GNAGNON IS HERE: A GREAT PERFORMANCE BACKED UP BY STATS AGAINST ATLÉTICO

'This is Joris' moment.' This was Pablo Machín's response in the run-up to the game against Atlético Madrid when Bein Sports asked him whether the French centre-back would start or not. And Joris did not only deliver, he thrived, demonstrating the many credentials which made Sevilla bring him to Nervión in the summer.

It ought to be remembered that, at only 21 years-old, Joris Gnagnon arrived at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán after being one of the first names on the teamsheet for Stade Rennes last season, who finished fifth and were a revelation in the French league. He played 36 out of the 38 league games, starting 32.

He has only played in 11 of Sevilla's 33 games, but against Atlético Madrid he showed the potential which made him stand out in Ligue 1

However, at Sevilla, he has found it difficult to get started, only playing in 11 of the 33 games that Sevilla have played this season. Despite this, against Atlético Madrid he showed some of the potential which made him stand out in Ligue 1, putting in a wonderful performance - solid at the back, helping the ball out of defence and even being influential up the pitch. In fact, in the second half, he was close to making it 2-1 with a fine left-footed shot which Jan Oblak did well to save.

He was the player with the second most recoveries, shots, and fouls against, as well as the player who made the most interceptions

And Gnagnon's stats back up what was seen. With 13 recoveries he was the player who won back the second most balls, only beaten by Roque Mesa's 16, as well as the player who made the most interceptions, with four. He was also important in the offensive phase. With three shots, level with Roque Mesa, he was the player with the second most shots, only beaten by Ben Yedder's four. Furthermore, alongside André Silva and Ever Banega, he received the joint second-most fouls against in the game.

Possibly, as the manager himself said, it is Joris' moment. This Sunday will be his 22nd birthday, and there would be no present for him than to continue consolidating himself in Spanish football.