01 September 2015
Towering at 1.84 metres, Mario Lemina brings physical strength to Juventus’ central areas, solid protection to the backline and an ability to launch attacks with accurate distribution.
The France Under 21 international built a reputation in Ligue 1 as a tenacious ball-winner, averaging almost double the amount of successful tackles per game than his midfield counterparts.
Add to that an eye for a forward pass as well as dribbling skills and the Bianconeri have a multi-talented player now vying for a starting berth in the middle of the park.
Having played predominantly in central midfield during two and a half seasons in France’s top flight, the versatile player also has experience of operating on the right flank.
Born in Gabon, Lemina moved across to Europe at a young age, rising through the ranks at Lorient, for whom he made his Ligue 1 debut in January 2013. Only six months later he signed for Olympique Marseille and immediately tasted Champions League football while also making 17 appearances across domestic competitions.
The 2014/15 campaign saw him almost double his playing time, as the Stade Velodrome-based outfit challenged in the upper echelons of the league for large parts of the campaign, eventually finishing fourth under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa.
Lemina, who celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow, also scored his first goals in the division during victories against Bordeaux and Guingamp respectively.
With age firmly on his side, Juventus’ new signing will look to continue his upward mobility in European football with the opportunity to become a midfield force in Italy’s Serie A.
