Johann Lepenant: Nantes’ Version of N'Golo Kanté

Before joining OL, the young midfielder came through Caen's youth system and cracked the first team in 2020. In 2022, Lepenant decided to continue growing as a player and jumped to Lyon.

Lepenant made 40 appearances, scoring one goal and recording two assists, but breaking through into the first team didn't go as planned. Toward the end of his tenure, manager Pierre Sage didn't count on Lepenant as his last appearance was in the Coupe de France quarter-final match against Grenoble last February.

The move to Les Canaris gives Lepenant a chance to restart his young career, and so far, he's making the most of his opportunity with Nantes. The midfielder has made six total appearances, scoring two goals and one assist, which is the ideal start for a player building up his confidence.

In August, Lepenant spoke with the club’s official YouTube channel and noted what mindset he's bringing to the squad managed by Antoine Kombouaré.

"My goal is to play, win games, and make the fans happy. I know there's a lot of passion here, and I really appreciate that! I was excited when FC Nantes showed interest in me. When you feel the fans supporting you, it makes you want to give everything for them. They come to the stadium, so we’ve got to make sure they leave happy."

Lepenant also shared what type of player Nantes are getting and revealed that he models his game after a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

"I’m a player who focuses on recovery, aggressive on the field, and I always give my all. Technically, I’m doing alright... I do my best to manage. My strengths are my determination and my ability to never back down. I look up to players like N'Golo Kanté. I admire his style of play and his character... he’s quiet, but he works hard on the field."

If Lepenant is anything like Kanté, Nantes could have a rising star this season who will really take charge in the midfield.

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