With the departure of Brice Samba for Rennes, RC Lens is not simply preparing to change goalkeepers. The Artesian club also lost the man who had been its captain for a year and a half. The race for his succession is now open and the identity of the lucky one is perhaps not obvious. Decryption.
Florian Sotoca, the natural heir
Vice-captain of RC Lens, Florian Sotoca appears as the natural successor to Brice Samba. Just last weekend, the Narbonne player gave a leader’s speech after the defeat against Toulouse. On the pitch, his behavior has been impeccable since his arrival at the club, almost 5 years ago. After the departure of Seko Fofana, his name was already coming up insistently for wearing the armband. However, the 34-year-old striker has lost his influence since the arrival of Will Still. Although he has participated in 15 of the 16 Ligue 1 matches, the Sang et Or number 7 has only started two of the last six championship matches. A sporting downgrade which could well have consequences.
Adrien Thomasson, a credible reward
Losing momentum a year ago, Adrien Thomasson has once again become a centerpiece of RC Lens since the start of the season. Repositioned a notch lower, the former Strasbourger is both the driving force behind Will Still’s gaming project and the heart of the artesian collective. A player with an exemplary mentality, a very good communicator and a true example for his teammates to follow, Adrien Thomasson ticks many of the boxes of the right captain. There remains a question about his real leadership in the group, which until now had a very (too?) charismatic leader at its head. Still, the French team was crowned world champion in 2018 with a discreet leader in the person of Hugo Lloris. Adrien Thomasson could perfectly fit into this lineage.
Facundo Medina, the grinta in the spotlight
In total break with the two previous candidates, Will Still could opt for a more romantic or sulphurous option depending on everyone’s perception, in the person of Facundo Medina. Whole, passionate and even overexcited at times, the Argentinian leaves no one indifferent, partners and adversaries alike. A temperament which can sometimes play tricks on him, leading him to collect often avoidable cards, and which could well be a major obstacle to being considered a reliable captain. The question of language could also complicate its communication with the refereeing body. Conversely, RC Lens supporters perhaps need such a “divisive” captain to forget the disappointment caused by the unexpected and hasty departure of Brice Samba. A fantasy as crazy as it is seductive on paper.
And you, who do you see as captain of RC Lens after the departure of Brice Samba?
Photo credits: Iconsport
Belgium
Related News :