Player thread: Samir Nasri (2014/15)

[Didsbury Dave]

Re: Samir Nasri

I'd say Nasri is the most improved player I've ever seen at City, and all in the space of a summer.

Zabaleta has made the same kind of progress, but that was steady over the course of 2 or 3 years. But Nasri is a man transformed in every way from his first couple of seasons.

Seems in integral part of the dressing room now, too.

 

[Infirmus Cygnus]

Re: Samir Nasri

At the end of last season, I would cheerfully have driven Sami to the airport myself for his flight to wherever next. His performances and demeanour showed his unhappiness at City under Mancini. Couldn't see his value to us.

This season, he is a new man. His energy is evident, as is his desire to put in the very best performance he can. He's up and down the pitch like a terrier on speed. Always smiling and you can sense there's a real team dynamic going on out there, no matter which 11 are playing.

Kolarov is another one in my opinion. Totally revitalised and an asset not to let go. They showed what the insiders at City were aware of under Mancini. The atmosphere was not pushing us on. Pelegrini is working miracles....re-igniting the talent we had and bringing in additional gems.

I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some established names going this year mind...players who haven't fulfiled their potential.

 

[Chippy_boy]

Re: Samir Nasri

I'd say Nasri is the most improved player I've ever seen at City, and all in the space of a summer.

Zabaleta has made the same kind of progress, but that was steady over the course of 2 or 3 years. But Nasri is a man transformed in every way from his first couple of seasons.

Seems in integral part of the dressing room now, too.

To be fair, he's just transformed himself from the rather uninspiring Nasri we have seen much of, back to the incredible Nasri we saw in his last season at Arsenal when he was playing in the central Cesc role. He never really lived up to that since joining us... until now. He has his mojo back big time and I have to assume it's Pellegrini that has made the difference.

 

[alky313]

Re: Samir Nasri

This has a lot to do with the freedom the players have to express themself. Nasri picks up the ball in all areas of the park. He is especially good in the centre just behind the forwards. I think having real width in our play has helped in that matter.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

Re: Samir Nasri

Another player playing how he should and I again can only reason it down toe Pelle, the man is a fucking genius with players like Nasri and its a joy to watch Nasri when he is playing the way he is. His movement is sublime this season he always has time and space

 

[OB1]

Re: Samir Nasri

I'd say Nasri is the most improved player I've ever seen at City, and all in the space of a summer.

Zabaleta has made the same kind of progress, but that was steady over the course of 2 or 3 years. But Nasri is a man transformed in every way from his first couple of seasons.

Seems in integral part of the dressing room now, too.

Good to see you saying that ;-)

I think Nasri maturing has been the biggest factor in his development but I have no doubt that Pellgrini's arrival has helped the process.

It does demonstrate the importance of the mental side of the game: Nasri obviously had the technical ability but, in a couple of respects, was not being brave enough.

I think that there is still more to come from Nasri; as there is from Aguero. A worrying prospect for our opponents.

 

[Joburg Hero]

Re: Samir Nasri

Not sure why people think he's so vastly improved, he's always been a top class technician, his footballing ability and performances for City have rarely deviated. This season he's been in top form, but last season's form wasn't exactly a mile away from this. The difference I'm seeing now is a willingness for his teammates to play his way, it seems that Nasri and Pellegrini are on the same wavelength and it's taken Pellegrini's arrival to force the side to play combination football the way Nasri likes to. You can however see how confident he is at the moment, sumptuous to watch.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Re: Samir Nasri

I'd say Nasri is the most improved player I've ever seen at City, and all in the space of a summer.

Zabaleta has made the same kind of progress, but that was steady over the course of 2 or 3 years. But Nasri is a man transformed in every way from his first couple of seasons.

Seems in integral part of the dressing room now, too.

Good to see you saying that ;-)

I think Nasri maturing has been the biggest factor in his development but I have no doubt that Pellgrini's arrival has helped the process.

It does demonstrate the importance of the mental side of the game: Nasri obviously had the technical ability but, in a couple of respects, was not being brave enough.

I think that there is still more to come from Nasri; as there is from Aguero. A worrying prospect for our opponents.

Agree mate. He looks to me like an "arm around the shoulder" rather than a "punch in the face" player if ever there was one ;-)

I never thought he was as good as he is even when he was at Arsenal. Amazing turnaround. He used to look backwards when he won the ball, now he looks forward. It's been a bit of a perfect storm for him - a good, confidence building manager, attacking play, lots of movement from good players.

Some lemon sucker on this forum yesterday was doing that old "They earn £100K a week, they don't need to be mollycoddled" line that people with no idea of management, sports or psycology do.

Tell that to Samir Nasri.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

Re: Samir Nasri

Dare i say it... even more technically gifted than Silva. And Silva's a master!

 

[taconinja]

Re: Samir Nasri

Not sure why people think he's so vastly improved, he's always been a top class technician, his footballing ability and performances for City have rarely deviated. This season he's been in top form, but last season's form wasn't exactly a mile away from this. The difference I'm seeing now is a willingness for his teammates to play his way, it seems that Nasri and Pellegrini are on the same wavelength and it's taken Pellegrini's arrival to force the side to play combination football the way Nasri likes to. You can however see how confident he is at the moment, sumptuous to watch.

Agreed. Nasri strikes me as the kind of player who really desires approval from teammates, managers, etc. Inside the frankly terse atmosphere last season, that kind of player will be hesitant because they don't want to put a foot wrong and they end up not making choices. All credit to Pellegrini for understanding how to motivate the different kinds of players in the squad and to take the time to do that.. And credit to the players for responding, including Nasri.<br /><br />-- Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:37 am --<br /><br />

Dare i say it... even more technically gifted than Silva. And Silva's a master!

Differently gifted perhaps. They make a great partnership as their styles are complementary.