Samir Nasri

[lefutur]

Just wanted to create a thread for the kid because I think he's an interesting player. He hasn't made the kind of impact on the national side that Benzema has made but I think he has potential. The other reason is because traditionally France has always had great #10s, or at least the great French sides have always had a #10 who was great. Platini, Zidane, these 2 formed both the backbone and the lynchpin for which great things happened for Les Bleus.

Right now Franck Ribery is the catalyst which France relies upon to create the attack and spur the team forward. Ribery is incredible but he's neither a striker nor a #10 by trade, but a winger. Domenech can use him in the 4-4-2 a losenge (diamond) formation where he can play in the center behind the strikers but his true talent seems to be in the couloirs.

I don't think Nasri will be used much in this capacity in the Euros although he has the potential to evolve into the type of player (maybe at Arsenal) who can carry the team on his shoulders. In the WC?

Or maybe not.

Its up for debate.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I hope Nasri does get an opportunity to play as a #10 in the side because I believe he could do well. After all, he has an understanding with Ribéry due to their playing together at Marseille, while Malouda's defensive cover is valuable in the sense that I think we can actually opt, if a certain coach will allow it, to go with only 1 defensive midfielder and attack (though I doubt, given what we know about this coach's tendencies, that will happen).

The interesting thing is that I don't think we're actually short of #10s at the moment. If in the years ahead Miralem Pjanic decides to choose us, he could certainly be an awesome #10 too if his ball distribution improves. Then there's Mathieu Bodmer, who, though he's been more of a central midfielder or even a defender this past season, has the ability to inspire on offense. Now that Yoann Gourcuff will get to start every game at his club again (he's been loaned to Bordeaux), we can see what he is capable of as well. I mean, even Steed Malbranque is a #10 type would make it on a good amount of national teams.

Of course, if we think about going for an experienced guy at some juncture (if only to help tutor the inexperienced ones), there's Robert Pirès, who definitely did not have a bad season by any means at Villarreal. And if Arsène Wenger decides what Abou Diaby's position actually is, he could be a #10 as well because he did well actually in such a role at Toulon when he starred there.

[SuperJville]

Miralem Pjanic already decided to play for Bosnia - he will not play for France.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I'd be happy for Bosnia if that is the case. After all, they should be able to hold on to one of Zlatan, Marin and Pjanic, though, at this moment, I don't think Miralem's been capped yet, so all I know is the FFF is keeping the door open. After all, we're not in the business of snatching players who want to go to another national team. Though it definitely speaks to Pjanic's ability that I'm certain there are some within the FFF who are hoping one day to see

Benzema - Saivet
Ben Arfa - Pjanic - Nasri

as our offensive attack, which would certainly guarantee a World Cup victory, I'd think.

In any event, back to Nasri, it appears he's under a bit of a cold or something at the moment, though I do expect him to have an impact at some point in the tournament. After all, Nasri and Ribéry would be the best guys on our roster in terms of adding that element of inventiveness to our attack.

[zizouForlife]

i have heard his great dribbler, but i don't know how influencial he is in mid field. i've seen him play for l'om but it was in ligue 1, and thats not a challenge, i would say i'm putting a benefit of doubt until i see him in higher compatition level

[zizouForlife]

i have heard his great dribbler, but i don't know how influencial he is in mid field. i've seen him play for l'om but it was in ligue 1, and thats not a challenge (no disrespect to french clubs but their not consist), i would say i'm putting a benefit of doubt until i see him in higher compatitive level

as for him going to arsenal, i think its new challenge, and it will be good for him, but seeing his style of play i think i would prefer him in la liga:D, it has more technically that suits player like him, messi, and dinho

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I agree that La Liga is more suited to Nasri's ability as well, though I think he will do well in the EPL as he has speed in his arsenal, too. That's one of the things I don't know if many know about Nasri, but he's quite fast, not Henry/Cissé speed, though he's very quick with/without the ball. I have no doubt that Nasri can succeed on the highest level. What I think on is not disappearing in games as there have been matches where he's been transparent. On the other hand, if he improves and grows in the EPL, he could be among the best players in the world.