Nicolas Pepe has made an impressive start to his loan spell at Nice, after joining the French club on loan from Arsenal in the summer – but on Thursday night he struggled and French media outlet Maxi Foot have give him 3.5/10.
Pepe, 27, was one of a number of players signed from Premier League clubs in the summer. Along with Ross Barkley, Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Bryan – while Aaron Ramsey is also joined the club. Pepe has scored five goals in 16 games.
Often used up front as well as out wide, Pepe has impressed in a Nice side that are still trying to gel. But on Thursday night, he struggled. Nice drew 2-2 with German side Koln, scraping through as Group D winners with only nine points.
Pepe played the entire 90 minutes but failed to score, despite netting four goals in his previous six games. Maxi Foot were very critical as he was outshone by his striker partner Gaetan Laborde. They gave him just 3.5/10 for his display.
“In better shape in recent games, the winger on loan from Arsenal did not continue his momentum. He has done some great things like the little bridge over Hübers. But he was rarely dangerous and was very discreet in the second period.”
French media give on-loan Arsenal man Pepe 3.5/10 on Thursday night
How Nice have managed to finish top of their group from nine points is quite remarkable. But they have done it, and will be in the first pot for the knockout draw of the Europa Conference League on Monday. Pepe had shown glimpses.
A tricky start, his recent form of four goals in six games was a sign he had gelled with the rest of Lucien Favre’s side. But his performance on Thursday night was subdued. He will be looking to put it right on Sunday against Brest.
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