In a recent report, L’Equipe (subscription required) has stated that Leicester City have begun talks to land Olympique Marseille wide player Florian Thauvin. It is understood that the Foxes could face competition in the form of AC Milan, Sevilla and Crystal Palace in pursuit of the French winger (via L’Equipe).
Thauvin’s Productive Season At Orange Velodrome
The Orleans-born talent is enjoying another eye-catching campaign at Marseille as he has been responsible for producing several match-winning displays on the right side of Jorge Sampaoli’s attack. Thauvin has scored eight goals and provided nine assists in 37 appearances for the French outfit this term in multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old has done well to average 1.1 tackles, 1.7 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this season. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 77.7% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Leicester can undoubtedly use a player of Thauvin’s skillet as he would flourish playing in Brendan Rodgers’ attacking brand of football at the King Power Stadium. At 28, the Frenchman is currently playing at his peak and would add plenty of quality to the Foxes frontline.
What Will The France International Bring To The King Power Stadium?
Thauvin has got the eye to play a killer pass in the final third and is usually quite composed when running at full speed towards the opponent’s penalty box. He can complete some promising dribbles out on the wide areas and is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline.
The French sensation is primarily a right-sided winger but can also function on the left flank or play in the number ten position down the middle if needed. Hence, he will add plenty of competition for the likes of James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton for a regular starting place in Rodgers’ first team.
Thauvin has got the pace and agility to breeze past his marker and can score or create goals consistently at the highest level. He has still got plenty of football left in his locker and could be a shrewd signing for the Foxes if they can get a deal over the line for him when the summer transfer window reopens later this year.
Is Thauvin A Good Option For Rodgers?
With all things considered, Thauvin will be an excellent option for Rodgers to consider in this off-season. He will enhance the quality of his first XI considerably and could even help them challenge in the UEFA Champions League if the Foxes can secure a place in the Premier League’s top four at the end of this campaign.
