Goalkeepers

Opposed to Spain, Abdoulaye Diallo and the French U19s managed a real achievement by beating the “Roja” (2-1) in the U19 European Nations Championship final. The young Rennes goalkeeper earned his first ever trophy, and will play the U20 World Cup next year with the same generation of French players. He is the tenth player trained in Rennes to win this continental in this age category.

After three seasons in which he affirmed himself as one of the best, if not the best goalkeeper in Ligue 2, Benoît Costil arrives at the Stade Rennais to replace departing Nicolas Douchez. A great prospect at the Stade Malherbe de Caen, the Normand eventually failed to break through at professional level. Therefore, there is a feeling of revenge for Costil, as he joins Brittany in summer 2011, with a strong desire to show his real ability in Ligue 1.

Trained at Montpellier, Johann Carrasso was accessory in the club’s promotion to Ligue 1 during the 2008-2009 season. However, a bad injury during the season’s final game made him lose his place in the first team. He subsequently had to go back through a long re-education process, and was mainly left to play with the Reserve team. In summer 2010, he joined the Stade Rennais as Nicolas Douchez’ substitute. A very talented and ambitious second choice, he certainly is the club’s future at the goalkeeper position.

Stade de Gerland, November 2009: Abdoulaye Diallo is under Ligue 1’s spotlights aged only 17. Against Lyon, the club’s third goalkeeper did the job as an experienced keeper. He is promised to a great future, and is now expected to respond accordingly. At the moment, he spends most of his time in the Reserve team, where he continues learning his trade. In the goalkeepers’ hierarchy he is third to Nicolas Douchez and Johann Carrasso. In June 2010, he was crowned an U19 European Champion with France.