The 2022/2023 season has come to a close, prompting a detailed examination and analysis of RC Lens' performance. As fans and pundits reflect on this historic campaign, one name that emerges as a standout performer is Salis Abdul Samed.
The Ghanaian's consistent displays and notable contributions have earned him a well-deserved spot among the team's top performers.
Here's an analysis of his debut season with Lens
The notable moment:
November 12 - While he may not be the first player from Lens that comes to mind when looking back at this historic season for the Artésiens, Salis Abdul Samed remains one of the most outstanding and consistent performers. Although his exceptional match against Lyon at Bollaert, where he virtually had the entire Rhône midfield in his pocket, stands out, the most symbolic performance was arguably against Clermont, his former club. Initially unfortunate with an own goal, Salis Abdul Samed remained focused and fully engaged, contributing to the team's comeback and the ultimate victory of RC Lens (2-1).
His season in brief:
With the daunting task of succeeding Cheick Doucouré, Salis Abdul Samed almost succeeded in making people forget his predecessor. Immediately propelled into Franck Haise's starting eleven, the Ghanaian immediately gave the impression of being in the right place at the right time, as if he had always been there. Thanks to this rapid integration, he quickly became an indispensable element, playing the full 17 matches of the season, with the exception of a late substitution against Montpellier due to injury.
As the driving force in an impressive midfield, Salis Abdul Samed established himself as the perfect counterpart to Seko Fofana. Coincidence or not, RC Lens's only defeat at Bollaert occurred in his absence on February 1st, during the match against OGC Nice. Although his second half of the season was marked by an early expulsion at Parc des Princes, precipitating his team's downfall (3-0) and resulting in a three-match suspension, the former Clermont player still delivered an extremely successful debut season wearing the red and yellow jersey.
His statistics at RC Lens:
In the league: 33 matches, 2897 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 yellow cards, 1 red card
In the French Cup: 4 matches, 360 minutes
Source: Le 11 Lensois