Issiaga Sylla and Kiki Kouyaté behind Montpellier's revival
Issiaga Sylla and Kouyaté are at the heart of the revival of Michel Der Zakarian's Montpellier, who have won 4 of their last 5 games.
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“We have to defend well collectively. If you defend badly, it's hard to attack well,” he said on the eve of his first game after taking charge in February. So far, the Montpellier players have taken on board the instructions of Michel Der Zakarian, who had already enjoyed a successful spell at the club between 2017 and 2021. For his first official match, the former Brest coach picked the back line that would help him turn around a struggling MHSC.
A winter transfer window that is paying off
The winter signings Issiaga Sylla and Boubakar “Kiki” Kouyaté quickly established themselves in the starting 11 and have delivered more than reassuring performances. But a good goalkeeper, Benjamin Lecomte, who arrived at the same time, also deserves credit. Christopher Jullien and Falaye Sacko complete Der Zak's first-choice back line with the young centre-back Maxime Estève out injured. Since then, the Hérault club have conceded just one goal and scored 11 in the 4 wins from 5 games under their new manager.
As the saying goes: “When you defend well, you attack well.” Issiaga Sylla, signed on a free transfer from Toulouse FC, has fully bought into this philosophy of “MDZ”. Faultless defensively, the Guinea international makes a significant contribution going forward when he gets up the left flank. He provided his first assists in the 5-0 win over Angers.
Alongside him, “Kiki” Kouyaté is close to being the leader of the defence of the side currently 13th in Ligue 1, covering perfectly for Maxime Estève. But given his performances, it is hard to see the 25-year-old Mali international leaving the 11. Commanding in duels, the Malian, who arrived from Metz for €6 million, keeps on impressing. As for his compatriot Falaye Sacko, he is looking better and better down the right flank.
Mary SOUMARE