Aulas credits Mariano deal to Benzema

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has hailed the impact of summer signing Mariano Diaz and expressed gratitude to Karim Benzema for helping the deal.

The 24-year-old has already hit seven goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances since his switch from Real Madrid, with former Lyon striker Benzema reportedly influential in his recommendation for both player and club.

“Mariano is a great player,” Aulas is quoted as saying by But Football Club, in quotes translated by ESPN.

“He showed [against Monaco] what he has already shown: great physical impact, a desire to see things through.

“He nearly scored a goal by charging down a Danijel Subasic clearance. He can also play in confined spaces, something everyone said he couldn't do.

“Football can sometimes show one thing one day and something completely different the next. For Mariano, I have to thank the person (Benzema) who told us he was the player OL needed.”

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