feghouli

The knives are out for Fergie and his men following another defeat this season. United looked pitiful against Leeds so it’s no coincidence that the club, who the press are claiming have about as much money as me and you, are being linked with a host of players that are supposedly going to come in and stop the rot.

The latest player who will come in and save the day is said to be the new Zidane, (I wonder what the old Zidane has to say about all these pretenders?) Sofiane Feghouli of Grenoble.

Expected to depart the French club in the summer with Barca, Inter and Liverpool watching, the starlet remained in France and he must be regretting it now as Grenoble sit at the foot of Ligue 1 with just 7 points from 19 games and a single win to their name.

Feghouli was a star for Grenoble 2 seasons ago as they won promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time in 45 years and last season he made 26 appearances as the team finished a respectable 13th place. But this season he has made just 5 appearances for his struggling side as general director Pierre Wantiez accused him of allowing his head to be turned by clubs courting his services.

Despite the player being criticised, all at the club know they have a rare talent on their hands and the experienced Laurent Batlles is certainly impressed.

"[Feghouli] has the technical ability and physical stature to shine at this level and above,"

But with his contract running out in the summer they could be forced to cash in on the Algerian born midfielder despite slapping a £27.5m price tag on his head last January.

Although he can play upfront as well as all across the midfield, Feghouli is primarily employed as a central attacking midfielder and is noted for creating rather than scoring goals which could come in handy for Fergie’s men who at times have looked toothless in attack this season (Fulham anyone?). It is primarily his technique that has drawn Zidane comparisons and despite his young age he is able to impose himself on games.

As good as Feghouli may be, one thing that stands in the way of him joining United is the fact that rather than gambling on these young players who may or may not be world beaters in years to come, Ferguson will now be looking to bring in experienced players who will have an impact now rather than in 3 or 4 years. But if the 'new Zidane' is as good as expected, then age should not be a factor.

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