The Dalmat Enigma

Midfield

Transferred from Sochaux after Stade Rennes’ huge effort to attract him, Stéphane Dalmat is far from the level he was hoped to display at his signing. There is indeed a big difference between what the former Internazionale player brought during the pre-season friendlies and the complete assessment of this first half of the championship

After a more than honourable first game against Lille, he was expected to show more decisive in the attacking sector. With only one goal and an assist in seventeen games, the result is meagre compared to the efforts made y the club’s management last summer. A priority target of Frédéric Antonetti & Pierre Dréossi last summer, he was the target of criticism a few weeks ago. His manager then leaped in to defend his player: “I don’t think it is honest. Even though I expect more from him, I’m mainly satisfied”. To his defence, it has to be said that stability has been lacking in this area since the beginning of the season.

By contrast, Yann MVila is clearly confirming his international status. A storming early season before a little dip in form in October, seemingly due to the high media attention around him. Revived after his good performance with France in Wembley, the “Revelation of the Year” according to France Football seems to have the experience of a thirty years old ace. Nothing seems enough to disturb him, not even when he recently appeared in the front page of Spanish newspaper AS, as a priority target of Real Madrid. Talking about his future, he affirmed he would stay at least one more season in his training club before looking for European football. The most important man in the squad, he should get more involvement in the opposition’s area to show his shooting ability.

As for Georges Mandjeck, he is obviously remaining in M’Vila’s shadow. The Cameroonese had managed a good game in Paris, with a high-level first half hour especially in athletic terms. Later, his technical approximations and his sometimes brutal behaviour tarnished a first half of the season in which he was showing rather satisfying.

Fabien Lemoine should have been the third member of the midfield triangle. But circumstances decided otherwise. After his career and his life were put in jeopardy when his right kidney was removed, the Fougères man worked hard to return to competition as soon as possible. While doubts where remaining in his ability to return before next season, he surprised everyone by returning in Antonetti’s squad only four months after his accident. After a game with the Reserve, his return to Ligue 1 turned into an absolute fairy tale, when he delivered the victorious assist against Valenciennes. His presence will definitely bring competition and stability to Rennes’ midfield, and he could soon become the barometer of Rennes’ centre-field again.

Lemoine’s injury gave a chance to some other elements too stand out. It was the case of Tongo Hamed Doumbia. The solid 1,90 man showed a real potential in his role at centre midfield. Following difficult beginning, the former Chateauroux-player got more confidence with the games and managed one of his best performances against Valenciennes, by the last games of this first phase. In the future, he will need to show more spontaneity in the last thirty metres in order to step to another level.

Just as last year, Alexander Tettey spends more time injured than on the Route de Lorient pitch. After interminable transfer negotiations and average performance, the Norwegian’s first year had disappointed everyone in Rennes, including general manager Pierre Dréossi. In this early season, and after long weeks on the sidelines, Frédéric Antonetti included him in his starting eleven against Lyon. His ability to press the ball carrier, to bring the danger in attack, showed that he is the only player in the squad able to fully replace Lemoine’s work, but the player’s fragility decided otherwise.

A bit further up the pitch, Yacine Brahimi had started the season in a storm before slowly fading away during this first half. Playing on the wing most of the time, the French-Algerian qualities don’t need to be proven anymore, but he will be expected to simplify his way of playing in the next few months. He sometimes seems to lack lucidity, trying to make the difference by himself. Whether this was a dip in form or not, Brahimi can bring a lot to a Rennes team struggling in attack, especially when it comes to push-up and make the difference. His last introductions against Lorient and Caen were more like his first steps in Ligue 1. A good omen before the return games?

Jérôme Leroy is not twenty anymore, but his input his still beneficial to the team. Not as decisive as he once was, his experience remains a real asset for the young players who are now the base of this professional squad. His ability to keep control of the ball is always good. He is certainly playing his last season in Rennes, unless the club proposes him another season.

In the Reserve, Gaëtan Caro has been awarded a one year professional contract, with an optional two years extension. As a model to the rest of the Reserve, Laurent Huard’s new captain seems unable to show real consistency in his performances. However, he shows a constant fighting spirit at midfield and good abilities to use the ball. Arrived a bit later, Kamal Issah Sissoko will have the time to work serenely with a three years professional contract. Strong in the challenges despite a rather unnoticeable build, the Ghanaian has a good ability to organise the play, and obvious passing qualities. During this return phase, he could join the Gambardella team. Certainly not a bad addition to the squad.

Loaned to Boulogne-sur-Mer (Ligue 2), Vincent Pajot has become a key-member of Boulogne’s midfield in a few weeks. He confirms the abilities he had showed during the last years of his training, that allowed him to turn professional. Of all loaned players, he is the only satisfaction as he blossoms in Boulogne-sur-Mer. So much that he was called in the France U21 squad by Erik Mombaerts.

Forwards

Considering the big gap left by the departures of Bangoura and Gyan this summer, Victor Hugo Montaño knew he would have his work cut-out to take over their legacy. Without competition in the squad, he satisfied during the early season before starting to struggle, as most of Rennes’ attacking line. Often left alone up front, his work isn’t in cause, nor is his defensive work. However, his technical difficulties near the penalty area tend to irritate the Route de Lorient. Considering his level in Montpellier, this player could become a real attraction with better support.

On the wings, Jirès Kembo Ekoko is managing his best season in Rennes. Given a confidence boost by the club’s coaching staff, the former U21 French international brings creativity and efficiency to Rennes’ attacking line. Already four goals in all competitions for him this season, as many as he scored during his first four years. Victim of an ankle injury against Bordeaux, he hopes to return to the level he displayed in November. So do we, clearly the best forward in this first half-season.

The assessment won’t be as bright for Sylvain Marveaux. With a contract ending in June next year, he accumulates the injuries (strained adductors) and doesn’t bring as much as he could when he is able to play. A world away from last year’s Marveaux. There is hope he could bounce back from January, but he could also decide to favour his personal future over his club’s performances.

Marveaux’ poor form profited to Abdoul Razzagui Camara, who earned much playing time since he came back from his loan in Vannes. His vivacity and his acceleration could be an interesting alternative this season for Rennes’ attacking line. However, the expected recruitment in attack during the winter transfer window could reduce his playing time in the next weeks.

A very new professional, Frank Julienne is still to play a single minute in the top flight. Included in the professional squad by Frédéric Antonetti last summer, the left-footed Rennais is the Reserve’s best striker with five goals, including a glorious hat-trick against Lorient’s reserve. Elegant with the ball, intelligent in his positioning and efficient in the finishing, he was rewarded with a two years and a half contract, which ties him to Rennes until June 2012.

Loaned in Ligue 2 once again, Lhadji Badiane is having a hard time in Dijon. To the contrary of his first loan at Clermont-Foot, the Rennes forward plays very little, and hasn’t started a game since October. His statistics (one goal, one assist) can’t let him hope for a slot in the starting eleven. Waiting, maybe, for brighter days.