The next Makelele
With new that Marseilles want one of their own, Marseilles born Benjamin Stambouli to join their ranks, just as they did before we signed him and reports suggesting we want Giannelli Imbula as part of any deal, I though I'd best find out who he is.
The next Makelele is the answer. He started out in Lique 2 with Guingamp when just 17 in 2009 and is now being watched regularly by clubs across Europe. The Belgium born defensive midfielder was voted ‘Best Player of Ligue 2′ in 2012/13 before he moved to Marseilles at the end of the season. Chelsea had tried to sign him and both they and Arsenal continue to watch his progress, although recent reports suggest Chelsea are trying again, along with Valencia and AC Milan.
Instead of Belgium or The Democratic Republic of Congo, Imbula chose to play for France, whom he has played for at Under-20 and Under-21 level.
Standing 1.86m (6ft 1in) tall, Imbula is physically powerful and strong in the tackle (42% win ratio). He has excellent technique, is comfortable on the ball and has a bit of pace about him. His concentration is good and while he has the ability to go forward his defensive duties come first so plays the Bentaleb role rather than the Mason role.
Like Bentaleb he has the leadership qualities the role requires and a pass completion rate of 90% shows he retains possession for his side, passing forward a healthy 67% of the time. He has everything in his locker to be a midfield general and would perhaps be a step up from Stambouli.
The next Makelele is the answer. He started out in Lique 2 with Guingamp when just 17 in 2009 and is now being watched regularly by clubs across Europe. The Belgium born defensive midfielder was voted ‘Best Player of Ligue 2′ in 2012/13 before he moved to Marseilles at the end of the season. Chelsea had tried to sign him and both they and Arsenal continue to watch his progress, although recent reports suggest Chelsea are trying again, along with Valencia and AC Milan.
Instead of Belgium or The Democratic Republic of Congo, Imbula chose to play for France, whom he has played for at Under-20 and Under-21 level.
Standing 1.86m (6ft 1in) tall, Imbula is physically powerful and strong in the tackle (42% win ratio). He has excellent technique, is comfortable on the ball and has a bit of pace about him. His concentration is good and while he has the ability to go forward his defensive duties come first so plays the Bentaleb role rather than the Mason role.
Like Bentaleb he has the leadership qualities the role requires and a pass completion rate of 90% shows he retains possession for his side, passing forward a healthy 67% of the time. He has everything in his locker to be a midfield general and would perhaps be a step up from Stambouli.
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