“It’s easy to play next to him” – French manager lauds Borussia Dortmund-linked Super Eagles star

FC Lorient manager Christophe Pélissier is convinced that the selflessness of Nigerian forward Terem Moffi is one of the main reasons why the club has started the 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign on a bright note.

Lorient struggled in their first season in the French top-flight following their promotion and needed a sustained push in the second half of the campaign to avoid relegation.

Moffi’s 14 league goals and his robust partnership with Yoane Wissa and Chelsea loanee Chalobah eventually proved crucial in helping FCL retain their elite status on the final day of the season.

In the summer, Wissa joined Brentford, Trevoh Chalobah returned to London, and Moffi was linked to many of Europe’s big sides, including German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Eventually, the Super Eagles striker stayed put in Lorient and has scored two winners against Monaco and Lille to help Pélissier’s men begin the season confidently.

Ahead of the club’s clash with newly-promoted Clermont at the Moustir on Sunday, the French tactician confessed that retaining the services of Moffi has been one of the secrets to their fine start this term.

“For the success of a club, continuity in the workforce is essential,” Pellisier told SoFoot.

“We were also able to keep players, like Moffi, who was in demand. For the moment, we are taking advantage.”

With the departure of former strike partner Yoane Wissa, Moffi has quickly developed a new understanding with Armand Laurienté. The 22-year-old has three goals in seven games already, the exact tally he hit in 29 games last term.

And Pellisier maintains that the blossoming partnership is evident of Moffi’s selflessness and team ethics.

“We can already say that it’s easy to play next to Terem Moffi,” Pellisier added.

“He’s a very selfless person collectively. He is also able to take depth, play between the lines, and be a point of reference.

“Afterwards, we knew Armand’s qualities, especially speed and power. It took a little work with him on his movements and his regularity in the game.”

“I think they can be very complementary offensively, but also defensively: these are two players who understood that the front line was important in our system of play.”

Moffi has been called up to the Super Eagles camp to replace the injured Alex Iwobi ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic.