Villarreal CF tab Nicolas Pépé

Villarreal CF announces the surprise signing of Nicolas Pépé, just as they did last year with Sørloth. The Ivorian player arrives for free and signs for 2 seasons.

Pépé profile

• Height: 183 cm
• Foot: Left
• Age 29
• Position: Right winger (preferred), left winger
• Nationality: Ivorian and French

Characteristics and Playing Style:

• Speed: Pépé is known for his explosive speed, allowing him to outrun defenders in one-on-one situations and during fast transitions. He fits well into Marcelino's style of play
• Technical Skill: He displays outstanding technical control with the ball, including good dribbling and precise handling in tight spaces.
• Finishing Ability: He is an efficient finisher, capable of converting chances with both feet and his head.
• Offensive Versatility: Although his primary role is right winger, he can also perform as a central forward or left winger, adapting to various tactical systems.
• Game Involvement: He significantly contributes to the build-up play and provides assists, effectively combining with teammates to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Weaknesses:

1. Injuries: Pépé has been prone to minor injuries, including a knee injury in the 22/23 season that kept him out for 144 days.
2. Current Level: Pépé’s current level of play is uncertain. After joining Arsenal as the most expensive player in the club’s history at that time and despite scoring 27 goals and providing 21 assists in 112 matches, Pépé ended up leaving for free to the Turkish league. Trabzonspor's executives offered him a one-year contract (until June 2024) with the possibility of renewal if everyone was satisfied. His knee injury raised doubts, and the renewal did not happen.

Why is Villarreal interested in him?

In our opinion, Nicolas Pépé is a low-risk investment. At 29 years old, he arrives on a free transfer and signs for 2 seasons. He was without a club after his stint in Turkey, so Villarreal didn’t need to spend money to secure his services, and his salary is expected to be modest.

His playing characteristics fit well into Marcelino's system, as he prefers skillful, dribbling, and fast wingers who can effectively engage and surpass opposing full-backs, thereby drawing defensive coverage from central defenders. This would help open up the field and create more space for players like Gerard Moreno and Baena to operate more comfortably in central and between-the-lines positions.

It’s not the first time a player has arrived at Villarreal CF with questions surrounding their level, but it seems the yellow shirt has revitalizing powers.