The departure of Christophe Galtier followed by the arrival of Lucien Favre has sparked a new beginning for OGC Nice. Even though new signings are expected in almost every position, several players in the squad can make a place for themselves in the mind of the Swiss coach.
In Galtier’s 4-4-2, several Nice players were sidelined as they did not fit the needs of the tactical system in place. Lucien Favre should play with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, which could allow some substitute or even unwanted Aiglons to express themselves better.
Alexis Claude-Maurice
Arriving from Lorient in the summer of 2019 for a handsome sum of 13 million, Alexis Claude-Maurice has a real opportunity with the arrival of Favre at the helm of the first team. A versatile midfielder who can also play on the wings, he has shown flashes of brilliance in a Nice jersey but has always been held back by injuries. Last season was a complete blank for him due to two injuries (a fibula fracture followed by ankle surgery). Even when he was available, he did not have the trust of Christophe Galtier. In the 4-2-3-1 or in a 4-3-3, the 24-year-old could be used as a number 10 or as an offensive-minded central midfielder. It is clear that ACM has all the talent necessary to excel in these new systems, but his physical condition is a definite concern.
Calvin Stengs
The second most expensive signing in the club’s history, Calvin Stengs was already making Nice supporters drool upon his arrival last summer. Unfortunately, the Dutchman disappointed and seemed completely lost during his appearances. With only 1 goal and one assist, he gradually fell down the hierarchy to become just a substitute. This disappointing first season could be attributed to the tactics in place, which required the wingers to position lower and to put in defensive efforts. In a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, Stengs could rediscover the level that earned him a place in the national team, as it is within these two systems that he made a name for himself at AZ Alkmaar. With his profile as a creative winger or an organizing attacking midfielder, he could perfectly slot in as a number 10 in the 4-2-3-1 or as a right winger in a 4-3-3.
Jordan Lotomba
Unlike Claude-Maurice and Stengs, Jordan Lotomba played in many matches last season (34 games) due to the injuries of Youcef Atal. But despite his multiple starts, the Swiss international did not shine due to defensive shortcomings and an almost non-existent offensive contribution (just one assist). With the arrival of his compatriot at the head of the team, who places great importance on the offensive contribution of his full-backs, Lotomba can potentially improve in this area. With Atal’s return and the arrival of the young Mendy, the competition will also be there to push him to become better.
Hicham Boudaoui
It has now been 3 years since the Algerian international landed on the Côte d’Azur. Arriving as one of the country’s top prospects, he has ultimately never managed to become an indispensable player in the Azurien team. Although he primarily played as a right-sided midfielder in this season, Hicham Boudaoui remains a trained central midfielder particularly well-suited for a 4-3-3. Favre could help him take a step forward by using him in this system because the Algerian has all the attributes that the Swiss coach asks for: speed, energy, technical skill, endurance, and the ability to successfully finish.
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