Oumar Solet offers Herve Renard a new defensive option for Cote d’Ivoire

Oumar Solet’s power, composure in possession and strength in one-on-one situations could quickly make him an important part of Herve Renard’s plans for Cote d’Ivoire.

The 26-year-old Udinese defender joins an Elephants squad that already has established options in central defence, but his particular qualities could challenge the existing order under Renard.

Standing 1.92m tall, Solet brings European experience and a background with France’s youth teams. He came through at Laval before spells with Olympique Lyonnais and RB Salzburg, and has since established himself in Serie A, a demanding league for defenders.

His performances this season help explain Renard’s decision to include him. Solet averages 65.7 passes per match, compared with 57.3 for Evan Ndicka and 40.6 for Ousmane Diomande. With a completion rate close to 90%, he has shown he can contribute to the first phase of build-up without surrendering possession cheaply.

That ability could address a specific requirement for Cote d’Ivoire. Against opponents sitting deep, the Elephants often have to build from the back and rely on defenders able to break through the first line either with a pass or by carrying the ball forward.

Solet can move into midfield with possession, draw an opponent towards him and then release a team-mate in a more advanced position. His passing volume gives him a different profile from the other central-defensive options available to Renard.

He is also effective in physical contests, winning an average of 5.19 duels per game to lead Ndicka and Diomande. His figures include 1.48 interceptions and 1.11 tackles per match. He has not received a card or made an error that directly led to a goal.

Solet does, however, win fewer aerial duels and make fewer clearances than Ndicka and Diomande. Those differences are also influenced by the systems used by their clubs and the situations they face from week to week.

Ndicka offers experience, reading of the game and composure, while Diomande provides greater aerial presence and is more frequently involved in emergency interventions. Solet’s strengths lie in his passing range, his power in ground duels and his ability to move play forward.

Renard could partner him with Ndicka in a back four, or use a three-man defence featuring Ndicka, Solet and Diomande. That system would give Cote d’Ivoire height, pace and several ways of playing out under pressure.

A former France youth international, Solet was also eligible for the Central African Republic through his father but chose Cote d’Ivoire. His brother Isaac represents the Central African Republic. Renard has praised Solet’s determination to join the Elephants, as well as his performances for Udinese despite the Italian club’s collective difficulties.

The two-legged tie against Gambia will provide Solet with his first opportunity to show how quickly he can adapt. He must become familiar with his new team-mates, the demands of African football and Renard’s methods.

His profile already gives the manager something different: a defender capable of winning a duel and immediately starting the next attack. That combination could make him indispensable in a short time.