2024-11-05 23:10:00
One is Canadian and the other Kosovar – two modest footballing nations – which does not prevent them from carrying LOSC in the Champions League on their shoulders. The first, Jonathan David, is a modern scorer, one of those who run fast and score a lot when they are successful. The second, Edon Zhegrova, is an old-fashioned player, “a thrill player” like a pocket winger who tortures defenders when he wants to.
The infernal Lille duo shone again against Juventus Turin, Tuesday November 5, during the Northerners’ draw against Juventus Turin (1-1), the third juggernaut faced consecutively in four Champions League matches. Thanks to them, LOSC emerges undefeated from a dizzying triptych: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
A little before the half-hour mark, Edon Zhegrova slalomed through the middle of the Turinese, like a tightrope walker on a wire, leaving his opposite number, the Colombian Juan Cabal, before sending a masterful pass to Jonathan David in depth. The speedy striker, with nerves of steel, did not tremble to score the first goal of the match.
Ten of eleven Lille goals for the duo
A fortnight ago, the two accomplices had already been the main architects of the Mastiffs’ success on the pitch at Atletico Madrid. Entering the game in the second period, Edon Zhegrova equalized with a wonderful curling shot before Jonathan David scored a double (3-1). During the second day, it was the latter who converted, against Real Madrid, the victorious penalty in stoppage time in the first period. A success which erased a failed start in Lisbon, punished by a clear defeat against Sporting (2-0).
Without them, Lille would perhaps not even have reached this unique group of 36 teams, a novelty of this new formula of the prestigious competition. During the qualifying round and play-off this summer (Fenerbahce and Slavia Prague), the infernal duo scored five of their team’s six goals, with the Canadian even adding two assists. Since Lille began their European campaign on August 8, only one of their goals has not been scored by the two of them, that against their side by the Istanbul defender, Jayden Oosterwolde.
And yet, the two strong men of Bruno Genesio’s team could have left the north of France during the summer transfer window. David had an exit voucher and thought he could target a major continental club, six years after his arrival in Europe and after four seasons at LOSC, where he scored almost a hundred goals. Ultimately, no concrete offer came for the 24-year-old talent, a blessing for the Mastiffs.
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**Interview with Football Analyst Marco Rossi on Lille’s Champions League Performance**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Marco. Lille has been on quite a roll in the Champions League, especially with their recent match against Juventus. What are your thoughts on their performance?
**Marco Rossi:** Thank you for having me! Lille has shown remarkable resilience and skill in their recent matches. The draw against Juventus, especially after facing heavyweights like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, is a testament to their competitive spirit. They’ve been playing like they’re not just participants but serious contenders in the Champions League.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, and much of that success seems to come from the duo of Edon Zhegrova and Jonathan David. What makes them so effective together?
**Marco Rossi:** Zhegrova and David complement each other beautifully. Zhegrova is the creative spark, full of flair and unpredictability, while David offers that clinical finishing touch. Their chemistry is evident; whether it’s Zhegrova’s assist for David’s goal against Juventus or their previous outstanding performances, they are crucial to Lille’s attacking prowess. It’s remarkable to see how they’ve been responsible for ten of Lille’s eleven goals in the Champions League so far.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive indeed! Can you highlight that defining moment in the Juventus match where Zhegrova’s skills shone through?
**Marco Rossi:** Certainly! Around the half-hour mark, Zhegrova executed a beautiful sequence, dribbling past defenders as if they were standing still. His ability to create space and deliver that precise pass to David was exceptional. It really illustrated his skill set and how crucial he is to the team’s offensive strategies. David then demonstrated his calmness under pressure to finish the move, and that dagger into the net was a class act!
**Interviewer:** Considering their recent form, do you think Lille has what it takes to advance further in the competition?
**Marco Rossi:** If they maintain this level of play, absolutely! They have demonstrated their ability to compete with Europe’s elite, and their current undefeated streak in the group stage shows their determination. If Zhegrova and David continue to drive their attack, Lille certainly has a fighting chance to go deep in the tournament.
**Interviewer:** how important is it for Lille to keep this duo intact for future matches?
**Marco Rossi:** Vital, in my opinion. Their partnership has been the cornerstone of Lille’s success in Europe thus far. Should either player face injury or suspension, it could impact the team’s performance significantly. The coaching staff will need to manage them carefully to ensure they can contribute as much as possible in the coming matches.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Marco! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Lille and their promising campaign.
**Marco Rossi:** My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for Lille, and I can’t wait to see how they perform in the next matches.
