One To Watch: Alidu Seidu – The Ghanaian came through the ranks with Clermont and has firmly established himself in the first team. At 23 years old, he already has six Ghana caps to his name, and he will be looking to push on this season. Much of the club’s success last season was built upon defensive solidity; Clermont certainly aren’t prolific goalscorers and scored the fewest amount of goals in Ligue 1’s top 10 last season. Seidu is a key pillar in the defence. He is an aggressive defender and often gets himself in the book a little too often. Tempering that eagerness to win the ball with an understanding of when to drop off will be a key element of his game upon which to improve.
At under 5″9, Seidu isn’t imposing in the air, and likely never will be, however, with the ball on the ground, he is a great interceptor and tackler. He is also a talented dribbler and is essential to ball progression, as modern centre-backs have to be. His skill set also allows him to play at right-back, and this may be where his future ultimately lies. Regardless, Clermont play to his strengths and playing on the right of the back three is currently where he looks strongest. It is in this position that he will be looking to impose himself this season and confirm his rise.
Signing To Watch: Bilal Boutobba – The former Marseille man has had a turbulent career, and is still just 24 years old. In 2014, he became the youngest player to represent Les Phocéens, however, Boutobba wouldn’t find a home for himself at this level. He barely featured at all during spells at Montpellier and then Sevilla and had to rebuild his career with Ligue 2 side Niort. With 11 goals and five assists last season, the former France youth product is now back on the
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