There’s being a super sub, and then there’s being Nathaël Julan.
The name probably means very little to you unless you’re an avid Ligue 2 watcher, but the 21-year-old has taken the term ‘having an impact from the bench’ to a whole new level.
The young striker has made two appearances of the bench for Le Havre this season, totalling 38 minutes on the pitch and scored three goals, and Crystal Palace and Stoke have taken notice.
This is, at least, what TF1 are reporting on Monday afternoon, as the Eagles and the Potters, as well as a host of Championship clubs, are said to be tracking Julan.
Other than the fact he can score goals, why are they so interested?
Well, because he’s 1.98m (that’s about 6’6”), and we all know what a good tall striker is capable of doing in the Premier League.
Just ask Crystal Palace about Steve Mounié.
Of course, considering he isn’t a regular starter yet for Le Havre, we doubt Crystal Palace’s and Stoke’s interest will go much further for now, but that they’re tracking him says a lot about the type of striker they’re looking for.
After all, with Peter Crouch nearing retirement and Christian Benteke being the focal point of Stoke’s frontline, having a 6’6” striker lined up for the future might not be the worst idea.
