Clinton Mata feels “important to the group”

Clinton Mata, new OL full-back (credit: David Hernandez)

Since his arrival at OL in July 2023, Clinton Mata has become an essential element of the Lyon group. Which the defender is well aware of.

Let's be honest, we didn't necessarily know what to expect when OL announced the recruitment of Clinton Eye in July 2023. We didn't have to wait very long to see that the Angolan international (12 caps) is a valuable element in a group.

At 32 years old, he brings experience and above all a versatility which is not negligible. Capable of playing on the right or in the axis of a defense, he helps stabilize the Rhone rearguard, even if there is still a way to go. The former FC Brugge player is practically essential in the 11.

“The most important thing is to be on the ground”

This season, he has played 10 out of 13 matches, all as a starter. For others, it was either reduced or left to rest. He remained on the bench only against Lille last Friday (1-1). Lateral or central, Mata has no preference in any case. “For me, the most important thing is to be on the pitch, to add something and to help my teammates, he insisted. Then the decision (on his placement, Editor’s note) returns to the coach. I feel like I'm important to the group, like other players.“