# Lens' Season Highlights: Top Performances and Injuries
The 2022-23 season for Parisian club Lens was a mix of thrilling moments, standout performances, and significant challenges. Known for their vibrant fanbase and dynamic play, Lens delivered memorable displays throughout the campaign, but injuries unfortunately overshadowed some of their achievements.
## Top Performances
One of the standout aspects of Lens' season was the exceptional form of their key players. Forward Jonathan Ibarra emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists. His pace and creativity were instrumental in numerous victories, including a thrilling 4-4 draw against Monaco, which saw Lens come back from 2-0 down.
Midfielder Kevin Doku also made significant contributions, netting 11 goals and showcasing his dribbling ability. His chemistry with Ibarra was a highlight, as their partnership played a crucial role in Lens' attacking success.
Defensively, Lens relied on the consistency of their backline, particularly center-backs Jonathan Claude and Benoit Poyt. Their ability to dominate aerial duels and break up opposition plays was key to several clean sheets.
## Injuries Plaguing Lens
However, the season was not without its struggles. Lens suffered from a series of high-profile injuries that disrupted their momentum. Key players like Doku, Ibarra, and defensive midfielder Kouadio Mboroo were often on the treatment table, leaving manager Patrick Vieira with limited options.
The injury list included long-term absences for Doku (6 matches) and Ibarra (7 matches), while Mboroo missed 8 games due to a serious thigh injury. These absences forced Vieira to reshuffle his squad, often relying on young talents like Wilfrid Kapingan and Gaëtan Laborde to fill in.
Despite their best efforts, the frequent injuries led to inconsistencies in Lens' performance. Matches against bottom-half teams became high-stakes affairs, and Lens' inability to maintain a consistent rhythm hurt their push for European qualification.
## A Season of Contrasts
Despite the injuries, Lens still managed to produce memorable moments. Their 3-3 win against Nîmes Montpellier, a game that ended 3-3, showcased their resilience and attacking flair. Additionally, a 2-1 victory over Marseille, a historic rival, was a highlight for the season.
However, the constant battle with injuries took a toll on the team's confidence and overall performance. It remains to be seen how Vieira can stabilize the squad during the summer transfer window to address the recurring injury issues.
In summary, the 2022-23 season for Lens was defined by thrilling performances and moments of brilliance, but also by a string of injuries that tested the club's resolve. As they look ahead to the next campaign, Lens will hope to build on their attacking strengths while fortifying their defense to overcome the challenges of competing at the highest level.