You may have never heard of Tottenham's new signing Pape Matar Sarr, but the teenage midfielder has what it takes to become a household name in the Premier League after joining for £14.6million.
The 18-year-old joined from Metz but has been loaned to his former club for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season to help him continue his development - although he is already showing all the hallmarks of a top player.
Sarr had become one of the most sought after players in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City alllinked with a move for the midfielder, with Spurs eventually winning the race.
He burst onto the scene in Ligue 1 last season - making 22 senior appearances after being promoted to the first-team in November. His call-up to Frederic Antonetti's side came after one stellar performance for the reserve-team and proved to be worthwhile considering he contributed three goals in his maiden campaign.
Spurs completed the signing of Pape Matar Sarr for around £14.5m plus add-ons in August
It was Sarr's confidence that caught the coaches attention. He is known for latching on to loose balls around the edge of the box and turning them into a goal-scoring opportunity.
The 18-year-old is also held in high regard for his aggressive ball-carrying technique. The youngster is capable of picking it up inside his own half and driving through to the opposition's box in a matter of seconds. His goal against Montpellier in February was the perfect example.
Sarr took care of a loose ball just outside of his own box, carried it up the pitch and found his teammate before being given it back. The youngster then fired it home, placing it in the bottom right corner with a low half-volley.
In total, Sarr averaged 1.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last season - equalling Giovani Lo Celso's total and bettering Moussa Sissoko, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Winks' total.
It was clear that Sarr was responsible for the majority of Metz's attacks last season - but it was not just his dribbling that gave his side the edge. His forward-thinking mentality made him a positive player that penetrated lines with his passing.
Sarr completed 85 per cent of his attempts last season – with 80 per cent of those coming in the opposition half. The midfielder also saw his creativity levels rise from 0.9 per 90 last season to 1.7.
Metz director Olivier Perrin compared Sarr to Miralem Pjanic and said he knew the youngster was going to be a 'top player' from the very moment he saw him play.
However, Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo (above) has decided to loan him back out to his former club, Metz, for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season
