Robin Risser was not RC Lens’ first choice as they searched for a permanent successor to Brice Samba, who had left midway through last season for Stade Rennais. They had briefly filled the position ...
Robin Risser was not RC Lens’ first choice as they searched for a permanent successor to Brice Samba, who had left midway through last season for Stade Rennais. They had briefly filled the position with Matthew Ryan on a short-term contract, but the Australian international would leave as a free agent.
Lens wanted Yehvann Diouf, who was one of the few players to come out of Stade de Reims’ relegation year with credit to his name, but they were pipped to the post by OGC Nice, who were willing to match an asking price reported to be around €7m. So Lens turned instead to Risser. Unlike Diouf, Risser had no Ligue 1 experience.
The France U21 international had been on the books at RC Strasbourg Alsace, but had yet to make an appearance despite the new youth focus approach brought about by the BlueCo owners. He had been on loan in the Championnat National with Dijon FCO, and then last season was in Ligue 2 with Red Star FC.
In both cases, he had represented himself well. His shot-stopping abilities had earned Red Star vital points in an impressive survival campaign, and Lens had taken notice of the 21-year-old. They were able to agree on a deal with Strasbourg in July.
Risser – the last line of Ligue 1’s best defence
There was, of course, a risk associated with him. However, that was quickly forgotten within minutes of his debut, a 1-0 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. Risser did well despite being beaten; he made a couple of impressive saves and exuded confidence with the ball at his feet.
He has only grown since then and has been a key part of this excellent and miserly Lens defence, which has recorded the best defensive record in the league, having only allowed 13 goals to slip past. A record that has helped Lens rise to the very top of the table and sit in first at Christmas.
If there is one complaint about Risser, it is that he has only managed to keep five clean sheets, which is something that could certainly be improved on. However, for a player who is still learning his trade and experiencing the top flight for the first time, it has certainly been a promising start. In the future, it feels as if this could be a signing that could raise eyebrows in Strasbourg as to why they hadn’t given him a chance in the squad.
Category: General Sports
