One To Watch
Estéban Lepaul: Angers Striker Hits Impressive Scoring Form
Lepaul's journey since leaving Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 has been quite the rollercoaster. After coming up through Lyon's youth system and featuring for their B team, the French striker found himself bouncing between clubs.
From 2020 to 2023, he first joined Épinal, then moved to Orléans, only to return to Épinal later on.
On January 25, 2024, Lepaul joined Angers in Ligue 2, played a key role in their promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's, but encountered adversity in the top flight. At the start of the campaign, Lepaul managed just one full 90-minute appearance in Angers' first 15 matches.
However, as 2024 comes to a close and 2025 begins, the 24-year-old center-forward has hit his stride, delivering crucial goals just when the team needs them most.
Lepaul has been in impressive form, scoring five goals in his last four matches across all competitions. The Angers forward wrapped up 2024 on a strong note with a goal against FC 93 Bobigny in the Coupe de France Round of 64 and has carried that momentum into 2025.
The Angers standout kicked off 2025 by scoring against Stade Brestois and followed it up with a brace against Montpellier. On Wednesday, Lepaul found the net again, this time against Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, sending Les Noirs et Blancs through to the Coupe de France Round of 16.
These goals have been crucial in helping Angers secure a perfect start to the New Year, picking up all six points so far. With their current form, they could be on track for a deep run in the Coupe de France.
Dujeux recently praised Lepaul's current form following the victories over Brest and Montpellier.
"Esteban Lepaul made a strong impression at Rennes [on December 15] and scored in the [Coupe de France]. I decided to start him as the striker [against Brest]. He's confident in himself and has a real eye for goal. I'm really happy for him..."
"Lepaul has scored three goals in two games, which is great for both him and the team. He's put in a lot of hard work to reach this point. He's extremely efficient in front of goal, and he showed that once again [against Montpellier]."
The Angers forward will aim to extend his goal-scoring run when the team hosts AJ Auxerre on Sunday at Stade Raymond Kopa.
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>>CdF Roundup: Lyon stunned, Brest win derby and more
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