Nicolas Pepe: Why Lille star could be Eden Hazard’s potential heir at Chelsea

At the moment, there’s no player as exciting and electrifying as Eden Hazard in the Premier League.

The Belgian is in complete control on the pitch. Unafraid of risks, he appears to be moving closer to his dream move to Real Madrid. If that ultimately happens, the Blues should return to Lille for his successor.

Michael Emenalo wanted a change. Chelsea’s Sporting Director was tired of splashing the cash on overpriced mercenaries. To achieve this, the Nigerian borrowed some of Arsene Wenger’s handouts. After studies, he reckoned to invest in prospects rather than pedigree could ultimately yield fruits.

He quickly set up an intricate scouting network across Europe. Among the multitude of young migrants to Stamford Bridge was promising 21-year-old Hazard. The Belgian was captured from Lille after three incredible seasons. Hazard was a different breed, he oozed greatness all over.

He was something special. Most experts in football predictions didn’t expect this. He could dash pass defenders, leaving them trailing in his wake. At just a little above 5 ft, the Belgian wasn’t the strongest nor tallest. Yet like most diminutive players, he possessed exceptional technique and intellect.

Nearly seven years after, the Blues will do themselves good to return to Stade Pierre-Mauroy for Hazard’s potential replacement.

There lies another untapped precious jewel capable of following the footsteps of Real-bound Hazard. He is Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe’s career kicked off around the same time as Hazard joined Chelsea. The Ivorian’s breakthrough came at French fifth Division side, Pointers. A dazzler with an eye for goal, Pepe’s remarkable artistry sprung forth from the onset. He only got nine chances to prove his worth and didn’t disappoint. Not only was Pepe expressive and entertaining, but he also grabbed two goals.

That sparring game time was enough to lure Angers – a side four divisions above in the Ligue 1. But at Stade Raymond Kopa, Pepe needed to bide his time patiently with the reserve team. He had to convince everyone at the club. It took the Ivorian three years, including a spell on loan at Orleans.

Pepe was welcomed back to the first team and, just one season later he swapped clubs again. This time he moved to Lille. Last season, he was the standout performer in a poor Lille side that flirted with relegation.

Although known to operate through the middle as a central striker or number 10, Pepe is more effective on the flank. Standing at 6ft tall, he is a dangerous presence in the box, providing a direct threat himself or laying on chances for others to finish.

Pepe has enjoyed a blistering start to the Ligue 1 season with Lille. He has scored six goals and set up six others in nine Ligue 1 games, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Amiens.

Pepe’s tally of 12 combined goals and assists is, in fact, more than PSG superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe (both 11), bought for a combined €400m, have managed in the same period. That’s three more than Hazard’s nine.

Many Premier League predictions expect Pepe to be able to maintain his form and be the one player to keep an eye on.