In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How would Lille forward Nicolas Pepe fit in at Arsenal?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Nicolas Pepe could have in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How would Lille forward Nicolas Pepe fit in at Arsenal?
Lille right wing Nicolas Pepe arrived at the French club in the summer of 2017 from Angers. His first season at the club was brilliant as Pepe tallied 13 goals and five assists in 36 Ligue 1 games. This season, Pepe has started even better scoring eight times in 12 matches. He has also added seven assists to Lille’s high-powered attack.
The French club has surprised many and sit in second place, 11 points behind Paris Saint-Germain. Lille are not expected to overtake PSG, but the mere fight for Champions League football has raised a few eyebrows. Pepe’s performances have been the catalyst to Lille’s great early season play.
Pepe, an Ivory Coast international, has been deployed on the right side of Lille’s four-man attack for all 12 appearances this season. Manager Christophe Galtier has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation allowing Pepe to cut in from the right to pass or shoot.
The forward has been in-form in his last five matches. Pepe has tallied four goals and two assists in that time.
Unai Emery’s Arsenal play the same 4-2-3-1 formation as Lille and which would play to Pepe’s strengths. The forward would be a perfect addition to the right side as his pace and creativity would match Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who plays on the opposite side.
Although Mesut Ozil has featured several times on the right-hand side, he is not a natural wide player. Ozil plays better as a traditional No. 10, giving Pepe the chance to exploit defences with his pace and creativity on the wings.
Fantasy Premier League managers would love Pepe’s combination of passing and scoring skills. Yet, it could take him time to bed-in to Emery’s team before he could tally FPL points.
Overall, Pepe would fit in after an initial honeymoon period and FPL managers — and Arsenal — would see the winger rack up goals and assists.
Would Nicolas Pepe fit in at Arsenal? Have your say!