Arnold MVUEMBA

Arnold Mvuemba is part of the generation made up of the likes of Faty, Gourcuff and Briand, who won the Gambardella Cup (French FA Youth Cup) in 2003. As one of the chief architects in this success, the French-Congolese signed his first professional contract at Rennes on the eve of the 2003/2004 season. Under Manager Bölöni, this defensive or box-to-box midfielder was given his first stat in January 2004 for a 4-0 victory against Sochaux, where he demonstrated his qualities: technical ability, his vision, and his stamina. Regularly called up to the First Team squad, Mvuemba was eagerly anticipated in the 2004/2005 season to confirm his progression. Unfortunately, he was continually hampered by injury problems, and only managed 11 appearances that season. In 2005/2006, with rival Sorlin out of the picture, he played in more matches (23 appearances), but never imposed himself as first-choice over the duration. Despite opening the score against Monaco (1-2), Mvuemba was called a “kitten” by his Manager, who was looking for lions in his team. This difficulty to take things to the next level mentally forced him to go and toughen up at Portsmouth in January 2007.