Ilyes Housni is making an encouraging start to life at AS Nancy-Lorraine after moving from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with the 21-year-old forward showing signs that he has found the right setting to revive his career in Ligue 2.
The Morocco international was once regarded as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s most promising attacking players, but his progress stalled during three difficult seasons. His spells away from Paris did not provide the platform he needed to consistently display his ability.
Nancy appear to have offered him a fresh start. Housni has been used either as a number 10 or a false nine, allowing him to drop deeper, combine with team-mates and find spaces between the opposition’s midfield and defence.
That role has helped bring his technical qualities into the game more frequently. Rather than operating solely as a conventional striker, he is contributing to the build-up and creating opportunities for others as well as looking for chances of his own.
Data highlights Housni’s influence
Data’Scout’s figures underline the impact he has made during the opening part of the season. Among Ligue 2 attackers, Housni ranks highly in several categories linked to chance creation, movement and his involvement in possession.
His expected assists score is 92, while he has a score of 90 for passes leading to a shot. Those figures reflect his growing influence in creating opportunities for Nancy.
He also has a score of 82 for passes into the final third and 82 for passes received. His ability to cover ground with the ball stands out too, with a maximum-speed score of 95.
Data’Scout’s other published scores for Housni are:
- 82 for distance covered - 67 for passes into the penalty area - 44 for through-balls - 41 for successful dribbles
The system’s scale indicates that a score of 85 means a player has performed better than 85% of Ligue 2 players in that particular category.
The numbers are supported by Housni’s performances on the pitch. He appears more mature in his decision-making and capable of sustaining his work-rate, while also showing greater physical and mental strength.
His value to Nancy does not depend simply on his finishing. He can drop deep, accelerate, combine in tight areas and create for team-mates, giving him several ways to influence a match.
There is still plenty of time for the 21-year-old to develop his story at AS Nancy-Lorraine, but continued progress could see him emerge as one of Ligue 2’s attacking discoveries this season.
Housni is under contract with Nancy until 30 June 2029. His market value is estimated at 700,000 euros by Transfermarkt.
AS Nancy-Lorraine’s next fixture is against Rodez in the seventh round of the French Ligue 2 championship.