Nice made the most of their resources to finish seventh in Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge; a fine outcome given the limitations that the former France and Arsenal midfielder had to work with over the course of the campaign.
The most striking thing about Nice’s squad is that it was largely without a centre forward. Mario Balotelli started the season at the Allianz Riviera but struggled to gel with the new boss and departed to Marseille in January after failing to find the net at all. Myziane Maolida, meanwhile, spent much of the campaign injured, just like Mickael Le Bihan. There were no other viable options for the centre-forward role.
Even on the wings Nice struggle. Allan Saint-Maximin was their most highly rated performer but remains a player who blows hot and cold; hardly someone to build an attack around. Indeed, they finished the season with right-back Youcef Atal their most consistently dangerous performer in the advanced areas. He proved an excellent signing.
The cause of the team was not aided by erratic work in the midfield. Wylan Cyprien has yet to reach his best form following serious injury 18 months ago, while Pierre Lees-Melou, a previously strong player, managed only two goals and one assist over 30 games – a thoroughly disappointing return. Vieira played conservatively, which did not help these players.
The pragmatic approach of the coach, however, was reflected in excellent defensive numbers, with Dante once again a formidable performer in the heart of a defence that moved between three and four players. Malang Sarr also had the best season of his young career to date, cutting out many of the sloppy errors he has made in the past.
Atal aside, perhaps the revelation of the season came in goal, where Walter Benitez started the season as second choice but finished it playing so well he has been touted for a call up to the international side. Indeed, in the eyes of many pundits he was the finest keeper in Ligue 1.
Ultimately, a lack of offensive punch hindered Nice drastically. They can surely only get better in that area over the summer, and while Vieira has been linked with other jobs, he seems set to remain at the club. Investment will be needed, however, as they maximised their potential this season, finishing seventh despite scoring only 30 goals – the league’s third-worst tally.
