PROFILE | Téji Savanier remains influential despite Montpellier’s inconsistency | OneFootball

Téji Savanier, the epitome of a midfielder’s midfielder, a footballer’s footballer, and the pride of Montpellier HSC, may not be experiencing the ideal scenario envisioned when he extended his contract with his hometown club in 2022.

Despite an impressive start to the season, where Savanier played a pivotal role in securing a draw with key passes contributing to both goals in Montpellier’s opening match, neither he nor the club has found consistency since.

The Occitanie-based team have managed only three wins in 15 matches this season, offering little excitement to fans at the Stade de la Mosson. Despite assembling an impressive squad over the last three seasons, the former Ligue 1 champions have struggled to look like a top-of-the-table team, and this year poses a potential fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.

For a player like Savanier who has climbed to not only the first division but to the conversation of elite French attacking midfielders, returning to his hometown club was anticipated to mark another remarkable chapter in his story.

Savanier influential in deeper role

While this season may not be his standout, the Olympian has maintained respectable statistical numbers including four assists and scoring three goals in the league. It’s noteworthy, however, that these goals were from penalty kicks, and his passing completion percentage has dipped slightly from previous years.

Savanier’s four assists place him among the most creative midfielders in Ligue 1. At 31 years old, the Montpellier captain still retains all the qualities that endear him to Ligue 1 fans. In numerous matches this season Savanier has not only proven why he is captain, but why true football enthusiasts appreciate his game. Savanier remains a rare breed in football, possessing the motor, technical ability, toughness, and playmaking ability required for the modern game’s No.10, so one can only hope that he has much more to offer Ligue 1 in the years to come.

In recent matches, Savanier has dropped deeper in the Montpellier midfield but has not seen his influence on the pitch wane. His redeployment to a new position may be a sign of things to come as Savanier evolves with age.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle