Everyone knows that Nicolas Pepe is considered one of the top players in Ligue 1. He delivered unparalleled performance as an attacker, which is perhaps why he was also involved in a big-money move to Manchester United. However, the reason why Pepe is in such a huge demand isn't simple.
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To understand why Pepe has become such a big personality in professional football and completely changed the game of football betting today, there are a few things you need to know first.
Pepe more than wowed everyone during France's lower leagues with Poiters. He also played a major role in taking Angers to the French cup final in 2016/17 and was then picked by Lille in the following summer.
When Pepe joined Lille, the club was in a shoddy state mainly because of the boss Marcelo Bielsa's expulsion in December 2017. However, Pepe emerged as a saviour and scored 13 goals and provided 4 assists. He didn't stop impressing at that point either, and went on to score 22 goals in Ligue 1 and also provided 11 assists. The result? Lille finished the season on the second position, which was pretty good.
What's so amazing about Pepe is that his achievements haven't stopped yet. For instance, not only did he hel Ivory Coast to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup, he did so well that he was awarded the title of "player of the season". He was also in the Ligue 1 team of the year frontline right beside Neymar and Mbappe.
In 2019-20, it's natural that Pepe will fight against Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, and Juan Mata along with a few other opponents, especially as Marcus Rashford will be in a central striking role. However, he is considered one of the "players to keep an eye on".
During the last season of Premier League, Lingard, Martial, and Mata collectively scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists. However, if Man United are to reach the top four, then Old Gunnar Solskjaer is going to need a lot more help, which is where Pepe comes in.
French football specialising journalist Tom Williams said the following of Pepe: "On his day, he's a genuine world-beater". Maybe that's what sums up the quick lithe attacking player that Pepe is, and maybe that's why he is in demand.
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