33rd round prospects performances… Top 3/ Flop 3

By: Evilo | April 27th, 2009

Here’s a round up of the U22 performances in this weekend of Ligue 1 action.

Lyon 0-0 PSG
Pjanic (4) had a solid game but couldn’t break PSG’s defense. He had Armand and Sakho on his side and that’s tough. Mounier (6) showed some energy and willingness to fight, but couldn’t create much danger either. The biggest opportunity for Lyon came from Benzema (5) who hit the post. He did have plenty of space in this game becaue Camara would let him go down to take the ball without following him since he didn’t want to be outrun by Benz. Yet even with speed and facing the goal, Benzema didn’t create.
For PSG, Sakho (6) was IMO the best non-goalie on the pitch. Solid, calm, poised, and obviously extremely tough on his man. He has what it takes to be a great great defenseman.

Toulouse 1-1 Lorient
E. Capoue (6) was very solid in midfield but left injured. Sissoko (5) tried hard but made some bad choices. For Lorient Gameiro (7) was the best player on the field and should have scored a couple of goals. Obertan (3) played like a ghost and was replaced by Ayew, who managed to score after some good work off the ball.

Nice 3-1 St Etienne
Ospina (6) had a solid game with a huge save on Gomis. Couldn’t do anything on Ilan’s goal. Rémy (7) has continued his great form and managed an assist and a very good game. Man of the match probably.
For Les Verts, their best defenseman, Benalouane (4) had a poor game (even though it was “better” than the other 3). Who wants to make fun of Kévin Mirallas (3) and his career choices? He could be Lille’s starting striker right now and instead he either plays out of position or sits on the bench for the relegation zone St Etienne. Another awful game for him anyway.

Le Mans 0-1 Monaco
Corchia (6) worked very hard and had a solid outing. Gervinho (4) was once again disappointing. I don’t know what’s wrong with him, maybe he wants to leave, but he has been way too inconsistant this season.
For Monaco, Nkoulou (5) had a solid calm game. Good to see him back on track. Mollo (7) was dangerous on his side. Pino (7) was IMO the best player on the pitch and the most dangerous offensive player. Nimani (4) was not fitted for a counter attack game and he was rightfully replavec by Gakpe, who needed a couple of minutes to show his stuff with an assist on the game’s lone goal. Good to see he still has some talent left.

Auxerre 2-1 Caen
Yatabaré (4), 89 born BTW, had a solid game. He’s very useful to keep the ball, he’s mobile and I like his movement off the ball. Really, this guy has some similarities with Adebayor.

Le Havre 0-1 Grenoble
Paillot (5) had a solid no brainer game. He should come back with Lyon next year and be a prime backup.

Sochaux 1-1 Valenciennes
Boudebouz (5) was good but not great before being subed for a goalie after Richert’s red card. Martin (5) came in at the 42nd and showed his skills without any end product. Better choices would help him. Erding (6) was close on a few occasions but couldn’t score a goal.

Nancy 2-0 Nantes
N’Diaye (6) worked hard. I’d like him to play more going forward though when he plays midfielder. Dia (6) managed to create the penalty and the free kick that brought the two goals.
For Nantes, Vainqueur (4) made a stupid foul that created the first goal. Too bad because his game wasn’t horrible.

Lille 1-2 Marseille
Guess who was the top player in this game? 18 year old Eden Hazard (7) obviously! He scored a nice goal after a counter attack and was dangerous all around. Super star in the making people!

Top 3
1- Hazard : best player against the L1 leaders.
2- Sakho : best player against the 7 time champs.
3- Rémy : I really like his attitude since his NT callup.

Flop 3
1- Mirallas : clap your hands say boo.
2- Gervinho : this guy needs to be shaken up. Too much talent, not enough results.
3- Benzema : with the space he had (and he likes to have space), he should have done better.