Bristol City fans may look on at Han-Noah Massengo’s progress in France with more than a tinge of frustration and regret but, in truth, there was little more the club could have done to manage the situation of the midfielder who’s set to depart the Robins this summer on a free transfer.
Having signed for Auxerre on loan until the end of the season, the latest snapshot of what could have been was on Friday night as the 21-year-old shone against Lyon in a 2-1 win that lifted them into 18th in Ligue 1 in their fight against relegation.
Somewhat prophetically Massengo won a penalty in the 51st minute as he dribbled into the 18-year box at pace after collecting possession just past halfway, and under 24 hours later his parent club ended their 469-day wait for a spot-kick, with Jay Dasilva fouled at Sunderland.
What also stood out about the midfielder’s performance was the way he broke up play in front of the defence, and battled away in the middle of the park, before launching a series of counter-attacks; something that would be perfect in the current system under Nigel Pearson.
Nevertheless he has been turning heads in his homeland with former PSG and West Ham midfielder Edouard Cisse claiming on Amazon Prime’s coverage that Massengo reminds him of Edgar Davids, the Dutch international who starred in Europe for Ajax, Juventus and Tottenham as an archetype all-action box-to-box midfielder.
“I didn’t know him (before) but I saw him on Friday and he was very impressive and eye-catching and he made a lot of good tackles,” Cisse said. “He is tough. In duels he is forceful and not afraid to show himself in midfield. He reminds me a bit of Edgar Davids.”
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry was also in the studio and is well-placed to comment on Massengo having granted him his professional debut when he was coach of Monaco in November 2018, and monitored his career since, and the World Cup winner’s reaction was one of playful incredulity.
“Wow, a comparison to Edgard Davids,” Henry said laughing. “He has a long way to go. Han-Noah, good luck!”
Alas, Massengo’s time at Ashton Gate is coming to an end and, for those who still hold a candle for him, what makes that harder to reconcile with is that his performances for Auxerre which will help dictate the quality of club he signs for this summer won’t be relevant to the Robins in terms of a transfer fee.
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