Ethan Mbappé establishes himself as LOSC's starting right winger for his third season

Ethan Mbappé is beginning his third season at LOSC with an unprecedented status: that of starter on the right wing of Lille’s attack. At 19 years old, the attacking midfielder trained at PSG has made the most of a solid summer preparation to establish himself in Davide Ancelotti’s plans, the Dogues’ new coach.

The left-footer converted to the right had already impressed Bruno Genesio during the previous season, scoring his first three professional goals — including one against his former club. But repeated muscle injuries had prevented him from establishing himself permanently in Lille’s starting eleven. This time, the preseason went smoothly: author of a brace in the friendly match against Louvain, he was fielded from the start in the final warm-up match against Everton (1-1), confirming the confidence Ancelotti has in him.

Competition remains dense on the wings, however. On the right, Mbappé currently leads Noah Edjouma, recruited for five million euros from TFC. On the left, newcomer Başar Önal, Félix Correia and Osame Sahraoui are competing for a spot, while Hakon Haraldsson occupies the number 10 position. All these attacking players will likely be called upon throughout a busy season, with LOSC competing in the Ligue des Champions.

Up front, Olivier Giroud’s situation deserves attention. The 2018 World Cup winner was substituted in the first half of the match against Everton, slightly troubled by a knee issue. His availability for the first Ligue 1 match at Angers on Sunday remains uncertain. In case of prolonged absence, Soriba Diaoune could inherit the centre-forward position, while Matias Fernandez-Pardo is pushing for a departure from the club.