FC Nantes: The Eternal Nicolas Pallois
One To Watch
Nicolas Pallois has played over 200 matches for Les Canaris, and is still going strong as the club's captain and leader at the age of 37.
Nicolas Pallois is an eternal icon at FC Nantes. Having joined the club in 2017, the Frenchman has made over 200 appearances for Les Canaris, and has featured in four great escapes to beat the drop over the last five seasons as a Nantes player. This season has been no different for Pallois, reunited with coach Antoine Kombouaré for a second time and still leading the team out with the captain's armband.
Pallois has previously played in the lower leagues with Quevilly, Valenciennes, Laval, Niort Chamois, and Bordeaux before joining FC Nantes in 2017. Since then, the Frenchman has experienced all the highs and lows at Stade de la Beaujoire: including a Coupe de France win and a Europa League campaign, and several near misses near the bottom of the Ligue 1 table.
"All the journalists in my career have told me that I was slow and that I didn't run much, or not too much. But I've always run. In the team, if you look, even in terms of speed, I'm among the best," said Pallois in a recent interview with So Foot. He has been a solid rock of a defender for Nantes over the years. An imposing physical presence and a clear leader for Les Canaris, his workrate is also commendable considering his age.
'As long as I feel good physically, I'll carry on' - Pallois
He's only a few years younger than OGC Nice centre back Dante (40), but jokes that his journey has been more arduous. "After all, Dante hasn't always played for Nice and he hasn't had some difficult seasons at FC Nantes," said Pallois to Presse-Océan. "Dante played for Bayern where you defend three times in a match, it's easier than when you're always faced with about ten chances against you at Nantes," he said with a wry smile.
Yet, Pallois is still going strong, having played in 17 matches this season for Les Canaris. 'As long as I feel good physically, I'll carry on. I've still got the legs, my mind is still there. I'm in great shape, I'm enjoying myself."
The defender will have to be on the top of his game as Nantes travel to the Vélodrome on Sunday evening to face Olympique de Marseille, a side that have been one of the highest scoring in the league under Roberto De Zerbi. Nantes will need all the experience that Pallois has as they face Les Olympiens on Sunday evening (20:45 CET).
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