Just as every diminutive attacking midfielder player that shows promise born in Argentina is dubbed “the next Maradona” in France there is an obsession about uncovering Zidane's heir. It has been only 2 years since the great midfielder's retirement but there have already been a number of successors lined up by a media hungry for another start.
Never shy of burdening their players with heavy expectations the next man in succession to claim the number 10 jersey of France is a player largely unheralded outside his native country at present.
This is to shortly change as Samir Nasri, at 20 years-old, is poised for his big break with English giants Arsenal after a lengthy association with Olympique Marseille. Comparisons with Zidane were somewhat inevitable for the Marseille born youngster due to his Algerian heritage and similar, but certainly not identical, style of play to the French icon.
An astute passer of the ball that commands great technical ability Nasri has admitted that he finds such an association flattering but has always played down the comparison.
Certainly the manner in which he can command matches is reminiscent of Zidane however Nasri is currently a player that relies on his passing ability more than the dynamic French great. A fairer comparison may be made to current Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.
Like the Spanish midfielder Nasri showed increased acumen in front of goal last season by scoring 6 times in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. In addition to this he produced 10 decisive passes, a tally that tied with Jérôme Leroy (Rennes) and Nenê (Monaco) as a league leading figure.
Dubbed 'le Petit Prince' Nasri found the talent to score important goals last term. Strikes against Nancy, Metz and Strasbourg in the second half of the season helped Marseille to third spot in the Ligue 1 and no doubt caught the eye of Arsène Wenger.
Generation '87
Wegner's ear is particularly close to the ground in his homeland, where the name of Samir Nasri has been known for several years. It was his goal that led les Bleus under-17 squad to a European Championship victory 4 years ago and first hinted that the class of player born in France in 1987 might just be something special.
Nasri may have been awarded the prize for being the tournament's outstanding player but no longer is he the most prominent member of 'Generation '87'. That accolade instead goes to Karim Benzema however Nasri has only been eclipsed by the Lyon star only in terms of exposure and not with regard to talent.
Early Career
A move worth an estimated €15 million to the English Premier League is simply the culmination of years of hard work both by the modestly-sized midfielder and the coaching staff of Marseille.
At the age of just 9 Nasri was spotted playing for a local junior team by Marseille scouts Freddy Assolen and Roger Giovannini. Swiftly they signed the eager youngster up to the youth ranks of the club.
Nasri enjoyed several successes at various levels throughout the academy of the Provence side before he made his debut for the top team early in season 2004/05 at the age of just 17. Marseille may have lost 2-0 away to Sochaux that day but it was to be the beginning of a happy relationship between Nasri and the first team.
It took Nasri until last term to solidify his spot in the starting eleven fully as a brilliant spell of form after Christmas helped to catapult Marseille away from the relegation zone and into second spot.
International Acclaim
This brilliant run of games ensured that it was impossible for Raymond Domenech, head coach of France, to ignore him. On March 15th 2007 Nasri made his international debut as a starter against Austria, playing the opening 70 minutes.
Over the last fifteen months Nasri has played on an impressive 12 occasions for his country however he was poorly utilised by Domenech during Euro2008.
When France were crying out for a creative player in the centre of the field as they toiled to a scoreless draw with an unspectacular Romanian side Nasri was left helpless on the bench for much too long. Against Italy it finally seemed that the youngster had his chance to finally shine on a big stage after Franck Ribéry was taken off early due to injury. This opportunity was cruelly curtailed when Nasri was chosen to be the player sacrificed for a defender after Abidal was dismissed.
Arsenal
Sometimes even quality is no of guarantee of success when moving abroad however Arsenal's large French-speaking contingent should make life relatively easy for Nasri, whose last year in Marseille was interrupted by problems with injury and illness at the season's outset.
A reported four year contract is Arsenal's seal of approval for the young attacking midfielder. As ever with the Gunners they will allow their new signing time to acclimatise however with Nasri's technical ability and vision he should slot into Wenger's side with few problems.
England's Premier League is, of course, noted for its pace and physical play. It may be some months before Nasri can settle in and play his best football. Although not scrawny the 12 time capped French international will likely have to build up his strength significantly to cope with the robust nature of the game.
In his advantage Nasri has played over well over 100 competitive games for Marseille and is therefore highly experienced for a man who does not turn 21 until next week.
With Arsenal's track record of bringing through young players, expect Nasri to be a household name by next May.
Never shy of burdening their players with heavy expectations the next man in succession to claim the number 10 jersey of France is a player largely unheralded outside his native country at present.
This is to shortly change as Samir Nasri, at 20 years-old, is poised for his big break with English giants Arsenal after a lengthy association with Olympique Marseille. Comparisons with Zidane were somewhat inevitable for the Marseille born youngster due to his Algerian heritage and similar, but certainly not identical, style of play to the French icon.
An astute passer of the ball that commands great technical ability Nasri has admitted that he finds such an association flattering but has always played down the comparison.
Certainly the manner in which he can command matches is reminiscent of Zidane however Nasri is currently a player that relies on his passing ability more than the dynamic French great. A fairer comparison may be made to current Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.
Like the Spanish midfielder Nasri showed increased acumen in front of goal last season by scoring 6 times in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. In addition to this he produced 10 decisive passes, a tally that tied with Jérôme Leroy (Rennes) and Nenê (Monaco) as a league leading figure.
Dubbed 'le Petit Prince' Nasri found the talent to score important goals last term. Strikes against Nancy, Metz and Strasbourg in the second half of the season helped Marseille to third spot in the Ligue 1 and no doubt caught the eye of Arsène Wenger.
Generation '87
Wegner's ear is particularly close to the ground in his homeland, where the name of Samir Nasri has been known for several years. It was his goal that led les Bleus under-17 squad to a European Championship victory 4 years ago and first hinted that the class of player born in France in 1987 might just be something special.
Nasri may have been awarded the prize for being the tournament's outstanding player but no longer is he the most prominent member of 'Generation '87'. That accolade instead goes to Karim Benzema however Nasri has only been eclipsed by the Lyon star only in terms of exposure and not with regard to talent.
Early Career
A move worth an estimated €15 million to the English Premier League is simply the culmination of years of hard work both by the modestly-sized midfielder and the coaching staff of Marseille.
At the age of just 9 Nasri was spotted playing for a local junior team by Marseille scouts Freddy Assolen and Roger Giovannini. Swiftly they signed the eager youngster up to the youth ranks of the club.
Nasri enjoyed several successes at various levels throughout the academy of the Provence side before he made his debut for the top team early in season 2004/05 at the age of just 17. Marseille may have lost 2-0 away to Sochaux that day but it was to be the beginning of a happy relationship between Nasri and the first team.
It took Nasri until last term to solidify his spot in the starting eleven fully as a brilliant spell of form after Christmas helped to catapult Marseille away from the relegation zone and into second spot.
International Acclaim
This brilliant run of games ensured that it was impossible for Raymond Domenech, head coach of France, to ignore him. On March 15th 2007 Nasri made his international debut as a starter against Austria, playing the opening 70 minutes.
Over the last fifteen months Nasri has played on an impressive 12 occasions for his country however he was poorly utilised by Domenech during Euro2008.
When France were crying out for a creative player in the centre of the field as they toiled to a scoreless draw with an unspectacular Romanian side Nasri was left helpless on the bench for much too long. Against Italy it finally seemed that the youngster had his chance to finally shine on a big stage after Franck Ribéry was taken off early due to injury. This opportunity was cruelly curtailed when Nasri was chosen to be the player sacrificed for a defender after Abidal was dismissed.
Arsenal
Sometimes even quality is no of guarantee of success when moving abroad however Arsenal's large French-speaking contingent should make life relatively easy for Nasri, whose last year in Marseille was interrupted by problems with injury and illness at the season's outset.
A reported four year contract is Arsenal's seal of approval for the young attacking midfielder. As ever with the Gunners they will allow their new signing time to acclimatise however with Nasri's technical ability and vision he should slot into Wenger's side with few problems.
England's Premier League is, of course, noted for its pace and physical play. It may be some months before Nasri can settle in and play his best football. Although not scrawny the 12 time capped French international will likely have to build up his strength significantly to cope with the robust nature of the game.
In his advantage Nasri has played over well over 100 competitive games for Marseille and is therefore highly experienced for a man who does not turn 21 until next week.
With Arsenal's track record of bringing through young players, expect Nasri to be a household name by next May.
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