Gaël Kakuta is yet to write his best chapter after rejoining Lens

RC Lens player Gaël Kakuta is looking forward to enjoying his game again after returning to his first club.

Kakuta had begun his career with Lens. He is now in the best form of his life, coincidentally, where it all started for him.

The 29-year-old became a star in Lens youth team ranks, and Chelsea subsequently signed him in 2007 at the age of 15.

It could be recalled that there were some controversies over the move as many clubs wanted him, but Chelsea was more desperate to get his signature. During this period, he had scored five goals in 12 France U16 appearances.

Being touted the star to watch by former Chelsea teammate, Michael Ballack, after his first reserve team appearance, Kakuta finally made his way into the first-team, but it was blocked. He could only make six senior appearances for Chelsea and later have sojourned with ten different clubs. He had stints with Vitesse Arnhem and Hebei China Fortune.

On his return to France, he linked up with Amiens SC. He rewarded the club’s gamble on him in 2017, scoring six goals and creating many assists for le Licornes. This helped the club to survive relegation from the French top flight as they finished 12 points clear of the automatic relegation places.

He returned for a second spell with Rayo Vallecano and spent a season before linking up with  Amiens last season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kakuta couldn’t save his team from relegation after the league standing was decided on a point per match basis. His highlight in the club was his direct involvement in three goals in a February 2019 4-4 draw against PSG. He scored two goals and created five assists during the campaign.

With Amiens relegated, Lens signed him on their return to the French top-flight for the 2021-campaign.

Speaking of his teammate, Kakuta said they are a surprising group of united people to play for one another and get results.

He added that the intensity in training showed in their competitive actions, adding that Lens is always one step ahead of its opponent.

Lens is already sixth on the log with ten points from four games, and only three points separate them from Rennes occupying the top spot.

Kakuta is now among the top goalscorers with three goals; one behind teammate, Ignatius Ganago, and Memphis Depay.

The three goals he has scored so far have made him part of the division’s goalscorers; he is a goal behind Olympique Lyonnais’ Memphis Depay. He has created one assist from three games as well.

He would have been among the highest assists providers if his teammates had converted the chances he created. Therefore, he is observing the players know where they like receiving the ball to make his efforts count.

The 29-year-old winger is now happy again, and he is comfortable in the club.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed