Olivier MONTERRUBIO

Olivier Monterrubio signed for Stade Rennais FC in 2001 almost immediately after the arrival of Gourcuff. Voted Young Player of the Year in Division 1 in 1999, and French Champion in 2001, the former Nantes striker was generally disowned at first, but after a brace against Synot in a 5-0 win, and a hat-trick against Monaco (3-0 win), his left-footer had the entire crowd eating from his hands. He declined, however in the 2002/2003 season under Halilhodzic, before really hitting top form as of 2003 with Bölöni as Manager. Moved to the left side of the attack, “Rubio” formed a legendary strike partnership with Frei, to whom he provided numerous assists. He became best passer in the league on three occasions (2003, 2004 and 2006) and racked up his goal tally too, scoring 41 goals, of which 19 came from the penalty spot. By now, he had become a firm fans favourite at the Route de Lorient Stadium, and the player from the Tarn region of France was one of the heroes as Rennes qualified for Europe in 2005, ahead of the victorious clash with Osasuna (3-1/0-0). In the 2006/2007 season, he lost Frei as his partner in crime, and had a disappointing spell. During that season, he was swapped for Olivier Thomert from Lens.