Delgado finally laying Lyon claims

Having taken almost a year to find his feet at the Stade de Gerland, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder César Delgado finally looks to have convinced coach Claude Puel he is the man who should be sliding passes through to prolific striker Karim Benzema for the seven-time French titleholders.

Reversal of fortunes
The 27-year-old has even found the back of the net himself in Lyon's last two games, firstly during the morale-boosting 2-0 Ligue 1 win at Grenoble Foot 38 on 17 January and then on Saturday, as Puel's men brushed aside amateur outfit side US Concarnoise in the French Cup. Capped 20 times by Argentina, although not since he moved to France, Delgado has experienced a dramatic reversal of fortunes since November, when he had made just nine appearances in ten months. Signed from Mexican side CD Cruz Azul for €7.5m a year ago, 'El Chelito' (Little Cello) has featured in Lyon's last five outings and started in four of them, more often than not entrusted with playmaking duties through the middle.

'Much appreciated'
The nickname came about in reference to former Azul team-mate and namesake Marcelo Delgado, himself known as 'El Chelo', but the Rosario-born schemer wants to carve out his own clear identity at the Rhône club. After failing to impress former boss Alain Perrin, Delgado seized his chance when it came due to a long list of injuries towards the end of last year. "He never gave up and he's much appreciated off the pitch," said Puel. "His help was important in November." Perhaps his most impressive performance came at SM Caen in December, when he set up Benzema for the only goal of the game and ensured Lyon would go into 2009 in top spot.

International aims
"When I came to Lyon, I was not physically fit," explained the 2004 Olympic champion. "It took me time to come back but I only ever had one thing in mind: to show what I can do. I now feel good in this team." Presuming he can hold down his position despite competition from Juninho Pernambucano and Miralem Pjanić, Delgado's next aim is to fight his way back into the national side – not least with influential displays against Lionel Messi and Co when Lyon face FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on 24 February and 11 March. "I know that [national coach Diego] Maradona knows me and follows me," said Delgado, who must also have one eye on Argentina's friendly with France in Marseille on 11 February.