Nimes had no problems securing Ligue 1 survival this season, even finishing comfortably in the top half of the table.
The success of Bernard Blaquart’s side was that they were terrifically well balanced throughout their side, although there is little doubt that Teji Savanier was their heartbeat in the midfield. Playing his first Ligue 1 season, he performed to a stellar level and finished the campaign as the leading assist maker in the division – a staggering feat.
Nimes failed to win any of the six matches that Savanier did not play, picking up only a solitary point when he was absent – and that was against bottom side Guingamp.
Otherwise, they were a side largely without a star. The most notable quality that they possessed was speed down the wings, with Denis Bouanga finishing the campaign joint top scorer on eight goals. Sada Thioub was their other threat in this regard, though he was less regularly used.
The heroes from their promotion campaign, Rachid Alioui and Umut Bozok, largely played bit-part roles, as did summer signing Baptiste Guillaume. Their most effective centre forward proved to be Renaud Ripart, who was used as a part-time right-back at times, too.
If Savanier was the player who caught the eye most in the midfield, Antonin Bobichon sparkled at times, too, often scoring long-range goals.
Nimes were a side that leaned heavily on their attack. That is reflected by the fact that they scored 57 goals but conceded 58. Indeed, only Dijon and Guingamp leaked more, which showed the weakness in their side.
There was not an outstanding defensive presence in their team, despite that fact that on-loan Bordeaux goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni had a very good season. He was not especially well protected, with the heart of the defence the area where they were weakest. Anthony Briancon did not find a consistent partner over the course of the campaign, with Fethi Harek often injured and neither Loick Landre nor Herve Lybohy especially consistent alongside him.
Losing Savanier is a very real fear and without him keeping things going offensively for the Stade des Costieres side, they will be a great deal weaker.
