In the modern game, one of the most delicate part of the team is the central park. Having a hardworking, box-to-box midfielder is the hope of every manager. Antonio Conte has one in PFA Player of the year N’Golo Kante, Jose Mourinho has an exemplary midfielder in the world’s most expensive player Paul Pogba.
Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti now has two in his corner in Chilean warrior Arturo Vidal and ex-Olympique Lyonnais talisman Corentin Tolisso who joined the Bavarians for £35m on Wednesday.
While held in high esteem in France, the midfielder is unknown outside the borders of his country. Here are six things you need to know about Tolisso.
Proudly Lyon
Born in Tarare, Tolisso started his career with local sides Stade Amplepuisien and FC Pays de l’Arbresle before he moved on to Olympique Lyonnais youth ranks as a 12-year-old.
Tolisso stayed in the academy till he earned his first senior call up in August 2013 under former Arsenal player Remi Garde.
Snubbing Napoli
One transfer deal that did not come to fruition was Napoli’s offer for Corentin Tolisso
The Serie A made an offer of €37.5m for the emerging French star, but Tolisso rejected the offer from the Italians, stating his devotion to the Olympique Lyonnais as the reason behind his rejection.
The right midfielder
Tolisso is arguably one of the best midfielders in all of Europe. The 22-year-old has an outstanding work rate, an incomparable defensive stability and agility with a ball.
Bayern has not only gotten someone that will improve over the years, but also someone that could be an integral part of their starting XI for another decade.
New to international play
With a total of 160 appearances for Lyon under his belt, it is quite understandable why Tolisso got called up early into the French national team.
In fact, Tolisso has only made just one appearance for the French national team, his debut being in March 2017. Although he’s just 22, Tolisso will be looking to make an immediate impact at Bayern and make a name for himself in the 2018 World Cup.
Versatility
At such a tender age, even the legendary Philipp Lahm would find it hard keeping up with the number of roles Tolisso has played in.
The talented midfielder has 20 appearances in the first team for Lyon as a full-back, as well as some appearances as a right midfielder and as a substitute for Alexandre Lacazette.
Good in front of goal
After netting 46 times in 160 appearances over the four years in the Lyon first team, the young Frenchman is certain to have his name on the score sheet more often than not throughout the season. Tolisso will be surely applauded in Bavaria as soon as the goals start coming in.
The 22-year-old also have an impressive strike record of almost one goal in every three games with the French U21 national team.