Andre Pierre Gignac - Report

Gignac’s recent form in his second season at Toulouse has launched him into the limelight of the football world. His 24 league goals fired Toulouse to unexpected success in Ligue 1, finishing fourth, enough to claim a place in the Europa League. The achievement also brought a number of personal accolades for Gignac, Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer, a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season and a nomination for Ligue 1’s Player of the Year award whilst alerting the likes of Arsenal and Lyon. Gignac also earned his first cap for the French national side, playing in the World Cup Qualifier against Lithuainia.

Gignac’s deadly finishing from inside the penalty box is undoubtedly the reason why he is now one of France’s top strikers. He is well built and strong, and his natural ability to strike the ball is proven by the scoring of some spectacular free kicks and volleys, whilst also being brilliant in the air. However one of Gignac’s biggest strengths is his poaching attributes, always seeming to find himself in the right place at the right time, and scoring that vital chance from a rebound or defensive error.

Gignac had an unconvincing start to his professional career, first off playing for Lorient, who were at the time a Ligue 2 team. Despite an unimpressive return of 11 goals in 51 games for the striker, Gignac sealed a deal with Toulouse at the start of the 2007 transfer window for around 4.5 million Euros. Gignac’s disappointing scoring record continued though at Toulouse in his debut season, with the Frenchman playing second fiddle to in favour Johan Elmander, bagging only 2 goals in 28 appearances whilst often being played out of position on the left wing. However with the departure of the Swede, Gignac flourished in his natural central role, scoring more goals in one season for Toulouse than the rest of his entire career.