Someone picked Caen to finish WHERE?!??!!!

By: Chris | August 1st, 2007

As you see I didn’t post yesterday. There isn’t really that much going on, but I did find something of interest.

I have been searching for ligue 1 previews, (and I havent found much, which I find odd) and I found a post in a forum from a guy called “Meatman.” I don’t know this person’s expertise, but they do have over 10,000 posts in their forum, so they are dedicated.

This man of the carne picked Caen not to be relegated, not to just stay up, but ninth. NINTH! His analysis is in depth and interesting.

This is what he had to say:

Caen
The Norman defence sees the addition of two players to it, Florian Boucansaud from Troyes and Karl Svensson from Rangers. I’m not so sure that either of these players will actually be used much compared to others, but they will certainly add a bit of extra depth to the team. Cedric Hengbart and Nicolas Seube are the key men on the left and right for Caen, although there’s perhaps a lack of cover should any of these guys get injured. In the central areas, Ibrahima Thiam and Jeremy Sorbon will form the partnership with Traore and Stephane Zubar as possible cover. As with all promoted sides, there are question marks when moving up a division, especially regarding defence, but I have been impressed with this solid backline for the last few seasons and I think they should do a reasonable job in ligue 1.

The midfield looks to be very strong and for a promoted side is really impressive. Caen have not been idle in the transfer market and have added to their squad pretty well. Juan Eluchans on the left had side arrives from Argentinian club, Independiente and Caen have also added Issam Jemaa on loan from Lens who will also play on the left wing. Last season, Caen did lack cover for this position and it will be interesting to see whether or not they decide to stick with Nicolas Florentin. My guess is that he will become a back up player and placed on the substitute bench. Remis Gomis looks to be a fine young defensive midfielder and he comes in from National ligue side Laval. However, a step up by two divisions wont be easy for him and I don’t think Caen will use him that much this year, he’s more of a talent for the future. Benjamin Nivet is their final addition and he will add to the creative options in the middle of the park. Caen already have loads of options in the midfield with the likes of Titi Deroin, Proment, Leca and Lemaitre all pretty useful players. There will be a lot of competition for places here and the Caen midfield is really strong, maybe one of the best in ligue 1.

The strikers scored nearly 50 goals between them last year in ligue 2 and Caen are lucky that no big names have left them yet. Yohann Goufrann is hot property and its certainly a possibility that someone will make an offer for him before the end of the summer. He’s a key man for Caen and he can also play on the right hand side of midfield. Samson, Compan, Mazure, Grandin and Toudic are the other strikers that the Normans have and I’m pretty sure they will score goals again this year. The key is whether or not people will adapt to ligue 1 level, but I’m fairly confident most of them have the talent, certainly Gouffran at least. There are some more meaner defences in ligue 1 and it will be harder, but Caen will still pose a threat upfront and should hit the back of the net regularly.

Key players - Titi Deroin (Central Midfield), Yohann Goufrran (Attacking midfielder / striker)

Verdict
Defence 5/10 (Always a test moving up a division, but looks to be fairly strong, although a bit thin in places)
Midfield 8/10 (New signings make it really strong, possibly one of the best in the ligue and they have loads of options)
Attack 6/10 (Will score goals although Ligue 1 is a harder place to do it, so time will tell)

Overall 9th - Should survive comfortably and perform the best of all 3 promoted sides

Now, that is impressive. I do agree with him that Caen will stay afloat, but I am not convinced Caen is going to do THAT. Even my comrade at the French Offside said we will finish somewheres from 10-15. But a confident ninth is very interesting.

I do think Svensson will play more than the Meat thinks. I expect Svensson to be in nearly every game, especially down the stretch. The faith in the midfield has been supported by many that I have spoken to, as it is rather complete.

Our defense is a bit tricky, but I think the winter transfer window may help that, depending on how we do until then.

Our strikers? Well, we all know about our strikers. He is right. Caen will score goals.

Definitely check out his other picks, it is an interesting look at it.