This is taken from the GFFN 100, our leading 150-page FREE publication ranking the best 100 players in France, see the full list and read every profile right here.
A lot has changed for Quentin Merlin in the past year. He only made his debut for Nantes in August 2021, coming on in the final minutes against Monaco. By the end of 2022, he’s become a fixture in Les Canaris’ line-up. This season, he has started all but two of Nantes’ Ligue 1 matches.
It has been a year punctuated by milestones for Merlin. From his first goal for the club, against no other than Paris Saint-Germain back in February, to his first call-up to the France under 21 squad. Amongst those individual milestones, which mark a swift and positive progression, are a set of important collective achievements.
He was a starter as Nantes beat OGC Nice in the Coupe de France final back in May, whilst, this season, he has been part of the team that competed in and progressed from a difficult Europa League group. At the impressionable age of 20, such crucial experiences can mould a player, and a European campaign can only be a positive for his development.
Like many of the new generation of full-backs, Merlin is most comfortable going forward. A raw talent, he is a great progresser of the ball down Nantes’ left side, and is an adept and frequent crosser of the ball, making the seventh most crosses into the box in Ligue 1 this season. Like many young defenders, it is the defensive side that needs the most honing, however, but there is an assuredness and maturity seeping into his game that suggests the player is primed to become a well-rounded full-back.
His performances have already attracted suitors. Lyon were said to be interested in Merlin as a back-up to Nicolás Tagliafico, whilst Aston Villa were also touted as a possible destination. The 20-year-old only signed a lengthy contract extension back in April that runs through until 2026, but should he continue on his current trajectory, it is unlikely that he will see out that new deal.
Luke Entwistle | GFFN
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