Evan Guessand shone as Nice’s star player in 2024, scoring early and assisting in their match against the Bretons. Tanguy Ndombélé also excelled, contributing with a goal and an assist. Despite a winless streak, Nice remains undefeated at home and is in the top four of Ligue 1, eyeing Champions League qualification. In contrast, Steve Mandanda faced criticism for a costly error, while Jorge Sampaoli struggles to make an impact at Rennes. Rosario received a red card in his return from injury.
Guessand Shines Bright
Evan Guessand emerged as the star player for Nice in 2024, and he continues to dazzle as the new year begins. His performance against the Bretons was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very start of the match, the winger was actively involved in all of Nice’s key offensive maneuvers, making his mark early on. In the 12th minute, he found the back of the net, beating Mandanda with the first shot from his team. True to form, Guessand maintained his high level of play throughout the match, even until his substitution in the final moments. Just before halftime, he showcased his exceptional vision by setting up Laborde, helping his team secure a lead. Without a doubt, he was the standout performer of the match.
Ndombele: The Creative Playmaker
In exceptional form, Tanguy Ndombélé is making waves in the midfield. After overcoming several physical setbacks, the former Lyon player has returned to his best, surprising fans with his dynamic play. Having already scored in the last cup match against Cortenais, he was pivotal once again against the Bretons. Displaying his agility, Ndombélé maneuvered past three defenders and demonstrated his keen vision by assisting Guessand, marking his second assist of the season.
Nice Joins the Top 4 Race
Despite a recent winless streak across all competitions, Nice has managed to remain undefeated at home in Ligue 1 this season. With eight matches at the Allianz Riviera without a defeat, the Aiglons are in a strong position. As they await the outcomes of Lyon vs. Montpellier and Lille vs. Nantes, Franck Haise’s squad currently sits 4th in the league with 27 points, just three points shy of the podium. With an exit from the Europa League looming, OGC Nice can now shift their focus to Ligue 1, positioning themselves as serious contenders for Champions League qualification.
FLOPS
Mandanda’s Missed Opportunity
Steve Mandanda has found himself in the spotlight during this transfer window, as he appears to be out of favor with Jorge Sampaoli. With Brice Samba’s situation improving, the former OM goalkeeper needed to deliver a strong performance to justify his place. Although he started the match positively, a critical error led to a goal against his team. Despite redeeming himself in the second half with three crucial saves, the initial mistake had already taken its toll.
Sampaoli’s Challenging Transition
While the attitude of the Rennes players has shifted since Jorge Sampaoli’s arrival, the Argentine is struggling to make a lasting impression. With only two wins in five matches across all competitions, he has yet to convince the fans. More noted for his emotional outbursts than effective tactics, his team’s recent 5-0 victory over Saint-Etienne may mask the underlying issues, as Rennes currently sits 12th in the standings after 16 matchdays.
Rosario’s Red Card Incident
While legendary captain Dante was celebrated for his return from injury, Rosario faced a contrasting experience. After missing the Coupe de France due to injury, the Dutch midfielder returned against Rennes but had a tumultuous outing. Substituted in during the 70th minute to help secure a positive result, his match took a turn for the worse when he received a red card for a reckless challenge on Kalimuendo just 22 minutes later.