Liverpool FC Forum

by **Leonmc0708** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:11 pm

UNITED TRACKING 'THE NEW ZIDANE'
Tuesday 27th April 2004
Sky Sports News . Com

Manchester United are one of a number of clubs investigating the possibility of signing Hatem Ben Arfa, a prodigy inevitably being dubbed 'The new Zinedine Zidane'.
The Lyon youngster has attracted attention from a host of top European sides with his stellar displays in an attacking midfield role for the French champions' youth teams.

The 17-year-old trained with the Stade Gerland senior squad at the end of March and spoke of his delight at taking the step up in class.

"What pride," he told l'OL's official website. "This is the goal of an athlete to be a professional one day.

"I always have a lot to learn. I continue to work to progress again and again.

"I am not a future Zidane. I am my own person, simply Hatem.

"I hope to be a good player, to do beautiful things in soccer. Zidane, he is a football legend, this is a level almost unobtainable."

French sources claim Ben Arfa, whose father is Tunisian, has finished his trainee contract with Lyon, and the club are determined to sign him to his first professional deal, although they are fully aware of the rival interest in the teenager.

14 clubs were left disappointed when Ben Arfa chose to join l'OL at 15, and the youngster was annoyed at the time with the way he was viewed by some of his suitors.

"There are clubs that want me for their own interest," he said. "That annoys me."

Ben Arfa is described as a different type of player to the likes of Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. The precocious starlet is small in stature with sensational dribbling ability and a fine footballing brain.

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be well aware of Ben Arfa's talents and is monitoring developments closely.

by **LFC #1** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:22 pm

want a young prodigy, get Freddy Adu, the supposed next Pele.

by **SantaGiveHoullierTheSack** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:52 pm

Why would we want another Zidane? GH have claimed to signed his "Zidane" in Cheyrou, his "Brazillian" in Diouf and his "Viera" in Diao last year. What's next...his Ronaldo and Beckham? Gosh, we will be having a GH's Shadow Dream Team soon. Rejoice... :laugh:

...and no, I have not heard nor seen Ben Arfa in action, so no comment there.

by **Owzat** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:01 pm

Bloke in the office joked earlier - Wenger signs players you've never heard of and makes them into stars, Houllier signs players you've never heard of and make you wish you'd never heard of them

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