With only 29 goals against and only one point less than Paris Saint-Germain FC, RC Lens finished second in the French Ligue 1 last season. The team from Pas-de-Calais was still playing at the second level three seasons earlier. Read all about the current No. 1 of Pool B here.
Thanks to a draw at Sevilla and a win over Arsenal FC, RC Lens currently has four points in the UEFA Champions League. This puts it in first place. In the French league, it is less successful for now. After nine rounds of play, Franck Haise 's team has as many points. The coach who prefers a 3-4-2-1 system saw a number of key players leave last summer.
Goalkeepers
The goal is guarded by 29-year-old Brice Samba. The captain is in his second season at sang et or. Last season he netted 15 times in 37 league games.
Defense
At the back, Haise usually opts for three central defenders. Jonathan Gradit (30) is usually lined up as the right defender, on the left Facundo Medina (24) plays and in between there is room for Austrian Kevin Danso (25). With Uzbek Abdukodir Khusanov (19), RC Lens has another defender in reserve.
Midfield
In the summer, Seko Fofana left for a hefty fee to Al-Nassr. Haise has some new names in the two positions in front of the defense, but also has routine. Salis Abdul Samed (23) is in his second season in French service. He is usually joined by acquisition Andy Diouf (20). On the flanks, Deiver Machado (30) and Przemysław Frankowski (28) contribute both offensively and defensively.
Attack
With 21 league goals, Loïs Openda had a nice share in the success season. The striker was noticed and acquired by RB Leipzig. RC Lens has invested heavily in a suitable successor with 20-year-old Elye Wahi . The young striker is assisted by Florian Sotoca (29) and Adrien Thomasson (29) who operate right behind him.
Last five matches
Havre AC 0-0 draw | LOSC Lille 1-1 draw | Arsenal FC 2-1 win | RC Strasbourg 0-1 win | Toulouse FC 2-1 win.
