Jonathan Bamba: Lille OSC’s Hidden Gem

Jonathan Bamba has exploded on the scene for Lille OSC and been widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1 since he broke into Saint Etienne’s first team last season. Bamba had been at Saint Etienne for six years before breaking into the first team. He started out his professional career in his hometown club of Alfortville for six years before moving to Les Verts in 2011 making his senior debut against Paris-Saint Germain in 2015 after several loans.

Bamba is very much top of the lists in much of the Premier League betting when it comes to the next player to arrive in England from France.

The coaching staff felt he needed time and experience in the French top flight before making the transition into the first team to have any serious impact. A series of stellar and consistent performances at Paris FC, Saint-Trond and Angers earned him his stripes and an opportunity to create a lasting impression.

And perform he did as he ended the campaign with seven goals and nine assists in 34 appearances earning a call-up to the French Under-21 squad playing three times. His ability was undeniable; a player with raw talent but needed guidance and consistent playtime to channel his inconsistencies into results.

‘The move to PFC has made me stronger. I hope to return to Saint-Etienne and impose myself. I came to save PFC, so it is a big disappointment [they were relegated]. My stats are not brilliant either, but here I have matured. Before I ran everywhere, but I learned to channel myself’ (Le Parisien)

An ongoing contract dispute saw him leave Les Verts on a free transfer to Lille OSC this summer. Impressive form and his proven ability as an effective goal scorer with a return of seven goals from thirteen games promoted Lille OSC to gamble on him. The forward was chased by a number of clubs including Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Inter Milan but it was Lille OSC who won the race for his signature and secured the talented forward for five seasons with his best years ahead of him.

Jonathan Bamba primarily plays as a wide forward but is equally comfortable at centre-forward too. The Frenchman is an attacking inside-forward who utilises his extreme pace and flair as his primary tools of attack. The forward is deceptively proficient out of possession as he is in possession. An impressive ability to maintain close control of the ball makes him a constant problem for defenders. With a direct approach, Bamba has the ingredients to become a top class goal scorer.

Speed Demon

Jonathan Bamba possesses incredible dribbling ability alongside his lightning quick speed. His direct approach is a rarity in an age of diminutive attacking playmaking wingers and forwards. Bamba possesses incredible control in close quarters. Young players usually lack ball control when pressured by the opposition but Frenchman has this unique ability to create and find space to make use of his outrageous pace.

As Bamba receives the ball, he is being closed down by three Spanish players with his back towards goal. With limited passing options, the Lille forward notices the space behind the Spaniards. Getting into space would give his two teammates an opportunity to run into the box. The temptation would be to hold the ball up and play a short pass towards his oncoming teammate. Doing so would actually slow the attack down and allow for the Spanish defence to reorganize itself.

The French forward takes a touch towards the byline and manages to utilise the small space to get the ball away from the Spanish defenders. The transition from back to front negates the two markers and causes panic amongst the Spanish defence.