One to Watch: Lucas Stassin becomes a derby hero and Saint-Étienne's new idol

At just 20 years old, Lucas Stassin is quickly becoming a household name for AS Saint-Étienne fans and Ligue 1 McDonald's observers alike. The young Belgian forward has demonstrated an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time, earning comparisons to the age-old cliché of "fox in the box." His latest brace in the Rhône-Alps derby is quickly cementing his status as a fan favourite for Les Verts - but can he keep Saint-Étienne in the league by the end of the season?

Stassin’s path to prominence began with a record-breaking transfer from Westerlo during the summer of 2024. Saint-Étienne paid a club-record €9 million, with an additional €1 million in potential bonuses. While his early performances showed promise, his true breakthrough came under new head coach Eirik Horneland. In Horneland’s revamped system, Stassin flourished, operating closer to the penalty area and leveraging his predatory instincts.

Stassin kicked off life perfectly with Les Verts, with six goals across his first nine Ligue 1 McDonald's starts. But in recent weeks, his influence in Eirik Horneland's side has reached another level.

Horneland's arrival, and Stassin's impact

Eirik Horneland’s arrival at Sainté marked a turning point for Stassin. The Norwegian coach’s emphasis on high pressing and advanced positioning has allowed the forward to maximize his potential. “I’m a bit more free now. We’ve changed the way we play and press, which lets me stay closer to the goal,” Stassin noted following a match against Auxerre where the Belgian scored a vital winner. 

This shift was evident in his standout performance against Reims earlier in January 2025. He registered an assist for Augustine Boakye’s second goal and capped the match with a brilliant solo effort. After evading Cédric Kipré with a deft right-footed feint, Stassin executed a sublime lob over Yehvann Diouf, securing a memorable victory.

Stassin the derby hero

In one of the most important games of the Ligue 1 McDonald's season, Saint-Étienne ended a six-year wait for a victory over Olympique Lyonnais during Sunday evening's Rhône-Alps derby. It was a game like no other for Lucas Stassin, who scored to put Les Verts ahead in the 10th minute of the game, before receiving a red card for a tackle on Tolisso. 

After a lenghty VAR check the Belgian was brought back from the brink, his card being downgraded to a yellow. Given a second chance, Stassin would take the opportunity when it mattered most to double Saint-Étienne's lead with a sublime curled effort on the 67th minute. In the process, he became the first ASSE player to score at least two goals in a Rhône-Alps derby since Etienne Mendy in 1994. 

Stassin, unsurprisingly named man of the match, spoke of his joy to DAZN following the game. "Unbelievable! I'm so happy to give the fans what they deserve. We gave everything and the atmosphere tonight was incredible."

"I'm not surprised, he has a role in the team where he can play to his strengths," said Saint-Étienne coach Eirik Horneland. "He has several qualities that allow him to play different roles. He's in some great form, he's a top talent but he needs to show us even more," demanded his coach following the derby win. 

With the three points Les Verts moved level with Le Havre in the race to stay up this season. Horneland and Sainté supporters will be hoping to count of Stassin for the final four matches of the season in a battle which looks set to rage until the final match of the season.

WATCH: derby delight as Stassin scores brace vs Lyon

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