Désiré Doué has impressed Nemanja Matic since the Serbian midfielder swapped Roma for Stade Rennais FC this summer.
Matic arrived at Rennes from Roma this summer, a midfield reinforcement with two Premier League title wins with Chelsea to his name prior to spending five years with Manchester United before being reunited with José Mourinho in 2022.
Significant creative talent passed him on the way out of Roazhon Park this summer, with Jérémy Doku and Lovro Majer leaving for Manchester City and Wolfsburg respectively, but Matic thinks Rennes have a fine replacement in Doué.
"In my entire career, I've never played in such a young team, with players at 19 or 20 years old," he told Ouest France. "[But] it's always interesting to see how they progress. Désiré has great potential. There are a few others but I don't want to say their names because I don't think it's good for them."
Doué set for starring role
Attacking midfielder Doué is yet to get off the mark for the current campaign but he bagged three goals and an assist in 26 Ligue 1 Uber Eats games - only 11 of them starts - last term, and has been handed the No.10 role more often than not in recent weeks.
Matic and Doué will both hope to start the Derby Breton against FC Nantes on Sunday. Matic, who has played in London, Manchester and Rome derbies, already appreciated the importance of the fixture.
"I know the history of Rennes and Nantes," he said. "I know it's a special game for our fans. For the last few days, people have been stopping me in the street to tell me that we have to win!"
