In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How would Lyon forward Maxwel Cornet fit in at Tottenham?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Maxwel Cornet could have in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How would Lyon forward Maxwel Cornet fit in at Tottenham?
Lyon’s Maxwel Cornet is going to be a star. The Ivory Coast international, who cost the club just £360,000 in 2015, has now scored three times this season against Premier League leaders Manchester City. The striker is proving he is a top talent and on the biggest stage in Europe he has done it against a club many expect to win the tournament.
Cornet’s cool, calm composure showed once more on Tuesday night when he curled a beautiful strike into the back of Ederson’s net. The second, a low strike assisted by Memphis Depay, nearly gave Lyon all three points for the second time against Manchester City. His two-goal performance was a follow on from their previous meeting in which Cornet scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the 18-yard box.
The Lyon forward is valued at £10 million by Transfermarkt, a fee that is set to grow following his brilliant displays against Pep Guardiola’s team. Capable of playing as a No. 9 or on the left wing, Cornet is versatile and would fit in well with the top clubs in the Premier League.
Just 22-years old, Cornet has plenty of upside for Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Mauricio Pochettino and company didn’t purchase a player during the offseason transfer window. Choosing not to add to the squad has hurt Spurs due to a lack of options off the bench. Tottenham’s stars have looked tired and Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Jan Vertonghen have battled injuries. Some of Spurs’ injury woes can be put down to overplaying and not enough rest.
Despite having no new options, Pochettino has got great results from his attackers. Adding a player like Cornet could improve the club even further in front of goal. Cornet could be deployed wide giving Spurs more speed down the flanks. But just as importantly, he could be used as Harry Kane’s back up, giving Spurs’ talisman a needed break when possible.
While Cornet has starred in the Champions League, he hasn’t started a game for Lyon in Ligue 1. It seems unbelievable, but all eight appearances in the league have come from the bench.
He has still scored one goal in 206 minutes of gametime. Cornet was deployed four times in the Coupe de France, three of which were starts. He tallied two goals in the competition. Why manager Bruno Genesio doesn’t start Cornet in the league is strange and must be frustrating to Lyon supporters. However, Cornet wouldn’t be expecting to start right away if he joined a club like Spurs.
Cornet’s career high in goals is eight in 31 Ligue 1 games, which he achieved with Lyon in 2015-16. Last season saw Cornet score four times and assist six goals in 30 games. It was his best assists return.
The Lyon man is an exciting player, but is definitely not the finished product. Being that he doesn’t start domestic matches, there is a good chance he could leave if he is offer more opportunities in the starting XI.
Tottenham and Pochettino could mould Cornet into a consistent offensive contributor. Fantasy Premier League managers could get a lot of points from Cornet’s production. He would most like come off the bench, but his impact has been strong.
