One To Watch
Who is Mory Gbane, Reims' new defensive lynchpin?
Mory Gbane's conversion to centre back has coincided with Stade de Reims edging clear of the relegation scrap. Despite struggling after the January departures of Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi, the team have rebounded well thanks to the Ivorian's canny play -- learn more about him in our latest "One To Watch"
A long journey to Ligue 1
Born in a small Ivorian city, Toumodji, he moved as a youngster to the capital, Abidjan, where the now 24-year-old Gbane started his career with Stade d'Abidjan. After impressing in the top flight there, he took a big leap to Europe, joining second division Croatian side NK BSK Bijelo Brdo in 2019. Playing in the unassuming city in the country's far eastern reaches, it took some time for Gbane's reputation to grow, but he would eventually make a move -- at first on loan -- to the top flight Russian side FC Khimki, in 2022.
After playing a full season there, splitting time between the bench and a starting role, he left for Portuguese side Gil Vicente (again initially on loan) in 2023. In helping Os Galos secure their top-flight status last year, he developed a reputation of one the division's top midfielders, showing a canny range of passing and a steadiness in building play from the back. In need of versatile players in the winter window, he caught the eye of the Rémois, having previously been linked with the likes of Genk, his arrival earning praise from sporting director Pol-Édouard Caillot who said of Gbane, who was still lacking time at Europe's top table "He is a player with many qualities but still has a margin for improvement. We can offer him conditions to maximise his impact on the pitch.”
A new role under Samba Diawara
Initially used in defensive midfield, Gbane's first steps in Ligue 1 were tentative at best, having been brought in on short notice to effectively replace two players who were stalwarts in the side. The team were also working things through with a relatively new manager in the form of Samba Diawara, who had replaced Luka Elsner on the same day as Gbane's arrival.
But more recently, Reims have shifted to a back three, with Gbane playing centrally in a back three, and the results have spoken for themselves. There has been a narrow loss to in-form Strasbourg, but the team have also defeated Lens and Marseille, and turned in a canny performance to reach the Coupe de France final. With his anticipatory qualities and ball-playing abilities on full display, not to mention his aerial ability, much like Ivorians like Yaya Touré have done before him, Gbane's hybridized role has made him a cornerstone of the team's new defensive approach.
Speaking ahead of the team's win over Marseille, Gbane made this clear, sayingg, My role of choice is as a number 6. That's where I'm most comfortable. But I've also played in central defense at my old club. Even though I prefer to play as a 6, even if I can also help out in this position." With the qualities of both at his disposal, not only is relegation less of a threat, but with Gbane in this new hybrid role, only four teams have conceded fewer goals in the last six matches, a sign of good things to come for player and club alike.
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