It is clear why Romain Del Castillo doesn’t get his flowers. Having come through the ranks at Lyon’s prestigious academy, it was a steady decline for Del Castillo, who nonetheless joined a Rennes side with European ambitions back in 2018. It was more when he joined Brest, a side that had narrowly avoided relegation the season prior, back in the summer of 2021, that he began to turn the tide and establish himself as one of Ligue 1’s most efficient but underappreciated forwards. There has been an idea that, given his pathway, from elite academy to Brest, that he is damaged goods, and then there is the age bias, which draws our attention to younger players, whose potential may be higher. Delivering on that potential is another thing entirely, and a graduate from OL’s academy, Del Castillo knows that better than anyone.
But during Brest’s unlikely run to the Ligue 1 podium two seasons ago, Del Castillo was instrumental; no player in Ligue 1 registered more assists. Last season was a struggle on a collective level, but the Frenchman once again shone. This season, his numbers are exceptional, albeit slightly skewed. He has six goals, although five have come from the penalty spot.
But his importance has never been confined to his goal output. He is an excellent crosser of the ball and he has a knack for finding his teammate in the box. He ranks first for crosses into the box and he ranks inside Ligue 1’s top 10 for expected assists. He also ranks third for key passes and in the top 10 for tackles won, evidencing his importance both on and off the ball.
