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As we enter the 2005 year, let's take a look at the younger and talented players who showcased their skills and played well in 2004, and who may even perform better this year and become true stars.
The "Young" Lyon
Although the team's composition in recent years has been one of the youngest in the entire Ligue 1, under the leadership of Paul Le Guen, the team has managed to dominate all opponents. Despite being a relatively young team coach, at only 40, he can rely on experienced players like, or Sylvain Wiltord, but the main reason for the club's recent success should be considered the young players of the club.
Excellent Years
In the 2002/03 season, the team led by Le Guen managed to erase a 10-point deficit in the French championship, securing their third consecutive national champions title. This year, Olympique Lyonnais club is currently unstoppable in the Ligue 1 championship, leading confidently after 15 consecutive unbeaten matches, and in the UEFA Champions League, where the young Lyon team managed to take the first place in Group D, even surpassing the mighty Manchester United.
The "Giant" from Ghana
One of the young players who have emerged at Olympique club is Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien. This now 22-year-old midfielder, who was brought to Lyon club in the summer of 2003, after a great start to this season, is considered one of the toughest and most hardworking midfielders. This is confirmed by his teammate, stating that Essien is even a more hardworking defensive midfielder than his partner in the French national team, Patrick Vieira.
Miracles of Malouda
In this club, left-back Florent Malouda also showcases all his talent, having already defended the honor of the French national team in friendly matches against Poland. This 24-year-old player has long fascinated everyone alongside Didier Drogba, playing for ," club in the 2002/03 season, and after moving to Lyon's team, he also became one of the main weapons in the team's attack, impressing everyone with his speed, technique, and particularly intelligent play.
Arrival of Abidal
This summer, Olympique coach once again showed no fear in relying on young players, this time inviting 25-year-old defender Eric Abidal from club. This player was one of the few to leave Lille in the summer, and it was not very difficult for the team coach Claude Puel to find a replacement for him. This loss is perfectly compensated by the Greek defender Stathis Tavlaridis, previously borrowed from , but now fully belonging to the Lille club, who continues to progress.
Meriem's Sparkle
Camel Meriem is an attacking player with a brilliant future ahead of him. At 25, last year he was one of the key figures in the journey of the team to the UEFA Cup final. This player maintained excellent form in the summer moving to club, where he plays in the midfield and continues to demonstrate excellent play.
Monaco's Young Talent
Although Monaco did not win any trophies last year, losing to the team in the UEFA Champions League final and losing the league title to Olympique, many Monaco club fans consider the 2004 season a success.
Defensive Trio
Despite losing almost all attacking players in the summer following the 2004 season, the Monaco team management managed to retain three young defenders: Gael Givet, Sébastien Squillaci, and Patrice Evra. Despite the fact that the average age of these three players is only 23, they are already playing in the main national team lineup.
