Nicolas Pepe: The Ivorian Winger

Early Life and Career

Nicolas Pepe was born on May 29, 1995, in Mantes-la-Jolie, France. He began his football career at the age of six, playing for local club US Solitaires Mantes.

In 2013, Pepe joined Poitiers FC, a third-tier club in France. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances during the 2014-15 season.

Move to Angers

In 2015, Pepe signed for Angers SCO, a Ligue 1 club. He made his debut for the club in August 2015 and quickly became a regular starter. In his first season with Angers, Pepe scored 9 goals in 30 appearances.

Pepe continued to impress in the following seasons, scoring 13 goals in 36 appearances during the 2016-17 season and 12 goals in 38 appearances during the 2017-18 season.

Transfer to Lille

In 2017, Pepe joined Lille OSC, another Ligue 1 club. He made his debut for the club in August 2017 and quickly became a key player for the team.

In his first season with Lille, Pepe scored 13 goals in 38 appearances. He continued to impress in the following seasons, scoring 22 goals in 38 appearances during the 2018-19 season and 18 goals in 29 appearances during the 2019-20 season.

International Career

Pepe made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in 2016. He has since made 29 appearances for the team, scoring 7 goals.

Pepe was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He also represented his country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Playing Style

Pepe is a winger who is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and goalscoring ability. He is also a good passer and can play with either foot.

Pepe is a versatile player who can play on either flank or as a central attacking midfielder. He is also a good set-piece taker.

Transfer Rumors

Pepe has been linked with a move to several top clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.

However, Pepe is under contract with Lille until 2023 and the club is reluctant to sell him. It is likely that Pepe will remain at Lille for at least another season.

Conclusion

Nicolas Pepe is one of the most exciting young players in world football. He is a talented winger who has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.

Pepe is still only 25 years old and has plenty of time to develop his game. He is already a key player for Lille and the Ivory Coast national team, and he is likely to continue to improve in the years to come.

Nicolas Pepe