Stade Rennais, one of Europe’s most trusted names when it comes to nurturing the future stars of the game, have a long history of producing midfielders that Europe’s biggest clubs would inevitably turn to, such as Yoann Gourcuff, Tiémoué Bakayoko, Eduardo Camavinga or Lesley Ugochukwu. Meet the latest from their production line: Djaoui Cissé.

The 21-year-old certainly has Habib Beye to thank. Last season, Cissé was confined to Rennes’ reserve team in Nationale 3 – France’s fifth tier – despite making the matchday squads for the senior team several times with Julien Stéphan and then Jorge Sampaoli as Rennes managers.

A midfield shortage and Rennes’ summer signings’ failure to make their mark gave Cissé the opportunity to show his worth for Beye’s managerial debut for Les Rouge et Noir against Strasbourg at the Roazhon Park. In 55 minutes, Cissé produced 41 touches, completed 90% of his passing, won six duels out of eight and only lost three balls.

He has not looked back since, and Rennes quickly secured his contract extension, not once, but twice. After penning a new deal in April, he extended his contract until 2030 in September; such is Rennes’ confidence that they have unearthed another gem.

“What we saw from him caught our eye from the very first days, so we gave him responsibilities,” says Rennes’ assistant coach Sébastien Bichard. “He has a great feel for the game; he interprets it perfectly. He knows how to recognise the problems in a match.”

Tel waxes lyrical about Cissé

Standing at around 6’0″, Cissé combines physicality with a refined touch. His intelligence on the ball and ability to read the game stand out, with Cissé often making smart decisions and creating space for his teammates. He also has an eye for goal. He scored a stunning brace with two long-range efforts – the first with his right foot, the second with his left – against Poland with France at the U21 Euros, a competition he was not even supposed to take part in, but Enzo Millot’s absence offered him a way into Gérald Baticle’s squad.

“He can dribble, he can shoot, he can hold up the ball,” said an impressed Mathys Tel. “In moments when we’re short of options, we know he can unlock something for us, so we give him the ball.”

“We don’t know where his limits are,” admits Bichard. “He’s in a class of his own.” Rennes have done it again.