Football Season Guide

Metz ultimately survived quite comfortably in Ligue 1 last season and Philippe Hinschberger is hopeful that they will be able to do so again this time around. However, they have lost their attacking core over the summer. Cheick Diabate joined the club in January and had a profound influence leading their attack when it seemed they might be drawn into trouble. Additionally, young Senegal attacker Ismaila Sarr came through the season brilliantly. Metz were unable to extend Diabate’s stay and he left for Turket. They have also seen Sarr leave for big money which may well be invested into the attacking line of the team before the end of the transfer window. Certainly, it seems essential that Metz do so as they do not have any kind of depth in attack, with their only centre forward being Nolan Roux whose time at Lille and Saint-Etienne suggests he will not score the goals required for Metz to push to safety. Their offensive midfielders, including Yann Jouffre and Opa Nguette, are not consistent enough performers to bear the weight of an entire side on their shoulders either. At the back, Metz have jettisoned some of their experienced fringe players, with Guido Milan and Franck Signorino both released. Their unit of defenders looks reasonably solid, with right-back Ivan Balliu the pick of their players. The former Barcelona man caught the eye with his crossing last term, particularly as the season reached its climax. None of their summer signings are particularly eye catching. Ibrahima Niane and Abbie Jallow have arrived from the same Senegalese academy as Sarr, with the club hopeful that they can make a similar impression. Moussa Niakhate joins their ranks from Valenciennes, while midfielder Geronimo Poblete is something of a wildcard addition from Colon in Argentina. There may, however, be more movement before August is out.