There’s always something special brewing out of the Olympique Lyon academy. Over the past 5-10 years, we’ve seen such decorated footballers emerge from a decorated and exciting youth system.
Alexandre Lacazette, Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy, Maxime Gonalons, Anthony Lopes, Nabil Fekir, Samuel Umtiti, Karim Benzema, Tanguy Ndombele, Houssem Aouar, Lucas Tousart and Corentin Tolisso are just a few dots on such a prestigious and hugely talented long list.
Europe’s elite league are littered with players who have spent their early years growing up in the Lyon academy, and the French outfit are still continuing to produce footballers who could go on to become European stars in the making.
Another young decorated prospect ready to make his mark amongst the elite is 20-year-old midfielder Maxence Caqueret.
His performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de la Ligue final, which saw Lyon lose on penalties, provided such an impressive example of his all-round abilities, versatility and unique tactical understanding.
So here’s a brief overview and analysis of this prestigious 20-year old midfielder:
Who is Maxence Caqueret?
Born in the commune of Vénissieux just outside of Lyon’s centre, Caqueret is, a affirmed by club president Jean-Michel Aulas, a “real Gone.” The midfielder joined Lyon’s academy at the age of 11 and was quickly identified by both and his country as a unique promising talent.
For five years, the midfield prodigy has made over 50 appearances for France’s youth sides, starting with the Under-16s before working his way up, level by level, to the Under-19s.
He made his first team debut for Lyon in January 2019, featuring in a 2-0 win away to Bourges 18 in the Coupe de France. He started the match before being replaced by fellow academy product Houssem Aouar 20 minutes from the end. His maiden Ligue 1 appearances came in November against Strasbourg, also providing an assist for Maxwel Cornet in a 2-1 win. His first goal for the club came in the Coupe de France against Football Bourg-en-Bresse Peronnas 01.
Caqueret’s impressive showing against Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the competition was a major highlight and a telling reminder of the kind of impact and influence he will have as he aims to stake a place for a regular berth in such a talented Lyon squad.
How good is Maxence Caqueret?
Two particular strengths that have emerged in Caqueret’s impressive weaponry – his ability to tirelessly work for the team and his unique aptitude as a leader at such a tender age – have been on show through his development for both club and country.
Youth coach and Lyon legend Armand Garrido, who during his 30 years with the club helped develop the likes of Samuel Umtiti, and Alexandre Lacazette, once described Caqueret as a “machine” because of his tireless effort and energy off the ball. He wins the ball back swiftly, launches attacks, sets up goals and can even score them too.
While Lyon’s players are often referred to as Gones – essentially the “kids of Lyon” – Caqueret’s mental capacity, toughness and determination are anything but infantile. His performances on the pitch truly go beyond his years.
While Caqueret regularly puts in such a tremendous work ethic and high intensity – owing to his incredible fitness and desire – he isn’t just your archetypal workhorse. The 20-year-old is a meticulous ball-player, using his fantastic short frame, strength and wonderful ball control to get by his opponents, knock the ball off them or drive with the ball to progress the play.
He’s an inventive player who displays such excellent movement across the park and one whose awareness and vision means has always holds a picture in his head of what he’s about to do.
Maxence Caqueret is something of a swiss-army knife in that he can play such a variety of roles within Lyon’s fluid system. A well-rounded player who is able to fulfil roles as a No.6, No.8 or even as your typical creative No.10.
He’s not the biggest of players, but that isn’t really a weakness, he’s the sort of player in the mould of the legendary Spanish midfielder Iniesta whose inventiveness, panache and creative abilities proved the hallmark of his game. Caqueret holds such similar characteristics in that he oozes such unique authority when he’s in possession of the ball, once he receives it, he looks up and knows when to use it.
Though sometimes, there is the occasional sloppy pass, loss of concentration, and failure to track opposition runners through midfield, such his responsibilities when playing at No.8 or No.6. However, he’s still on 20-years of age and with the right coaching and conditions to improve, Caqueret will almost certainly iron out these deficiencies in his game.
The radar above, from Football Slices, shows Caqueret’s impressive combination of his hard-work defensively, and his ability to drive his team forward in attack. His 13.90 successful pressures per 90 is something spectacular and a further representation as to the kind of energy and tenacity Caqueret possesses. He leads the team in pressures per 90, in both the attacking third (7.62) and the middle third (20), with only Jean Lucas applying more in the defensive third.
Caqueret averages the most middle third pressures out of anyone in the entire French Ligue 1 with only over 500 minutes under his belt.
He never gives opponents a moments rest and is always looking to snatch the ball of them and progress the play, with 4.60 final third passes per 90, 53.7 passes completed and a pass success rate of 86.7%. Caqueret can execute a wide range of passes from ranging cross-field switches, to pinpoint short through balls to dissect opposition lines and low blocks.
Maxence Caqueret is an eventful player, his effectiveness in and out of possession means he is a player who is always involved in the play. Only Jean Lucas and Fernando Marcal hold more touches in the middle third than his 48.4 per 90. He is a player with such incredible bravery, even if it leads to an occasional mistake. He’s not afraid to get himself about, and make a telling contribution. Few players his age in European football, holds such a willingness and drive to impress.
As a teenager, he regularly wore the captain’s armband throughout the age groups — another indication of his strong mentality and ability to drive a team on through his actions, words, and application on the pitch.
The 20-year-old’s performance in the Champions League quarter-final victory Manchester City may not have been his most elegant but it was indeed another assured, measured and disciplined showing highlighting his extraordinary versatility and mentality when needed.
Forecast For Future
Maxence Caqueret is yet another Lyon academy product with such an incredible future in front of him. Although his immediate future lies in Lyon, it won’t be a surprise to see the club develop him rapidly for the next few years and sell him for a hefty transfer fee when the time comes to it.
Caqueret already holds the makings of a complete midfielder, capable of fulfilling all roles within the midfield because of his technical brilliance, energy, tenacity, character and willingness to improve. He must make the most of his time at Lyon, as the club are renowned for their excellent youth development and coaching conditions to allow players like him to thrive.
It won’t be long before we see Maxence Caqueret’s name on everyone’s lips.
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