Benjamin Laurant 
Club: Le Havre AC
Position: CDM, CM
Value: 35k
Contract: 850/week through 2008
Age: 20
Nationality: French
Languages: French
Reputation: Local
Personality: Fairly Professional
Squad Status: Hot prospect
In Real Life:
Benjamin Laurant is another in a long line of solid prospects to come out of the Le Havre youth academy. Born in Paris, Laurant looks in the mold of a classic French holding midfielder: confident at the back as well as starting the play going forward. Hailing from the proving ground of such players as Jean-Alain Boumsong, Lassana Diarra, Christophe Revault, and Charles N'Zogbia, Laurant's pedigree looks on sound footing.
The left-footed midfielder made his first team debut for Le H.A.C. in 2006, finding his way into four games before spending the bulk of the next two seasons working his craft in the youth and reserve ranks. Laurant took on a more prominent role at the club after the departure of Didier Digard to PSG and will look to cement his first team spot during the coming season as Le Havre try to establish themselves in the first flight following an easy promotion from Ligue 2.
In FM 08:
Laurant is a reliable option at the defensive midfield position, providing sound cover for the back line and a smooth transition to the offense. Not much of a threat to crack the first team in the opening season, his progression is quick and by the 2010 year is a solid pick for any second division side. His passing is accurate, his tackling sound, he rarely puts a foot wrong. He is a good secondary option from the corner, providing crisp balls into the box for the big men to put in the back of the net. His closing speed allows for him to attack forwards further up the pitch, often slowing attacks before they can reach the back. An adaptable player, his ability to work with teammates is impeccable and he is comfortable in nearly any setting.
2007
2011
2016
Tactical Instructions:
I keep him in a pretty standard CDM role: hard tackling, zonal marking, I do allow him a free role and give him some discretion with his passing. His speed is good enough to allow him close down over a wide range, however against sides with better strikers I recommend giving him less room to roam. Training regimen must include work on set pieces or his corners will suffer as his career goes on. Still a pretty good option even if his rating declines: provided 20 assists in his best season for me, I'd say 15 or so on set pieces and corners.
Strengths:
Accurate passer and a world class first touch allows him to quickly move the play forward from the back. Able to anticipate plays very well and is almost always in perfect position to sniff out attacks. Finishes his tackles well and is a bundle of muscle in a small package. Powerful long shooting ability not exceptionally accurate, although rebounds can create havoc in the box and balls often find their way to the strikers in some fashion. Level of creativity is a nice bonus as he occasionally exhibits moments of brilliance in the middle of the pitch, giving a potent offensive option without sacrificing defensive cover. Always up for the big games and willing to match up against the best in the world without a second thought.
Weaknesses:
His 5'10” height means he can be overpowered by taller strikers, and his jumping and heading is not what you would typically want to see out of the position. Weak marking leads to him being beat one-on-one by strong dribblers. Although all of his mental stats are strong he doesn't seem ready and willing to work with younger players.
Conclusion:
A solid option at the CDM spot for minimal funds. I purchased him in my current Rangers game in year two for only 180k and he hasn't disappointed since. Willingness to learn new positions makes him a versatile almost Hargreaves-like player as he can be trained to play at both left and right full back.
Laurant is a smooth, confident player in the middle of the pitch and should be a definite purchase for any UEFA Cup-level side. His value peaked at 5m at age 28 although offers from clubs such as Fulham, Pompey, Middlebrough, PSG, HSV, and Schalke have regularly topped the 8m mark. He has been a loyal player, a cultured midfielder in my side, and provides strong showings both in the league and in Europe. Perhaps his finest in hour in my Gers career was his lockdown job on Bojan against Milan in the 2014 Champions League semi-finals, holding the world class striker to six shots over two games with only one reaching the keeper.
Overall: 6.5/10
