pillar in their squad. Since his debut, Caqueret has made 154 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering 13 assists.
