Source: Team_Talk
Nasri aims for Pires benchmark
Arsenal winger Samir Nasri hopes he can follow in the footsteps of fellow Frenchman Robert Pires to become a Gunners legend.[LNB] With captain Cesc Fabregas out injured, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recently moved Nasri back into the centre of midfield, and it is a role the 22-year-old looks set to fulfil again at Blackburn on Monday afternoon.[LNB]Wenger, though, sees Nasri's long-term future on the flanks, using his "tricks" to provide a key link between midfield and attack - just as he did with a brilliant individual effort in the 5-0 Champions League victory over Porto back in March.[LNB]Pires scored some 84 goals in nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal during their period of dominance, winning the championship twice - in 2002 and 2004 - as well as two FA Cups.[LNB]Nasri - who recovered form after suffering a broken leg during pre-season - feels there is no better role model.[LNB]"It is very flattering for me to be compared to Robert. He has done amazingly well at this club and scored loads of goals," Nasri told the May edition of the official Arsenal magazine.[LNB]"Often on TV, I see some of his games with Arsenal and he was a hell of a player.[LNB]"At the moment, I have not reached his degree of efficiency.[LNB]"Like Robert, I would like to score more and hopefully I can next season."[LNB]Wenger feels aiming to emulate Pires is a worthy challenge for the young Frenchman.[LNB]"Nasri is a hard worker, a good dribbler and a very interesting player because he has the combination of qualities that are quite exceptional," said the Arsenal manager.[LNB]"Robert Pires is a good target for him because he can score the number of goals Pires scored then he will be an exceptional player."[LNB]Wenger added: "I see Nasri as a wide player because he has the tricks, the pace and don't forget that Fabregas plays in this central role."[LNB]Despite it seeming Nasri is destined only to ever be a stand-in at the heartbeat of the Arsenal team, the 22-year-old has relished the chance to move back into the centre.[LNB]"It is the position where I have always played. I know how to play there, behind one, two or three strikers and it is where I have the most freedom," he said.[LNB]"I can go where I want to on the pitch to lead the team."[LNB]Nasri, however, feels his wider role can only serve to improve his all-round game.[LNB]"For most of the campaign, I have played on the wing. Despite it not being my best position, I did not mind playing there," he said.[LNB]"I learnt a lot, technically and tactically. It helped me become a better player.[LNB]"The boss has always told me that as soon as he put me back in the centre, it would be easy - and it is.[LNB]"I understand now how my wingers play and it has put me in a better position to give them the ball exactly where they want it.[LNB]"It is a good asset to my game to be able to play in various roles and positions."
