Honestly, watching FC Nantes lately had me wondering, who’s really carrying the team these days? Felt like time to sit down and really dig into who stands out in their squad right now. Just a casual evening thing, you know?
Starting Point: Who Even Are These Guys?
First thing, I just pulled up a basic list of the current squad. Names I knew, like Lafont and Blas… obviously. But then you get those other names – Mohamed and Guessand? Okay, needed reminders. Spent a good 15 minutes just refreshing my memory on who plays where and who’s actually getting game time. Simple stuff, but gotta start somewhere.
Diving Into Performance Stuff
Next, jumped onto a few places where they track player stats. Not looking for crazy deep analysis, just the basics:
- Alban Lafont (GK): Okay, saves. Always rated him, but honestly? His save percentage still surprised me a bit. Feels like he bails them out constantly.
- Moses Simon (Winger): Goals? Assists? Pace? Yeah, looked for all that. The numbers back up what I see – dude is dangerous almost every game he plays.
- Ludovic Blas (Midfielder): Bit trickier. Less flashy stats maybe, but every highlight reel has him involved in build-up play or taking a killer free-kick. Had to factor that feeling in, beyond just numbers.
- Andrei Girotto (CB): Tough one. Defenders are hard! Looked at clearances, tackles, interceptions… but honestly, the biggest thing? How much less shaky the defense feels when he’s actually playing versus when he’s not. Stats only tell part of that story.
Beyond the Spreadsheet: The Gut Feeling Part
The stats are cool, but watching the games matters more. Had to ask myself:
- Who do I expect something special from every match? Simon, for sure.
- Who just seems important? Girotto. Feels like glue back there.
- Who delivers clutch moments? Blas does, consistently. That free-kick against PSG last season? Yeah.
- Who seems like pure potential? Mohamed looked electric that one time I saw him start. Maybe not ‘top star’ yet, but the spark is there.
Also thought about the new guys – guys like Moutoussamy. Seems solid enough, but is he impactful yet? Not convinced. More of a reliable piece than a star. Guessand? Still feels like he needs time to show what he’s really got.
Trying to Make Sense of It All
Okay, so after jotting down names, squinting at numbers, and replaying games in my head, the top few stood out.
Lafont feels indispensable in goal. That’s easy. Simon is just outright their most dangerous attacker, no question. Blas might be the most purely talented footballer they have – technically gifted and often makes things happen. And Girotto… well, that defence needs him, even if centre-backs never get the limelight.
It got messy trying to order them after that. Arguments in my own head! Like, Castelletto is consistent, but lacks Girotto’s presence? Coco is fast, but is he impactful enough? Ended up grouping some in a ‘Reliable/Vital’ tier below the absolute top stars. Didn’t feel definitive, more like how I genuinely see their roles right now based on trying to piece it together.
Putting Thoughts on Paper (Well, Screen)
Finally took all the scribbles and thoughts and tried to write it out clearly. Aimed for that balance: acknowledging stats, but not being a slave to them. Highlighting the guys who consistently influence games or just feel vital based on watching. Took a couple of drafts to get it sounding right without feeling too stiff. Poured a beer halfway through – felt necessary!
Hit publish feeling like it was a decent overview from a fan’s perspective, based on actually bothering to look. Not claiming it’s gospel truth, just how it looks to me after making the effort to see past just the headlines. Cheers.
