Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe: Arsenal's Ivorian Winger With a Point to Prove

From Humble Beginnings to Premier League Stardom

Nicolas Pepe's journey to the pinnacle of football is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. Born in Mantes-la-Jolie, France, to Ivorian parents, Pepe's passion for the beautiful game ignited at a tender age. He honed his skills on the streets before joining his local club, Poitiers FC, at the age of 16. Pepe's impressive performances caught the attention of Angers SCO, who signed him in 2013.

During his three seasons with Angers, Pepe established himself as one of the most promising young players in France. His exceptional dribbling ability, combined with his eye for goal, made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. In the 2016-17 season, he helped Angers achieve a historic sixth-place finish in Ligue 1, earning himself a move to Lille OSC.

Shining Bright at Lille

At Lille, Pepe blossomed into one of the most exciting wingers in Europe. His pace, skill, and goalscoring prowess made him a key player in Christophe Galtier's high-flying team. In the 2018-19 season, Pepe was instrumental in Lille's second-place finish in Ligue 1, their highest league position in seven years. He also played a pivotal role in the club's Coupe de France triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Strasbourg.

Pepe's exceptional performances for Lille earned him a place in the Ivory Coast national team. He made his international debut in 2016 and has since become a regular starter for the Elephants. Pepe has represented his country at the Africa Cup of Nations and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players on the continent.

A New Chapter at Arsenal

In the summer of 2019, Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Pepe for a fee of £72 million. The Ivorian winger arrived at the Emirates Stadium with high expectations, but his first season in England was a mixed bag. Pepe struggled to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League, and his form suffered as a result.

However, Pepe has shown glimpses of his undoubted quality in an Arsenal shirt. He scored a stunning goal against Liverpool in the 2019-20 season and has also provided several assists for his teammates. Pepe is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League, but there is no doubt that he has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal.

Pepe's Playing Style and Strengths

Nicolas Pepe is a versatile winger who can play on either flank. He is predominantly right-footed, but he is also comfortable using his left foot. Pepe's greatest strengths are his pace, dribbling ability, and goalscoring prowess. He is a nightmare for defenders to mark, as he can use his speed and skill to beat them with ease.

Pepe is also a creative player who is always looking to create chances for his teammates. He has a great understanding of the game and can pick out a pass with ease. Pepe is also a set-piece specialist, and he has scored several goals from free kicks and penalties.

Areas for Improvement

Despite his undeniable talent, Nicolas Pepe still has some areas for improvement. He can sometimes be guilty of over-dribbling and trying to do too much on his own. Pepe also needs to improve his decision-making in the final third. He can sometimes make the wrong choice when it comes to shooting or passing, which can cost his team valuable points.

Conclusion

Nicolas Pepe is a supremely talented winger with the potential to become one of the best players in the world. He has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level, and he is still only 25 years old. If Pepe can improve his decision-making and consistency, he could become a key player for Arsenal and help the club achieve its goals.