Nicolas Pépé
VillarrealRW (CF)
One-v-One Creator
May 29, 1995 (31)
Left
6'0"
161 lb
Experience in attack
Pepe has been named in Ivory Coast's World Cup squad and is expected to provide manager Fae with an experienced and direct attacking option throughout the competition.
Analysis: Pepe ended the club season at Villarreal in La Liga, continuing to demonstrate the pace, directness and goal-scoring ability that has made him one of the most recognizable forwards in African football over the past decade. The 31-year-old scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions and his ability to come on and make an immediate impact makes him a valuable option when a game needs to be opened up. His experience at the very highest levels of European football gives him the credentials to deliver in big moments and he is heading into the World Cup motivated to show he still has the quality to perform at the international level and play a meaningful role for the Elephants.
Two assists Sunday
Pepe recorded two assists on two chances created in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Pepe started the final game of the season after a bench role in the last contest, using the time well as he earned two assists in the dominant win. That said, he ends the season with seven goal contributions in his final six appearances of the season. He then completes the season with eight goals and eight assists in 36 appearances (26 starts), one of his best seasons since leaving Lille in 2019.
Records another goal
Pepe scored one goal and assisted twice from three shots and six chances created in Saturday's 5-1 win over Levante.
Analysis: Pepe's continues to be in top for for a goal in a third straight La Liga match. He's recorded five goals with two assists in just the last seven matches, creating 15 chances in that span, making him an elite threat in the attack for Villarreal.
Scores again Sunday
Pepe scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Analysis: Pepe found the back of the net once again Sunday with a strike in the 29th minute assisted by Alfonso Pedraza. It marked his seventh goal of the campaign, four of which have come in the last six matches. He also won two tackles and intercepted one pass before he was subbed off in the 78th minute for Alfon.
Scores opener Thursday
Pepe scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Oviedo.
Analysis: Pepe opened up the scoring Thursday, converting a penalty in the 13th minute to take the 1-0 lead. It marked his sixth goal of the season, three of which have come in his last five appearances. It came on one of two shots and he also recorded one tackle and one interception in his full 90 minutes of action.
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