Pepe reveals why Premier League and LaLiga feel like two different worlds

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has offered a striking comparison between the “intense” nature of English football and the “technical” rhythm of Spain, suggesting the two leagues operate on entirely different wavelengths.

Pepe, who joined Villarreal in 2024 following a high-profile stint in the Premier League and a brief period in Turkey, believes the shift in philosophy between the two countries is fundamental to how the game is approached.

“It’s totally different in terms of intensity of play,” Pepe told Flashscore. “(In) the Premier League, we were very much focused on the intensity whereas in Spain we are more relaxed. The idea of playing is to play the ball.”

The Ivorian international arrived in England in 2019 for a then-club-record fee of £72 million. While his time at the Emirates was often scrutinized for its lack of consistency, his move to La Liga has seen him find a renewed sense of purpose.

Under the guidance of Marcelino at Villarreal, Pepe has integrated into a system that prioritizes technical ball retention over the end-to-end physical duels synonymous with English play.

Beyond the tactical differences, Pepe highlighted the unique cultural depth of the English game, particularly the passion found within the lower tiers of the football pyramid.

“With stadiums in England, I think there are no better,” he noted. “You can go to the third or fourth division, you will have stadiums that are filled with incredible atmosphere.”

While Pepe was quick to acknowledge that Spanish football possesses its own distinct energy, he argued that the sheer scale of support in England sets it apart from its European counterparts.

“In Spain, too, there’s atmosphere, but it’s totally different,” Pepe explained. “So I think it’s two different leagues, but they are at a very high level.”

Now 30 and recently signed to a contract extension that keeps him at the Estadio de la Cerámica until 2028, Pepe appears to have finally found a balance.