PROFILE | Romain Del Castillo – Brest’s late bloomer | OneFootball

It’s been a long road to success for Romain Del Castillo. After going through the youth setup at Olympique Lyonnais, the winger had to be shipped out to Brittany to show glimmers of his potential. Yet, it was only after he joined Stade Brestois and was playing under Éric Roy that the Frenchman could show just how spectacular he can be.

Sometimes a player just has to be at the right place at the right time to succeed. “Confidence is crucial in a player,” Del Castillo admitted in an interview with Ligue1.com in February. “I’d say that I ask myself fewer questions before attempting a dribble or a pass. It’s easier to take risks when the team is doing well.”

Del Castillo yet to make his mark in the Champions League

After a barnstorming start to the 2023-2024 season, Del Castillo was considered one of the best offensive players in Ligue 1 over a matter of months. The Frenchman managed to finish the season as Brest’s top offensive contributor with eight goals and eight assists, and a lot of that has been down to his offensive flexibility.  “I’m there to act as a link between the midfield and the strikers. Sometimes I play on the flank or re-centre myself to create this link. I come in to make the final pass and help finish things off. I feel good in that role.”

Where the likes of Pierre-Lees Melou can act as the all-round engine in midfield, it leaves Del Castillo to be the outlet of pace and flair that can drift from the right side and in between the lines. By the end of last season, it was devastating, combined with Del Castillo’s added killer finishing ability.

Ligue 1 has proved to be his area of expertise this season, having already netted four goals and recorded three assists domestically so far. He is yet to become a key figure on the European stage. Competition from Mama Baldé and Abdallah Sima has slightly limited his game time, yet Del Castillo has added a bit more teamsmanship and defensive discipline in his game to make up for it.

GFFN | George Boxall