Scout Report: Thomas Lemar, the Monaco star who is worth all the fuss

The transfer window has finally been shut and that has led to millions of Monaco fans heaving a sigh of relief. After having parted ways with the likes of Timeoue Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy, the club looked destined to lose another one of their critical players in Thomas Lemar to either Liverpool or Arsenal before the club's reluctance to sell ensured that the Frenchman remained at Monaco for at least another season.

With his immediate future at the club secure, it is perhaps time to look at what the 21-year old brings to the table. In this segment, we take a look at his style of play and strengths as well as his weaknesses and what lies ahead for the man who is believed to have the footballing world at his feet.

Background

Born in Baieu-Mahault, Guadeloupe on 12th November 1995, Lemar began his footballing journey at his home town club Solidarite-Scolaire when he joined the club’s academy aged just 7. After impressing with the youth squads of the side, the Frenchman was finally afforded his big break when Caen decided to acquire his services in 2010 at the tender age of 14 and in hindsight, that was a move that paved way for greater things for the 21-year-old.

He was handed his senior debut by Caen in August 2013 and despite being used as a bit-part player, the then 18-year-old made sure that his talent did not go unseen and that forced the hierarchy at the French club into handing him a more prominent role in the subsequent season. Lemar did not disappoint as he dished out some impressive performances despite his young age.

His abilities on and off the ball were beginning to attract the attention of several French clubs and it was Monaco who moved the fastest to acquire his services for a sum of £3.60 million. The former Caen man has since spent two successful seasons at the Stade Louis II and has gone from strength to strength to become one of the most sought after youngsters in Europe.

Style of play and Strengths

Lemar is a versatile attacker who can play across various positions. He has, in the past, been used on the left-hand side of a three-man midfield as well as behind the striker(s) as his side’s leading play maker. While he has been impressive in those positions, it has to be noted that his best performances have come when he has been deployed on the left wing.

Last season, the French international was deployed on the left wing by his manager Leonardo Jardim and the player proved to be a handful for defenders not only in France but across Europe.

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when Lemar is mentioned is his glorious left foot (his sublime volley against the Dutch in a recent qualifier game is a testament to the threat his left foot possesses). The winger possesses a great left foot that he has used effectively to breach the toughest of defences with a mix of accurate crosses and delicately placed passes as is evident from the fact that he created a whopping 70 chances in 34 league appearances last season.

Add to that his ability to knock one into the back of the net from distance with power and precision as well as his growing reputation as a world class set piece threat and you could be forgiven for believing the player is all about his left foot. But, there's more to him than just his ability to find a pass or smash it into the top corner.

A look at his performances last season showed what a great threat he can be on the left wing. He is silky on and off the ball, can throw defenders off their balance with an intricate first touch mixed with immense pace and power and his deployment on the left wing ensured that he was afforded the time and space to work his magic.

Mbappe wasn't the lone star in the youthful Monaco team last season

He was constantly seen drifting inwards to provide support to the likes of Mbappe and Falcao last season and given his proven ability on the ball, the opposition’s defence would often lose their shape thus granting the likes of Benjamin Mendy to bomb forward and add to their side’s attack.

Last season, the 21-year old was his side’s leading creative force in not just the French League but also in the UEFA Champions League as he averaged a goal scoring opportunity every 38 minutes. His efforts reaped rich rewards as not only did Monaco become the Champions of France, they also surprised many with their progress to the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

His 11 goals and 14 assists despite his young age further lend credentials to his rising stardom and should he continue with his progress, he is destined for greatness not just with his club but also with his country.

While his attacking numbers justify his status as a star attacker in the making, his defensive performances are not shabby either. He is industrious, can be seen constantly tracking back in an effort to help his defensive colleagues and does not shy away from making a challenge when required to do so.

Last season, he used intelligent interceptions (29 in the League) and tackles (1.2 tackles per game) to disrupt the rhythm of the opposition and these are traits that any manager in the Premier League would love to have in his attacking player.

Weaknesses

Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal were not able to acquire his services in the recently concluded transfer window. However, it looks very likely that Lemar will be joining a Premier League club sooner rather than later and some believe it is an area of concern.

What worries some is that while Lemar has been phenomenal in the French League, could he replicate his performances in a much faster and physical Premier League? Standing at 1.70 metres and weighing 58 Kgs, he is not the strongest of individuals and history is evidence that even the best of attackers sometimes fail to adapt to the Premier League. Can Lemar prove that he belongs in one of the toughest leagues in the world? Only time will tell.

Another aspect of his game that has come under some criticism in the past has been his decision making. The 21-year-old has a tendency to make the wrong passes and we believe his general passing (he clocked a passing accuracy of 84%), as well as his ability to retain the ball, has some room for improvement.

That said, it should not be forgotten that Lemar is still only 21 years of age and these aspects of his game will only improve should he keep his head down and work his way into greatness under a world class manager.

What comes next?

Lemar needs to continue with his good work, irrespective of which club he represents

There is no denying that Lemar is amongst the hottest talents in Europe and while many believe that a move to the Premier League might have helped him grow as a player, we, for one believe his failed transfer is a blessing in disguise.

He does not have to go through the troubles and tribulations of adapting to a new country and a new league and is set to become the leading figure at his club alongside Falcao and that might help his case immensely with the French national team as they gear up for the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Bottom line

There are perhaps very few youngsters who possess the all-around ability that Lemar does. At just 21 years of age, the young Frenchman has the footballing world at his feet. A versatile yet technically gifted player, Lemar has arrived on the big scene and deservedly attracted the kind of price that was quoted by the press.

He possesses all the requisite skills and has shown that he can deliver on even the toughest of stages with his performances for Monaco in UEFA Champions League last season. What is perhaps needed now is that he does not get carried away with the fame that comes with success to ensure that he truly fulfils his promise.

With the FIFA World Cup less than 12 months away, the 21-year-old has his task cut out as he will need to perform consistently in order to book his berth on the plane carrying the immensely talented French squad to Russia for the grandest football tournament.