Name: Florian Thauvin
Club: Bastia (on loan from Lille)
Nationality: French
Position: Attacking midfielder
Who is he?
Born in the historic city of Orleans, central France, Thauvin joined Grenoble in 2008 aged 15. And it was in Eastern France that he made his Ligue 1 debut in the closing stages of the 2010/11 Ligue 2 season, eventually playing three games by May 2011.
However that summer Grenoble were forcibly relegated to the lower reaches of French football for financial reasons, which saw the young midfielder leave for Ligue 2 side Bastia and he made 16 appearances in all competitions as the Corsicans earned promotion to the top flight.
Achievements
Promotion could have been a major challenge for the youngster, but last season Thauvin showed no fear as he terrorised Ligue 1 defences, netting 10 goals and getting three assists in 32 matches.
In January with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle allegedly on his tail, 2011 French league champions Lille made the first move and secured Thauvin on a four and a half year deal for €3.5 million.
But the club from the North-East loaned him back to Bastia who he helped to a mid-table finish.
Internationally he is also part of France’s squad for the U20 World Cup in Turkey, where he started the first two games against Ghana and USA.
Attributes
Fleet of foot, with a strong left-foot, the 20-year-old can play in a variety of positions. Last season he played in the hole, on the right wing and also on the left at various stages.
Technically skilled he likes to take defenders on, and completed the most dribbles per game in France last season.
And following that campaign, he has proven that he is an accurate and deadly finisher.
But his raw pace is his greatest asset which explains why managers have favoured positioning him on the flanks.
Potential
Thauvin is one of France’s most anticipated prospects and the Federation will be hoping that he shines at the U20 World Cup.
His decision to sign for a less-pressurized environment like Lille is an intelligent decision as he will get regular football and even a shot at the Europa League.
