Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette Ian Wright comparison intriguing

Gerard Houllier has compared Alexandre Lacazette to Ian Wright. Their styles are extremely similar, and, given the success Wright enjoyed for Arsenal, especially later in his career, it is a very intriguing comparison indeed.

Arsenal have landed their man. After several years of searching for a Robin van Persie replacement, once it was clear that Olivier Giroud could not fill the Dutchman’s shoes, Arsene Wenger settled on Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette as the man he wanted to lead his line.

But, as many people do not have the chance to watch much French football on a regular basis, for some, he is a player of which little is known. Rather than relying on people who have watched YouTube highlights and automatically assume they know everything about the player, here is someone with a little more expertise and insight.

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Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has favourably compared Lacazette to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, listing a number of skills that he shares with the Gunners’ former record goalscorer. Houllier stated:

"“He is very mobile, very quick, good in short spaces, has good skill and he scores goals. He was the top scorer in France in 2014-15, the best player in the league in 2015 and has been the best French scorer over the last three seasons. He has good technique, is good at using short spaces and is a hard-working player. He is very good near the box. He is a bit like Ian Wright really. You don’t seem to see him and then suddenly he moves.”"

The comparison to Wright is an intriguing one. They are very similar players. Both come alive in the penalty area, with a nose for goal. They are extremely sharp when the ball is in wide areas, always looking to elude the attentions of opposing defenders, and are able to turn away quickly and sharply, finding space and time in even the tightest of penalty areas.

Perhaps where the comparison does falter a tad is in their versatility. Lacazette initially burst into the Lyon line-up as a wide man, whereas Wright was primarily a centre-forward, especially at Arsenal. Because of this, Lacazette does have a greater comfort in open play, with a better touch than Wright, who tended to rely on his ruthless finishing streak and relentless goalscoring to be of benefit to the team.

Next: 3 reasons Alexandre Lacazette is a better signing than Romelu Lukaku

Nonetheless, if Lacazette does end up being a player as successful and dangerous as Wright, then the £52 million paid to secure his services will quickly be viewed as a bargain.

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