Samir Nasri is on the verge of becoming an Arsenal player. Terms have been agreed with the player himself, with sources close to Marseille saying he has already been to London for a medical. The players agent Jean-Pierre Bernés says he expects the deal to go through shortly, with just the final payment details to be sorted between the clubs.
Samir has done his bit, and is currently with the French team for of their preparations for Euro 2008. Tonight they played their first of three friendlies before the tournament begins, against South American side Ecuador. Nasri was handed the number 11 shirt and started as right sided midfielder in a 4-2-2 formation, which boasted both Hatem Ben Arfa and Lilian Thuram. The pair have been linked with a switch to North London in recent weeks, but all the attention was on Nasri.
He took to the field sporting an untucked shirt, with white boots and white ankle tap which went half way up his leg, in a similar way to Emmanuel Adebayor. Although he started on the right, no doubt he would have a free role to drift and support Nicola Anelka and Djibril Cisse.
France looked to pass and probe their South American opponents in the early stages, Nasri had now cropped up on the left and played a superb 1-2 with Abidal, before slipping on the wet turf and losing possession. Samir was involved yet again just a minute later, as he rose to flick the ball over to Ben Arfa, however it was again snuffed out.
Nasri was now playing more centrally, but drifted out to the right to collected Sagnol’s pass. He then tricked his way towards the left back, who stood his ground and won the ball. Nasri did not give up and fought to win back possession before seeing his sliced cross cleared. Following a bright spell for Ecuador, France hit back as Anelka rolled out to the right before spotting Samir’s intelligent run through the middle. Only the poor service stopped him from latching on to the ball and shooting.
Almost instantly they came again, Sagnol rolled Nasri in who tried a first time ball to Anelka, only to see it deflected away. Ben Arfa was hugging the touchline in a traditional winger role, and won several free kicks as France’s visitors struggled to get into the game. Samir was pushing high and centrally up the field, with the French coaching staff shouting for him to drop back on several occasions.
Ben Arfa played a neat 1-2 with Nasri on the half way line, before he let fly from all of 35 yards only to see his stinging drive clawed out. An impressive start from France and in particular Nasri, but work required if Arsene Wenger plans on deploying him out wide.
Both sides exchanged periods of possession before Ecuador exploded into life. Carlos Tenorio raced in behind the French back four, before rounding Frey and tapping the ball goal wards. Only to see Lillian Thuram throw a leg out and clear on the line, he also deflected Tenorio’s volley wide. Nasri admitted he has a “Youthful Inconsistency” and this showed as for the final 10 minutes of the half, he dropped deep and hardly saw a touch.
The half finished with Ben Arfa over hitting a simple free kick, before Cisse’s diving header only found the keepers gloves. With the last attack of the half Nasri’s cross from the right wing found the head of Anelka, who flicked his effort over.
Half Time – France 0-0 Ecuador
An abundance of subs ruined the flow of the game int he early stages of the second half, and it meant a reshuffle for Nasri, and he and Hatem Ben Arfa switched flanks. Gomis had come on at half time for Djibril Cisse, and the impressive striker trapped the ball expertly before smashing the ball high in the corner to give France the lead.
Nasri was quiet initially but then sprang into life as he robbed the right back, before exchanging passes with Bafe Gomis. Now in the area he shaped to shoot, but was blocked out and the chance was gone. Flamini was next involved as his passing move, found Nasri who picked out Sagnol on the opposite flank. He lofted a cross deep into the area who was caught by Ecuador keeper Elizaga.
The came some brilliance from Ben Arfa, he floated in from the right hand touchline, before smashing a low drive at the keeper which was tipped over. It would be the Lyon mans final impact as he was then replaced by Florent Malouda.
With just five minutes left it was game, set, and match to the French. Nasri found Anelka inside the box, his cross fell to Gomis on the penalty spot, who volleyed low in the corner to wrap up the win.
Full Time – France 2-0 Ecuador
Verdict On Samir Nasri
Nasri looks a superb player and was at times this evening fantastic. He has excellent close control and is not afraid to shoot from range on occasions. He is versatile also and despite frequently drifting inside can play on either flank with ease. Bafe Gomis is a similar type of player to Adebayor, and the pair linked up really well on the wings.
The points i would make on his game is that his passing is a little predicable at times, and when he does come inside it leaves him and his team exposed out wide. But all these things are coach able and overall Nasri looks a top buy.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Bafe Gomis looks like a top player but with us having ade i would love to see lyon or roma snap him up and what a debut he had as i belive that was his first game
He was handed the no 11. shirt.
Thank You Chris, Updated.
Nasri had a great game you forgot to mention his great link up play with Anelka before Gomis goal. Nasri assisted the assister if that makes sense as he fed Anelka a great ball for Anelka to fizz it in for Gomis. I just hope we sign him up soon because if he keeps playing like this in the friendly games other teams will want to buy him.
Pleasure mate, it’s also Nicolas Anelka, not Anekla. :D
thank u 4 update m8
He reminds me of Rosicky in therms of style. Would you say that’s a fair comparison?
Nice article ;)
Thats exactly who he reminded me of Jimmy with him coming in field and the sort of passes he played very much like Rosicky.
Overall, good article.
Nasri impressed me in the first half, but gradually slipped in the second. I hope all us Gooners don’t judge him on just this game…
Yeah but prehaps more of a maker whereas rosichy has a habit of getting the ballin the box if someone misses it or it gets fired across
No Problem mate, and its difficult to compare him to anybody. He has elements of Hleb & Rosicky’s game.
To be fair to him he didnt get much of the ball 2nd half the ball he did get though he did well with and was one of Frances best players along with Gomis, Anelka and Ben Arfa.
Agree with your report on Nasri.
I would say Nasri is very similar to Fabregas but of course Nasri can play on the wings at ease, unlike Fabregas. Basically, Nasri should learn much more and improve under Wenger.
And for those who want Ben Arfa, I guess this match proves a lot of his weaknesses. Basically he holds the ball too long, and in a lot of situations he took one touch too many, causing unwanted pressure to the defense of France.
Please sign Bafe Gomis, i told chris that they needed to put him on and looked what happened
At risk of getting shot down in flames: He looked a lot like Zidane, perfect passing, perfect control, perfect composure. Fightening technique.
Whats the point of buying a duplicate of Adebayor ?:p
yep agree.
Nasri reverse pass to anelka for the goal was very Zidane. Completely put Anelka in the clear.
I very much doubt we would sign Gomis Mate, he is so much like Adebayor, i dont see what he would give us that Ade doesnt.
Ben Arfa seems more of a player we need…more direct style with the ball.
To me, Nasri just seems excess talent that we don’t need. We have enough central midfielders. He can not play on the wing as he doesn’t dribble past players. He’s a Xavi type player…not something that is needed.
I wouldn’t cry if the deal doesn’t fall through. Ben Arfa would add depth to the posistion we lack depth in.
how do u get to see these games i could not find it on sky?
wicked article JS i have not see him yet and he sounds ace
Nasri was handed the number 11 shirt and started as right sided midfielder in a 4-2-2 formation,
4-2-2! Wow! :) Missing like some tickets that haven’t appeared.
Where on earth did you guys get to see the game? My sister and I were desperate to watch!
gomis was incredible did you see his two goals?
He’s an overweight version of Ade, he has great technique but isn’t Premier League standard imo.
Nasri looks to me like a CM. To play him on the wing would be a step back for us. Hopefully he is Flamini’s replacement. Not sure how good he is defensively.
what did you think of Ben Arfa and Thuram’s performances JS?
I have inside knowledge J about the real reason why Giles Grimandi was heading to PSG then didn’t go. Email me for further details.
He’s a better finisher than Ade
That’s very fast JS! Really appreciate your great work on this site. Also agree with your verdict on Nasri by and large.
Just wanted to add that it seems Lilian Thuram still has what it takes to play at the top! ;)
If you look at some of the videos on youtube of Nasri he plays on the wing alot Arsene just needs to train him to not come inside so often. I think the reason he does this is to get on the ball as much as possible but im sure with abit of coaching he’ll be perfect on the wing.
yes ben, you’ve been reading my blog. :)
Hey, J.Sanderson, I’ve been reading your articles for a while, and I’d just like to say you do a fantastic job. Keep it up :).
Im a supporter who doesn’t believe anything until there’s official confirmation, but with all the news on Nasri, its hard to argue against him not coming lol. Do you think its fair to say he will sign?
Also, i would just like to point something else out. I know i may get slated, but the Real Madrid manager has just come out saying he’s interested in Hleb. Now, would a possible Robinho/Hleb swap deal be on the table, if reports that Robinho would have joined before are true?. I know its a wild thought, but who knows?!
Thanks,
Jamal
good lord.
Ben Afra was horrible. Reminded me of Aaron Lenon without the explosive speed.
Does not measure up to Theo at all.
Adebayor is superb outside the box. Gomis is nothing like him. He is a finisher like Drogba. Adebayor is like a younger Kanu.
I hoped the days of all the stereotyping had gone.
He didn’t look overweight he just had a large head
GunnerRashidinho how many times have you seen him? no offence to Ecuador, because they were decent at times, but they are average quality.
Thank you very much Lou, nice of you drop me a line.
Ben i will e-mail you in a moment
Nasri is terrible bring in diego
Nasri is terrible bring in diego
noman chand said this on May 27, 2008 at 9:29 pm
LOL Are you having a laugh twatface?
Hi JS. How did Ben Arfa look in your opinion?
Rumour has it that the Nasri deal has been delayed so that we can unveil 2 new signings to silence Wenger’s critics. If this is true it would seem that the club has finaly established a PR side that is worth having. It would certainly take the focus away from the imminent departure of Hleb if we signed Nasri and a left winger. Lyon have just signed Pjanic from Metz and it appears that Ben Arfa is definitely on the way out. Could well be to Arsenal.
Easyyyyy girls, calm down.
How you can call Nasri terrible is beyond me..
‘Nasri the future Arsenal player’. That’s how they spoke about him on ‘tf1.fr’ the french national channel website when giving players rating after the France game in the article ‘Gomis…et les autres’. So i think the deal is done.
nasri is terrible paha!
Wenger also spoke about him and said he’d be an Arsenal player very soon.
Actually Nasri had an OK first half (but still better than the rest) and average in the other.
He wasn’t him self (maybe injured), especially in the second half, although he saw less of the ball, he just wouldn’t run at defenders at all, in contrast to Ben Arfa who had an average first half but stepped up in the second.
Ben Arfa took on several defenders a couple of times with his pace and trickery, he showed that he is a true winger, Nasri couldn’t do the same for some reason, its like if he played with a handbrake.
Both players looked like they need to mature more and get consistency in their game.
Nasri in the second half looked like Rosciky when he tries to pass the ball rather than take on the defender, and thats a bad sign.
Anyway interesting match, which saw the depth of the France National team.
Their forward Gomez is the next Drogba, and he is now what Adebayor must be for us, super Physically, great athleticism, super shot and deadly in front of the goal, in short a player who knows how to use his body and his brain.
Its a real shame that Sagna isn’t in the squad as he is clearly better than Clerc.
Cisse, Flamini, Evra, alliou Cisse were all out of depth.
Henry, Benzema, Ribery didn’t feature at all and Malouda only for the last 12 minutes.
Great article J – and a great site! Probably Arsenal’s best.
Negative spin or what Reyes he was great first half even the commentator for Setenta said so he said all the good things that France where producing were coming through Nasri which is true.
Reyes?
Hey Gooner Chris. Have you heard any rumours regarding a possible double unveiling at Arsenal?
If you’re talking about Nasri and Ben Arfa I highly doubt it mate. :D
Would be nice though
Yeah would be…
Rosicky-Fabregas-Nasri-Ben Arfa :P
It seems like shit to me mate, he said we would sign 1 maybe 2 players. A double signing seems unlikley.
We all know Ben Arfa will be going to Marseille, and it seems like its just speculation he will come here.
Ben – i have e-mailed you.
Ben Arfa was decent at times, and i liked the fact he stayed wide, but as mentioned before i dont see that he can offer us much.
Pingback: Tuesday was Monday: Signings, Signings, Signings + Mouhamadou Dabo + Blaise Matuidi + Aaron Ramsey + Edu + Hleb + A Plus Sign… « The World of Arsenal
I dont hink Fab and Samir could play together in the middle
Sorry i meant to say my message like this: Negative spin or what. Reyes what or you on about? Nasri was great first half even the commentator for Setenta said so he said all the good things that France where producing were coming through Nasri which is true.
JohnV you watcched it on Setanta, are you in the US?
You can’t really judge a player on a friendly, or even one match.
Nasri & Ben Arfa are both quality players. One looks like he’s a Gooner, the other?
Well, I hope so!
I’m not trying to be negative, in first half he tried but got no help from the players around him which wasted his efforts to nothing.
In the second half he wasn’t there.
I was watching the game, and focused on the 2 players as they are linked to Arsenal, and that was my honest opinion.
I love Nasri after watching his Youtube videos, but that doesn’t mean I have to lie about him.
He could have had a great first half (since he still had some steam) if Gomez was playing instead of Cisse and Viera instead of Alliou Cisse, and remember France Abedal doesn’t offer any help going forward, which Clichy have a lot, so Maybe when he comes to Arsenal with better players around him he will automatically get better too.
nah i watchd it on this internet site thing and the footage they were getting was from setanta and i live in england but wanted to watch the match as i new Nasri was playing.
If it aint Ben Arfa, then what other left wingers are available?
I have mates who live in France and they think Arfa is just what we need.
I was able to follow him with Marseille this year, i recall his only problem is a lack of attitude and because of this he had a bust up with Pape Diof (chairman), he lacks defensive skills, so he is not replacing Flamini.
Nasri is being lined up for the Left wing i think meaning we will have one creative winger ( Nasri) and one speedy more natural type winger (vela) for the left and also a creative winger for te right (Rosicky) and a pacy winger (theo).
Nice report Jamie. Out of Nasri and Ben Arfa who looked the better player?
Thank you mate, i would says Nasri was one of the best on the pitch tonight, so definately him.
Nasri is a typical Arsenal player, and ben Arfa offers something different which is maybe what we need. But either player coming here is excellent
Nasri on the left?
maybe Spike.. when he played on the left, he was really wide. When we was on the right he drifted inside
Ha! So he IS Hleb’s replacement then!
Thanks J.
I would be highly disappointed if we didn’t address our lack of a left winger. Even if Nasri is brought in to play on the left, losing Hleb and not replacing him would mean our right midfield options are Theo and Eboue, which, as much as they arguably have to offer, is nowhere near enough. This season has proved we CANNOT just rely on square pegs in round holes. We were short last season and bringing in only Nasri is not going to address that. We need a winger to give us real width. Then our midfield options would look much healthier. Failing to prepare for the possibility of Rosicky being out for a considerable period would be a real error. Even if he is fit, it would allow us the luxury of the odd rotation.
Its funny how Arsenal fans are reacting to a rare average performance by Nasri. Looks like most people were in fantasy land from watching him on youtube. “He’s too similar to Fabregas” “Doesnt take on players like Hleb” I think thats the type of pressure Wenger needs to put off his first big money signing in years. The guy is a fine player. Technically he’s one of the best in Europe. I think signing him is all about making the team less reliant on Fabregas. He looks best in the final third behind the strikers with movement ahead of him(2nd goal) but with the two Diarra’s in midfield he had to drop deep as you said which he wouldnt have to do with Vieira and Makelele. Whilst others were playing to impress like Gomis and Ben Arfa, Nasri was just easing himself into things assured of his place in the 23. I thought he looked tired but he is a top buy no doubt!
Ben Arfa is good but he’s no way worth £16m
Wenger said he wanted a creative player and that was BEFORE the ice cream kid decided to eff off! So, I think Nasri won’t be the only attacking/creative player we’ll sign.
Could that possibly be the reason hes holding Nasri’s unveiling off? so the Ben Arfa deal is done aswell and they are unveiled together?
we can always hope
#
Nasri is terrible bring in diego
noman chand said this on May 27, 2008 at 9:29 pm
LOL Are you having a laugh twatface?
Samuel L Jackson said this on May 27, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Ok one thing the only times ive posted on here ive posted as just ‘Noman’ and this is clearly my m8 pretending to be me because just a few days ago he said to me he thought diego was better than nasri.
Just thought i should mention it. Thought it might be nice if u all knew why I’m a.. ‘Twatface’.
But seriously erm.. i like Nasri… should be good cover for Eboue next season *runs & hides*
Ash, maybe you found the correct word (tired) to describe Nasri in the second half, but still it is strange that coach didn’t try to let him rest after the signs were clear.
In no way this performances would guaranty him a place in the first team.
I wont say he is a bad player from one game as he wasn’t really, but he must know that Arsenal fans are expecting, a winger and not a play maker as we have Merieda, Randal, Lansbury for that position.
The funny thing is that Walcot and Vela are looking like our real wingers who have tremendous pace and stands by the touchline.
Well he cant become a winger to satisfy Arsenal fans. Wenger doesnt use wingers much in his possession game. Neither do Barcelona or AC Milan. I think we want Ben Arfa but he is a massive risk especially with his reported attitude problems.
Diego is a better player than Nasri at the moment but he wouldnt come for £12m and we would lose him as soon as Madrid and Barca come in for him!
Only Merida from who you mentioned is a playmaker in the class of Nasri and he’s four years younger so I dont see a problem there
Just cant Wait for him to come in. Im not expecting miracles from him (and neither should i be), but i definatly think he’ll add a whole new dimension to this team, and can become an important player for this club.
Samir Nasri is a freaking excellent buy no questions asked. He has been around for a while for soccer freaks….him ben arfa benzaim. albin ekdahl, and marek hamsek…kickass players….diego however did not succeed in Porto and the guy has said that he will only play in the same team as robinho so unless we get him diego is a longshot….
For the second half, Domenech changed the system of play from a 4-4-1-1 to a 4-3-2-1. Nasri’s role changed from a classic winger to a more Fabregas cum Silva type of role. In the first half Ben Arfa and Nasri both interchanged their wide position. Nasri was popping up right or left and vice versa for Ben Arfa. During the second half, with Nasri a more withdrawn role Ben Arfa was more central.
The reason why the second half had more rythm was both due to the change in tactic and the change of personnal. In the first half France did not get going because both Alou Diarra and Lassana Diarra did not want to take any risk and therefore resorted to either lateral or backward short pass or long balls. Neither of them try to run with the ball. As Cisse lacked the technique to be able to control high ball and had no understanding with Anelka, Ecuador controlled the game.
When Flamini replaced Alou Diarra, Evra replaced Abidal as left back (Abidal move to centre-half) and Gomis replaced Cisse, suddenly long ball started to stick upfront pushing the Ecuador much deeper than in the first half.
Flamini being more willing to run with the ball and Nasri being able to run from deeper, the attach suddenly became much mor incisive.
Two reason why the deal had not taken place earlier:
1) regulation in France meant that the trasnfer period only start on Monday which was a bank holiday in UK. With France playing on Tuesday, the signature can officially take place only on Wednesday.
2) the bad relationship between JP Bernes (Nasri’s agent) and Arsene Wenger. JP Bernes is the man convicted of corruption in the French Football that stopped Monaco that Arsene Weneger was managing at the time to win titles. JP Bernes who was Marseille managing director at the time got caught paying some players to throw away a game.
Pingback: ARSENAL! Aizen Gunners! » Fabregas starts demanding.. Samir Nasri scouting report.. Makoun keen to Arsenal.. Randall & Barazite ready!
Give the kid a break!! He’s 20 years old and is playing in a friendly just before euros with the whole nation watching and the inspective eyes of the Coach. On top of that, he knows all the arsenal fans are going to be watching and judging him along with Wenger. Of course he’s going to play a little more cautious..we’re you expecting to see him fly past defenders and score a volley in a National game under his circumstances?
I don’t know why there’s so much fuss over Ben Arfa, sure he’s promising, but for the same money – 16M – you could get Ashley Young (8gls, 17assists) from (not-in-europe) Aston Villa. He’s an Arsenal fan (and thus less likely to see the move as a stepping stone to Real or Barca in 2yrs), and already acclimatized to the UK. In addition, like the rest of the England players – he has the summer off, so he won’t start training in late Sept after a delayed summer holiday and no pre-season. He’ll be fresh and rested. Take Gareth Barry as well (Def Midfielder in the Petit mould, pinging long direct passes, he can fill in at Left Back (unlike Traore who can’t defend for toffee) or Centre Back). Also try and nick Nathan Delfounso (sp?) if we can.
Furthermore, if you want someone from Lyon – take Benzema – he’s a photofit Wenger Striker. Intelligent, two footed, tall and can roll Rio or Terry no problem.
You all seem to clamour for ‘wingers’, but the top3 in the Prem play 4-3-3/4-5-1
Play Van Persie inside right and Ashley Young inside left. Like Pires used to, the play on the opposite wing to their predominant foot – thus rather than hug the line, they can cut in, shoot or cross to the back post, lay it off for supporting midfielders or play the rushing full backs in. Far more options than being forced to cross.
Play Barry and Toure as the defensive line in front of the back 4 and Fabregas slightly ahead dictating play.
Sadly (not because I don’t rate him) it looks more likely that AW will sign Nasri, but I don’t see him being ‘the answer’ – just another Rosicky/Hleb type of creative attacking midfielder – we need more penetration.
On a side note (since he won’ bid the money needed for Benzema) I think AW could take a gamble on Yoan Gouffran of Caen who I think he could mould into a superb player, and take Yoann Gourcuff of AC Milan on loan for a season.
Pingback: “Show Us Money”- The Smiths « TheBigMuff
Hleb is fantastic player. i dont know why we let him go like that. believe me, Nasri is nothing when he play against big teams. i watched him several times and he is overrated boy.
Pingback: Nasri insists he can play in a 4-4-2 at Gunnerblog
trust me nasri is not what we need
When i was in France for a month i went to watch a few Marseille games. The way he just dances past players s quite astonishing. The fans absolutely love him and i believe he will be a great signing for arsenal. Just like someone else said, i hope we snap him up shortly before someone else gets him!!! Great update btw!
Hleb can leave Nasri has more assists and goals in him than Hleb. For instance in a season where Nasri was ill an supposidly wasnt near his best he still managed 10 assists almost double Hlebs 6 and scored 6 goals as compared to Hlebs 3.
Nasri is playing at the french league. it’s much easier than the premier league. and he scored just 11 goals since 2004! even Gallas scored more than that!
Hleb played against Pirlo -one of the best in the world- and he destroy him at San Siro. i think when we play 4-5-1 Hleb is more important for the team than Cesc himself!
for me, this summer i don’t want anything. just want HLEB to STAY.
Agents should all be banned in football, cause they cause nothing but trouble and frustration. If a football player wants to say something, he can say it himself – a stupid agent twisting his words and causeing contreversy.
On a posotive note, Great article and website J.S, Do hope the Nasri deal goes through soon – doubt we’ll get Ben Arfa though, even though i would like him to come too.
Hleb’s not that important to the team thats bs if u watch Nasri play he has exactly the same close control skills hleb has but unlike hleb he actually attacks people at speed and doesnt slow up moves by doing sod all with the ball. Nasri’s 11 goals since 2004 thats more than Hleb has and dont forget this guy is only just 20 unlike Hleb who isnt going to get much better at 26.
The special one!! You’re out of your mind!!! Hleb is no winner, never been a winner… He’s a sissy!! He only wants to leave because of what happend to Eduardo… He’s scared, he can’t get a team going, he doesn’t have many assists and goals! He is no professional… Look what he did when the our team was losing, he slapped someone in the face so he doesn’t have to play anymore!! and last but not least HE HAS NO ARSENAL HEART!!
nice article but I think ben arfa looked a little sharper than Nasri.
I hate players that have one good season and suddenly think that they are better than the team that they are at! Flamoney and Hleb to me both fall into this category of players! What did Hleb do before this season…nothing at all, he spent more time on the floor than on his feet. We don’t need players at this club that are like that! Thats why i am happy with adebayor coming out and saying he is going to stay. I think Nasri will be an excellent signing regardless of whether or not Hleb stays. If he stays we have got more depth if he goes we have a great replacement!
Interesting to see that Ben Arfa has been left out of the final 23 for France and Nasri is in.
Also Cisse, and Flamini have been dropped, with Gomis keeping his place.
This site keeps getting better and better. It is now almost on par with the best out there. I wish that sometimes you can add your opinion, like you did here. Also, why is the background black, gooner up mate.
trust me nasri is not what we need
philiip said this on May 28, 2008 at 8:19 am
Trust me Nasri is EXACTLY what we need ;-)
Also regarding the french squad how can newcastle reject Boumsong get in the squad ahead of Mexes?
Mexes is injured at the moment and domenech is a bit of a bellend so thats probably why, i love that flamoney has been left out though, that has brightened up my rainy day :-)