The Professional Squad (2/2) : Midfielders and Forwards

Defensive Midfielder

Hierarchy : 1 Mvila - 2 Mandjeck - 3 Lemoine (Other possible solutions: Doumbia - Tettey)

There is no competition for this position, with Yann M’vila head and shoulders above anyone else (and maybe even above the Stade Rennais itself). Except for injuries and suspensions, the Number 17 at the “Rouge et Noir” but also with France won’t come out of the club’s starting eleven this season. Georges Mandjec will certainly be able to prove his value through second half entrances mainly this season. If he was to choose an alternative system against tougher opponents, Antonetti could decide to use Mandjeck and M’Vila together from the beginning of some games, especially as Fabien Lemoine – who played at the defensive midfield position for the season’s opening game against Lille – will be unavailable for long months.

Centre Midfielder

Hierarchy: 1 Dalmat - 2 Tettey & Doumbia - 4 Lemoine - 5 Caro & Issah

Summer recruit Stéphane Dalmat has to take control of Rennes’ game. Able to recover the ball, organise midfield, build chances and go forwards, he brings what Rennes had been missing for the last few seasons (Källström was the last player to play a similar role in the squad). Alexander Tettey blew his chance at this position last season and will share the bench with Doumbia, who could be entering the field quite often this season. If he manages to come back to his best level, Lemoine could overtake these two in the hierarchy. The new Reserve captain, youngster Gaëtan Caro is unlikely to discover the first team this season.

Playmaker or Second Centre Midfielder

Hierarchy: 1 Leroy - 2 Brahimi - 3 Tettey & Doumbia - 5 Lemoine - 6 Caro & Issah

Jérôme Leroy starts the season as the team’s playmaker, and the tactics are built for him, playing at the top end of the midfield triangle. Aged 36, he probably won’t play every game this season. His only direct substitute is Yacine Brahimi, who was tested at this position during the pre-season friendlies. But it is more likely to see Antonetti change his tactics when he will decide not to play Leroy. Then, either Mandjeck would partner with M’Vila at defensive midfield, or a second centre midfielder would be lined up alongside Dalmat. In the latter case, Tettey and Doumbia would have a chance to seize before Lemoine’s return from injury. Finally, the young and little-known Kamal Issah Sissoko will have to prove his value with the Reserve to hope for a chance with the first team.

Right Winger

Hierarchy : 1 Brahimi - 2 Kembo-Ekoko - 3 Montaño - 4 Leroy - 5 Issah (Other Solution : Camara - Danzé - Doumbia - Jebbour - Julienne)

If there is one position to take this season, this is the one. Bangoura, Briand, Gyan and Sow have left, the new deal is coming and only Victor Hugo Montaño and Sylvain Marveaux seem unmovable. With his experience playing on the right wing at Clermont last year, Brahimi seems to have a slight head-start. The forever hopeful Jirès Kembo-Ekoko isn’t far behind though, and if he could do as well when he starts as when he enters during games, this year could be his first really good season. Much better at centre than on the wing since the beginning of the League, Montaño is unlikely to go back to the right. As for Jérôme Leroy, he might fill the position punctually to cover for absences. A regular goal scorer with the reserve since a year, trainee Franck Julienne could well start his professional career this season.

Centre Forward

Hierarchy: 1 Montaño - 2 Kembo-Ekoko - 3 Camara (Other solution: Sissoko)

Montaño is replacing Gyan in the striker position. Clearly better when he plays at centre, he won’t have any competition at this position. His possible absence may therefore be a real problem for Rennes’ attack. Only Kembo seems able to cover for this position, in which he played his first games for Rennes, but also with France U21. Behind these two, lightweight striker Abdoul Razzagui Camara has already played at this position several times during his loan in Vannes (Ligue 2) last season. Youngster Slimane Sissoko could also have a chance to shine if many absences were to be deplored. However, a new recruit is expected in the weeks to come at this position.

Left Winger

Hierarchy: 1 Marveaux - 2 Brahimi - 3 Kembo-Ekoko - 4 Camara

Marveaux is the obvious first choice. As opposed to last season when Olivier Thomert was declining, however, ambitious youngsters are arriving. Physically fragile since the pre-season, the Vannes-man sees Brahimi shine in a career beginning a bit like his 4 years ago. Kembo-Ekoko could play a few games at this position, while Camara is a specialist of the left wing and was a good surprise in the pre-season.