5 breakout players of the season

#3 Nicolas Pepe

Pepe is the next big name to come out of Ligue 1

Rewind three years and Pepe was playing in the third tier of French football, for recently relegated side US Orleans after being loaned out from parent club Angers. After a successful season with US Orleans, Angers integrated him in their first team who was then, at the end of that season sold to Marco Bielsa's Lille.

The Argentine used him in the middle, where he struggled, rather than his preferred right wing and after Bielsa's departure, Pepe returned to the right flank full time. The first thing you’ll notice when watching Pépé in action is his directness. Every move he makes when in possession is forward-thinking. The second is excellent close control which, when coupled with his pace, makes him a defender’s nightmare.

However, there is far more to his game than just penetrative dribbling and this season Pépé has become one of the best in France at threatening the opposition goal. Whether he is fashioning shooting opportunities or being the finisher of chances created by teammates, his total scoring attempts per 90 of 4.62 is the third highest figure in Ligue 1.

With a number of clubs fighting for his signature, Pepe should choose Premiere League which loves direct football and has seen a number of pacy strikers like Owen, Henry, Anelka, etc enjoy a successful career on the island.