Since the start of the transfer window, the attacking site has been the main topic of discussion. The Stephanois saw the departures of Khazri, Nordin, Crivelli, Hamouma and Boudebouz. In return, Loic Perrin and his cell signed Dylan Chambost. 15 days from the resumption of the championship and 1 month and a half from the end of the transfer window, what are the trends in the offensive sector of the Forez summer transfer window.
A position of 9 bald
An eternal failure
It’s been an eternal restart for several seasons, ASSE is struggling to have a scorer in its workforce. The disappointments have been linked for several transfer windows. The recruitment of Lois Diony was one of the many mistakes in this position.
Just like the non-signing of Mohamed Mostafa or the panic buy signing of Anthony Modeste who was injured and therefore unfit. Finally, the arrival of Ignacio Ramirez had given hope to the Stephanois supporters.
The Uruguayan center forward with prolix statistics in his country which aroused a certain enthusiasm. In the end, his recruitment was a total fiasco. The arrival of Enzo Crivelli, injured and never at 100% of his abilities, was not a better choice. At the dawn of this new season, the striker’s construction site is still relevant. Even more with the departure of Wahbi Khazri who held this role in previous seasons.
Krasso and Abi?
The loan returns of Krasso and Abi place the two players in this register of number 9. Problem, between them they cumulate 6 goals in the league last season. They are not decisive players and will not be more so this season.
Krasso seems to be the #1 option right now. The Franco-Ivorian comes out of an interesting half season where he won the climb with AC Ajaccio. The player didn’t hide it, he’s not against finding another project… especially in Ligue 1! One year from the end of his contract, the club will study the proposals but would not be against the idea of extending it.
Charles Abi is in a different dynamic. The club-trained player is at a pivotal moment in his career. He accumulates a significant playing time but must now pass a milestone and register as an important player in the team.
However, his performances in preparation, for the moment, do not seem to indicate this. The coach even uses number 9 from Saint-Etienne as a winger rather than a striker. A disavowal as a scorer for Abi?
The board takes its time
Loic Perrin knows that the recruitment of his number 9 is an important variable for the coming season. This is why the Stephanois board takes its time not to rush and miss opportunities.
The striker Ibrahim Sissoko had the preferences of the club but the latter preferred to engage with FC Sochaux Montbéliard. Since then, very few names have leaked. Nicolas De Preville has been surveyed but the discussions have not progressed further. If Krasso were to stay, it would take a player with a “space eater” profile.
A player who prefers to play in depth, this would stretch the lines and provide space for the player who will play as a central attacking midfielder.
Moreover, it would offer a different profile of JP Krasso. And above all, it would correspond more to the profile of Touzghar, the titular center forward of Batlles when he was at the head of ESTAC.
Who to play on the left?
The wingers’ work is just as important. It’s a secret to no one, Bouanga wants to leave ASSE. He is in demand and his departure will happen sooner or later. On the left side of the Saint-Etienne attack, there are currently 3 options.
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The first is Charles Abi who could be repositioned in this role. It will take patience to have a final judgment but its first outings are mediocre.
Then the second is Ayman Aiki. The young 17-year-old player amazes the Saint-Etienne supporters with his precocity. At the height during this preparation, he shows that he can play second fiddle in the workforce of Laurent Batlles.
However, it seems difficult to rely on a 17-year-old as a starter for a whole season. The player simply starts playing in adult football. Although his qualities are undeniable, it could “burn” him to expose him as a holder in his own right.
Finally, Lucas Calodat is the third option. Endowed with qualities of percussion and a nice left foot, he has the qualities required to meet the expectations of the coach. For that, we hope that he will be able to follow up better than last season. Indeed, his season was absolutely ruined by the physical glitches.
And on the right?
On the post of piston-right winger, the questions are multiple. Yvan Maçon is currently considered the incumbent. Nevertheless, he would not be against leaving if an interesting new project presented itself.
According to the friendly matches, the second option is Sergi Palencia but the Spaniard should not make old bones in Forez. Bryan Djile Nokoue does not have the characteristics to occupy this position of winger, he who is more of a defender at heart.
The surprise could come from El Hadj Dieye, The Senegalese winger, who arrived at the club last season, is currently in the rehabilitation phase. Indeed, he is treating an elbow injury contracted at the end of last season. In terms of quality and profile, he could be interesting in the rotation for this role of right winger.
Chambost’s injury is a game-changer?
Dylan Chambost, the new recruit trained at the club, suffered a fractured radius against Grenoble on Friday. He will be unavailable for at least 2 months. In the meantime, the coach must find solutions. Although his two substitutes showed great things during the preparation matches, it seems difficult to see them replacing Chambost in the long term.
Indeed, Antoine Gauthier is simply discovering adult football. Despite obvious qualities, he must get used to the intensity of league 2. A dosed adaptation would be welcome. Finally, Maxence Rivera is making good outings in this role of playmaker. He knows that the coming season will be important for the rest of his career and that he must take the right turn. Enough to convince Batlles?
Finally, Adil Aouchiche is courted but not yet gone. The former Parisian could be offered playing time at the start of the season to compensate for the absence of Chambost. If he plays the game before leaving, the club and the player could benefit from it.
To conclude, the offensive site is enormous. The club will necessarily move during this month and a half remaining transfer window. Departures will facilitate arrivals. The club must offer at least 2 offensive players if no departure is recorded. Otherwise, it will also be necessary to replace the starters numerically.
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