Tanner Tessmann: Lyon's Next Nemanja Matić?

Just before the summer transfer window closed last week, Olympique Lyonnais made history by signing Tanner Tessmann as the 22-year-old midfielder became the first American to play for the storied French club.

Tessmann arrived at OL from the Italian club Venezia, where he spent four years as it was his first stomping ground in European football. With the Venice-based club, he made 99 appearances, scoring ten goals while registering five assists.

Before making the jump to Europe, Americans first tasted first-team football in the United States with FC Dallas. Tessmann was a product of the MLS side's youth academy, but the decision to play professional football wasn't an easy one.

OL's new standout had committed to playing both soccer and football as a kicker at Clemson University, but despite these options, the midfielder chose to sign a homegrown contract with FC Dallas instead.

Tessmann played for the American club between 2020 and 2021, making 28 appearances and recording one assist. After this short time in MLS, the player left to play abroad.

Last week, the United States native made his Lyon debut in the thrilling 4-3 win over RC Strasbourg, playing 14 minutes off the bench. Before this match, manager Pierre Sage spoke about Tessman and what he's noticing from the player and even had high praise for the standout.

"First impressions are quite positive. He has the courage to play and often asks for the ball, even under pressure. He's going to provide us with solutions over time and in the sequence of our matches. With so many games to come, it's important to ensure continuity."

"It's essential to have double positions with the ability to maintain the same level of performance. He's a lot like Matic, he brings a lot of cohesion between the lines. You can feel that he has a real ability to play with others. He's also capable of scoring, particularly on long-range shots, which will offer us other solutions."

Americans are continuing to play for prominent clubs in Europe such as Christian Pulisic for AC Milan and former LOSC Lille player Timothy Weah for Juventus. Tessmann will attempt to follow in his compatriot's footsteps and make his mark at Lyon.

Photo credits: Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images and Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

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