Lyon’s left flank has become the unsettled corner of an otherwise deep squad, with Paulo Fonseca still searching for a dependable answer after a difficult opening to the season. Three recognised left-backs have been tried since the 2-1 Champions League qualifying defeat at Sparta Prague in early August, yet none has made the position his own.
A problem without a clear first choice
Mohamed Ouédraogo arrived from SCR Altach in early July for €2.2m, excluding bonuses, after Altach finished eighth in Austria last season. The 23-year-old Burkina Faso international, who has nine caps, was handed a demanding European introduction in Prague in a makeshift Fonseca system and struggled to impose himself.
He has appeared only once since that match, when Lyon rested their usual starters at Toulouse. Ouédraogo was selected again for Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Anderlecht in Brussels but was substituted at the interval after another performance marked by technical and positional difficulties.
There is recognition inside the situation that the newcomer is adapting to a higher level and should be given time. The immediate issue for Lyon is that the more experienced candidates have not supplied much certainty either.
Abner has been used in an unusual right-sided attacking midfield role in Prague, but his return to the left-back berth has not brought greater reassurance. He was repeatedly troubled by Illan Kebbal during the 0-0 draw with Paris FC on 12 September, having also endured a difficult second leg against Fenerbahçe, which Lyon lost 2-1.
The Brazilian is comfortable in possession and looks better suited to a transition-based game than to repeated defensive duels. That could leave Lyon exposed in matches where they do not control territory. Signed when the club had greater financial flexibility and seemingly intended as a squad option, Abner is now being asked to prove he can operate as an undisputed starter.
Tagliafico short of rhythm after failed move
Nicolás Tagliafico was expected to leave Lyon near the end of the transfer window for Atlético Madrid, but the Spanish side were unable to create enough room in their wage bill to complete the deal. The Argentine remained in France with a shortened pre-season and an aborted transfer to absorb.
The 34-year-old, capped 83 times by Argentina, had been solid in the World Cup final in New York on 19 July, when Spain won 1-0. However, he did not resume training until 6 August, after Lyon had already travelled to Prague.
Fonseca had given him only around 80 minutes across two appearances before introducing him at half-time against Anderlecht. Tagliafico looked physically off the pace in Brussels, continuing the concerns raised by an underwhelming second half of last season. His experience may still help him recover his place, but he is not yet providing a settled solution.
Kluivert offers a more defensive alternative
Ruben Kluivert could become an unexpected option. The Dutchman is currently behind Moussa Niakhaté and Bacher in Lyon’s central-defensive hierarchy, but he started at right-back against Anderlecht and offered strength in one-on-one situations, even if his work on the ball was less eye-catching.
Kluivert had an uneasy beginning in wide defensive roles last season, though he later showed he could fill in effectively. His display in Lyon’s 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in April was a notable example, when he dealt well with Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia.
Lyon therefore have bodies available on the left, but not yet a convincing hierarchy. Ouédraogo needs adaptation time, Abner must become more resilient without the ball, Tagliafico requires match fitness, and Kluivert may offer Fonseca a more combative emergency route. For now, the position remains open.
