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.
chris
Guest
Hrustic going to Verona is a surprise as it was looking more like Salernitana. I agree with S Scout that the slower more technical Seria A will suit his game. And who wouldn't want to live in Verona! A very nice part of Italy.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
looks a good move on paper, the slower tempo in serie a will suit his playing style. i don’t think he'll initially start, (likely to come off the bench until he acclimatises) Verona’s position on the table is very misleading, i wouldn’t read too much into it so early in the season.
AGO74
Guest
Enjoyed that read TSS. Thanks. Such young lads moving to Europe it can't be easy therefore it has got to be a bonus (a) having your best mate there and (b) speaking the language. What do you think of Hrustic's move? I'm all for it - so long as he is playing regularly and warming the pine. Given he appears to have signed as a direct replacement for a guy who just got shipped off to Fiorentina, it appears he is likely to play. Fingers crossed. Great to see Aluo Kuol on the bench too after a developmental first 12 months. Hopefully he can start getting some game time at Stuttgart.
Tigertown
Guest
Excellent article.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
i'd expect kisnorbo to rotate regularily, given the players (that you mentioned) can play a variety of roles in midfield/attack - but like i said, the side is short of a "box to box" midfielder with energy i wouldn't be too worried about the goals department lol, city arent exactly short of players who can chip in lol.
Marcel
Guest
Thanks SS.....I really enjoy reading these type of articles.
Mark
Guest
Interesting you should say that, it seems that City already have that sort of AM role player in Berenguer, Van Der Venne, and Tilio (although I find he operates better as a Right winger). Overkill? Or insurance in case both Berenguer and VDV are injured, noting VDV has already picked up a soft tissue injury and has'nt played a game. Also means Tilio may get even less time on the field unless he usurps Nabbout's starting position. I would have thought a tall Striker would be a better option, because Maclaren gets nowhere against the monster CBs. Although young Max Caputo is pretty big and only just turned 17 and may be up for more minutes, likewise Raphael is a bit taller and can hold up the ball much more effectively than Maclaren but does'nt seem to have the same poacher instincts.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
dukuly is a fine player from a technical point of view, i still feel he is being shoehorned into a wing position - (was an attacking midfielder in his early teens) he was regarded highly by the adelaide coaching team as well as arthur pappas who tried on 2 occasions to take him to newcastle (on loan in january and then to try and sign him at season end) - a deal with reims was already in place by that stage though
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
reims have actively been looking at moving him on, thats why he's been dropped to the B team. city need a hard running central midfielder who can go box to box (like metcalfe used to), berisha can play across multiple positions in midfield and even attack - but hes a very different type of player
Mark
Guest
As an aside there's a rumour than Valon Berisha is being loaned out to City for a year. Hard to get a take on how good he will be, Whilst he's played with Lazio in Serie A and Dusseldorf in Bundesliga and now Reims in Ligue 1 and a Kosovan Intenational, he has been in and out of those teams over the last four-five years and a little injury prone. Best year appears to have been 17/18 at RB Sazburg where he looks like he killed it as an AM scoring for fun. But that's years back.
Franko
Guest
Great write up TSS. Dukuly was a frustration to Adelaide fans and with good reason, I recall Carl hooking him one game after 30mins. Saying that, I hope these boys grab this chance by the scruff. MoToure was built like a man and could bully the most seasoned CBs here, hopefully he adds some endurance. They've moved from Shiraz to Champagne :silly:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Great to be updated on these talented young footballers. Hopefully it is the right move and both do well. Al Hassan scored a lovely goal last night for MacArthur. Hopefully Dwight can get the best out of him, too.