Toulalan living large at Lyon

When Mahamadou Diarra moved from Olympique Lyonnais to Real Madrid CF this summer, the French champions were left with an almighty void to fill in the heart of their team. The Mali midfielder had played an integral role in their past four title successes and many felt his departure would weaken the side considerably. But as was the case a year ago when Tiago's arrival helped soften the blow of losing Michael Essien, Lyon coach Gérard Houllier appears to have found the ideal replacement.

'An important step'
Jérémy Toulalan has slotted in seamlessly following his €7m switch from FC Nantes Atlantique. The 22-year-old was particularly impressive in Lyon's UEFA Champions League wins against Madrid and FC Steaua Bucuresti and is clearly thriving in his new surroundings. "Leaving Nantes wasn't easy because they're my hometown club and my family live in the region," Toulalan told uefa.com. "But moving to the best club in France was an important step in my career. Luckily I've made friends quickly and everything has gone well."

Diarra rivalry
Lyon recruited another France international, Alou Diarra, in the summer, but Toulalan's impact has been so positive that the former RC Lens midfielder has only featured sporadically. "I know that we're competing for one place but it's not something I think about," he said. "There's competition for every position at Lyon and, in any case, there are so many games that everyone will get a chance."

First choice
For now Toulalan is first choice and with Lyon imposing themselves in Group E Houllier is unlikely to make changes against FC Dynamo Kyiv. The tenacious midfielder first played in the UEFA Champions League as a teenager at Nantes in a 2-1 defeat against FC Bayern München but now feels better equipped to compete with Europe's finest. "One of the main reasons I wanted to join Lyon was to play in the Champions League and I already feel like I'm benefitting," Toulalan said. "The game against Madrid was important for my confidence. I played well and that helped me to feel at ease."

Smooth transition
Toulalan has frequently been singled out for praise in the French press this season but the modest youngster insists his team-mates deserve much of the credit for his smooth transition. "Obviously it's far easier when you play in a team that is full of quality players," he explained. "I just focus on my own role then when I get the ball it's a matter of playing a short pass to a team-mate."

Deschamps comparison
His simple but effective distribution and exceptional positional sense have drawn comparisons with two of Nantes' most accomplished former players Didier Deschamps and Claude Makelele. "That's pleasing to hear and if I win half as much as Deschamps won in his career I'll be doing well," Toulalan said. Yet after excelling on his France debut against the Faroe Islands last week - in place of Makelele - he appears to be on the right track. "I've got time on my side but I want to be playing regularly for France as soon as possible," he said. "All I can do is play well for Lyon and hope that the rewards follow."