Premier League to Ligue 1: Andrey Santos, Greenwood, Zaroury with strong starts
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Making the move from the Premier League to Ligue 1 has been a trend down the years, with some of the French elite's biggest clubs having attracted players over the English channel. Some big names made the switch this summer, including Mason Greenwood's move to Marseille as well as Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Anass Zaroury (Lens) and Jonathan Rowe (Marseille).
Andrey Santos: a happy return 'home'
It's a second loan spell for the Brazilian playmaker, who impressed in midfield during his short stay last season, whilst the club staved off relegation fears. He made a goalscoring return for the club earlier this month against Stade Rennais at home, before hitting the back of the net again in Les Alsaciens' most recent loss against Lyon (4-3). "I wanted to come back here," said Santos following the clash against Rennes, adding "the atmosphere is different. I feel at home."
Anass Zaroury: the Atlas Lion makes first steps at Lens
Perhaps it was only natural that when Burnely were relegated to the Championship that Anass Zaroury wanted to ply his trade in a top division, hence a move to Will Still's RC Lens. He impressed during Lens' home win over Brest and bagged his first assist of the season. He was injured, however, with an ankle sprain during Lens' 1-1 draw against Monaco at the weekend.
Mason Greenwood: Englishman races ahead in top scorer chart
Mason Greenwood's adaptation to French football has been seamless: since making the switch to Ligue 1, the Englishman has scored five goals in three games, putting himself top of the pile as top goalscorer. "Greenwood, in terms of pure qualities, over the first three games, is perhaps the best player in Ligue 1," said RMC Sport journalist Daniel Riolo. "We know his history, but if we’re going to talk about the pitch and on the pitch: he’s extraordinary."
Jonathan Rowe: first steps at Marseille
Rowe is making his first steps in French football, at a steadier pace than his compatriot in Mason Greenwood. "I believe this is a step up from the Championship, it's one of the top leagues in the world," said Rowe after signing for Marseille on loan from Norwich City. "I'm an ambitious character I'd say, and seeing this opportunity come about, I wanted to take it with both hands."
The Englishman has played in two matches so far for Roberto De Zerbi's side, mostly from the bench. But he has shown glimpses of the quality that OM saw in him to sign the winger - he'll look to settle in and kick on with Les Olympiens after the international break.
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