Introducing Adrien Rabiot
It is fair to say that Adrien Rabiot was one of the most promising youngsters in football when he burst onto the scene back in 2012.
Fast forward to today, and at 25, he has already accomplished a lot with 18 domestic honours in France for PSG, and he looks likely to win Serie A in his first season at Juventus.
The Parisian-born elegant and flamboyant footballer has played for two top teams in Europe, and has been eyed by other clubs – such as Barcelona – for years, too.
So, what is the big deal with Adrien Rabiot? And is he actually any good?
The jury is out, as many say that he has not fulfilled his potential, and his off-the-field antics have come under scrutiny.
Club Performance
First of all, there is no denying the talent that Rabiot possesses.
He can be creative, quick-footed and has many physical attributes. From an early age, he looked a mature player on the field, and many thought he would go on to have a successful career.
During this career, he has bagged 25 goals so far, and 24 of them came for PSG. That averaged to less than 5 per season, and given PSG’s dominance in that league, perhaps that return is underwhelming.
Rabiot is a somewhat versatile player, who seems to cover any midfield position; from a holding role, to an advanced attacking role, and even sometimes is shifted to the wing – so the chance to get goals are ever-present.
Since signing for Juventus last summer, in a paused season, he has not once got off the mark, and has been a bit-part player with only 17 appearances (including many from the bench).
He was an unused substitute in their last match prior to the suspension of the league, against title rivals Inter Milan, which Juventus won.
In contrast, his last two starts resulted in Juventus losing both.
Including their first leg Champions League tie to Lyon, where he was hauled off by manager Maurizio Sarri when Juventus were chasing an equaliser.
It’s tough to settle in a new league, and with many other star-studded players surrounding him, we can give him the benefit of the doubt…for now.
Adrien Rabiot’s International Career
Getting a call-up to the French team is an achievement in itself due to intense competition, as they are enjoying a truly ‘golden era’ of football.
However, Rabiot has only conjured up 6 appearances for France, and wasn’t called up either the European Championship squad in 2016, and the winning World Cup squad in 2018.
However, he was put on the reserve list for that World Cup.
But he refused to be on stand-by, as he didn’t want to follow the strict training regime, and instead wanted a holiday instead.
The consequences could be long-term.
As French Football Federation president, Noel Le Graet said, “Deschamps is not spiteful but he has a memory“.
Off the Field
His refusal to be on standby for his country, gives an insight into Rabiot’s personal life and his characteristics.
EDITOR’S PICKS
His professionalism has always been questioned, with him being suspended for having a night out during the business end of the season. Also he went to the French FA after his club forced him to train with the reserves, hence his nickname ‘The Outcast’.
Not only that, but his loyalty to PSG was non-existent with him forcing a move out for quite some time, and refusing many contract offers. He finally got his wish.
Adrien Rabiot is an enigma, the possible result of a complicated childhood.
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell which direction his career is going.
Talented? Yes. But has the penny dropped?
I’d say no. He still has time to focus on his football, and make headlines for the right reasons again.
With his potential, and with the right management, he could put himself in the starting line-up for both club and country soon.
