An interesting Loan Report on Rony Lopes from a Lille Fan via ‘Typical City’
Qu.
Recent injury not withstanding, how has Lopes been for Lille so far, both on and off the pitch? Has he fit in well with the team?
Ans.
When he made his debut for the club against Metz, as soon as he got the ball, there was a buzz about his play. He was looking to take players on, and trying to make things happen. Something that has been missing since Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet left the club.
The injuries have been frustrating, just when you think he is about to become a key part of the team, he has been taken from the team. I think that is why it took so long for him to come back the second time, they wanted to make 100% sure he was ready to play a key part in René Girard’s team.
Qu.
Lopes has shown his ability both centrally and on the wing for the City reserves (and for the first team, briefly). Where do you see him playing in the future based on his time at Lille so far?
Ans.
I definitely don’t think he is a winger. Too often English clubs are not quite sure where to play someone who is a natural #10 and pushing him wide is the only solution, but there is no doubt his best position is through the middle.
When he has been fit, Lopes plays as the #10 in Lille’s 4-3-1-2 formation. Looking to get the ball in between the midfield and defence and drive forward with pace and skill. The biggest impact he had was against Nantes. He came on at half-time and changed the game instantly. Within five minutes Lille were 2-0 up. Lopes scored one and set up the other.
Qu.
Are there are any obvious weaknesses to his game we should be looking out for?
Ans.
He’s young, so he lacks experience. Sometimes he can go missing from games. He is sticky, but can suffer in the physical demands of Ligue 1. Perhaps he could do more when he doesn’t have the ball, but in France you don’t expect your playmakers to track back. No one criticises this in France, he wouldn’t get away with that in England.
Qu.
Would you keep him at Lille for longer than the end of this season given the opportunity?
Ans.
Without a doubt. I would welcome him back to Lille with open arms. Perhaps it’s what would be needed after the injuries. More time playing first team football would definitely benefit him and having him at the club would certainly help Lille.
Qu.
I think it’s fair to say that City fans, and indeed the club, are very excited about lopes. We’re not alone in this of course as he is generally seen as one of the top young talents in world football. The director of Lille’s youth academy, Jean-Michel Vandamme, said that Lopes is a better prospect than even Eden Hazard was. Are our hopes and dreams misplaced? Do you think he’s capable of breaking into the City first team in the near future?
Ans.
Having watched Hazard since he was 16, I don’t think Lopes is at the same level as Eden was at the same stage of his career. But Lopes hasn’t played as much first team football as Eden. When the Belgian was 19 he helped Lille win the league with 7 goals and 10 assists, but that was a much better team.
At the end of that campaign, Hazard had played over 100 games in Ligue 1. Lopes has played 12. It’s a easy comparison to make, but it’s always going to be harsh on Rony. He is a very talented player, I don’t think he’s as good as Eden was, but there is definite quality there.
I am not convinced he will become good enough to command a starting role for Man City. The culture isn’t there for promoting youth, there will always be the temptation to throw money at a position, rather than give a kid a chance. It will be hard for Rony to make a name for himself at the Etihad, but you never know what can happen in football.
Ends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think the last comment was ‘fair comment’ and has tended to be the position in the recent ‘post Stuart Pearce’ period when there was more to buy and the quality from the Academy was patchy. It is also the comment I would expect from people who have no knowledge of our club’s huge investment into the Youth Academy and the stated aim of the club for the future.
Stepping Rony up to the first team squad next season, along with Karim, and giving both players meaningful playing time, would make a huge statement of intent, much more effective than words.
