Ethan Mbappé: Lille offensive potential restrained by injuries

The LOSC observes with interest the development of its young prodigy, Ethan Mbappé (18 years old), which could impose itself as a precious offensive cartridge for the end of the season. The Lille club, known to include sons of the boy in its young categories – including Lisandru Olmeta (son of Pascal), Aaron Malouda (son of Florent), Joris Revault (son of Christophe), Ruben Akalé (son of Kanga), Kingsley Olufade (son of Adekambi) and Godswill Enyeama (son of Vincent) – also welcomed Ethan Mbappé to stand out from the image of his famous brother, Kylian, player of Real Madrid.

Despite promising debuts, notably with a titularization against Angers (2-0) on August 24 and a match against Dortmund (1-1) on March 4, Ethan Mbappé faced recurring physical problems. He suffered a sprain at the end of the summer, pain in the adductors in September, a rupture of the quadriceps in October, a return in January and a relapse in March. His appearances were limited to 12 times (312 minutes) for only two tenures.

His coach, Bruno Genesio, had stressed his desire to “create his own path” and bring variety to the Lille game. Defender Thomas Meunier also encouraged Ethan to take depth and play short. However, injuries hampered its development.

Bruno Genesio recently observed an improvement in the shape of Mbappé, considering it as a “very, very interesting additional offensive argument”. It is even considered as a preferred option for the reception of the AJ Auxerre (Sunday, 3pm) as part of the thirtieth day of Ligue 1, especially with the absence of Edon Zhegrova.

Ethan Mbappé, symbol of a carefree youth, is now part of the group called by his coach. He will now have to transform his potential into decisive statistics, especially at this opportunity in the face of AJ Auxerre.