Rémy Cabella yet to hit stride as Nantes battle to stay up | OneFootball

Rémy Cabella, Nantes' headline winter recruit, has yet to supply the expected lift to a blunt attack in their survival fight.

He came on in last Sunday's 0-1 loss at LOSC, greeted by an ovation at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. A week earlier he did not play in the 2-0 win over Le Havre. According to L'ÉEquipe, Ahmed Kantari stuck with the winning side while Matthis Abline was suspended.

Nantes lacked creativity in a 5-3-2 that limits free attackers. Since January the France international has been moved around in 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3 and 5-4-1, twice right, twice central, twice left. He has one goal, a penalty at Marseille on his 2-0 debut, and averages 4.2 in ratings.

Kantari says Cabella suits 5-3-2 either up front or in midfield, citing his work rate. After six straight starts and a lighter stint at Olympiakos, 10 games, five starts, no Champions League registration, staff felt he needed freshness. The coach also calls him exceptional and influential in the group.

Nantes have 15 defeats from 24 Ligue 1 matches, at least two more than at this stage in any other season. They are in the relegation zone and need every asset at peak level. Kantari adds Cabella thrives on movement around him and combinations, and he turns 36 on Sunday as the survival fight tightens.

Source: L'Équipe