Exclusive | ‘They are drawn to the goal’ – Angers’ asisstant on teenage sensations Sidiki Chérif and Prosper Peter | OneFootball

SCO Angers have scored 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season. Six of them have been scored by Sidiki Chérif and Prosper Peter, both 18, who have benefited from the departure of Esteban Lepaul to make a breakthrough at their formative club. 

Speaking to Get French Football News, Lamine Mbaye, who managed the pair at U19, academy, and now at senior level, was full of praise for the strikers.

“They are two strikers who are drawn towards the goal. They always want to run, want to be in front of goal. It may seem logical, but it isn’t always easy for a player to have a scent for goal. They have always scored lots of goals at youth level,” Mbaye, who has risen with them through the ranks and who is now Alexandre Dujeux’s assistant, tells us.

Mbaye profiled the pair: “They aren’t the same profiles. Sidiki is a player who likes to burst into space. Prosper is more of a pivot player, uses his body well, and is someone that other players can play off. He is good in the air, and he is a finisher. He will be in the box, and he will be available to finish chances; they are very complementary profiles,” he began.

Angers’ assistant added, “Sidiki has played out wide in the past, but Prosper is more of a central player; both are fast and quick. The difference is that Prosper is only just arriving at pro level. He is performing straight away. Sidiki has been pro for three years and is performing now. He was injured, so it was hard. Prosper surprises me with how he has adapted so quickly, which isn’t easy. To carry the team, be the goalscorer of the team at 18, it isn’t easy. 

Mbaye describes Chérif and Peter as “endearing boys”. Beyond that, they are also crucial for this Angers side this season.

Read our full piece on Chérif and Peter on The Guardian.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle