A Detailed Squad Review of the 2010-2011 Stade Rennais (Part 2)

Goalkeepers: A clear hierarchy, but…

A brand new situation for Nicolas Douchez in Rennes, as he faces competition in the goals. Indeed Frédéric Antonetti requested the recruitment of a “number one bis” . Interested in Marijan Antolović (Legia Warsaw), David Ospina (Nice) and Nicolas Penneteau (Valenciennes), Rennes eventually signed Johann Carrasso, the young goalkeeper from Montpellier and a French U21 international.

During the pre-season, both men received an equal share of time in the Rennes goals, playing one half each on all friendlies, except for the last one against Caen, when Douchez played the whole game. Contracted until June 2011 – and having refused to extend his contract last season -, Douchez showed his irritation and declared he could not understand his management’s position. As the Ligue 1 prepares to restart, a hierarchy has now been clearly installed, with Douchez as the first choice keeper. But Antonetti knows he can rely on Carasso to take his chance if the former Le Havre man’s performances were to disappoint.

For the third goalkeeper position, the competition will be stiff between Abdoulaye Diallo and Cheick N’Diaye. The new U19 European champion has gone down in the hierarchy compared to last season, when he was Douchez’ immediate substitute. A couple of weeks ago, he poured out his feelings to daily newspaper Ouest-France, stating that a loan could be “something to think about” , in order to keep improving.

However, N’Diaye is aspiring to more playing time too, with the aim to become Senegal’s first choice goalkeeper. In the next two weeks, the club is expected to take a decision on these two players. If one of them was to leave, Vincent Dorel, on a two year trainee contract since last year, would take over as the fourth keeper.

- Also Read : Carrasso - Douchez, a common goal?

Right Back: Danzé sees life in the first team

Increasingly tired of his role as a super sub since his professional beginnings, Romain Danzé made sure to put his management under pressure in April, requesting to finally get a new status in his training club. When informed of Rod Fanni’s desire to leave, Antonetti promised Danzé he would get his chance and a place as a right back in Rennes’ first eleven.

To succeed, he will have to show more consistency on his side than he did during the pre-season friendlies. Against the Legia Warsaw, he had real difficulties to hold his direct opponents, especially on one-to-one situations. Over the last few years, Danzé has often struggled in his defensive works, and especially against skilled, pacy players. However, he compensates his defensive imperfection with a real ability to use the ball going forwards, and quality deliveries in the attacking zone.

If Danzé failed to convince, he could be replaced by Kévin Théophile-Catherine. Repositioned at centre-back with the Reserved last year, he had impressed when Guy Lacombe gave him a chance two seasons ago, against Le Mans in Coupe de la Ligue (2-2, 4-3 pen.). Active, available, strong defensively, the defender trained as a holding midfield could be a real alternative to Danzé. As for Yassine Jebbour, last year’s Gambardella Cup squad captain, he has been continuously improving since he joined the club’s academy. When he reaches full maturity, the former INF Clairefontaine trainee could be the club’s future at right back.

- Also Read : Romain Danzé wants to play

Centre Defence: Mangane is in charge

After Petter Hansson’s departure to Monaco, Kader Mangane has taken over captaincy from the Swede. And it seems to have gifted the Senegalese defender with a new energy, who towered over the summer friendlies. Against Lorient, Warsaw or Caen, Mangane’s speed and serenity have impressed the spectators, and the player know his responsibilities will be massively increased after the departure of several key players this summer.

Indeed, with a 60% renewed defence, some doubts are remaining about the team backline’s solidity, failing to bring as many guarantees as it used to. Mangane is expected to start the season alongside Rod Fanni, even though the latter is expected to leave the club sooner rather than later. A long-term target of Antonetti, who introduced him to professional football in Nice, Onyekachi Apam will take over with all intentions to reach another level with the Stade Rennais. Tough and powerful, Apam is also interesting for his versatility, since he is also able to play as a right back. Currently going through fitness preparation, he should be ready to play by mid-August.

This summer’s first recruit, Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik is a gamble on the future. A French U21 international, he arrived from Le Havre. Introduced by Antonetti as a player with “physical aptitudes rare in Ligue 1”, he should mainly be used as a cover in case Apam or Mangane were to miss for injuries and/or suspensions. Not forgetting he is also able to cover at both the left and right full back positions. As for John Boye, he is most unlikely to appear in the professional squad, and his one year contract extension seems more an intent to stabilise the defensive line in the Reserve than a real competition for the first squad. Bira Dembélé has been showed the exit and invited to find himself a new club, a year from his contract’s term.

Left Back : Souprayen promoted

After Carlos Bocanegra’s departure to Saint-Etienne, Antonetti decided to give his trust to Samuel Souprayen, rather than recruiting on the position. It has to be said, the young man from Reunion Island showed real abilities last year during his loan in Dijon (Ligue 2)

Trained as a centre back – which remains his favourite position – Souprayen encountered some defensive difficulties during the pre-season friendlies. However, he showed real skills, and his runs forward brought a real danger in the adverse backline. He now needs to find some coordination between his defensive work and his attacking input, but the supports can trust this young player whose qualities (In the air, on the ball, on positioning), maturity and seriousness have always been exemplar during his training at the club.

Competition at left back is one of the only unknown factors in this new season, as Antonetti is forced to use right back on the left side. Théophile-Catherine has then been positioned as left back when Souprayen was injured. Alongside Bocanegra, Elderson Echiejile and Maxime Le Marchand also left the club, leaving the club without any real left full back.

- Also Read : Contracts : Souprayen, the new wonderkid

Midfield: Rennes wants to take control

Last year, Junichi Inamoto’s and Alexander Tettey’s recruitments did not have the expected effect. In this new season, Antonetti wanted to avoid repeating mistakes from the past, and the club signed another two players in its midfield line. Indeed, Stéphane Dalmat and Georges Mandjeck have arrived in the Breton capital to add some density to the Rennes midfield.

Ahead of Yann MVila, Rennes was looking for a player able to efficiently link the team’s midfield and attack. Indeed, since two seasons, no defensive or creative midfielder has managed to get on the score sheet for Rennes in Ligue 1, and the club is striving to find their Yohan Cabaye (Lille) or their Benoît Cheyrou (Marseille). The Rennes management therefore decided to sign Sochaux’ Dalmat, a player capable of being decisive in front of the goal or on the final pass. Since his arrival, Dalmat has impressed with his ability to direct the play, the impression of fluidity he displays, and an already visible influence on the squad. Not common for a player only arrived fifteen days ago.

All subject to Frédéric Antonetti’s choices, the 2010-2011 Stade Rennais should be playing with one anchor midfielder and two centre midfielders. Last year, Rennes mainly played with two men at holding midfield and one creative player, but it seems Antonetti has now decided to change his tactics on the long term, according to the pre-season friendlies.

It is almost evident, M’Vila will be the anchor in this system, and he has shown against the Legia Warsaw, that all his qualities were intact after the break. Tireless in recovering the ball, his passing skills allow him to be the first base on building the team’s attacks, forwards or on the sides. In front of him, Antonetti has often played with Fabien Lemoine and Dalmat. However, Antonetti’s trust in Lemoine remains limited, and the Fougeres man is likely to face competition for his spot in the first team all season.

Versatile, Mandjeck can cover every position in midfield, and even play as a right full back. The athletic Cameroon international, involved in the last World Cup with his country, will strive to create himself a place in midfield. His performances during the friendlies gave the image of a rather skilled player with interesting abilities to make the play. As for Alexander Tettey, just back from a thigh injury that handicapped him for several months, he will try to finally show the qualities that earned him a transfer to Rennes last summer. With a strong physical impact, the Norwegian’s ability to continuously harass his opponents could prove precious, and he will be eager to prove this season, that the club was right to buy him from Rosenborg.

Despite his regularity on the physical effort, some doubt remains on Jérome Leroy’s competitiveness this season. At 36, it seems his legs are struggling to take on all the pre-season work. His technical skills remain the same however, as he proved when entering the game against Legia Warsaw. Brought in as a winger, the former Paris playmaker immediately took charge of creating attacking opportunities, thanks to his outstanding and still intact ability to analyse the game.

Trained as an attacking midfielder, Yacine Brahimi was used at centre midfield against Nantes, Laval and Brest. An option not to be neglected, as his technical skills could help Rennes taking the edge on midfield, and his fitness would allow him to repeat his efforts. Brahimi is often lined up alongside Dalmat in midfield, a tactical setting which could threaten the balance of the team, but also a highly exciting option for the fans. During the final two friendlies, Brahimi was lined up with the first team, as a right winger. On this position, the French-Algerian showed his ability to change the pace of the game with his vision and dribbling. During is spell on loan at Clermont-Foot last season, he truly revealed himself on this position.

One of the best players in the Reserve last year, along with Vincent Pajot (since loaned to Boulogne-sur-Mer, Ligue 2, for the coming season), Tongo Hamed Doumbia could take another dimension in Rennes this season. Technically able, the former Chateauroux man isn’t bad with the ball, but he sometimes lacks spontaneity in the last 20 metres. His potential is certain, and Antonetti was keen to see him on a more advanced position during the preparation. Against Saint Malo, the Rennes coach positioned him as a right winger. Clever in his runs, calling the ball deep, he was the good surprise in this game.

Finally, just as Dembélé, Prince Oniangue has been advised to plan his future away from Rennes. With a contract terminating in June next year, a transfer is to be agreed, as the club doesn’t seem interested on another loan move for their midfielder. Professional since last June, Gaëtan Caro could be used occasionally in the team’s rotation, although it seems a bit premature to imagine him in the top flight this season. Awarded a one year contract (with two additional years in option), Caro has just been named as the Reserve’s captain by Laurent Huard. Playing at centre midfield, he shines with his availability on the pitch and his passing quality. He can also be used as a right full back.

Forwards: Montaño-Gyan-Marveaux, the winning trio?

Except for injuries, poor form or suspensions, these three men should be leading one of the most impressive Ligue 1 attacking lines, when they are all fit and ready.

Back from the World Cup, in which he reached the quarter-finals with Ghana, Asamoah Gyan will naturally remain the leader of Rennes’ attack. Unless the many rumours from abroad were to result in the player’s departure from the club. In this case, the transfer fee would be immediately re-invested to seek for a replacement for Gyan. The Ghanaian striker has expressed his satisfaction to remain in Rennes for a final season several times, but the summer transfer market only ends on August 31st, and offers from England could force the decision.

Arrived from Montpellier, Victor Hugo Montaño will have the mission to replace Jimmy Briand, transferred to Lyon to discover Champion’s League football. Mainly a center forward, the Colombian is expected to play on the right wing this season, but he will be able to take profit of Gyan’s late fitness preparation (he came back from holidays on July 26th only) to start the season in the centre. Impressive in his runs and his commitment, “Pepito” will certainly put many defences to the sword with his constant calls for the ball and his colossal defensive work rate.

On the left wing, Sylvain Marveaux enters a crucial season, where he will have to confirm his brilliant last season and try catching Laurent Blanc’s eye to be called up in the French national team. Tied to Rennes until June 2011, “Marvellous” isn’t likely to extend his contract, despite his training club’s repeated offers. He is most likely to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of this season.

The competition for first team slots could come from Ismaël Bangoura. The Guinean is expected to work hard in order to make Rennes forget about a truly disappointing 2009-2010 season in regards to the player’s transfer fee. The player has clearly been lacking of confidence over the last season, and Gyan’s absence will give him a chance to shine from the beginning of this season. Lhadji Badiane and Jirès Kembo Ekoko may also have a role to play in August. Both men could bring their verve and their activity to the Rennes attack. Badiane unlocked the friendly against Laval with a brace of goals in the second half, while Kembo Ekoko knew the same fortune against Saint Malo last week-end, and certainly feels the time has come for him to claim more first-team football.

Injured since a couple of weeks, Abdoul Razzagui Camara also remains in Antonetti’s good books. The Corsican manager appreciates his power, and his ability to eliminate his opponents. Trained as a left winger, he is also able to play as a centre forward as he sometimes did in Vannes last season. The Guinean born striker has got a unique profile in the Rennes squad. In his absence, Frank Julienne played his first minutes with the professional squad against Lorient, Warsaw and Saint-Malo. Last season, Julienne’s six goals made him the Reserve’s top goal scorer for the 2009-2010 season.

- Also Read : Victor Hugo Montaño, the Colombian Warrior