Lille Coach on Aguerd: "An Intelligent and Complete Player; I Wished He Would Rejoin My Team"

Bruno Genesio, coach of French club Lille, has praised Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd, his former defender at Rennes, stating that he wished to work with him again due to his technical and mental qualities, which make him one of the best defenders in Europe. In an interview with French newspaper "Le Parisien," Genesio said:

"Aguerd is, first and foremost, a very intelligent player with a strong personality and natural leadership charisma. He doesn't talk much, but when he does, everyone listens. His conduct on and off the pitch, his competitive spirit, and his constant desire to win make him a true role model."

The Lille coach added: "He is a complete player in all aspects – strong defensively, excellent in aerial duels both defensively and offensively, and possesses the necessary speed to cover spaces behind the defensive line, in addition to technical skills far exceeding the average. All these qualities undoubtedly qualify him to play at the highest levels."

Genesio continued: "I wished he could have been with me at Lille, but that wasn't possible for non-sporting reasons. I also know that he, in turn, wanted to work with me again. In any case, I am not surprised by the level he is currently demonstrating."

Nayef Aguerd, 29, returned to Ligue 1 last summer with Olympique Marseille, where he quickly established himself as a key figure in their backline. This followed a professional stint in the English Premier League with West Ham United. He had also previously played for several French clubs, most notably Dijon and Rennes, before his move to the Premier League.