After his incredible start at Manchester United, Anthony Martial has been compared to the legendary ex- Premier League French striker, who played for Arsenal. No not Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry.
Thierry Henry came to the Premier League as a 21 year old, from Juventus, but he started his professional career at A.S. Monaco, the club that Manchester Untied signed Anthony Martial from.
Martial has a lot of work ahead of him if he wants to emulate Thierry Henry’s 226 goals and 60 assists but the 19 year old understands this. He’s a very down to earth guy who’s professionalism is astounding for a young footballer.
Speaking to French television channel BFM, Martial had this to say about his label as the next Henry:
“I know this is a very great player who is a legend in England,”
“I do not think we have the same characteristics”
“Thierry Henry is Thierry Henry. I still have everything to prove. By continuing to work, I will try to reach his level but I am still very far off.”
Despite Martial playing down his links to Henry, they are remarkably similar in technique and composure in front of goal.
At A.S. Monaco, Thierry Henry managed to score 14 goals and get an assist in 64 games for the French side. Anthony Martial scored 15 goals and set up 8 in 70 games.
However, Martial has been part of a rich Monaco side, which has swarmed in many top class players such as João Moutinho, Radamel Falcao and Lucas Ocampos. Henry was at the French club when they won Ligue 1, but it was a much more competitive league in the late 90’s.
Anthony Martial is currently with the French national side as they play friendlies to prepare for 2016 Euros, which they are hosting.
