Alexandre Lacazette scored his third consecutive league double in Lyon's convincing 5-0 win away to Bordeaux on Sunday. It was the club's fourth consecutive victory and saw them move ahead of Paris Saint-Germain into second in Ligue 1. While the likes of Corentin Tolisso, Jordan Ferri and Nabil Fekir have all impressed for Hubert Fournier's young, vibrant and largely homegrown side, Lacazette has been the undoubted star of the campaign.
Of Guadeloupean descent, Lacazette was born and raised in Lyon. He joined the youth academy of Olympique Lyonnais at the age of 12 after impressing for his local neighbourhood club ELCS Lyon and quickly established himself as a talent to look out for. He was given his first-team debut in May 2010 after two strong campaigns with the B team.
Just a couple of months later, he scored the winning goal as France defeated Spain in the final of the European Under-19 Championship in Caen. By that point, he had already represented France at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level and would add under-20 and under-21 caps to his collection over the next couple of years as he gradually established himself at club level.
Last season was the real turning point. Lacazette returned from the summer break with renewed desire to make the most of his abilities following an enlightening chat with Thierry Henry in New York. He was given more opportunities to impress through the centre of the pitch and responded by notching 22 goals in all competitions, including 15 in Ligue 1.
At the start of the current season, the 23-year-old set himself the target of beating Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the title of Ligue 1 top scorer. He currently leads the scoring charts with 17 goals in 19 appearances, nine clear of the Swede. With his five assists added in, he has provided a direct contribution to a goal every 77 minutes during the current campaign. It is little surprise that interest has arrived from abroad, most recently from Liverpool.
Style
It is easy to see why Liverpool might hold an interest in Lacazette. He is swift and decisive in possession, quick across the ground, well-balanced on the turn and a clean finisher off of either foot. Lyon's fluid attacking setup gives him the necessary freedom of movement to seek out and take advantage of the weak spots in opposition defences. He is determined, and hard-working, and makes things difficult for his markers.
Major strengths
- Quick and strong
- Two-footed
- Accomplished finisher
Major weaknesses
- Inconsistent first touch with his back to goal
- Aerial battles
Assessment breakdown
Tackling: A willing worker in closing down opponents and possesses the necessary strength to win the ball. He has won just over 50 percent of his duels so far this season but has also committed more fouls than he has made successful challenges.
Marking: Displays good energy and determination in carrying out Lyon's high pressing game. Otherwise given few defensive tasks and isn't generally required to track back with opposition players.
Heading: Two of his 17 league goals so far this season have been scored with his head, but it is not a big part of his game. He has won just 15 of his 55 aerial battles to date. Lyon usually look to get the ball into positions from which a low, driven cross can be delivered.
Close control: His first touch is generally good but it can be loose when playing with his back to goal. Adept at keeping the ball under control when running at speed, which combined with his balance and strength makes him a fearsome dribbler. Possesses quick feet in tight areas.
Passing: Lyon's swift attacking play provides plenty of passing opportunities and Lacazette is certainly capable of linking well with his teammates in such scenarios. He is alert to quick one-twos and untracked supporting runs. Less impressive against disciplined defences.
Positioning: Consistently seeks out the channel between full-back and centre-back, looking for opportunities to get in behind on the last shoulder. Intelligent enough to alter his positioning in line with that of his fellow forwards.
Crossing: Rarely provides deliveries into the box, instead preferring to cut inside and link with teammates whenever he picks up the ball in wide areas.
Finishing: A clean and precise finisher who usually aims his shots low into the corners of the net. Comfortable striking the ball off of either foot and displays good technique on the volley. Calm in front of goal, even when given time to think about his finish.
What the experts say
ESPN FC columnist Andy Brassell: "His move from wing to centre-forward last season saw his profile soar. An intense competitor, Lacazette is quick, strong, a good dribbler and an accomplished finisher with either foot."
Halfway point of season and Alexandre Lacazette is Ligue 1's top player according to L'Equipe rankings
- James Eastham (@james_eastham) December 22, 2014
Lacazette #'s creeping up by the year: 12/13 XGP90: .12 ShotsP90: 1.4 13/14 XGP90: .28 ShotsP90: 2.6 14/15 XGP90: .37 ShotsP90: 3.3
- Merry McChristmas (@SteMc74) December 17, 2014
Conclusion
Lacazette has been in scintillating form so far this season and has already beaten his Ligue 1 goal tally of 2013-14 with half the campaign still left to play. His evolution over the last couple of years is representative of his desire to consistently improve his game and aside from his undoubted ability, this drive and determination to succeed is likely to be key factor in the interest he is seemingly attracting.
The 23-year-old has said that he is content to remain with Lyon for the rest of career if they are able to match his ambitions. With the club challenging at the top of Ligue 1 and on course to qualify for Europe next season, that currently seems to be the case. He signed a contract extension through to 2018 in September, and club president Jean Michel Aulas recently issued a hands-off warning to interested parties.
Lacazette was called up to the senior national team for the friendlies against Albania and Sweden in November and has his sights firmly set on a place in the squad for Euro 2016. It would be a risk for him to seek a move abroad in the build-up to the tournament, and he is therefore likely to remain where he is for now.
And if he continues to score and develop his game, he may well have added some perennial Champions League challengers to his list of admirers by the time the summer of 2016 rolls around.