Ben Old, an offensive medium of Saint-Étienne, has an impressive shape after a long period of injury. The New Zealand striker scored two goals in two friendly games against Carouge and Troyes, demonstrating his resilience and technical accuracy. His coming back in shape was particularly appreciated by his coach, Eirik Horneland, who stressed the importance of cleaning him up for the upcoming games, notably the one against the Geneva Servette. This season may well be that of the hatch for the 22-year-old player, who seems to have overcome the physical and mental difficulties encountered during his injury.

The entire St. Stephen’s team salutes Ben Old’s combativeness, which was able to recover during his care period in New Zealand. His teammate, Florian Tardieu, highlights his qualities and potential, highlighting the importance he represents for the team. In training, Ben Old impresses with its dynamism, its accuracy in small spaces and its adaptation to the Horneland gaming system. His ability to hit the foot, his pass quality, and his sense of purpose make him a serious candidate for a position.

With confidence regained and a body that follows, Ben Old may well become one of the revelations of the 2025-2026 season. Its atypical and modern profile brings a real plus to the Greens in a demanding League 2. Although he is still framed in his time of play, his return in shape is a major asset for Saint-Étienne, who hopes to reap the fruits in the coming weeks. His evolution is a testimony to his determination and ability to overcome obstacles, making him a player to follow closely.