Key Takeaways
- Corentin Tolisso scores one goal and creates two assists in Lyon’s 4-2 win against Stade Rennais.
- The victory moves Lyon into third place in Ligue 1, putting them on course for automatic Champions League qualification.
- Tolisso suffers an early head injury but continues to lead his team with an outstanding display.
- Pressure mounts on France coach Didier Deschamps to include the 31-year-old midfielder in his World Cup plans.
- Tolisso has not played for France since Euro 2020, despite scoring 14 goals this season.
Clinton Mata could not hide his admiration for his teammate. The Lyon defender praised captain Corentin Tolisso after their 4-2 victory over Stade Rennais. Mata described Tolisso as an exemplary and determined leader.
The Lyon skipper was the star of the match. He scored a penalty in the 42nd minute. He also provided two assists. His team fought back from behind to secure the win. This result lifted Lyon past Lille OSC into third place in the table. The position offers automatic entry into the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Only two matches remain in the season.
The night started with a scare. Tolisso went down holding his head following a challenge from Rennes defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal. This happened almost immediately after kick-off. Players from both teams surrounded him as doctors provided treatment. He looked dazed, but the medical team cleared him to continue. He then produced a match-winning performance.
Tolisso controlled the tempo of the game. He organised the press and broke down the opposition defence. His display has strengthened the argument that he deserves a place in Didier Deschamps’s France squad. The head coach has ignored the midfielder so far. This is despite Tolisso scoring 14 goals in all competitions this season.
The 31-year-old has not worn the French shirt for five years. He earned 28 caps for his country. His last appearance came during the group stages of Euro 2020. That tournament took place in 2021 because of the global pandemic. Since then, Deschamps has not called him up.
Tolisso admitted he felt disappointed last month. He missed the squad announcement for the March international break. This was the final chance to impress before the World Cup. He told the media, “I believed I would be there. I have promised myself that I won’t talk about it anymore. What will happen will happen.”
Deschamps reportedly plans to take five midfielders to the World Cup. At least six players currently stand ahead of Tolisso. These include Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, N’Golo Kanté and Eduardo Camavinga. At 31, this summer’s tournament could be Tolisso’s final opportunity to play at a World Cup.
The Lyon captain now has two weeks to make his case. He will try to help Lyon secure their top-three finish. With his current form, he hopes to make Deschamps’s decision very difficult.