Even though the 2021-2022 season ended on a low note, the Gym had a great season, and several players performed well and can aspire to the title of Aiglon of the season.
Although all the Nice players are in the running to win the trophy that will reward the Crédit Agricole Aiglon of the year, several Gym players stand out as favorites. For you, Nice Premium has selected the five favorites:
Walter Benitez:
This might have been the last season for the Argentine under the Gym’s colors since his contract contained an extension clause that could only be activated in case of qualification for the Champions League. Even though Bulka showed promising things in the Coupe de France, the departure of Benitez would significantly harm the Gym because, in his position, the goalkeeper was one of the best in Ligue 1. If OGC Nice finished the championship with the second-best defense, it was largely thanks to him. Walter Benitez had 14 clean sheets, 35 goals conceded in 38 matches, and several decisive saves that secured victories. An excellent record that could have made him the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 this season. Even if the Argentine’s adventure in the Côte d’Azur were to end this summer, it’s clear that OGC Nice fans will never forget him.
Jean-Clair Todibo:
This season was the first full campaign for the former Blaugrana, and from start to finish, he was more than up to the task. A leader on the field, unbeatable, physically impressive, a good distributor, he met all the criteria of a top-quality central defender. In addition to having a tremendous season, he was indispensable by playing almost all the matches of the season (40/43). If Todibo can maintain this level of performance or even progress, it would be surprising not to see him in the French national team.
Khephren Thuram:
Before this season, he was seen as the son of the great Lilian, but now the people of Nice and all of France can distinguish him from his father. Indeed, Khéphren Thuram took on a whole different dimension this season under the orders of Christophe Galtier, who surely played a crucial role in his evolution. The young midfielder shone, ranking among the best midfielders in Ligue 1, and was logically nominated for the title of best prospect (won by Saliba). Even positioned as a left winger, Thuram made significant contributions and was decisive several times (3 goals and 4 assists). He has now become an essential member of the Gym thanks to his qualities and his will to win.
Amine Gouiri:
Positioned up front alongside Delort, the former Lyon player revealed himself to all of France in the first half of the season. With 10 goals and 7 assists, he was the strongman of the Nice attack, which he carried on multiple occasions with outstanding performances. The path to the final would have been very different without Gouiri, who shone in this competition, notably in the semi-final against Versailles. Unfortunately, after the winter break, the 22-year-old player went through a significant rough patch, with 13 matches without being decisive. Only two assists in 15 matches, proving he is not quite ready to join a top club yet and still needs to continue his progression at OGC Nice.
Andy Delort:
Arriving at the end of August from Montpellier, the Sète-born striker did not win unanimous support among Gym supporters. Some feared his attitude and behavior would be detrimental to the group, while others considered the price (10 million) too high given his age. However, Delort quickly adapted to Nice, delivering an assist in his first appearance and scoring a goal in his second match. With great determination and gratitude, he quickly became an undeniable starter and the go-to man for the Côte d’Azur attack. Multiple times this season, he stood out by scoring crucial goals that secured victory for the Gym. In the end, the Algerian international had an extraordinary season statistically with 18 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.
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To vote, visit the OGC Nice website:
https://www.ogcnice.com/fr/article/121578/a-vous-de-voter.html
