Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri is an attacking midfielder who plays for France and Arsenal in the English Premier League. Despite being right-footed, Samir is at his best when he is dancing down the left-hand flank. He is also adept at playing in the hole behind the strikers. He has played at every level of French international football, and has been closely watched by many in the game as a superstar of the future.

Nasri was born on June 26th 1987 in Marseille, France. He was brought up in a rough part of the city, with his Algerian parents unable to afford a house in a nicer area. There was a real danger that Samir would get involved in gangs and other dangerous pursuits, but from the very start all Samir wanted to do on the streets was play football.

At the age of 8 he was signed up for the local boys team, before being scouted by Olympique Marseille two years later.

Nasri first showcased his talents in the U17 Youth Championships, proving to Marseille he had the ability and skill to play football at the highest level. His debut followed soon after his match-winning goal in the final, when he was just 17 years old.

Nasri slowly played his way into the first team, with his youthful enthusiasm and tricks making him a favourite of both the fans and the manager. In May 2007 he won national acclaim when he was voted the Young Player of the Year, and this triggered interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Nasri decided that he needed another year in the Marseille first-team before he moved on, and scored 6 goals in 30 games to prove to the watching clubs that he was the real deal.

Arsene Wenger had been watching Samir Nasri’s progress for many years, and was delighted to win his signature when Nasri signed on July 11th 2008 for £13m. Arsene Wenger has placed his trust into the young-looking Frenchman, and Nasri has responded with neat passing football and some fantastic goals – including one just four minutes into his Premier League debut