Barely arrived and already at ease. Seven years after leaving France for England, Neal Maupay decided to do the opposite, joining Olympique de Marseille on loan until the end of the season. Coming into play in the last quarter of an hour in Toulouse just before the international break, the Versailles native was officially presented this Monday in the company of Fabrizio Ravanelli, institutional and sports advisor of the Marseille club. The 28-year-old striker took the opportunity to recall his profile.
“I consider myself a goalscorer. I played at the highest level in the Premier League, there is a lot of competition. I did not have the chance to play at the top of the table, it was more about staying up with the clubs I played with. It is more complicated to score goals. But I am a goalscorer, I have an eye for goal,” he assured. “I am a fairly collective striker, I like to get loose, play the ball at the feet. It can fit in with the coach’s style of play. I am quite confident that when I am on the pitch I will contribute to the team.”
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Only one season with ten goals in the PL
In seven seasons in England, Neal Maupay has only reached or exceeded the ten-goal mark in a season twice: in 2018-2019 with Brentford in the Championship (25 goals in 43 games), and the following year for his christening in the Premier League with Brighton (10 goals in 37 games). During the previous season with the Bees, the 28-year-old scored 6 times in 29 games. Despite the lack of statistics in front of goal, the former Nice player remains convinced that his place on the pitch remains in the centre.
“I think that on the wings, it’s not my style of play. But whether it’s as a 9 or a second striker or playing as a number 10 like Amine (Harit), these are positions that can suit me. In England, I played supporting the striker, as a nine alone or as a pair. No matter the position, I’m ready.” The reception of Nice, his training club, at the Vélodrome on Saturday (5 p.m.) will be the first ideal test.
- RMC Sport
