[Billet] Enzo Tchato, the awakening of the Lion

The little play on words, in reference to the Indomitable Lions, may seem a bit too flattering to describe Enzo Tchato's latest outings under the Pailladines colors. Nevertheless, the right-back, away from the Cameroonian selection for several weeks, is in the form of his life and is among the satisfactions since the appointment of Jean-Louis Gasset. Against LOSC, again, he showed his advantage.

Entering the match during the rout against Toulouse, Enzo Tchato was then lined up at Le Havre, never to leave the starting lineup since. Serious and diligent in Le Havre and against Brest, he tried to bring offensively to Saint-Etienne, without really being relevant, but above all by securing his side while the defensive aspect was the main criticism that could be leveled at him since his professional debut. Against LOSC, his defensive application was remarkable, as was his offensive drive.

Opposed to Remy Cabella, the duel fought by the two men was pleasant to see and if the Lille player ended up obtaining a penalty with the help of the VAR after a clumsy intervention by Joris Chotard, the 2012 French Champion did not always got the best of his young ex-teammate. With five duels won out of seven played, two successful tackles in as many attempts, four balls recovered and as many interceptions, Enzo Tchato had a solid defensive match. Offensively, his agreement with Mousa Tamari also showed some promise. A relationship to perfect, automatisms to work on, but a brighter horizon for two players who have been criticized many times in recent months.

The hardest part, obviously, will be to convince over the long term, because Enzo Tchato has long disappointed. But the right back, trained at Grammont, has gained, at least for a time, ground on the competition played by Falaye Sacko. Now under threat of suspension after two yellows in two matches, the Cameroonian international should have the opportunity to continue in Lens next Sunday. We hope for as much success.