First test against PSG
The Sunday evening match against Paris‑Saint‑Germain is the first major test for the new defensive duo formed by Abdelhamid Aït‑Boudlal and Charlie Cresswell. Franck Haise’s 4‑3‑3 will need to verify the solidity of its full‑backs against one of Ligue 1’s most offensive teams.
Duo composition
Charlie Cresswell, 24, arrives on a €2.5 million loan from Toulouse with a €22.5 million purchase option at season’s end and three possible bonuses. He celebrated his 24th birthday on 17 August. Abdelhamid Aït‑Boudlal, 20, is a product of the Mohamed VI academy and was recruited by Rennes after graduating from the academy at 18. Portuguese defender Gonçalo Oliveira, 19, joined the club in June from Benfica’s reserves for €3.5 million.
Perspectives and expectations
Franck Haise highlighted the importance of communication and Cresswell’s game reading: “After 15 minutes of training, we understood that this was the defender we needed.” He also noted that the duo must adapt to a four‑man defence, whereas Cresswell played in a three‑man system at TFC. The Moroccan defender, sought after by Fulham, remains part of Rennes’ strategy, as does Anthony Rouault, who is also in training.
Performance analysis
Both full‑backs showed good potential during a friendly at Sunderland on 15 August, playing twenty minutes in a 1‑2 loss. Cresswell is known for his strength in duels, heading ability, and game reading, while Aït‑Boudlal brings speed, quality of distribution, and ball‑projection skill. Former defender and Ligue 1+ consultant Felipe Saad described the duo as athletic, both standing 1.90 m, and stressed the need to monitor depth and side coverage.
Conclusion
The match against PSG is therefore a crucial test for Rennes’ new defensive setup, focusing on the duo’s ability to handle the pressure of a top‑tier opponent. The fixture, scheduled for Sunday evening, will gauge the solidity of Rennes’ defence against a high‑level adversary.
Cresswell played 20 minutes in the friendly at Sunderland on 15 August.
