Lens: Saïd off to a flying start

Building on his performances in the build-up to the season, RC Lens striker Wesley Saïd was on fire again on Thursday, scoring in the first leg of the Conference League play-off against Panathinaikos (2-1). The former Rennes striker has established himself as a regular starter and even as the boss of the Lens attack.

It’s the hit of the summer! In full possession, RC Lens striker Wesley Saïd continues to shine and score. Thrust into the starting line-up by coach Will Still, the 29-year-old striker is piling up the points and establishing himself more than ever as the leader of the Lens attack.

Another goal for the “formidable” Saïd

On Thursday, Saïd once again confirmed his fine form in the first leg of the Conference League play-off against Panathinaikos (2-1). With his team leading 1-0 and reduced to 10 men after Facundo Medina was sent off in the 20th minute, the former Toulouse man took advantage of a poor save by Greek goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski after his first attempt to score and extend his side’s lead. “The keeper made a great save, but I followed the action well. I was very happy because it was a delicate moment in the match,” Saïd told L’Equipe newspaper.

After a superb preparation (6 goals), the Lens player, who also scored against Angers (1-0) in Ligue 1 last Sunday, now has 2 goals in 2 official games. RCL coach Will Still is delighted with his player’s success. “Wesley’s doing really well at the moment. He’s on a roll, full of confidence. We’ve made him understand what’s expected of him. But it must be stressed that he benefits from a collective. Look at what Sotoca and Thomasson have done. We’re not going to complain. We hope he’ll continue to score. We must pay tribute to the work of the medical and performance staff. His management is optimal. Just like last season, when we were careful about his workload during the week. But for the moment, there’s no problem when he’s like this,” the Belgian told the press conference.

A natural attacking leader?

If he is benefiting from the physical work begun last season with former Artésien coach Franck Haise, and continued by Still’s staff this summer, to get him back into shape, the man who scored 7 goals in 27 L1 games in 2023-2024 is demonstrating that, with regularity and without injury, he has all the qualities needed to be a potential starter and follow in the footsteps of Loïs Openda and Elye Wahi at Bollaert. Whatever happens, with a striker in such good form, Lens can look to the future with confidence.