UP & COMER: Nabil El Zhar
September 1st 2008 06:56
El Zhar celebrates his goal against Belgium
The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship is remembered fondly for showcasing the talents of players of such caliber as the former Arsenal youngster Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Ryan Babel, David Silva and let's not forget the two other stars who really stole the show... John Obi Mikel who displayed to the football world an incredibly lethal attacking midfield know how and a successful side of his game which he's struggled to replicate at Chelsea so far, and the other of course being the one and only Lionel Messi who continues to push on to greater heights that footballers in any age bracket aspire for.
But it wasn't just players from "the usuals" that were turning heads and that brings us to the surprise package of the tournament. Morocco managed to launch themselves that little bit further than everyone else expected and their star performer (if you read the title then you already know who!) Nabil El Zhar was simply sublime.
Developing in the French youth system, the French born El Zhar is blessed with a neat turn of pace and a sweet touch. It wasn't a surprise when Liverpool pounced for his signature not long after the conclusion of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship after receiving rave reviews from the scouts they had assigned at the tournament. His club Saint-Etienne weren't best pleased of course.
El Zhar's best qualities are perhaps his creative playmaking ability, versatility and game intelligence. Don't be surprised to see El Zhar play a tricky pass behind a defence to the feet of Keane or Torres this season in the same fashion Xavi and Iniesta did for victorious Spain at Euro 2008. His game intelligence and versatility as a winger is what he has over another teammate, Jermaine Pennant, and depending on El Zhar's success could prove to be Pennant's downfall, and his advantage over other players in the Liverpool side.
Last season he helped Liverpool take the reserve league title and though there's a big difference between reserve football and first team football Liverpool fans have reason to be excited. El Zhar has already put one screamer in the back of the net in front of the adoring Kop during the Carling Cup tie against Cardiff City. On top of that El Zhar is now an established full international with Morocco making his debut in a 4-1 win over Belgium where he also scored. He's gone on to score another in a Moroccan shirt in a World Cup 2010 qualifier against Rwanda.
It's a shame more younger players haven't made it through to the Liverpool first team in recent years, whether they be local or foreign. But Benitez may be about to change that. Rafa isn't one to push his young players into the deep end so quickly, preferring to ease them in, as Agger, Skrtel, Lucas, Babel and even Torres have discovered but if the achievements of those players is anything to go by then Nabil El Zhar has found himself in a promising position within the Liverpool squad this season and the opportunity to really start his career in the Red shirt.
El Zhar goal V Cardiff City
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