Quentin Merlin

Trained in Nantes, he was the star there, the winner of the Coupe de France, the great hope. Arriving here in January 2024, his first full season mirrored his profile: full of offensive promise (1 goal, 3 assists) but also defensive frustrations. He showed flashes of brilliance, with the ability to cut into the heart of the game using his left foot, but he also experienced time on the bench, losing his place to a stronger competitor.  

His style is that of an attacker playing left-back. His offensive qualities are undeniable: crossing ability, game vision, endurance. But his defensive shortcomings are just as apparent. His statistics in duels and defensive actions are very low for a player in his position. He is aware of this. He himself admitted that defense was his major area to work on, and that the coach was tirelessly working with him to improve, particularly on positioning and aggressiveness in duels. This awareness is a good point.  

The history of OM provides us with a hopeful comparison: Éric Di Meco. He too was an offensive winger, later transformed into a legendary defender with incomparable "grinta." Does Merlin have this ability to transform? That is the whole challenge. The coach's choice between him and Garcia will be a barometer of our intentions: Garcia for safety, Merlin for flair. This season is a crucial stage for him. With healthy yet real competition, he must prove he can become a reliable defender. If he succeeds, he has everything to become a world-class player. Otherwise, he will remain that frustrating talent, the "enchanter" who can only be deployed when the match is under control.