Saturday during the Liga match between Villarreal and Osasuna, it had been a long time since we had seen Nicolas Pépé at such a party. Elusive, the 29 -year -old Ivorian winger recalled that he was a player of Champions League level, a player impact capable of turning the fate of a meeting. With two assists, a goal scored, 10 duels won, 6 tackles, 100 % successful long passes and 2 big opportunities created: the native of Mantes-la-Jolie was everywhere and was logically elected man of a match won 4-2 by his team.
New proof, if there was still doubts, that the former Lille has been back at his best for several weeks. However, his first steps within the yellow submarine were not easy with a muscle injury that deprived him of land for three months during the winter even though he was gaining power. But the contrasting seasons in Arsenal, Nice then in Trabzonspor are already far away and Nicolas Pépé is again the spearhead of a team in fight with the Betis to qualify for the next Champions League with a record of 5 assists (including 3 in 2 last games) and 2 goals in 23 liga appearances.
Questioned at a press conference before the festival against Osasuna, Marcelino, his coach, did not dry up praise on his Follet Follet Ivorian, already elected man of the match during the previous day against Espanyol, and already announced the color as if he knew what was going to happen. “He returned after being unavailable last season. He had to adapt and, when he was at the best of his form, he suffered an important injury. After three months of absence, it is difficult to recover physically and mentally. He was about to have an operation and miss the season, but we are happy to have it with us, he can make the difference. At this rate, as in the last two games, it will certainly be a threat to us in attack. ”
Everton and Wolverhampton not insensitive to his return
And the least we can say is that Nicolas Pépé did not lie his coach, quite the contrary. Given the form of the moment and the determining match against Girone next weekend will be a new opportunity for the former best African Ligue 1 player to shine thanks to his pass science and his ability to make the difference in the foot. The objective of reaching the Champions League, a competition in which he has never had the opportunity to play, will be able to motivate the n ° 19 of Villarreal.
The Ivorian international with 46 selections, under contract until June 2026 with the Spanish club, is greatly appreciated internally. According to our information, Villarreal would like to extend Nicolas Pépé and review his contract. It must be said that the player's return to the form echoes in England. Despite a mixed passage in the Premier League, Everton and Wolverhampton keep an informed eye on the 29 -year -old winger, according to our information. Saudi Arabia, which was already in the running last summer to recruit it before the Spanish club puts its hands on it, still keeps an eye on its performances. Enough to make an offer? There is no doubt that a great end to the season of the principal concerned could have a real impact on his future.
