With a total of 26 goals, 14 assists & 148 shots in 12 games, Les Atheniens seem to be on fire, with goals, confidence and teamwork being their core elements that make up their winning ways.
The morale of Ligue 1 outfit, Valenciennes is on an all-time high, hungry for some glory. The team is said to have the most resounding attacking stats during the 2012/13 season, and currently occupy the 5th spot, just behind Paris Saint-Germain,
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 & AS Saint-Etienne.
The team has a goal average of 2.17 goals per game. This is definitely a big contribution to Ligue 1, which has never had this high goalscoring per game ratio for the last 28 years. Moreover, Les Atheniens haven’t been defeated at home so far this season.
The team has services of players of different capabilities, ranging from talented youthful players to experienced veterans. The midfield consists of players like Foued Kadir, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Dossevi-c24684, who all have been contributing majorly to the teams
success. With http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anthony-Le-Tallec-c6218, with 5 goals a piece.
The team also has several veterans included in the team with names like Gregory Pujol & http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Ducourtioux-c10473 included, which are available at their disposal, which brings in experience into the squad. Pujol has scored 3 goals this season already, and is keen
to score more.
The secret ingredient behind the difference between this and last year’s Valencienne FC is their style of play. Sanchez has adopted Barcelona’s strategy of playing ‘attractive football’. And now 12 games past, seems like the strategy adapted by the coach
is finally paying off. Valenciennes have been given nicknames like ‘Barca North’ due to their possession based gameplay resembling to that of the Catalonia giants. It’s currently the top goalscoring side in Ligue 1, and seem keen on keeping it that way.
Valenciennes was the only team that was able to take a stand against the rampant Marseille, who had an unbeaten run, which finally came to an end at the Stade http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Du-c11689 Hainut. The victory was a well deserved one against Les Phoceens, whom they defeated 4-1. Also,
the bashing of Lorient FC at their home fortress that resulted in a 6-1 victory. Their latest victory away to Bastia, was a closely contested game that ended up 2-3. This was only their second away win of the season.
Another view is that VA have boosted confidence, more than ever before. And also the fact that they believe that they can do it. The manager believes this is essential to keep the momentum going and bringing out the best in players. The players also agree
with this as veteran, Gregory Pujol said:
"Confidence is a big part of it."
Although their performances have won appraisals along with points acquired through victories, they are not without problems. Sanchez believes that the squad lacks depth and its reliance on players like Kadir & Danic may prove to be dangerous. Not to forget
their weak away record, where they have incurred all three of their losses. Nevertheless, the side still is an unpredictable one, and it is definitely one to watch out for.
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