Jordan James: A bright future under Jorge Sampaoli?
One To Watch
The Welshman looks to be finally getting his Ligue 1 break under Rennes' new manager Jorge Sampaoli.
Jorge Sampaoli may have found his midfield maestro already at Stade Rennais. After struggling for game time under previous coach Julien Stéphan, Welsh international midfielder Jordan James could play a starring role under the Argentine tactician.
Les Rouges et Noirs showcased some of their best football of the season in their 5-0 win last Saturday over Saint-Étienne, with James playing a pivotal role in Sampaoli's new-look midfield. The former Marseille manager raised some eyebrows with his choice at the start of the game, but the Welshman silenced all the doubters with a solid performance at both ends of the pitch in his first start for the club. He made just under 100 touches, and had a successful passing rate of 93% on his debut at Roazhon Park.
"James had a great match; we had analyzed him earlier with the Welsh national team, and I saw the same player, even though he is still in an adaptation phase here. He was one of the best on the pitch and can bring us a lot," said Sampaoli in the press conference which followed the match. Teammate Amine Gouiri was also full of praise for the midfielder, telling Ouest France "From the start, we knew he was a very good player. Now, he's proving it on the field and being rewarded for it."
From Birmingham to Brittany
James decided to join Rennes and Ligue 1 in the summer from English Championship side Birmingham City. He made his senior debut with the Blues at the age of 17, before going on to make 95 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals from midfield. In the summer, the Wales international (16 appearances) joined the Breton club for just under €5m. He made his Ligue 1 debut in the second week of the season against Strasbourg, but had then found game-time hard to come by.
Yet, under Sampaoli, the Welshman has found a new dimension. After finding his form in the win against Saint-Étienne, he has undoubted potential to make himself a mainstay in the side.
"I just showed what I could do," James told Ouest France following the game against Sainté. "Obviously, I came here with great ambitions, as are those of the club. I was frustrated not to be able to help the team. The new coach came in and believed in me. Everyone wants to play and when all you do is train and work hard without getting your chance, it's difficult."
Rennes face a difficult trip to Stade de Beaujoire next weekend to face FC Nantes who managed to grab a point off leaders PSG. James will be hoping to replicate his performance against ASSE as the Breton side face their local rivals on Sunday.
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