Emmanuel Rivière’s unexpected rise as a top scorer for Monaco has been a pleasant surprise for the team and fans alike. Despite initial expectations centered around players like Ibrahimovic or Cavani, Rivière has stepped up and already netted six goals in the early stages of the season, placing him just behind his teammate Falcao in the goal-scoring charts.
Rivière, however, is not content with his current performance. Expressing his desire to become more lethal in front of goal, he mentions having set personal goal targets for himself, keeping them private and not succumbing to external pressures or media scrutiny. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and maintaining a determined mindset within his own “bubble.”
Interestingly, Rivière acknowledges the need to draw inspiration from Falcao, Monaco’s seasoned goal-scorer. By recognizing Falcao’s prowess and describing him as “average for his stats from past seasons,” Rivière aims to learn and progress in the art of goal-scoring by emulating his teammate.
Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri attributes Rivière’s success to an improved mental disposition, citing increased confidence as the key factor. Ranieri suggests that when the mental aspect is positive, physical and technical aspects follow suit. This perspective aligns with the widely accepted belief that a striker’s mental state and confidence play a crucial role in their goal-scoring form.