Gaetan Laborde 2021/22: The centre-forward lighting up Ligue 1 – scout report

Gaetan Laborde is a 27-year-old centre-forward currently playing in the French Ligue 1 with Rennes. Laborde has been a standout out this level for some time now, with his 18 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season with Montpellier prompting Rennes to part with 15 million euros in order to secure his service this previous summer. Laborde has repaid this already having beaten his tally from last season, at the time of writing, with 19 goals and eight assists this campaign in all competitions. Only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has more goals and assists than Laborde this season, however, Laborde’s 24.44 expected goals and assists is the highest value in the league.

This tactical analysis and scout report will provide an analysis of some of the key elements of Laborde’s game whilst also providing an insight into the tactics that he best suits.

Link-up play

Whilst Laborde certainly has decent pace, he is far from being on the same level as the previously mentioned Mbappe. And so, his game is very different. Laborde can operate as part of an attacking duo, or as a lone striker, but regardless of what system, he looks to consistently drop in between the lines where he can get on the ball and bring teammates into the attacking phase.

This is reflected in the heat map showing his actions from all competitions this season. Whilst there is plenty of action within the penalty box, as you would expect, it is interesting to see the amount of action in either half-space, specifically on the right side of the pitch. On top of this, there is a relatively large amount of actions occurring from within his own half as well.

Laborde is frequently the first forward pass option available and is very useful in moments of attacking transition, where his teammates can quickly access this forward pass away from pressure. Laborde can hold up possession perfectly well, and whilst he has a lean physique, he has good strength. However, his footwork and skill on the ball, allows him to dribble away from any tight pressure too.

Laborde is perhaps best though when able to quickly link play with limited touches. He scans regularly and judges when it is the right moment to play these quicker passes and advance the attack at pace.