Posted on Tuesday, 24th April 2012 by Tony Merakli
With recent reports linking Arsenal with a summer move for Montpelier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, we thought it only fitting that we give you the low-down and some info on the player.
So here are 10 things you should know about Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
1. Born in Bangui, Central African Republic, Yanga-Mbiwa joined Montpellier in 2005 as a 16-year-old. He made his senior debut for the French club on the 23rd of February against Bastia, a game which they lost 1-0.
2. He signed his first professional contract with Montpellier in 2007, agreeing a three-year deal until 2010. He was officially promoted to the senior side shortly after and was assigned the number 3 shirt.
3. In his first full season a first-team player, Yanga-Mbiwa managed to make an impressive 41 appearances, 31 in the league and seven in the domestic cup competitions.
4. The 22-year-old centre-back was part of the Montpellier side which gained promotion to Ligue 1 in 2009. During that summer he signed a two-year extension to his contract.
5. On May 12th 2010, Yanga-Mbiwa extended his contract by a year, meaning he is out of contract at the end of next season’s campaign.
6. This season has been Yanga-Mbiwa’s sixth season at Montpellier. To this date, the Bangui-born defender has made a total of 187 appearances for the French side, netting four goals in the process.
Here is a video of the young defender in action:
7. Although his favoured position is in the centre of defence, the Montpellier captain boasts versatility and can play anywhere across the back-line, as well as an emergency defensive midfielder. He is also known for his pace, superb passing range and reading of the game.
8. In December 2011, the 6 foot defender expressed his desire to one day play in the Premier League, claiming it would ‘suit his style of play’ and describing it as ‘incredible’.
9. Along with Arsenal, Newcastle are believed to be interested in Yanga-Mbiwa, who is rated at around £7 million.
10. According to France-based sports journalist Matt Spiro, ‘Arsene Wenger is very keen on Yanga-Mbiwa’, while Montpellier ‘won’t stand in their captain’s way’ and believes there is a ‘good chance of a transfer happening’.
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Tags: Arsenal, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Matt Spiro, Montpellier, Newcastle
Posted in 10 Things You Should Know About... | Comments (7)
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April 24th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
[...] 10 things you SHOULD know about Arsenal target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa [...]
April 24th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Ooo, this guy is pretty damn good! Although I’d still like Vertongen, this lad seems just as hard working and determined as Sagna, we need to put Newcastle in their place a bit as well
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April 24th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I would rather have nkoulou to be honest, of mbwia proves himself at Newcastle then he will be an option.
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April 24th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
wenger u better spend d money or you will be sack
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April 24th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
@okechulwu, and who is gonna sack him, you? I laugh in igbo
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April 25th, 2012 at 12:16 am
I know what sort of signings Wenger will get. They will be cheap, short, lightweight, cant shoot, cant head, cant anticipate,read or lead, cant tackle , will fall over at the slightest touch, run out of steam and cant last 90 minutes, and, of course, they will enjoy being overpaid and sitting on a warm bench
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April 25th, 2012 at 1:17 am
With an impressive 187 appearance in French Ligue. That must be something to ponder. Still young and comes with a lot of First Team playing time. As a captain for the club. Very impressive.
Go Gunners 4 Eva
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