Former Newcastle United left-back Massadio Haidara played just 53 times across his five-and-a-half year stay at St James' Park. But five years on from the moment he dropped into the French second-tier, Haidara has played an instrumental role in propelling RC Lens into contention for the Ligue 1 title.
Paris Saint-Germain still boast a six-point lead at the Ligue 1 summit, but a recent drop off in form since the turn of the year has offered a glimmer of hope to the trailing pack.
PSG have suffered back-to-back defeats against Stade Rennes and Lyon respectively at the Parc des Princes, and play Nice in their next outing, with the Eaglets currently on a 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
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RC Lens have regained their form at precisely the right moment with three wins on the spin, including 4-0 and 3-0 triumphs over Clermont Foot and Angers respectively propelling them into the runners-up spot.
Haidara's versatility has served as an invaluable asset, with the Mali international playing at centre-back, left-back and as a left midfielder. He has starred in 30 games across all competitions for RC Lens - missing only two matches due to suspension and a calf injury respectively.
RC Lens will be aiming to close the gap on Friday evening when they welcome Ligue 1 strugglers Strasbourg Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
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