Yann M'Vila has backed Steven Fletcher to be a success in France in the second half of the current season, with the striker having joined Marseille on loan in one of the more left-field moves in the January transfer window.
The Scotland international had been a regular in Sam Allardyce's Sunderland team, but the manager was happy to let him leave on deadline day as the French club made an approach for the player.
Now, after Fletcher made his debut for his temporary club at the weekend in Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain, M'Vila has revealed that he believes his former teammate can be a hit across the Channel.
The Scot can be a hit
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, M'Vila discussed the move of Fletcher to France and disclosed an opinion of his that certainly contrasts with many - one that believes the striker can be a success in Ligue 1.
"I'm sure he's going to do well there," the midfielder said, following his debut at the weekend. Fletcher came off the bench with 10 minutes to go against PSG, replacing Michy Batshuayi, but Marseille were already 2-1 down and would go on to lose the game by that score.
"I watched him when he came on," M'Vila said, adding that he was "willing him to score." However, "unfortunately he didn't have a lot of time on the pitch" and so could not make a proper impact.
Still, the former France international has no doubts that Fletcher can be a success at Marseille. "He's a hard-worker, with a great left foot," he said, adding that he is also "great with his head."
With his Sunderland contract to expire in the summer, Fletcher will hope to hit the ground running too as it seems unlikely he will be offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light after just 23 goals in 102 games.
Marseille one of 'the clubs to play for'
Back on Wearside, the shock remains following the move of the 28-year-old to one of France's - and Europe's - biggest clubs. However, M'Vila himself was not so surprised.
"I've seen a lot of people talking about [the surprise of the move]," he said, but he knew Marseille "had heard about him" and that they "knew he was a great striker" before making their approach for him.
Fletcher spoke with M'Vila about the deal too, with him obviously having good knowledge of the game in his homeland. When asked what he thought of Marseille's approach, the midfielder told his teammate that, "if you're going to France," then Marseille are one of "the clubs to go and play for" - along with PSG and Olympique Lyonnais.
"Luckily, he had Marseille knocking at the door."