Martin Terrier: Shining the Spotlight on Bayer Leverkusen’s Incoming Forward
At age 27, Martin Terrier has played for clubs such as Rennes, Strasbourg, Lille, and Lyon, accumulating excellent statistics in Ligue 1 with 202 games, 60 goals, and 24 assists, resulting in a goal involvement rate of 41.6 per cent. However, today, he’s plying his trade outside of France for the first time in his life, having joined reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on a contract through 2029.
Capable of playing as a centre forward or a left winger. Terrier is best described as a classic inside forward, but has shown adaptability across the front line. His off-the-ball movement is one of his standout qualities; he excels at finding space to connect possession, particularly in the left half-space. He is able to link play and is best suited alongside a forward who can run behind the opposition’s backline.
One of Terrier’s key strengths is his ability to generate goal-scoring opportunities. He averages 3.2 shot-creating actions per game, ranking in the 79th percentile among his positional peers in the top five leagues and European competitions. Additionally, his progressive passing ability is good, with an average of 3.7 progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 91st percentile.
In a 2-0 win against Olympique Marseille in March, Martin Terrier drives with the ball, having the option to pass to Désiré Doué. Instead, he plays a more risky and penetrative pass between the centre back and full back of Olympique Marseille. Adrien Truffert times his run perfectly but is fouled by Boubacar Meïté, resulting in a penalty.
In a Ligue 1 match against Le Havre in February, Guéla Doué plays a headed pass to Martin Terrier. He then plays a clever headed pass to Benjamin Bourigeaud, who makes a run behind the defensive unit. Bourigeaud ends up scoring.
Defensively, Terrier is good off-the ball, averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game, which positions him in the 86th percentile. Furthermore, he shows excellent ball control, losing possession or miscontrolling the ball only 1.9 times per game, which is important for maintaining possession in tight situations.
However, Terrier does have some weaknesses. His decision-making in the final third can be inconsistent; while he is capable of inventive passing, he sometimes opts for safer plays instead of taking risks. Additionally, he tends not to make aggressive runs in behind.
Another consideration is that Terrier has never played outside of Ligue 1, which may present challenges in terms of cultural adaptation and tactical demands at Bayer Leverkusen and the Bundesliga in general. However, based on Xabi Alonso’s tactical set-up at Bayer Leverkusen, Martin Terrier would fit well into the team’s fluid attacking patterns.
His ability to play in multiple positions, particularly as a left winger or second striker, aligns with Alonso’s focus on being adaptable and player rotation. Terrier’s strong off-the-ball movement and ability to exploit spaces, especially on the left, could support Leverkusen’s asymmetrical build-up play, allowing him to link with the attacking midfielders like Florian Wirtz.
Terrier made his German football debut on August 17, lasting just 37 minutes before being sent off in the DFL-Supercup. Leverkusen were able to snatch a late equalizer via Patrik Schick and prevail against Stuttgart in a tightly contested penalty shootout, and the Frenchman pay the price by dropping to the bench and replacing Jonas Hofmann in their following match, a last-second 3-2 victory at Gladbach.
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He was entrusted with his first Bundesliga start in the following match, this time playing on the right side of attack rather than the left, and he would last 71 minutes before making way for Amine Adli — Loïs Openda would complete his brace shortly after to secure an improbable 3-2 win for Leipzig, handing Leverkusen their first domestic defeat since May 2023. Terrier ensured that they bounced back in impressive fashion, opening the scoring within 17 minutes of a 4-1 demolition at Hoffenheim.
Overall, Terrier has desirable strengths, particularly in his off-the-ball movement and ability to link play. At a purchase of €20 million, he represents a relatively low financial risk for Bayer Leverkusen. He will be needed as the number of games increases due to the Champions League competition, and maintaining high standards requires strong competition for places.
By: @gillikas
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Marc Atkins / Getty Images