PROFILE | Jonathan Gradit – the underappreciated ingredient in Lens’s rise | OneFootball

One player in Ligue 1 who rarely seems to get the credit he is due is Jonathan Gradit. Currently in his sixth season at RC Lens, the French centre-back has been rock-solid for his side once again this season. His former manager, Franck Haise, got plenty of the credit for Lens’ quick ascension from a newly-promoted Ligue 1 side to European contenders virtually overnight. That said, Gradit has been with this group from their days in the second tier and is a big reason why they have been so sound defensively since returning to the French top-flight in 2020-21.

A Bordeaux academy product in 2021, Gradit rarely makes the headlines after a match, which may be a sign of just how adept and solid he is on the pitch. He’s come a long way in his aerial battles this season, winning over 60% of them in his first nine league fixtures. Growing up in Southwestern France, an area filled with rugby fanatics, it should be no surprise to know how strong Gradit has been in his challenges. He tends to commit his share of fouls, though that’s an element his new manager, Will Still, won’t mind, in fact, it’s something he encourages to an extent.

Gradit’s contract up in 2026

Since returning to Ligue 1, Lens have been in contention for Europe right until the final matchday of nearly every season. This is due primarily to them being a well-organised defensive unit, thanks in part to Gradit, who’s established himself as a great leader at the back and an ever present in the 2022/23 season, during which Lens conceded a mere 29 goals domestically, the fewest in the top-flight.

Solidarity has been the name of the game for Lens throughout many of their league campaigns, with Gradit being among their most consistent players. In his early 30s, he still has decent recovery speed, while also doing a nice job at anticipating through balls. At the same time, he can be used as a full-back while occasionally joining the Lens attacks. Even though he usually operates in a central position at the back, he’s made some strong deliveries and has a high cross-accuracy. With his contract set to expire in 2026, Gradit still has plenty to give to this club. Regardless of what the club decides to do when his deal is up, Gradit has set this team up nicely to be a solid defensive unit long after he departs.

GFFN | Joël Lefevre