Leeds United finally filled a hole left by Archie Gray and Glen Kamara in Daniel Farke’s midfield by signing Ao Tanaka on deadline day, with Gray joining Tottenham and Kamara at Rennes.
Kamara, 28, joined Rennes after just one season at Leeds following his late move to Elland Road from Rangers 12 months ago. He played 42 times for Leeds last season, proving to be a key part of the side.
The Finland star though, is struggling in France. After an excellent opening-day win over Lyon, Rennes seem to have flattered to deceive after their opening games with two defeats in their next two games.
A 3-1 loss to Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg was followed on Sunday by a 2-1 defeat to Reims. Kamara has started all three, but for the first time he was subbed off on the weekend after 72 minutes at Reims.
French media criticise Kamara after latest Rennes appearance
Rennes are expected to push for European football this season, but the Ligue 1 side will need to beat sides like Will Still’s old side. However, Reims earned a 3-1 win at home against Kamara’s new outfit.
Rennes have lined-up in a diamond midfield in their first two games, but moved to a 4-2-3-1 system which should be familiar to Kamara having played in that formation while at Leeds under boss Farke.
However, French outlet Stade Rennais Online say Kamara struggled with the switch to playing in a two-man defensive-midfield situation. They gave Kamara a rating of just 3/10, saying he “completely sunk”.
“Efficient in the diamond, he completely sank as a pair in front of the defense. Nine ball losses at half-time, difficulties in passing, his pair with Matusiwa perforated without managing to create anything.”
Kamara explained his decision to leave Leeds after just a year
It was only a year before Kamara decided to leave Leeds for Rennes. A club long-linked with a move for the Arsenal academy product, with the midfielder choosing to depart after Leeds failed to get promoted.
Speaking to Rennes’ media after his move to the French club, Kamara explained that Rennes’ ambition tempted him: “I had very good first contacts with the managers. I came here as the club has ambition.
“I know that it was built in particular thanks to the training of great players, it is a talent factory. I hope my experience will help to have the best possible season. There are plenty of assets here to succeed.”
