Three to Watch: Youthful energy drives Lyon attack

Roma travel to Parc Olympique Lyonnais to face Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday evening.

In the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals, the Giallorossi face a tricky encounter against Ligue 1's fourth-placed team.

Les Gones are lead by Bruno Genesio, who has imposed a risky, tough and attacking style of play.

In front of their proud home crowd, our columnist believes these three players will be looking to give their side the advantage in the south-east of France...

Alexandre Lacazette

The hometown hero of Lyon, the centre-forward has scored over 100 goals since being promoted to the first team in 2010.

Still only 25 years-old, Lacazette bears the weight of the attack in the No. 10 shirt - living up to, if not surpassing, expectations already this season with 25 goals thus far.

Although not huge in stature to call Lacazette 'physical' would not be out of place, as his combination of power and speed allow him to find space to goal with regularity. A player who can score every which way, Lacazette has already won Ligue 1 Player of the Year, top goal scorer, and been named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year - twice.

An elite-level forward - he has been linked with countless major clubs around Europe, and a big move could finally be on the cards this summer - Lacazette will see anything but silverware as a disappointment.

Corentin Tolisso

Also a youth product for Lyon - and he and Lacazette are not the only two - the 22 year-old has been with the club for a decade.

A pure central midfielder, Tolisso offers a mix between accurate passing, maintaining of possession, and an eye for goal.

The midfielder has scored 10 times, and made a further five assists, already this season. His greatest impact seems to come when placed in an advanced role, as in just four appearances behind the strikers, he has scored three times.

Defensively, Tolisso has been competent - making almost two tackles, and one interception and clearance per match - attesting to his abilities across the entire pitch.

If there are any shortcomings Luciano Spalletti should be aware of, it's that the midfielder is dribbled past more than once per game on average, and can be guilty of rash tackles in his defensive zone.

But captain of the France Under-21s, Tolisso is developing month-on-month and could be on track for full senior honours in future.

Mathieu Valbuena

At 32 years-old, the French international is something of the elder statesmen of the attack - but he has been in solid form this season, and has aged with grace over his illustrious career around France.

A player who adds smart passing and vision to his side, Valbuena has made seven goals and created four assists thus far.

Achieving an astounding 89% pass completion rate domestically, the attacking midfielder has also produced almost three key-passes per game in the Europa League.

At just 1.67 metres tall, Valbuena is an expert at finding and distributing the ball in the smallest of spaces - a facet which will complicate tracking the player in between the Giallorossi midfield and defence.