No Big Mac for Gignac

“Un Big Mac, pour Gignac" - a chant that would so often echo from rival fans of Marseille to taunt the heavy set Andre Pierre Gignac. Translated as "a Big Mac for Gignac," the penny seems to have finally dropped for the Frenchman, who has silenced those who mocked him with his red hot form this season. Nine goals in as many games is nothing to be sniffed at, so much so has seen him earn a recall back to the French national side after  a 4 year absence from the starting line up.  

So what has sparked such form from a striker that would be described as a 13 goal-a-season striker based on previous seasons? Many suggest it is the work of the "Bielsa effect." Marcelo Bielsa's appointment as manager has seen him implement a strict regime that has inspired Gignac to be the best that he can be. Gignac looks in good shape this year too, a player who has previously battled problems with his weight.  

Gignac has been lethal this season

Bielsa's attack minded approach also favours not only the striker's type of play, but also utilises the whole team in the best way possible. Marseille currently sit top of the table, with Bielsa's modern 4-2-3-1 formation meaning Gignac plays in his favoured role as the lone striker, who acts as a target man and poacher in the box. Bielsa is a strict in his management, and is rumoured to never laugh at times of work and despite there being a mismatch in character between Bielsa and the self confessed joker Gignac, so far evidence suggests it is a match made in heaven. 

The team looks for Gignac to hold the ball up, drawing the creative likes of Dimitri Payet, Florian Thauvin and Andre Ayew into the game, who themselves have also been impressive this season. The creativity between these three means Gignac will get the service he requires to score and he has done just that.  

Gignac's weight has been a focus point in French media

His recall to the national team is a testimony to how well he has played under Bielsa and even capped off his return to the national side with a goal from the spot against Armenia. If Gignac continues his goal scoring streak in his native France it may not be long before other clubs start to consider Gignac who was once reported to be a Tottenham target.  

Marseille's form this year has been nothing short of spectacular and at the fore front of the early success is Gignac. It seems Ligue 1 may have a new title contender following the rejuvenation that has gone on under Bielsa. However, it is still early days in the campaign and if Marseille are to overthrow rivals PSG for the domestic crown, Gignac will need to carry on his exploits. Looks like Gignac will be sticking to the salads for sometime!