In his first season at RC Lens, Salis Abdul Samed was central to the northerners’ spirited title challenge, to the point of outperforming even the captain Séko Fofana by his side. The Ghanaian international grew in confidence as the season went on, and over time managed to fill the Cheick Doucouré-shaped hole in Franck Haise’s midfield as he adapted to the team’s all-action approach.
He deservedly was named in our team of the season at the end of the campaign, one of four Sang et Or players to feature in the XI. In an interview with Get French Football News, the midfielder pointed out that his style of play had become more multifaceted: “Beforehand, I would win the ball back and pass it along – now, when I win the ball back, I can also bring it up the pitch myself, I’m more confident in that regard. I really feel free in the way I play here.”
The Ghanaian didn’t shy away from addressing one of the few blots in his copybook last season either, namely his early red card against Paris Saint-Germain back in April: “I wasn’t doing well after the red card, I went to see a psychologist. But in the end, I was happy that the team won their games, so it didn’t trouble me too much.”
Second-season syndrome for Salis Abdul Samed
With Fofana leaving for Saudi Arabia, Abdul Samed was expected to step up as Lens’ midfield leader. However, the former Clermont man has decidedly struggled to replicate the highs of last year. Even as Lens recovered from their early-season slump, costly unforced errors have consistently cropped up in the 23-year-old’s play.
The Ghanaian international had spoken of Fofana as a guiding presence, helping him on and off the pitch. It may be that the Ivorian’s departure has somewhat disoriented his former midfield partner – a downturn in form exacerbated by new midfield signing Andy Diouf’s struggle for form. Some improved performances before the winter break have hinted at a return to form, though.
In any case, the fact remains that Abdul Samed is one of the league’s leading midfielders – even if just two full seasons of top-flight football under his belt. Talk of a move abroad would appear premature, however. Given he was playing with the Clermont reserves in the fifth tier just three years ago, a consistent run in Ligue 1 – anchoring a rejuvenated Lens midfield around him – would serve Abdul Samed well.
