As the summer transfer window opens up, numerous strikers worth hundreds of millions are being considered.
However, one player stands out as a free agent and is creating a buzz in the market—Marcus Thuram, the French striker.
Having joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2019, Marcus Thuram has consistently demonstrated his talent and versatility across various forward positions.
His physical attributes make him an excellent fit for a seamless transition to higher-level leagues.
In the Premier League, giants Manchester United need a striker, and AC Milan in Italy, who are reportedly close to signing him, could also move him to Spain.
This tactical analysis, presented as a scout report, explores Thuram’s playing style and unique 189 cm (6 foot 3) characteristics that have propelled him to become an exceptional-quality player, and how he uses them wisely.
Calculated agility & power
Despite recently transitioning from right winger to full-time striker, Thuram has retained his astute decision-making and keen perception.
He understands precisely when and how to utilise his pace effectively.
Rather than relying on his pace as a one-size-fits-all solution or a means to challenge opponents in every situation, Thuram recognises that each football scenario is unique and that successful players adapt accordingly.
Thuram’s versatility lies in his ability to use coordination and perception to maintain control of his body, both with and without the ball.
He doesn’t settle for obvious choices; instead, he identifies the most suitable ones.
It is through wisdom that true success is achieved.
Below, during a game versus Hoffenheim, once Marcus Thuram received out wide, he moved inside, opening space for the left back to overlap.
Instead of opting for the more straightforward passing options (to the overlapping LB or the advanced midfielder), Marcus Thuram displays patience.
He waits for the opportune moment to make his decision.
Thuram moves towards the baseline, bypassing the fullback with an inside-to-outside move.
He skillfully cuts the ball back to the oncoming diagonal runner, Alassane Pléa, who successfully converts the chance into a goal.
In another example, against Düsseldorf, Thuram moves from the right side, enticing one of the defenders to follow him and face him higher, which creates a gap in the backline.
Rather than immediately opting for a safe pass to switch the ball from one half-space to another, Thuram waits for the right moment to exploit the newly generated space behind the defensive line.
Lilian Thuram’s son possesses exceptional mental acuity and situational awareness.
He exhibits impressive scanning abilities and thought processes, whether playing as a striker or a winger.
When operating as a striker positioned between the lines in front of the opposition’s backline, Thuram effectively exploits the small spaces and gaps created by vigilant opponents.
Similarly, as a winger, Thuram keenly understands when to make well-timed runs behind or near the ball.
In the scene below from Oberachern versus Mönchengladbach, Alassane Pléa finds himself freely between the lines while the opposition’s centre-back prepares to step forward to confront him.
As soon as the centre-back takes a few forward steps, Thuram astutely identifies the vacant space and immediately demands the ball there.
His teammates recognise this and find him through a well-executed third-man combination.
Thuram confidently finishes the play by striking the ball into the net with the sole of his right foot.
Here or there, Thuram controls the ball with the inside of his right foot, then swiftly changes direction by shifting it to the outside of his right foot.
This skill allows him to evade opponents.
In a scene from Borussia M’gladbach’s visit to FC Köln, Marcus Thuram finds himself under pressure after dropping deep to receive a direct ball from the goalkeeper.
Despite the option of a safe back-pass to the fullback (indicated by the right colour), Thuram decides to be more proactive.
He quickly identifies an opportunity and moves to bypass his marker, creating space.
Having successfully evaded his marker and set the defender behind him, Thuram continues to showcase his agility by changing the ball’s direction with his right foot.
Demonstrating his dynamic scanning ability, he keeps his head up to assess the situation.
He identified a teammate in a promising position, but unfortunately, the latter missed.
Also, the French player (born in Italy) possesses strength and physicality, which give him a significant advantage in aerial duels.
This strength also plays a crucial role in his hold-up play; he is a striker who is capable of dropping deep to hold the ball up and exchanging simple one-twos before running behind.
Marcus Thuram can also be considered a tempo-changer, as the attack at his point changes faster than before him.
Nicknamed “Tikus”, Thuram consistently keeps his head up, receives the ball, and swiftly moves forward, exploiting spaces.
His adeptness at changing the ball’s direction using his right foot, combined with his patient approach, enables him to showcase his dribbling skills effectively.
As per FBref, he ranks in the top 13% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for progressive carries among those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues.
Despite this, he doesn’t like to dribble when having better options.
In the match between Bremen and M’gladbach, the following scene effectively showcases Thuram’s technique and decision-making.
Thuram receives the ball in a challenging situation, surrounded by three defenders.
However, he quickly identifies an opportunity to exploit the space on the right side.
Employing his dribbling technique, he cleverly keeps the front defender at bay while also creating distance between himself and the defender behind him.
Thuram successfully maintains control of the ball, keeping the two defenders as far away from it as possible.
In a moment of brilliance, he executes a skilful reverse shot against the goalkeeper’s direction.
Comparing Radar Maps
We will use an example of his stats, transitioning from a winger in the 2020-21 season to a striker in 2022-23.
The graphic below compares Thuram’s performances as a winger in the Bundesliga with his transformation into a centre-forward.
Aerial Duels
During the 2020-21 season, Thuram, operating as a winger, excelled in aerial duels.
He boasts an impressive number of aerial duels, ranking in the 96th percentile and 92nd percentile per game, indicating his dominance in the air.
He contributes significantly to his team as a high wide point, building the attack through a long ball.
In contrast, when played as a CF, he doesn’t use this ability as he drops more than being a target man.
Shooting and Dribbling: Thuram’s ability to convert his shots improved after he transitioned to a centre-forward.
As a winger, he ranked in the 83rd percentile in shooting accuracy.
However, playing as a CF, his shooting surged to an impressive rate, putting him in the 89th percentile per game.
Likewise, Thuram’s dribbling skills witnessed growth.
In his winger days, he was in the 75th percentile for dribbles per match.
However, as a CF, his dribbling rate escalated to the 78th percentile.
Thuram’s enhanced ability to dribble in small spaces has added a new dimension to his game.
Involvement in the Opponent’s Penalty Area: As a winger, Thuram is in the 70th percentile, touching the ball into the opponent’s box while being in the 79th percentile when operating as a striker.
Passing Ability: Passing accuracy and the type of passes a player makes are crucial in determining their effectiveness in connecting plays.
As a winger, Thuram displayed a passing accuracy in the 29th percentile.
However, upon transitioning to a CF, his passing accuracy improved substantially, reaching impressive numbers that put him in the 75th percentile per game.
This development highlights Thuram’s ability to drop to contribute and link with his teammates effectively.
Furthermore, Thuram’s progressive passes per game also increased significantly.
He was in the 50th percentile per match as a winger, and his impressive numbers put him in the 55th percentile when playing a CF, which demonstrates his improved vision when it comes to advancing the ball into more dangerous areas.
The destination
In the current landscape of inflated transfer fees, Marcus Thuram’s availability as a free agent at 25 presents an exceptional opportunity for any top-tier club.
Numerous reports suggest that an agreement with AC Milan is imminent (at the time of writing), although Manchester United is threatening to swoop in to secure his signature.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain has also expressed significant interest, while Atletico Madrid‘s pursuit appears less intense than that of other clubs.
Milan look to be an excellent fit for Marcus Thuram given their need for a striker to replace the ageing Olivier Giroud.
Moreover, Thuram’s versatility would allow him to rotate with Rafael Leao on the wing, providing valuable depth and attacking options.
Under Stefano Pioli, Milan’s tactics allow for individual creativity and freedom on the pitch.
This style of play aligns well with Thuram’s skill set and could enable him to thrive.
The possible combination between Thuram and Leao could become a captivating storyline in the upcoming Italian season, as both players possess immense potential.
Manchester United, with the delay in announcing the new acquisition of the club, is standing by in the market and needs not one but two strikers.
Thuram would be a great solution, as the team also needs a left-wing compensator for Rashford and Garnacho in an emergency.
His versatility will be appropriate, and his calmness and wisdom in the final third will give Erik ten Hag more creativity next season in front of deep blocks, especially given his physical capabilities, which are well-suited to the English Premier League.
In Paris, PSG are interested in him even before the appointment of the new head coach.
After Lionel Messi‘s departure, Neymar’s potential departure, and Kylian Mbappe‘s mysterious situation, the attack will remain short of alternatives.
Thuram will be considered a wonderful solution and completely ready for the French League.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid considers Thuram, given his physical and technical capabilities and his distinction in transitions, which is what Simeone likes, as their main choice in the event of the sale of Joao Felix.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marcus Thuram’s free-agent status has sparked excitement and interest among top-tier clubs, as this analysis has shown.
Thuram’s abilities allow him to adapt to different situations on the pitch.
He doesn’t rely solely on his pace; instead, he utilises his various skills to make wise decisions.
As a striker or a winger, he demonstrates exceptional mental acuity and situational awareness, exploiting spaces and creating opportunities for his teammates.
As a free agent, Thuram’s availability offers top clubs a unique opportunity to acquire a player of exceptional quality without the burden of a hefty transfer fee.
AC Milan, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs showing strong interest in securing his services.
