Transfer Story
Recent reports link the versatile Toulouse forward, Martin Braithwaite, with a move to Southampton this summer. Claude Puel is apparently looking to bolster his attacking options and the Danish international seems to have caught the attention of the gaffer.
The 25-year-old has had an impressive season with Toulouse and is presently the subject of interest from many clubs with St. Mary’s being one of the probable destination for the versatile forward this summer.
The forward’s present contract ties him to Toulouse till 2019. Although unwilling to let go of their star forward with club officials trying to tie him down with a new contract, still, rumours suggest that a bid of around £8m might just be enough to lure away the Danish from Toulouse.
Let’s take a look at the player’s stats that has apparently created a few ripples.
Martin Braithwaite – Player Stats
- The Danish international has made 34 appearances for Toulouse accumulating 2,948 minutes of football on the field. Shows the player’s consistency and fitness level.
- During his 34 appearances for the club, the Danish has made 3 assists and scored 11 goals. Just portrays the goal scoring ability and ruthlessness of the player in front of goal even though not having a fixed starting position in the field.
- The player has an above average pass success rate of 75% and has also created bountiful of chances with his 23 key passes. Unselfish and creative in the attacking third, the player has the ability and vision to create chances going forward, a quality that makes any player a threat to his opponent.
- The versatile forward has flourished with his role in both wings as well as a striker. Giving ample options for a manager to deploy the player.
- The only blemishes on his resume would be the fact that the player is defensively weak and is poor in ball control losing the ball quite a few times in the opponents’ half. (Stats via WhoScored)
Seeing the stats above it would be an interesting move that Peul has considered.
What’ll he offer the Club?
Claude Puel has struggled for consistency from his forwards this season, with the club still trying to fill the quality and void left by the departure of Mane last season to Anfield.
Braithwaite’s acquisition might be a gamble considering the player’s poor defensive traits but with Southampton’s style of play where defensive midfielders are set behind forwards to provide the extra bit of cover to the forwards, Braithwaite might get a more free role in playing forward and exercise his true potential.
The player’s creativity and vision in creating chances up front would no doubt add a bit of flair in the attacking third, something that Southampton had been missing all throughout the season.
Worth the Money?
Although the player is yet to showcase his true potential and ability, still, it might be a risk worth considering for Puel.
If he is able to get the best out of him and sort his defensive weakness, who knows, the club might get its top goalscorer for next season.
A deal to look forward to, it seems.