PLAYER RATINGS | Monaco 0-0 Lille: European contenders play out lifeless draw

Ligue 1, Round 35, 14/05/23

AS Monaco and Lille OSC played out a tepid draw at the Stade Louis II, which allows Les Monégasques to retain their five-point buffer to the fifth-placed Dogues.

There was a lot on the line for both sides at the Stade Louis II. This was a match that neither side could afford to lose, and it showed. The first half was a tepid, conservative affair, with neither side committing to an offensive effort. Myron Boadu had the best chance of the half but, put through by Youssouf Fofana, his shot was smothered by the on-rushing Lucas Chevalier.

The second half wasn’t much more lively, but Lille, who were more in need of the three points than Monaco, began to show some attacking invention and commitment but were thwarted by Alexander Nübel on multiple occasions. Jonathan Bamba should have done better with his chances, but it was Timothy Weah who went closest. The American international couldn’t find a way past the German goalkeeper’s outstretched leg.

Alexander Nübel – 7 – The German goalkeeper has been criticised throughout the season but seems to have hit something of a purple patch. Despite conceding four against Montpellier, he was arguably Monaco’s best player and limited the damage on the day. He was decisive one more against Lille, making two particularly difficult and crucial saves: the first from Timothy Weah and the second from Jonathan Bamba.

Caio Henrique – 5

Chrislain Matsima – 6

Axel Disasi – 4

Vanderson – 5

Eliot Matazo – 5

Youssouf Fofana – 5 – A mixed performance from the France international, who was capable of missing a simple five-yard pass one minute, but putting perfect place and placement on a delicate through ball the next.

Ismaïl Jakobs – 4

Aleksandr Golovin – 5

Takumi Minamino – 6 – More promising from the former Liverpool man, who was Monaco’s main threat in attack. He had the ball in the back of the net with a composed finish, but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside after the Japanese international mistimed his run.

Myron Boadu – 4 – Looking to build on a positive performance against Angers last week, but found himself largely isolated in a Monégasque attack that lacked ambition. Substituted at the hour mark after seemingly sustaining a hamstring injury.

Lucas Chevalier – 6

Ismaily – 5

Alexsandro – 5

José Fonte – 5

Bafodé Diakité – 5

Angel Gomes – 5

Benjamin André – 6

Jonathan Bamba – 4 – Often got himself in the perfect position to score, but lacked the end product.

Rémy Cabella – 7 – The Frenchman was sublime at times, and couldn’t put a foot wrong. he was metronomic as well as incisive with his passing, and on another day would have had at least one assist to his name.

Timothy Weah – 5

Jonathan David – 5 – The Canadian international lacked service, and cut a frustrated figure up front. :

GFFN | Luke Entwistle