In recent times Ligue 1 has become the new breeding ground for youngsters. Rennes’ Loum Tchaouna, Lyon’s defensive star Castello Lukeba, and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel are just some of the youngsters to come out of the French league in recent years. There are others as well, such as PSG’s 17-year-old sensation Warren Zaire-Emery, and Rennes’ Arnaud Kalimuendo. And now the latest name to join the list is Nantes left-back Quentin Merlin.
The 20-year-old has established himself as an integral part of the Nantes squad, making them a defence-heavy side. Merlin was already given his debut for the senior side last season but has come to his own this season.
Merlin has already become one of the best young players in the league and has also become an essential player in the youth set-up of France’s national youth team. His rise has already been noticed by several clubs who are circling around to sign him. However, a tear in his abductor’s muscle has meant he has not played for the team since mid-Janaury.
But who is Quentin Merlin, and how good is he?
How good is Quentin Merlin?
Quentin Merlin was born in Nantes on May 16, 2002, and started his footballing journey with local side FC Goelands Sanmaritains in 2008. After spending four years at the club, he received the big call-up from Nantes, the biggest club in the region. However, only a year later left for Pornic Foot.
His stint at the club lasted only two years as he returned to Nantes in 2015t and has remained there ever since. After his return to the club, he spent five years in the youth system before he was finally promoted to the Nantes’ reserve team in the 2020-21 season. Merlin would make seven appearances providing one assist. These performances prompted Raymond Domenech to give him a senior team debut in the Coupe de France against Lens on February 10, 2021.
From the 2021-22 season, he was promoted full-time to the senior squad. He made a total of 33 appearances that season and helped Nantes finish in the top half of the table. And the trend has continued this season as Merlin has become one of the first names on the team sheets.
LOOK OUT FOR – Quentin Merlin is a really exciting prospect. The 20yo can play anywhere across the left hand side & has a wonderful left foot. 2 gls / 3 ass in 28 games in his debut season are impressive stats. Might be a bit raw defensively but he’s constantly learning. pic.twitter.com/YNkKn3YLx8
— Le Classique (@LeClassiquePod) July 30,…
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