Desire Doue has made wavelengths of sounds for Rennes this season, although he has been getting into the picture since the 22/23 season. Frequently being gimmicked for his aesthetically pleasing dribbling, quick feet, and entertaining football.
Having the freedom to dictate terms with the ball at their feet at this age is quite rare, but not for Doue. He boasts his prowess through his filthy footwork and dribbles, making you glued to how agile he is in making silky movements.
Although he mostly plays as an AM, he prefers drifting out wide to the LW, which helps him act as a wide playmaker, notably from the LHS. Nonetheless, he’s a unicorn profile in the attacking position; he covers #8, #10, and RW occasionally too.
A deep dive into Doué’s profile and how he’s proving to be one of the most unique all-phase talents in world football.
Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Désire Doué – Player Profile
Age: 18
Club: Rennes
Position: LW/AM/CM/RW
Foot: Right
Nationality: French
Value: €40M
Height: 5’11
Avg. SofaScore rating: 7.03
Strengths: Dribbling, footwork, ball manipulation, ball striking, agility, work rate, spatial awareness
Weaknesses: Decision-Making, Temperament
Strengths:
Doue is a firm practitioner of ‘La Pausa’ and knows to control the tempo of the game with his dribbling and passing abilities. His tekkers, finesse, and style of play often drop defenders to the ground. May it be creating from out wide or from the center, he’s got elite vision and passing techniques in order to find the right pass with the right weight.
Ball manipulation in terms of dribbling and taking defenders for a stroll is up to par with the very best in this game. Uses deception techniques like stopovers or quick changes of pace to trick defenders and exploit open spaces.
Effective in taking on players when isolated in a 1v1 wide or even BTL;
Takes minimal touches when he receives the ball > shifts his body to favourable angles and aids his ‘small’ body stature in making way through congested spaces.pic.twitter.com/E73k0Rg8Tp
— AARUSH (@afcaarush) June 14, 2024
Dominates the offensive metrics of successful take-ons, averaging 3.42 per 90. May it be centrally or even wide, he can dribble his way through any given circumstances fluidly. He mixes his on-the-ball expertise with his strong nature to take on multiple players and split defenses apart. You give him the freedom, and he’ll eat you apart.
He displays high-quality composure every time he gets the ball; there are not many that can replicate this at the highest level. His understanding of the game—not to overcomplicate actions and speed every process—speaks of his calmness in every action—dribbling, shooting, being pressed.
As a strong ball carrier, he constantly scans around to search for his teammates in order to stay aware of the subtle OTB movements. His impressive turning radius and COG help him quickly change directions and make stop-and-start movements effectively.
As a strong ball carrier; he constantly scans around to search for his teammates in order to stay aware of the subtle OTB movements.
His impressive turning radius & COG helps him quickly change directions and make stop-start movements effectively pic.twitter.com/mh8aA9lAzr
— AARUSH (@afcaarush) June 14, 2024
His numbers based on ball carrying can only go on to do further justice to his favorite characteristic.
Progressive carries: 4.38 (ranking 99 percentile)
Carries into Penalty Area: 1.55 (ranking 99 percentile)
Carries into the Final Third: 4.20 (ranking 99 percentile)
Doué’s transitional threat while running at the ball at high speed in larger spaces makes him dominate spaces effortlessly. Pass the ball in open spaces, and you’ll see his physicality, pace, and IQ at their best potential.
An underrated aspect of his game is his ambi-pedal ball-striking ability. Doué’s pocket rocket ability helps him pounce on dead ball chances from any given angle, using different shooting techniques in doing so.
Effective in taking on players when isolated in a 1v1 wide or even BTL, he takes minimal touches when he receives the ball, shifts his body to favorable angles, and aids his’small’ body stature in making his way through congested spaces.
He is not the tallest of players, but he uses his long legs to their maximum strength, where he maintains his agility and close control by keeping the ball close to his feet. As a defender, you think you’ve got the ball, but his press-resistant nature makes it very difficult to tackle him.
Involves himself in a risk-assessed situation; doesn’t waste time on taking too many touches or indulging himself in wasteful actions. Direct and intent-worthy player; always focused on making a difference through his passes, movements, or actions
Work rate: Doué’s mobile body aids him in closing down opposition players and blocking passing routes. Good at applying pressure and slowing down the buildup or transitional threat through effective pressing routines; beneficial in retaining the ball and starting counterattacks.
Weaknesses: Decision-making in terms of when to pass the ball and when to shoot needs refinement. Gets too optimistic and confident in completing actions. However, his potential at this age will only get better and better.
How would Désire Doué fit at Arsenal?
At Arsenal, he’d provide depth at LW, AM, and also as an LCM. A Martinelli competitor and a Saka backup, also with the ability to play behind the lines as an #8/10 playmaker, getting BTL, exploiting open spaces, and channeling his ball-carrying ability
Could operate wide and also into central zones, a goal-scoring #10 that feeds the CF and has his shot himself. Having the freedom of movement and license to operate in the final third and create OTB relationships might be his long-term
Desire Doue to Arsenal – Conclusion:
World-class potential, with the sky being his ceiling. Taking inspiration from fellow Rennes graduates, Camavinga and Ousmane Dembele, it’s not hard to imagine him on the very best side in the next 3–5 years.
Desire Doué, translated to English, is “desired gifted.” ~ Being something that he really is in the football sphere
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