With Ismaily's imminent return to competition, competition for the left-back position should be stronger than ever at LOSC. Between the Brazilian, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Mitchel Bakker, Bruno Genesio will have many options at his disposal. Each with serious arguments to make.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, the evidence
Among the only four players to have played all of LOSC's matches this season (19 appearances including 15 starts), Gabriel Gudmundsson as the number one option on the left flank of the defense. Became a sure value in her position after the first few months, which were average at best.the Swede already seemed to have a small head start over Ismaily at the very start of the season. Neither the serious injury of the Brazilian, nor the arrival of Mitchel Bakker who also suffered some small physical problems have reshuffled the cards.
Impeccable in his state of mind and involvement, impactful offensively and increasingly secure at the back, the 25-year-old left back is reaching maturity. In a logic of valuation, the choice would also fall on him: he is under contract with LOSC – Bakker is only loaned without a purchase option – and represents a market value to be nurtured, unlike Ismaily (34 years old). Today it is the one which brings together the most criteria and guarantees among the three contenders.
Mitchel Bakker, the rise to power
It remains that on a purely sporting level, Mitchell Bakker proved he could legitimately compete with Gabriel Gudmundsson. The Dutchman was certainly hampered by a few glitches (thigh on arrival, abdominal problems in October), but every time he appeared at 100%, he performed well. His performance against Real Madrid (1-0) in an unusual left midfield position intended to close the lane made an impression, as did his decisive entry against Toulouse three days later (2-1).
Even more recent, his successful performance in Nice (2-2), just before the break, calls for other tenures. The former PSG brings together many of the strengths of his competitors and is the combination of Gabriel Gudmundsson's performances and Ismaily's experience. Even if he will have to put aside his slight repeated glitches and show himself capable of continuing if he wants to confirm over time.
Ismaily, l’expérience
Back in team training for three weeks after a serious injury to the meniscus of his right knee, Ismaily applies again for a place in the LOSC eleven. At 34 years old and after about three months without competition, the Brazilian will have a lot to do to regain his status while in his absence, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Mitchel Bakker scored points. The former Shakhtar Donetsk player ultimately had very little experience under the orders of Bruno Genesio, who was a protégé of Paulo Fonseca.
Holder last season, he had already called into question at the start of the season, he who had not started in any of the preliminary rounds of the Champions League for the benefit of Gabriel Gudmundsson. The dynamic at the post is far from having helped his situation, but the Brazilian can count on his XXL experience to do well in the rotation. Especially since LOSC, in line with its start to the season, will still hold major meetings every three days and Bruno Genesio will not spit on such a workforce, despite the competition.
Photo credits: Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport
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