Features
SUN 15.01.2017
Whilst tonight's Sanchez Pizjuan encounter is all about the battle between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit, there's one nation that's poised to have a big say in the outcome of this encounter between LaLiga Santander heavyweights. With a combined total of eight Frenchmen in the two camps, plus Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, there'll be plenty of French interest in this corner of southern Spain as the third-placed Sevillians entertain the league leaders.
Amongst the Sevilla ranks there are no less than six French imports, with Benoit Tremoulinas, Adil Rami, Clement Lenglet, Samir Nasri, Steven N'Zonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder all flying the flag in the red-and-white half of Seville. However, if there's one name that stands out amongst the Andalusians' French contingent, it would have to be that of Samir Nasri. The on-loan Manchester City star has rediscovered his mojo and has been a revelation this term under Jorge Sampaoli, producing numerous classy performances, with his wizardry on the ball seeing him become a key cog in the Andalusians' system. Nasri, however, isn't the only Frenchman to have played a significant part in the Sevillians' surge up the table, with N'Zonzi, Rami and Ben Yedder all impressing under Sampaoli's stewardship. Indeed, N'Zonzi's elegance on the ball and strong physical presence in the middle of the park ensure that he is one of the first names on the Argentine's team sheet. Meanwhile, Ben Yedder, who only checked in at the Sanchez Pizjuan this summer, has really hit the ground running in his debut campaign and currently tops Sevilla's goalscoring charts with eight goals.
Over in the away dressing room, Zidane, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema make up the Madrilenians' French legion. The Madrid boss has well and truly silenced the question marks surroundings his appointment by lifting the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup during his first year in the Madrid hotseat, whilst also overseeing a sensational 40-game unbeaten run. Completing the Madridistas' French contingent are Varane and Benzema. The young defender has produced some assured displays this campaign to cement his place in the Madrid backline, whilst Benzema continues to be one of the main men in Los Merengues' forward line.
Looking back historically, Georges Dard was the first Frenchman to turn out for Sevilla back in the 1948/49 season. Since then, compatriots Frederic Kanoute, Seydou Keita and Kevin Gameiro have all shone for the Andalusians. Meanwhile, the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Christian Karembeu and Claude Makelele have all wooed the Madrid faithful with their talents. Tonight sees French football take centre stage in this mouth-watering LaLiga Santander clash.
© LALIGA - 2017