It was a difficult evening experienced by the people of Nantes at the Parc des Princes. Beaten 4-2, Antoine Kombouaré’s men were not unworthy, and had found the resources to come back to score at the break. At the time of the balance sheet, the Canaries know that certain aspects of their game still need to be improved, and a player creates debate as to his role, if not even his position on the pitch.
Ludovic Blas and Igantus Ganago are definitely taking on the role of saviors of FC Nantes this season thanks in particular to their non-negligible contribution on the attacking front, as well as in statistical terms. Unfortunately, their revolt having taken place before half-time was not enough. This Sunday, the analysis deserves to be focused on a player in particular, very appreciated in view of his activity since his arrival in Nantes, but still too fragile defensively: Jaouen Hadjam.
Hadjam had a good game?
The question deserves to be asked in view of the ambivalent aspect of his performance. Very active on his offensive ball catches, the former young Paris FC player notably delivered a superb assist on one of the two Nantes goals. Very skilful in his transmissions and particularly very relevant when crossing, Hadjam is in no doubt in the Nantes ranks as to his ability to participate in his team’s offensives.
That said, his certain offensive level is to be combined with several major shortcomings defensively. At the time of his arrival, the main interested party, aware of this already topical observation, had seen his coach, Antoine Kombouaré, declare: “He is a player who likes to have the ball, to attack in his lane. He will work in a four-man defense and it will be up to him to learn how to defend better, to be stronger defensively and then let his attacking qualities speak for themselves. »
Against Paris, the player was at fault on a Parisian goal scored against his own side, and hardly shone when the Ligue 1 leaders had the ball. Under these conditions, is a tactical adjustment to be expected? Also during this same presentation press conference, Kombouaré also declared: “With me, the players also have to play in other positions, to be at the service of the team. I make the choices but anything is possible. »
Should we read here a sign of adjustment, in the heart of which Hadjam would have to have a role of winger? The debate now seems posed, while his place in the eleven does not seem to be in doubt with regard to his major involvement.