With the Championship season only a few days away, the excitement and anticipation around the King Power Stadium is culminating into what could be a very tense opening game on Sunday. The arrival of Stephy Mavididi, a young and talented attacker could be one of the missing jigsaw pieces that may catapult the Foxes back into the promised land. What can the Leicester City faithful expect from their latest acquisition? From his humble beginnings to his impressive performances on the pitch, his journey can inspire aspiring footballers everywhere.
Does Mavididi’s Arrival Inject the Missing Spark at Leicester City
🏴🔵 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Stephy Mavididi (25) has joined Leicester City from Montpellier.
The forward is now back in England after 5 years in France/Italy. €7.5m fee + sell-on clause as per @FabrizioRomano. pic.twitter.com/ozNIKGGCMQ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 31, 2023
Early Life and Beginnings
The attacker was born on May 31, 1998, in Derby, England. His journey in football started at a young age when he joined the youth academy of his local club, Derby County. Even from a tender age, it was evident that he possessed a natural talent for the sport. His raw speed, technical abilities, and goal-scoring prowess caught the attention of scouts and coaches.
Read More: 100 Years of Wembley Stadium: Five of Its Greatest Upsets
In 2015, Mavididi made a significant move to the youth academy of Arsenal, one of England’s most renowned football clubs. This marked a turning point in his career, as he now had the opportunity to train and develop alongside some of the country’s most promising young talents. His progress was rapid, and he soon caught the eye of the Gunner’s senior management.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 2017, his hard work paid off when he made his debut for Arsenal’s first team in a League Cup match against Norwich City. This milestone moment was a testament to his dedication and perseverance. However, as competition for places in the star-studded squad was fierce, the forward sought opportunities to gain valuable playing time.
To further his development, Mavididi embarked on a series of successful loan spells to different clubs. Notably, he spent time with Charlton Athletic, Preston North End, and Juventus. His loan spell with Juventus, one of Italy’s top clubs, was particularly impressive, as he showcased his adaptability and potential on the international stage. He continued his development at Montpellier HSC, a French Ligue 1 club where he made a permanent move in 2020. His time at in France has seen him mature into a prolific striker, consistently finding the back of the net and contributing to the team’s success.
Mavididi’s performances did not go unnoticed by national team selectors. Despite having previously represented England at various youth levels, he was called up to represent the country of his parents’ heritage, Martinique, at senior level.
Read More: 100 Years of Wembley Stadium: Its Top 10 Greatest Games
Since the departure of their main playmaker James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspurs in the transfer window, Leicester City fans have been crying out for some hope that the very big boots of Maddison could somehow be filled. Although not a like-for-like player, their new singing has the raw talent and game-changing ability that can make him an absolute fan favourite.
The Foxes have made some very astute buys over the years. The likes of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante are examples of those who have achieved legendary status at the club. Given the situation, their newest addition could write his name in their history books in time.
Featured Image
