‘We cross our fingers that he succeeds’ – Nantes’ worrying over-dependance on Moses Simon revealed | OneFootball

Where would FC Nantes be without Moses Simon (29)? Les Canaris are 13th after a 3-2 loss to Le Havre AC over the weekend, a match in which Simon scored. It leaves Antoine Kombouaré’s team just three points above the relegation playoff place. Without their Nigerian winger, the situation could be a lot more dire.

Simon has been in excellent form this season, as has Matthis Abline, with the pair often linking up well on the break. However, there is certainly an over-reliance on the former. Following his goal against Le Havre, the Nigeria international has 15 goal contributions this season (seven goals, eight assists), placing him among the elite in Ligue 1. Only Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, and Dilane Bakwa (all on nine) have more assists than him this season.

Simon has had a hand in 48% of Nantes’ goals in Ligue 1 this season (15/31); the burden is not shared and Nicolas Pallois revealed the extent to which they rely on their maverick winger over the weekend. “We give the ball to Simon. We know that he’ll do damage and we cross our fingers that he succeeds,” admitted the Nantes defender. It doesn’t have the air of a tactic that can bring any long-term success, although it should guarantee their safety in Ligue 1 this season.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle