The veteran has been excelling on the park, but it has been his role off it that has really helped propel his club towards the Champions League
If it is the young front line of Lille that has captured the imagination this season as they have charged to second in Ligue 1, the foundation for their success has been constructed upon a 35-year-old veteran whose contribution has been quietly profound.
Ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC will lean on the defensive talents of Jose Fonte to shut down the visiting attack, with the Portugal international responsible not only for the club’s fine defensive record, but for changing attitudes in the locker room.