Matthis Riou

In analysing M. Riou's current campaign with Guingamp in Ligue 2, the 24-year-old centre back exhibits a rather intriguing blend of defensive resilience and unexpected creative flair. His ability to recover the ball is notably solid, positioning him as a reliable last line of defence. However, while his 1v1 defending may need refinement, his knack for penalty area defending suggests a talent for reading the game and intercepting danger before it materialises. Riou's progressive passing is a standout feature, often initiating counterattacks and demonstrating his comfort with the ball at his feet, a valuable trait in modern centre backs. Intriguingly, his chance creation is higher than one might expect from a defender, hinting at a potential versatility that could be harnessed further. While his ball retention could be more assured, his overall player stats paint the picture of a defender who balances traditional defensive duties with an adventurous, ball-playing style of play. In this scout report, Riou emerges as a promising defender with room to grow, particularly in his duelling capabilities, making him a fascinating prospect to watch.