The Ligue 1 Right-Back of the Year is Sebastien Corchia:
The young full back has been the standout performer in a fairly poor season for Sochaux and now looks set to fulfil his potential elsewhere, most probably at Lyon.
Sebastien Corchia has shown himself to be, as most modern day fullbacks are, a very attacking player who has the ability to bomb down the wings and create chances. Although he only managed to rack up two assists during the 2012/ 13 season, he has been key in stopping attacks and moving the ball forward for players such as Boudebouz, who are in the more attacking positions. Corchia has also shown himself to be very versatile this season, playing on both the left and right side of defence. When put in either of these positions, or as a winger, where he has played in the past, he will succeed.
As @TNCProject said to us earlier in the season, “Clubs are looking for defenders with the ability to rapidly run back and defend after helping out in attack, and Corchia is one of them. His crosses are dangerously accurate and his concentration on the ball is top class. He has excellent positioning and superb tackling skills that makes him a successful defender.”
Corchia had a shaky start to the season as he received two yellows and a red card in his first 4 games for Sochaux this campaign. The red came in the shape of two bookable offenses in 6 minutes as a rash tackle was followed by a deliberate hand ball which in turn gave away a penalty. After this Corchia, still being young, had his discipline questioned by French press, but having received only 3 yellows and one red the whole of the Ligue 1 season, it looks as though the Frenchman has proven his point that he is mature enough to play week in week out. This has also been shown in Corchia’s 34 starts this season, which have allowed him to develop as a player, and as much as it is only 3 more than last season, he has had a much better campaign this year.
Corchia has tended to put in his best performances against the big opposition this season and has played stunners in particular at home in a fabulous 3-2 win against PSG and in a 2-2 draw against Rennes, where he was able to score his only goal of the campaign. The goal, however, was a notable one as he cut inside from the right to ghost past three defenders and fire into the top left hand corner of the goal. It showed an attacking and cool headed nature that many aspiring right backs would dream about having.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/Yok4js8RoV4″]
Alongside his attacking ability, as a defender, Corchia’s main job has been to stop the opponent in their tracks first and then bomb upfield. This season, more than last, Corchia has highlighted his defensive qualities with French fans. His ability to tackle to win the ball, without giving away stupid free kicks has become apparent with the Frenchman only giving away 41 freekicks compared to the 68 fouls that he suffered this season. He appears to have a great footballing brain and is able to think one step ahead of the attacker. He has made countless interceptions and goal saving challenges.
Corchia’s wonderful season has attracted interest from high profile clubs. We understand that Arsenal agreed a release clause with Sochaux over Corchia in April, but this was on the condition that Sochaux went down, which in the end did not happen, so the clause no longer stands. Lyon have now agreed a contract with the player we understand, but it is now up to the clubs to agree a fee and it is understandable that Sochaux will not want their biggest star to leave on the cheap.
This season has allowed Corchia to truly establish himself in Ligue 1 and he does look a huge talent for the future.
