From Ligue 2 to MLS: Crew’s Next Midfield Maestro in the Making

With reports linking Hugo Picard, the 22-year-old French midfielder from Guingamp, to Columbus Crew under the MLS U22 Initiative, fans are eager to understand what makes him such a compelling target. A closer look at his 2024–25 Ligue 2 season reveals a player whose profile aligns remarkably well with the Crew’s tactical identity.

Player Overview: Hugo Picard

Age: 22
Nationality: French
Position: Left Midfield (Right-footed)
Height: 1.68 m
Current Club: EA Guingamp (French Ligue 2)
Transfer Fee: Reported €2 million
Contract Status: Expires June 2026
Professional Appearances: 132 senior matches
2024–25 Season Stats: 3 goals, 9 assists in 34 Ligue 2 matches

Advanced Stats & Analytics

Chance Creation & Passing

Key Passes per 90: 1.5
Assists per 90: 0.30
Progressive Passes: 119
Pass Completion Rate: 86.4%

Picard thrives in tight spaces and excels at threading passes through defensive lines. His ass and key passes suggest a high creative ceiling, especially in transition-heavy systems like Wilfried Nancy’s. To put these numbers into perspective, the 2024 MLS midfielder averaged 1.0 key passes per 90, only 75 progressive passes, and an 84% pass completion rate.

Dribbling & Ball Progression

Dribbles Attempted per 90: 6.4
Successful Dribbles: 61%
Progressive Carries per 90: 7.1
Touches in Final Third per 90: 21.6

Despite his smaller frame, Picard is fearless in 1v1 situations. His dribbling volume and success rate are well above average for Ligue 2 wingers, making him a dynamic ball-progressor.

Defensive Work Rate

Tackles + Interceptions per 90: 3.2
Pressures per 90: 17.4
Successful Pressure %: 31.2%

Picard is not just an offensive asset—he’s a high-motor presser who fits well into Columbus Crew’s high-intensity defensive structure. His ability to recover possession in advanced areas is a key trait.

Tactical Fit at Columbus Crew

Under Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew employs a fluid 3-4-2-1 system with an emphasis on positional play, verticality, and wide overloads. Picard has played across the midfield spectrum—left, central, and attacking roles making him a great fit in many position on the pitch. His ability to operate in tight spaces and break lines with passes aligns well with Columbus Crew’s fluid, possession-heavy style. With holes remaining on the roster after the departure of Alex Matan and Marino Hinestroza, Picard could slot in as a creative fulcrum behind the striker or as a left-sided 8 in a 3-4-2-1.

His chemistry with Steven Moreira (formerly with Toulouse) who has a French background and adaptability to Nancy’s French-influenced tactical philosophy could accelerate his integration.

Hugo Picard is a high-upside, low-risk signing for Columbus Crew. At just 22, he brings over 100 games of professional experience, a creative spark, and a pressing engine. If he adapts quickly to MLS, he could become a cornerstone of the Crew’s midfield for years to come.