Benjamin Bourigeaud is a 28 year-old French winger currently playing for Rennes in the French Ligue 1. Bourigeaud is having a particularly interesting season given his outstanding work as a creator for the French side this season. Bourigeaud has made 12 assists in the league this season with only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi registering more (with 13 each), whilst his 11.82 expected assists is the highest of any player in the league. In all competitions for Rennes this season, Bourigeaud has managed to score 10 goals, on top of a total of 15 assists, making him a key player for Les Rouge et Noir. Rennes are having a particularly strong season sitting in third place at the time of writing on 59 points, level with fourth-place side AS Monaco. Bourigeaud has been a key man for Rennes and has played a major role in obtaining this success thus far this season.
This tactical analysis and scout report will provide an analysis of some of Bourigeaud’s key traits whilst suggesting the tactics that bring the best out of the winger.
Dribbling
Bourigeaud isn’t an overly prolific dribbler. He chooses his moments carefully, but his decision-making is of a good quality when attempting them. He frequently uses disguise and hesitation to lull the defender into anticipating him driving one way before darting the other, or he may use his body shape to indicate to the defender he is about to pass, before dribbling instead.
Bourigeaud has a penchant for cutting inside, and he is very comfortable with either foot, despite favouring his right, and as a result, he varies which side of the defender he exits.
Below we can see an example of this as he shapes his body as if to play a pass down the line, before quickly cutting inside into the open space in the middle of the pitch.
He will make this decision to cut inside very quickly, and his ability to have the awareness of what is around him through scanning on top of his speed when turning to face the opponent is of the highest level.
Below against Premier League side Leicester in the Europa League he receives under pressure, but instantly turns and knocks the ball inside, catching the defender on the flats of their feet.
