Source: Telegraph
Gianfranco Zola sees own reflection in new signing Savio Nsereko
The Premier League side broke their transfer record of £7.5 million they paid for Craig Bellamy in 2007 by forking out an estimated £9 million for Savio – the sixth highest fee paid for a German player. And Zola believes he can see something of himself in the player.[LNB]The 19-year-old moved from Uganda to Germany when he was two years old and played for 1860 Munich, where he was spotted by Gianluca Nani, who took him to Italy with Brescia.[LNB]Zola believes the German under-20 forward has the all the attributes needed to become a big star in the Premier League and follow in his own footsteps.[LNB]The West Ham manager said: "We have been following Savio for a while. I saw him on tape a long time ago and I have seen him on television recently. I think he is very similar to the player I was when I was 19 years old.[LNB]"When I was that age I was not the same player I was later, but I was very good at taking players on and that is one of the main qualities that makes the difference between a normal player and a special player.[LNB]"He is already a top player, but on top of that he needs to build other qualities and that is why he is here. I am going to try to give him the other bits that are missing in his game to take him a step higher.[LNB]"I think he is the type of player who catches the eye, but he is 19 and he has a lot to learn – but he is not a risk. We know he has the potential to become a really great player but the fans must be patient with him.[LNB]"He will become an important player but we have to allow him time to get used to the rhythm of the Premier League. I am confident he will, he is a strong boy and he is mature."[LNB]Savio is in contention to make his debut at Upton Park tonight against Hull, who will also be giving their record £5 million signing Jimmy Bullard from Fulham his debut – despite being ill.[LNB]Hull manager Phil Brown said: "He [Bullard] will certainly play a big part, because he wants to play. That is a recipe for success as far as I am concerned.[LNB]"I think adrenalin will carry him through but adrenalin can only take you so far and then you run the risk of fatigue, and then injury.[LNB]"Jimmy will play a big part but whether that is at the start or the end remains to be answered. I think 90 minutes is going to be too much for him." [LNB]
