Samir Nasri was one the Manchester City players whose career was in doldrums at the time of the appointment of Pep Guardiola. His future at the blue half of Manchester seemed to be in jeopardy owing to the lack of a decent form after suffering a serious thigh injury last season. Nasri’s weight was another issue, which was pointed out by the newly appointed boss. It was all too bleak.
Moreover, the availability of resources in the attacking midfield sector implied that he needed to move out to come back stronger. The Frenchman forced a move to the La Liga outfit Sevilla on a season-long loan on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.
Apparently, there has been an upward trajectory in his form as he has been showing signs of turning things in his favour. The Manchester City outcast scored the solo goal in Sevilla’s crucial 1-0 win over the Croatian title holders Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, as a result of which the Europa League champions find themselves level on points with Juventus at the top of Group H.
Apart from the aforesaid feat, the Manchester City outcast had a riveting outing for Sevilla as they sneaked a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid. 90% pass accuracy, 6 crosses, 4 take-ons, 2 shots and the creation of 1 chance, he sculptured the show in front of the home crowd as Steven N’Zonzi’s second half strike sealed Sevilla’s first win over Atletico Madrid in over six years.
From being on the verge of a complete waste owing to the attitudinal problems and the lack of professionalism, Nasri is breathing afresh at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The distaste from the shore of Guardiola at his appointment was understandable. But then, it is intriguing to see one of the finest French talents of his era getting back to where he belongs under the tutelage of Jorge Sampaoli.
Overall, the former Arsenal midfielder has scored 2 goals from 6 league appearances and created 5 goal scoring opportunities in the mentioned timeframe. With a staggering pass accuracy of 90% and 89% in La Liga and Champions League respectively, Nasri has made a radical transformation which has made him rise to the pedestal quite quickly at Sevilla. He craved for the game time which wasn’t gettable at Manchester City, and is making his presence felt with the Spanish giants.
One can find the 29-year-old moving up and down the pitch with an ambition to win the ball, keep the ball at his feet and bursting past the defenders to bring an aura to his side. He has cemented his place as the midfield engine and can only elevate his career under a manager as offensively inclined as Sampaoli. The jury is still out as the factor of consistency shall come into play, but the fresh breeze in the atmosphere being blown by Nasri at the moment is thoroughly relishing, saying the least.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
