The ascent of 22-year-old defender Etienne Youté Kinkoué at Ligue 1 club Le Havre has been nothing short of meteoric. With an impressive season under his belt, the young central defender’s rise is attracting attention not just from club scouts, but also from national team selectors, particularly in Cameroon and France.
Emerging as a stalwart in Le Havre’s backline, Kinkoué has swiftly transitioned from a promising prospect to an indispensable starter.
Having featured in 17 matches in Ligue 1 and made crucial contributions in the Coupe de France, his consistent performances have cemented his place in the starting lineup.
Remarkably, he has featured in every match he participated in, swiftly establishing himself as a mainstay in the team’s defensive setup.
Standing tall at 1.95 meters and weighing 91 kilograms, Kinkoué possesses a formidable blend of physical prowess and technical acumen, making him a linchpin in Le Havre’s defensive structure.
Trained in Troyes, his journey has seen him venture abroad, with stints at Inter Milan and Olympiakos before finding his footing at Le Havre in January 2023.
However, Kinkoué’s journey to defensive excellence is not without its twists. Starting his career as a forward, his coaches recognized his defensive potential, prompting a transition to midfield and eventually to central defense.
This evolution has proven fruitful, with Kinkoué honing his defensive instincts and becoming adept at reading opposition attacks.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with clubs across Europe expressing interest in securing his services. Salzburg, Frankfurt, and West Ham are among the clubs closely monitoring his progress, underscoring the widespread recognition of his burgeoning talent.
As Kinkoué continues to shine on the pitch, his future appears bright, with the prospect of international representation looming large.
With both Cameroon and France eyeing his services, Kinkoué’s journey from promising prospect to defensive linchpin is poised to reach new heights, making him a player to watch in the global football landscape.
🚨EXCL: 🩵💙🇫🇷🇨🇲 #Ligue1 |
◉ Francfort a supervisé Etienne Youté Kinkoué lors du match opposant Le Havre à Lyon ❗️
◉ Les Allemands sont très intéressés et pourraient formuler une offre d’ici la fin du mercato. https://t.co/WQViuxPOBc pic.twitter.com/TXbrkmZrwe
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) January 15, 2024
