Mathieu Coutadeur

21-year-old Mathieu Coutadeur is slowly becoming appreciated in Ligue 1. Many believe Mathieu has the potential to move on to greater things as he begins his journey at Le Mans. Several rumours have already linked the youngster with a move to the Premiership. Newsflash 13 May 09: Coutadeur heading to Arsenal?

The young French player picked up some first-team action, and ended up playing over 30 games for the first team squad at Le Mans. This season Coutadeur is already a regular; and some sterling performances have seen several clubs come knocking at the door, and Arsenal's French scout Gilles Grimandi was believed to be seen watching Coutadeur for Le Mans, whilst two of Man Utd's scouts were also present at a recent Le Mans game.

Coutadeur has represented France's under-21 sides and played European Under-21 Championship qualifiers recently, teaming up with Newcastle star Charles N'Zogbia and AC Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff in midfield.

In 2006 Coutadeur signed a new three-year contract to help fend off the prying eyes of rival French sides who were already interested in the youngster.

Coutadeur isn't a regular goalscorer; but his first and only goal is something of a milestone. Coutadeur netted Le Mans' 100th goal in Ligue 1 against St. Etienne - but despite not scoring since has shown his real talents lie outside of the attacking areas of the pitch.

Romaric and Coutadeur stepped up to form a brilliant defensive midfield partnership for Le Mans in his first season, but the departure of Grafite did see him move further up the field alongside another young French starlet, Sessegnon.

Coutadeur has already compared himself to Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, and it's easy to see the similarities. Both are box-to-box midfielders who cover an enormous amount of ground - not afraid to get their boot stuck in - whilst always looking to build attacks from the back.

It is not hard to see why several are already chasing the young talent as there is surely plenty more to come from Mathieu in the next few years.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING:

Potential: 42/50

Current Ability: 35/50