"Nasri is a creative midfielder who can play as a winger or inside. He knows how to keep possession and, as well as the rest of our midfielders , can switch positions," were the words of Jorge Sampaoli after signing Frenchman Samir Nasri on a season loan from Manchester City.
Deemed surplus to requirements in Manchester City along with the likes of Joe Hart, Wilfried Bony and Eloaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri has moved to Sevilla In order to play regular football . Despite moving to a club that might not be challenging for the Spanish La Liga, Sevilla are playing in the Champions League this season having won the Europa League for the third straight time. Also Nasri appears to have made a wise decision considering the attacking football Sevilla play under Jorge Sampaoli which is most likely going to suit his game. The former Marseille playmaker will add the creativity and the fear factor needed for the Andalusians just as he did in his previous clubs Arsenal and Manchester City when in his prime. Sevilla man striker, Lucas Vietto will be the happiest of the lot, after the signing of the French man as the midfielder creates ample chances for his team mates. It should be noted that Nasri was not moved on by City because he is no longer good enough but because he doesn't suit the possession and one touch football of Pep Guardiola, although it was reported he resumed pre-season training overweight. Although the Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness in recent past, he showed his class in his last game for City against West Ham, coming on in the second half and changing the pace of the game, threatening and tormenting James Collins and Byram several times.
"He could do everything with the ball: step-overs, dribbling, shooting with the right or left. Infact, I wasn't even sure whether he was left or right-footed", were the words of Freddy Assolen upon spotting Nasri at nine. Surely, if Nasri keeps fit and avoids injury then he will set La Liga ablaze with his displays this season as he will have the likes of Vitolo, Ganso, Vasquez all complimenting his ability in midfield in Sevilla. Nasri's impact is not just his stat but the way he influences the game with his precise passing, lay-offs and pace having scored 18 goals in 124 league games for Manchester City after his £25 million move from Arsenal in 2011.
At Sevilla, Nasri will hope to resurrect his fledging career just like Kelvin Gameiro, Ever Banega and Adil Rami have done at the club since moving to Andalusia after stalling in PSG , Valencia and AC Milan. Nasri's game when in top form is to an extent reminiscent of a certain Zinedine Zidane considering the two share similar cultural background (Algerian descent and French born) , fast dribbling , ball control and short temperament.
Just like Wilfried Bony and Joe Hart, Nasri's loan move is a win/ win for Sevilla , Manchester City and the player. The French man is in a make or mar period and must prove his best days are not behind him.
No comments:
Post a Comment