Youssouf Ndayishimiye: Burundian Defender Aims to Regain Form at Nice

Youssouf Ndayishimiye’s career at Nice has faced challenges since his impressive start in January 2023. The Burundian international’s progress stalled following a disagreement with former manager Francesco Farioli over his playing style. This conflict, coupled with injuries and a positional shift, has impacted Ndayishimiye’s performance in recent months.

New manager Franck Haise sees Ndayishimiye as a center-back rather than a midfielder, aligning with his three-man defensive strategy. While Ndayishimiye’s physical attributes and ball-handling skills seemed suitable for this role, he has struggled to adapt fully. Injuries have limited his playing time, and when on the field, his performances have lacked the confidence and consistency seen earlier in his Nice career.

Despite these setbacks, Ndayishimiye remains an important player for Nice, especially given the team’s injury concerns. However, questions persist about whether the center-back position truly suits his abilities. His previous success in a midfield double-pivot role suggests he might be more effective in that position.

As Ndayishimiye looks to regain his form in 2025, the key question is whether his current struggles are temporary adjustment issues or indicative of a deeper incompatibility with his new role. His ability to overcome these challenges and rediscover his best form will be crucial for both his personal development and Nice’s success in Ligue 1.