What hierarchy in defence?

Against players such as Briand, Bastos, Gomis ot Gourcuff, Rennes’ defence will have to deal without Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik and Kader Mangane this Saturday [1]. “It annoys me, but I’m not too worried as we have young players able to perform well”, Frédéric Antonetti guarantees.

After then games, the Stade Rennais built their position at the top of the standings mainly on their defensive solidity (5 goals conceded in 10 games).Rod Fanni and Kévin Théophile-Catherine at centre back, Romain Danzé at right back and Samuel Souprayen at left back will be Rennes’ defence against OL. A perfectly unprecedented line-up with three players trained at the club. And a perfect occasion, after 10 game weeks, to have a look at the resources available at the club.

The unmovables

Kader Mangane. The captain is the team’s leader. Calm, experienced, a decisive goal scorer against Sochaux, he doesn’t hesitate in running up the field or bringing his heading ability on stopped kicks. With his 70 Ligue 1 games at Rennes, the 27 years old Senegal international is commanding the Breton defence perfectly.

Kévin Théophile-Catherine. The revelation of this early season. The 21 years old Saint-brieuc man imposed himself at left-back and played every game this season. Solid in the one-on-ones, displaying more attacking presence, he even scored against Sochaux. Against Lyon, he should play at centre-back, a position he was holding with the Reserve last year. “At this moment, I’m playing, I’m not planning any further”, he explains before this game. His versatility is his strength. A defensive midfielder, he can play at right or left full back.

The starters

Rod Fanni. Right back or Centre back. Planned in Marseille, his return to the pitch will happen this Saturday against Lyon. As in the season’s beginning, he will play as a centre back. At this position, he did not disappoint but he won’t be able to bring the attacking rushes he displayed when he arrived from Nice. The 28 years old French international still hopes to return to the French squad. Discrete, he has got the experience of the highest level.

Romain Danzé. Right or left full back. The man from Douarnenez finally settled on the right flank. Aged 24 and with 98 Ligue 1 games to his name, he sometimes runs up the field to display is passing ability, without assist success so far this season. Against Toulouse, he scored a splendid goal to cap one of Rennes’ best phases of play so far this season. Preferring technical players rather than pacy wingers, his regularity makes him, at this time, a definite starter in the team. However, with Kana-Biyik, Mangane and Fanni returning, he could be facing a very hard competition.

Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik. Able to play at right, left or centre back. Explosive and efficient, he doesn’t mind though contact. Since he came in against Arles-Avignon, the 21 years old former Le Havre player proved his ability next to Kader Mangane at centre back. He now needs to confirm against great strikers and in big games.

The substitutes

Samuel Souprayen. Left or centre back. After a good Ligue 2 season in Dijon, he had to cope with the success of his Academy team-mate Kévin Théophile-Catherine. The former centre-back really struggled against Guingamp in the Coupe de la Ligue, but he should be given his chance this Saturday. One of the only left-footed players in the defensive sector is now to prove his worth at the highest level.

Yassine Jebbour. Right back. Still in learning, the 19 years old Poitiers man is facing tough competition on the right flank.

John Boye. Centre back, the 23 years old Ghanaian is still to play his first minutes in Ligue 1. This Reserve’s regular has got great spirit, but hasn’t shown enough to be considered as a possible game starter with the pros.

Bira Dembélé. A centre or left back, he was loaned to Boulogne-sur-mer in Ligue 1, where he played 22 games. Basing his play on his placement and heading ability, the 22 years old player, trained at the Academy, lacks the physical impact Frédéric Antonetti expects from his players.

The Mystery

Onyekachi Apam. Arrived from Nice in July, the Nigerian is recovering very slowly from his meniscus surgery. Able to play at centre or right back, Onyekachi Apam spends a lot of time running around the pitch, nearly five months after he joined the club, but he still isn’t involved in any training sessions with the football.
Nicolas Auffray - Le Mensuel de Rennes

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