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#3 Nicolas Pépé (Lille OSC & Ivory Coast)
Much has been expected of the talented left winger since he came unto the scene for SCO Angers a couple of years ago. Slowly but surely, he has continued to mature and improve and currently looks a steal for Lille at just £10m.
Comparing anyone with Messi would be doing a great disservice to the other player. However, the 23-year-old has shown many Messi-like qualities already this season for Les Dogues (The Great Danes).
His participation in build-up play, passing, scoring and finishing have been on a higher level than many a senior winger across Europe this term. Playing on the right in Lille's 4-3-3 formation has helped Pépé make good use of his searing pace, quick feet, and amazing dribbling to constantly evade challenges.
Screamers, tap-ins, freekicks, penalties are just some of the goals he has gotten; 16 goals and 8 assists in 25 Ligue 1 games tell the story better.
