Over the decades of Premier League football fans have been blessed with seeing many fantastic players. One player in particular that will be considered one of the Premier League greatest is Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
Across his eight years at Arsenal, the Frenchman appeared 254 times and scored 174 times for the Gunners. The legacy the French striker left in North London and the Premier League will be remembered as one of the greatest so, when a player gets mirrored alongside Henry, it comes as a massive opportunity for the player to create his own legacy.
Currently, the man who is being compared with the Premier League legend is Manchester United youngster and fellow Frenchman Anthony Martial.
Martial was signed by United on deadline day in the summer from AS Monaco for an estimated £36 million. Smashing the record fee for a teenage signing previously held by United’s signing of Luke Shaw.
This unexpected signing of the 19-year-old left many claiming the deal was a rushed move or panic buy from United, who struggled to find a new front man with the departure of van Persie, Falcao and Hernandez for majority of the summer.
Critics however have been silenced as the teenager continually works his brilliance for Manchester United. Since signing for the club Martial has appeared four times and scored four times leaving United fans in awe of their new striker.
After four games, the Frenchman has received praise from his teammates, manager, pundits and United fans as he continues to show his ability. So far, making all claims of ‘a waste of money’ and ‘a rush buy’ a laughing matter for all involved at United.
A moment in particular that resignates with United fans is the youngster’s first United goal on debut against Liverpool. Being his first of many, Martial’s first will undoubtedly be his most memorable United goal so far.
His sleek footwork left the Liverpool defence in shambles and sealed a 3-1 victory for his new side. The goal was later compared with video footage of an Henry goal in his prime which started the comparisons between the two players.
Martial’s sleek footwork and keen goal scoring ability have had United fans comparing their new signing to the likes of Henry, a comparison that has been honoured by both the youngster and the maestro.
After his first match against Liverpool, the former Gunner heaped plenty of praises onto his fellow countryman saying is paving the way for his own legacy.
Despite Martial and Henry’s similarities, it is important for Martial’s development as a player that he isn’t overly compared to Henry. Being only 19, the striker still has plenty of football in his future, whilst he is in-form, the run could easily come to an end.
If this were to happen the pressure of the comparisons between the two could be detrimental to Martial’s Premier League career.
With Martial’s ability continually being showcased at United, the striker should be allowed to pave his own legacy out of the shadow of his countryman.
Is he the next Henry? Maybe. Is he the next best thing? Maybe, only time will tell.
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