In a recent report, Estadio Deportivo has mentioned that Leicester City could face stiff competition in pursuit of Olympique Marseille winger Florian Thauvin next summer. It is believed that the Foxes will have to compete with Sevilla, AS Roma, Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to secure the services of the French playmaker at the end of this season (via Estadio Deportivo).
Thauvin’s Fruitful Season At Marseille So Far
The 28-year-old has experienced an impressive campaign at the Orange Velodrome after putting in a string of productive displays from the right side of André Villas-Boas’ attack. Thauvin has registered six goals and nine assists in 27 appearances for the French outfit this term on all fronts.
The former Newcastle United talent deserves a pat on the back for averaging 1.0 tackle, 1.7 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game in the Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League group stages. However, there is some room of improvement as far as his ball-distribution is concerned in the opposition half as he has completed 76.7% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Thauvin’s current contract with Marseille runs out at the end of this campaign, so the Foxes could potentially land him on a free transfer if the player refuses to extend his stay with the French club. The Ligue 1 star can benefit from playing under a good man-manager like Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who will be able to get the best out of him at the King Power Stadium.
What Are The France International’s Best Attributes?
Thauvin is proficient at getting himself into some dangerous areas in the final third and can shoot the ball with power and precision, which makes him a constant nuisance for the opposition defenders. He can use his quickness and agility to dribble past his marker but needs to work on improving his upper body strength if he wants to be a success story in Premier League football.
The 10-time France international is a great crosser of the ball and can work his socks off for the benefit of his team. He has even got the eye to play a decisive pass to unlock the opponent’s defence, so Rodgers will do well to lure him away from Marseille at the end of this campaign.
Is Thauvin The Right Fit For The Foxes?
Thauvin can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from the right-wing. Plus, he is versatile enough to feature on either flank or play as an attacking midfielder down the middle, which makes a decent fit for the East Midlands club next summer.
Rodgers has currently got James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton fighting for a place on the wings. Someone of Thauvin’s skillset will undoubtedly provide some healthy competition for them at the King Power in the coming seasons.
