Marcelo Bielsa has spoken about his former player Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal’s record signing that could be set to play against Leeds United in Monday evening’s FA Cup clash.
The £70m Ivory Coast international, who made the switch to The Emirates this summer, played under Bielsa at Lille.
The Argentinian only had a short five-month stint as Lille manager, but sanctioning the deal to bring Pepe had a long-lasting effect. Famously meticulous, he reportedly watched every minute that the talented attacker played for Angers and scouted him personally.
While being used as a central striker by Bielsa didn’t get the desired results, failing to score often as Lille languished near the relegation zone, Pepe soon found his feet at the club, going on to score 22 goals and register 11 assists in Ligue 1 in his second full season.
Arsenal’s decision to sign Pepe for a hefty price tag comes no surprise to his former coach, who rates him highly and has praised his individual skills and quality.
It’s been a similarly slow start at Arsenal this season, not registering a goal from open play until December, but there are hints that he’s coming good for the Gunners, playing a pivotal role in their last two wins; scoring and assisting in a comeback win over West Ham last month and opening the scoring in New Year’s Day’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
“Pepe is a great player with big resources and is a goalscorer,” said Bielsa, speaking in the pre-Arsenal press conference.
“And he’s a player who is able to unbalance a match. Obvious skills, when you have all of these skills in one player, the value is £70m. It’s just a matter of time and after show those skills.
“He has shown them clearly and after the price was linked to what he has shown on the pitch.
“One thing is when one player has the skills, another is to have the skills and show the skills on the pitch.
“He does both. He has clearly shown his skills and is at a club where he deserves to be.”
Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.
