Scorer in the 3-0 win over Strasbourg, the Rennes striker is handed a broader role in the 3-5-2 system that morphs into a 3-4-3 in possession.
Stade Rennais has regained its attacking edge in recent weeks, and Boulaye Dia has become one of its most prominent faces. For the fourth time in five matches, the striker found the back of the net, contributing to the emphatic 3-0 victory over Strasbourg. That consistency allows him to take over from Estéban Lepaul, whose contribution to the collective play remains highly valued.
However, reducing his success to his numbers would miss the essential point. The tactical change introduced by the Rennes coach alters the way the team attacks and how each player is involved. The base 3-5-2 shape becomes a 3-4-3 as soon as the team has possession, with wing-backs pushing forward and midfielders getting further up the pitch.
Within this organisation, Boulaye Dia does not occupy a fixed position. He does not simply wait in the box: he drops deep, drags the opposing centre-backs out of position and opens up space for his teammates. This mobility gives him a greater presence in the game, extending well beyond his finishing.
This more complete role meets the staff's expectations, as they want an attack capable of combining and varying its options. The added depth in Rennes' play is also measurable in transition phases, when the striker takes part in the press and helps win the ball back high up the pitch.
What remains is to confirm this progress over the long term, against opponents of a different calibre. The current run is encouraging, but it will need to be sustained for the new system to fully deliver its effects.
However, reducing his success to his numbers would miss the essential point. The tactical change introduced by the Rennes coach alters the way the team attacks and how each player is involved. The base 3-5-2 shape becomes a 3-4-3 as soon as the team has possession, with wing-backs pushing forward and midfielders getting further up the pitch.
Within this organisation, Boulaye Dia does not occupy a fixed position. He does not simply wait in the box: he drops deep, drags the opposing centre-backs out of position and opens up space for his teammates. This mobility gives him a greater presence in the game, extending well beyond his finishing.
This more complete role meets the staff's expectations, as they want an attack capable of combining and varying its options. The added depth in Rennes' play is also measurable in transition phases, when the striker takes part in the press and helps win the ball back high up the pitch.
What remains is to confirm this progress over the long term, against opponents of a different calibre. The current run is encouraging, but it will need to be sustained for the new system to fully deliver its effects.
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Source: Ouest-France