Newcastle United have once again dipped into the French top tier in search of solutions to shape the long term future of the team. Last season, they bought Remy Cabella. An acquisition which didn’t turn out to be as good as expected. This summer though, they’ve got their hands on a young winger who is seen by many as one of the brightest prospects in French football – Florian Thauvin. The deal was reportedly sealed at around £12million with Remy Cabella going the other way on a season long loan with an option to buy.
Thauvin’s signing is one of significant importance given the caliber and potential he possesses. In recent years, he has shown glimpses of sublime quality enough to keep hopes upon. The young winger came in the so called big picture with SC Bastia in the 2012/13 season. His first season in the French top flight saw him score 10 goals. He was subsequently named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
If anything, his massively impressive breakthrough season in Ligue 1 was enough evidence of his quality and potential. Last season, he had another impressive campaign with Marseille which led to increased interest in his services.
Thauvin is a left footed right winger with blistering pace, a vast skill-set and splendid technique. He’s got all the main qualities to succeed in a league as tough as the Premier League. Like many young players, Thauvin’s attitude is questionable. He’s off to a great start as he notched up a goal and three assists on his full debut for Newcastle United. One of his biggest strengths lies in his ability to have a run at opposition defenders and the Frenchman is not afraid to go for the glorious, if he gets the chance.
Thauvin, just like any other young player, will need time to settle in and get to grips with English football. Not to forget that he’s a work in progress and may sometimes have bad days on the pitch. But overall, if under the right guidance and support, he can step by step realize the great potential he has and can be the talismanic player for the toon, in the long term.
In 2013, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had his say on Thauvin, “He is one of the big prospects of French football. He will go higher.”
One of France’s biggest hopes represents a huge deal of hope for Newcastle United. Who knows? Thauvin may well become a star at St. James’ Park. Time will eventually tell.