Two childhood friends, two different journeys to the top. Arnaud Nordin and Kylian Mbappe learned their trade together in the same class at the Clairefontaine academy.
And like Mbappe, Nordin didn't waste any time making his mark in Ligue 1! If Nordin exploded onto the Ligue 1 scene in 2016, at the same as Mbappé, it has taken the left-footer longer to impose himself at the highest level. This season, though, Nordin is a key part of Claude Puel's squad.
ASSE defender Harold Moukoudi told The Ligue 1 Show on beIN Sports: "He's an important part of the team, a young player with great potential, and a bright future. We need him at his best. We know he's quick, and able to change direction with ease. He's a great dribbler. He's got real potential!"
Skilful and explosive, the Paris-born forward's style is similar to Mbappe's. But Nordin has had to extremely work hard and show more patience than his freakishly precocious friend in order to succeed.
Puel: "He's more efficient now"
Coach Claude Puel said: "We've worked very hard with him to help him play in a relaxed manner, to use his skill, because he was too keen to get forward, to use his pace. He's scored fantastic goals this season and plays with his head up, something he didn't before. He's really improved his overall game, he's more efficient now. He needs to continue this way!"
Capable of playing on either flank of the attack, or even through the middle, the 22-year-old has shaken off his injury problems to become Saint-Etienne's most decisive player this term. Nordin said: "It's true that I was injured for a long time. Getting back to my best was a long and hard, but I feel good now, I feel fit and happy!"
Having started seven of Saint-Etienne's last eight games, Nordin's influence is continuing to grow. The French Under-21s international now needs to add to his two goals and three assists if he is to really push on and catch up with his mate Mbappé.