Reims made a tremendous impression on their return to Ligue 1 after a two-year absence. Indeed, this is the first time since 1976 that the club has finished in the top half of the top-flight standings.
David Guion has carefully crafted a well-balanced unit that has been nourished by strong organisation and a clear understanding of what is expected of each player. If that was evident in their record-breaking campaign in Ligue 2 last season, it was equally evident as they return to the big time.
They came into the season with a defence that was entirely reconstructed. As such, there were significant question marks over that area of the team, yet it proved to be tremendously strong. Summer additions Bjorn Engels, Thomas Foket and Ghislain Konan were all clear hits, though the latter missed much of the second half of the season due to injury. Yunis Abdelhamid and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, both excelled themselves.
Consistency in the heart of the midfield aided them greatly, with Alaixys Romao and Xavier Chavalerin protecting the rearguard on a regular basis.
The attacking area of the team, meanwhile, proved to be very strong both in terms of its quality and its depth. Mathieu Cafaro emerged from the shadows to prove a smash hit, scoring seven and creating four in 34 games, and building in confidence as the conclusion to the campaign approached. Arber Zeneli, meanwhile, proved a strong pick up from Heereenveen in January but faded after a promising start, Guion stating due to fatigue.
Pablo Chavarria, meanwhile, had a stronger campaign in the centre-forward role than his five goals and three assists might suggest. A physical forward, he held the ball up well for others though was somewhat overshadowed by the outstanding efforts of Remi Oudin, who had a breakout season by scoring 10 times and laying on three more. With Boulaye Dia also proving capable off the bench, Reims have themselves a well-rounded offensive unit and will shed Sheyi Ojo, whose loan spell from Liverpool was a complete flop.
Reims look well set up for a lengthy stay in the top flight, with their 3-1 win over PSG on the final day of the campaign proving that they are capable of mixing it with anyone.
