Guessand promises to be a versatile acquisition that can help replicate Rashford’s role in Emery’s squad.
Like Rashford, Guessand can play across the front line, as well as at number 10.
Only 10 of his 30 Ligue 1 starts last season came at centre-forward, but he also made eight starts on the right wing and nine as a support striker.
As a result, Guessand provided eight assists in addition to scoring 12 times, all from open play last term. Only five players were involved in more goals in the French top flight.
The nine-cap Ivory Coast international’s numbers compare well to those of Watkins and Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park.
Guessand outperformed his expected goals tally by more than either Watkins or Rashford, but the key point of difference is that he is a more prolific dribbler, leading to significantly more involvement in terms of touches on the ball.
Depending on how he is used, Nice’s reigning player of the year can also offer more defensively in terms of winning duels and regaining possession – particularly in the opposition third – making him a versatile asset for the campaign ahead.
