Patrick Zabi Scout Report At Stade De Reims 2025/2026: The Next Big Ligue 2 Export? – Player Analysis

Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 have produced many fantastic exports over the years that have gone on to have great careers. 

NGolo Kanté and Riyad Mahrez come to mind, who were directly scouted from Ligue 2 and went on to be a famous pairing in one of sport’s greatest achievements. 

There are always clubs who employ analysts and staff to be one step ahead of the game and get an edge in a maddeningly competitive environment.

One of the players that has caught the eye is Patrick Zabi of Stade de Reims.

There is reported interest from Crystal Palace, and you can see why.

He has huge potential, so much so that he could turn into one of the best midfielders in the world if moulded and managed correctly.

This Patrick Zabi scout report details why he reminds me a lot of Paul Pogba, with his imposing strength and a skilful ability to weave his way out of tight situations, whilst being hard to shrug off.

Patrick Zabi has a rare combination of street skill, Bruno Fernandes-esque timing in playing through balls, and the ability to burst forward with pace and power.

Patrick Zabi Creativity

I lost count of how many times I saw Patrick Zabi play an inch-perfect through ball to get a striker in on goal.

It’s not exactly easy to play such passes; world-class players try five or six times a match and eventually create two or three opportunities.

What impressed me the most was the lack of hesitation and the timing of Patrick Zabis pass to get a striker in behind; it all looks a little too easy when he gets it in advanced positions.

Managers, when Patrick Zabi blossoms, may face a conundrum about where to play him: closer to the goal, he is a threat who can slip passes through, but his pace, power and ability to drive with the ball mean you may want him deeper in midfield.