SM Caen. Who is Robin Legendre, summoned for the first time to the pros?
Through Aline Chatel
Published on
Accustomed to the matches of the reserve team in National 2, Robin Legendre received his first call with the professional team of Stade Malherbe Caen. The central striker will be on the scoresheet on Saturday, November 13, 2021 in the Coupe de France against Dinan-Léhon. The many absences in attack (Alexandre Mendy, Benjamin Jeannot, Caleb Zady Sery, Zeidane Inoussa, but also the young Norman Bassette) combined with the good progress he has been showing for a few months have prompted Stéphane Moulin to give him his trust.
He went through Villers-Bocage
19-year-old Robin Legendre was born in Rennes and made his debut not far from there, in Piré-sur-Seiche. However, he landed quickly in Villers-Bocage, before joining Stade Malherbe in the U13 category. However, it was Stade Rennais that had spotted him first – or almost, since the ASPTT Caen had been noted – during a match in Lisieux. The Breton recruiter had invited him to do a test in his hometown. But Malherbe looked for himself in the meantime, after seeing him at work in Venoix, and a tournament in Vannes finally convinced Laurent Glaize to give him a chance. Robin Legendre studied in Caen until the reserve team where he is currently playing. He is under a trainee contract.
He plays in the axis
Robin Legendre usually plays at the center forward, but he can also excel a little lower, “as a second striker, in an attacking midfielder role”, according to Fabrice Vandeputte. His strength is his style of play quite different from the archetype of his generation in training centers. “He’s not the fastest,” although his athleticism is far from uninteresting, as evidenced by the superb headed goal he has set against Granville this season, and he relies on other strengths.
He is a technical striker, very good in movement and in the combined game. It has a good quality of finish. It optimizes its qualities.
Renowned for his volleying game, Robin Legendre has gained in playing volume for two years. He also hardened. “Two years ago, he suffered duels. Now he no longer suffers. “
He is revealed this season in N2
Coming from a very large 2002 generation, Robin Legendre moved forward quietly. He made his reserve debut in the 2019-20 fiscal year, with eight appearances and no goals. The following season, in National 2, he was entitled to five game ends. Still without scoring. It was only this season that it really took off.
It’s no surprise to see him there. Last season, before it stopped, he was blocked by competition with Brice Tutu, Kévin Mbala and Ayoub Jabbari, not to mention Zeidane Inoussa, Andréas Hountondji … But he was having a good comeback. He has attracted a lot since the start of the season.
Robin Legendre has scored three goals in eight games (plus three other friendly goals), despite a three-game suspension after a red received in Blois in early September. Stéphane Moulin has a close eye on his progress and has invited him a few times to train with the pros. “It was the case this week, he was efficient”, appreciates Fabrice Vandeputte. The hardest part is yet to come: prove yourself with the pros.
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