Jonathan Clauss has been one of the best players in Ligue 1 this season.
Operating primarily as a wing-back, Clauss is a crucial player in an RC Lens side that has impressed many people this season. Winning two Man of the Match awards, Clauss has been in great form for the majority of this season.
His stats back up his performances too. The Frenchman sits joint-third in assists in Ligue 1 this season, behind only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Clauss’ play has caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with both Real Madrid and PSG linked to the defender.
Clauss deserves all the plaudits that he has gained this year. Now, he has earned a call-up to the French national squad for the first time.
Heart-warming reaction to call-up
In some truly wholesome content, Clauss’ teammates were with him to capture the moment he was called up.
Sitting apprehensively in front of a TV, the squad were silent as Didier Deschamps read out his squad. Upon hearing Clauss’ name, the Lens team exploded.
Touchingly, the Lens players cheered and congratulated Clauss before chanting his name in excitement.
You love to see it.
Jonathan Clauss: a football journey
It has been a long path to the top of French football for Jonathan Clauss.
The 29-year-old started his football career at hometown club Strasbourg. However, before making a senior appearance, he left to join Vauban Strasbourg.
Vauban played in National 3, the fifth tier of French football – a far cry from Ligue 1. After Vauban, stints in the lower leagues of Germany and France culminated in a transfer to Quevilly Rouen. Rouen paid £158,000 for Clauss’ services. In the sole season that the Frenchman played in Rouen, 2017/2018, they were relegated from Ligue 2.
As a result, Clauss moved back across to Germany, joining Arminia Bielefeld. This move was very successful for the Frenchman; he played in every game as Bielefeld won Bundesliga 2, earning promotion to Germany’s top flight.
His instrumental role in Bielefeld’s promotion caught the attention of RC Lens. They paid a very reasonable £1.08 million for Clauss, and he had an immediate impact. Clauss missed just four league games in his debut season, becoming a mainstay in Lens’ side this season.
The next chapter in Clauss’ well-travelled career may take him to new heights once more.