Anthony Martial’s stock is rising more than you could ever believe.
The Frenchman exploded his way into all of our consciousnesses with an extraordinary multi-million pound move to Manchester United in the summer.
And after having a decent, but admittedly memorable, start to life in England, the 20-year-old has become one of the first names on Louis van Gaal’s teamsheet.
Martial’s stature is such that he’s been recognised by French newspaper L’Equipe who have listed the young striker in the top 10 of their list of most influential figures in French football.
Martial comes in at 9th in the 30-strong list and is just one place behind former Uefa president Michel Platini.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi makes top spot with national team coach Didier Deschamps coming in second.Â
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is next on the list, followed by brand new Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. His frontman Karim Benzema closes out the top five.
Martial was given ninth-place, three positions ahead of Ligue 1 superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic – we wonder if the temperamental Swede will be bothered.
It would have surprised some to see freshly-crowned European Golden Boy Martial in the top 10, having essentially been a household name for a mere six months but, hey, who are we to judge?
