Thomas Lemar is not afraid of the physical demands usually expected by Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid following his move from Monaco.
The France international rose to prominence in the 2016-17 season when Leonardo Jardim’s young Monaco side reached the Champions League semi-finals and won Ligue 1.
After transfers to Liverpool and Arsenal failed to materialise, Lemar was not quite so impressive last term, but that has not deterred Atletico.
The Europa League winners paid Monaco a reported €70million for Lemar in a quest to bolster their numbers on the flanks following the departures of Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitan last term.
“I have the capacity to run for long times. In Atletico they’re very demanding with that, I will give all I have for the team, so if I have to run to the max, I will do it with joy.”
Lemar’s signing was considered a real statement of intent by Atletico, who have also brought in Gelson Martins and Rodrigo.
And the 22-year-old is targeting at least the Champions League final in his first season, with Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium set to host the showpiece.
“It will be a goal for us this season,” he added. “I think we will do the best we can to go as far as we can in the competition and hopefully win it since the final this season will be at home.”
Lemar is a versatile midfielder able to play on both wings as well as through the centre and in a free role. He is predominantly left footed, but is also competent with his right foot.He is noted for his excellent dribbling skills, strong passing ability and free kicks. He has said he prefers to link-up with teammates, rather than taking on defenders.”I am trying to avoid duels and concentrate on passing as much as possible.” He will often attempt to score from long range and scored 14 goals in 55 appearances in the 2016–17 season and had 17 assists.
Lemar was called up to the senior France squad to face Sweden and Ivory Coast in November 2016 after Kingsley Coman withdrew through injury. He made his debut on 15 November against the latter, replacing Adrien Rabiot for the final 12 minutes of a home friendly match that ended in 0–0 draw. His first international goals for the senior team came in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match against the Netherlands, scoring twice as France won 4–0.
On 17 May 2018, he was called up by manager Didier Deschamps to the 23-man French squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made his only appearance of the tournament in France’s final group match against Denmark on 26 June, which ended in a 0–0 draw.On 15 July, France won the World Cup for the second time in their history after defeating Croatia 4–2 in the final of the tournament.