Opinion
The French city of Reims is known as, la cité des sacres “the Coronation City” – due to its ceremonial role in French history with kings.
For Australian football fans the city is known better as the home of two of its most technically gifted players – Mohammed Toure and Yaya Dukly.
The Reims II side has started well to life in National 2, which is the fourth tier of French football – already joint second in the table.
It’s a stark contrast to the first team, which has had a horror start in Ligue 1 – looking likely to already be in a relegation battle.
Reims II over the weekend took part in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Creteil – that saw Yaya Dukuly play over 60 minutes and Mohammed Toure come on as a substitute to score a penalty.
The two teenagers are best friends and being able to understand the language is a bonus, that many young Australian players don’t have – when they make the move overseas.
I have been a part of Dukuly and Toure’s development for several years – to say I am pleased, especially for Dukuly is an understatement.
Dukuly became a maligned figure for Adelaide United fans, who couldn’t see his skill – surprising as I had graded him as the best Australian player with African heritage in his age group and position only a few years earlier.
Toure on the other hand has the pace, power and finishing to be successful France.
However, he will need to work on his fitness in term of being able to run out games – to makes a real success of his time there
Coach, Franck Chalençon is a huge admirer of both players and has given Dukuly the #7 shirt, while Toure has been assigned the #14.
Dukuly will be a starter if form and fitness persists, but Toure will face fierce competition with Brayan Beaumont – Who has come through the various Reims age groups.
Toure isn’t the only off-season recruit that is battling for his spot though.
(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Ognjen Lukic is a goalkeeper that came from the fabled Red Star Belgrade academy and was expected to be Reims II’s first choicer stopper this season – however he has had to cool his boots on the bench, due to the form of former France U20 goalie Yehvann Diouf
Meanwhile the most expensive off-season recruit, former Inter Miami academy star Kobi Henry has slotted in seamlessly at centeback.
Coach, Chalencon has a very exciting and young (avg age 19.1) squad at his disposal, that should go close to lifting silver wear this season.
The side has been beefed up by former Lazio player, Valon Berisha – who has dropped down from Reims Ligue 1 side and much is expected of home grown 17 years old attacking midfielder, Samuel Koeberlé and left back Ibrahim Diakité.
While people may scoff at the level of quality in France’s National 2, a lot of very good players had their initial break in this league and it is a good stepping stone up France’s football pyramid or better leagues in Europe.
It also can’t be forgotten that Yaya Dukuly & Mohammed Toure are both under 19 year olds and there adult bodies may still be developing – Toure in particular has grown significantly in height and muscle in the past 12 months.
As for those that say, if the boys’ transfers or any Australian players transfer to small league is the right move to make – is all a matter of opinion.
Adelaide United made money on both these sales, which will top up the coffers of a club that runs under a very tight budget.
While Yaya Dukuly & Mohammed Toure could play up to 50 games in a season once you factor in the sheer number of friendlies, tournaments, league and cup fixtures in France – compared to maybe, 30 matches in Australia.
All the boys can control is there performances on the pitch, fans views on the league quality – have no bearing on that.
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