Samir Nasri, who is set to join Arsenal, is not
the first young Frenchman to be hailed as the new Zinedine Zidane
and he probably won't be the last. Camel Meriem, of Monaco, and
Bologna's Mourad Meghni were once handed that poisoned chalice
before their careers nosedived. Current internationals Franck
Ribery and Karim Benzema have also drawn comparisons, but for all
their talent neither plays in the same position nor possesses the
same characteristics as the great man. Nasri, to a certain extent
at least, does.
This summer, as Les Bleus enter a major championship
without Zidane for the first time since 1996, Nasri will be among
those trying to fill an immense void.
Ever since starring in France's European Under-17
Championship triumph in 2004, the Marseille-born playmaker,
who is poised to sign for Arsene
Wenger's side for £12 million, has been earmarked as
Zidane's successor. "His fluency in possession reminds me of
Zidane," said Philippe Bergeroo, coach of the 2004 winners, while
former Marseille coach Albert Emon says: "Nasri has the same
ability to read the game as 'Zizou'." Nasri's background is also
remarkably similar to Zidane's. Like the former Real Madrid star,
the 20-year-old has Algerian parents and grew up in one of
Marseille's tough northern suburbs. Their families even share
mutual friends and Zidane has become one of Nasri's biggest
fans.
"Samir has amazing intelligence for someone his age,"
the former France captain said. "He's always involved, he's quick,
has two good feet and excellent vision."
