Andréa Le Borgne: The young midfield maestro of Como 1907 Primavera

At just 18 years old, Andréa Le Borgne has already established himself as a pivotal figure in Como 1907’s Primavera side, while regularly training with the first team alongside fellow French stars Lucas Da Cunha and Maxence Caqueret. The Neuilly-sur-Seine born midfielder, who arrived from OGC Nice’s U19 team last January, is crafting his own Italian football story with remarkable maturity.

Since his winter transfer, Le Borgne’s impact has been immediate and significant: 16 appearances, 3 goals, and 1 assist – numbers that tell only part of the story of his influence in central midfield.

“I was drawn to Como because it’s a club in development, very family-oriented,” Le Borgne reflects, seated in the club’s training facility. “Having big names in the club allows us to identify ourselves and progress daily. It creates a pathway we can visualize.”

The transition from France to Italian football presents its own unique challenges, but Le Borgne has embraced them with characteristic intelligence. “Italian football is much more based on tactics and ball possession,” he analyses, “while in France, there’s more emphasis on physical impact. These differences shape how you approach each match, each training session.”

In the Primavera’s tactical setup, Le Borgne operates as a central midfielder, connecting defense and attack with measured precision. “My position in midfield is about finding the right balance,” he explains, his eyes lighting up when discussing tactical nuances. “It’s about helping and facilitating both defensive and attacking phases. You need to read the game differently here in Italy.”

Communication becomes crucial in such a role, and Le Borgne has tackled this challenge head-on. “Learning Italian is a daily challenge,” he admits with a smile. “But it’s fundamental for facilitating exchanges with the coach and teammates. There are similarities with French, which helps, but mastering the football vocabulary is essential for understanding tactical instructions instantly.”

His development at Como has been accelerated by exposure to the first team, including interactions with French players like Lucas Da Cunha and Maxence Caqueret. “The experience was invaluable,” Le Borgne reflects. “The level is different from the Primavera, particularly in terms of intensity and physical impact. But these experiences show us the standard required for Serie A football.”

Le Borgne’s commitment to development extends beyond the pitch. Just this month, he participated in the Varane Camps in Hellemmes, France, where he mentored 70 young players, showcasing his understanding of football’s broader impact. “When you’re in an environment like Como, where development is prioritized, you naturally want to give back,” he explains. His expressed desire to create similar youth initiatives after his career demonstrates maturity beyond his 18 years.

In Como’s Primavera setup, which remains undefeated this season with 21 wins and just one draw, Le Borgne’s influence has been significant. “The objective is clear,” he states firmly. “Promotion is essential for both the club and us as players. We fight every day to achieve this goal, and we know we’ll make it.”

The young Frenchman particularly values Como’s diverse environment. “It’s fascinating to be part of a club with players of different nationalities and ages,” he observes. “The older players guide the younger ones, creating a perfect learning environment. Como heavily relies on young talent, and that trust motivates us to perform.”

As Como 1907 continues its trajectory toward becoming a global football destination, players like Andrea Le Borgne represent the future – young, technically gifted, and fully aligned with the club’s vision of development and excellence. His journey from Neuilly-sur-Seine to Como, via Nice, is more than just a personal story; it’s a testament to the club’s successful strategy of blending international talent with focused development.