For his last match of the first half of the season (he will be suspended against Lille), Mario Balotelli once again carried the Gym. Thanks to another goal which ensured another win, the Italian centre forward is quite clearly your Aiglon of the match for Nice – Bordeaux (61% of the vote). Pierre Lees-Melou (16%) and Malang Sarr (7%) complete the trio.

Mario is featuring back-to-back, Mario is hitting the target, Mario is loving it. As the end of 2017 approaches, the Gym have got themselves back on the straight and narrow and, on the eve of matchday 19, currently sit in 6th place of L1. Looking forward. Even though the current strong dynamic is a result of a team reaction, the final touch often remains at the feet of the powerful number 9.

Bon lundi à tous #IssaNissa pic.twitter.com/A1HBIRREjX

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) 18 décembre 2017

At peace with his body, in the right place in his head, the former City man is working at a very high rhythm. Against the Girondins, he scored his 25th goal in L1, his 10th of the season (+5 in Europe). He managed this during his 36th game in the league (it took him 64 games in Seria A to achieve the same feat). Inspired, involved, the trump card paid off again. And he has deservedly earned your praise. 

Behind the star, we find the brave man. Placed at the heart of the game by Lucien Favre, Pierre Lees-Melou was involved in everything good. Active, he showed himself to be decisive for the only goal of the game, as he left his midfield to battle his way into the Bordeaux box, before finally diverting the ball into Mario’s path. In the second half, his incredible inspiration on the volley, almost offered the Allianz a marvelous goal. 

​Finally, you chose to underline the impressive performance of Malang Sarr. Starting at left centre back, the Academy product put in another solid showing. Above his opponents in terms of physicality, the young Niçois (18 years old) combined calmness and power. One stat sums up his game: he won 80% of his duels. Nobody on the pitch did better…

C.D.

*Sempre lui = Always him

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