FC Sochaux star Marvin Martin the new Zinedine Zidane? Too early to call – French Ligue 1 special
On August 17, 1994, France were losing 2-0 to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Czech-Republic-c2882 in an international friendly. However, France’s footballing history was to be changed when a 22-year-old was brought on. Zidane scored two goals in his first ever game for Les Bleus, and that was the start of a glorious career that would go down in footballing folklore for generations to come.
Seventeen years later, on a cold night on June 6, 2011, Donbass Arena, Shakhtar saw a young 23-year-old midfielder enter the field for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jean-c18112 Vincent, Zinedine Zidane and Lyon player, Bafetimbi Gomis.
The next Zizou?
Since his 20-minute cameo, the youngster has already become the hottest footballing topic in France. Comparisons to the legendary Zinedine Zidane are being drawn by the media. In the aftermath of the youngster’s performance, France coach Laurent Blanc was careful with his choice of words for Martin’s performances.
The tactician was right when he said, “What I wish for Martin is that he has the same career as Zizou had.” Wise words from a man who was there when Zidane rose to prominence and was there when Zidane simply mesmerized fans and neutrals with his performances, wherever he went!
Zidane and Martin were almost of the same age when they scored two goals on their debut and both wore the number 10 jersey at that time. Even more surprising is the fact that Zidane scored those goals in the 85th and 87th minute while Martin scored in the 87th and 92nd minute.
Curse or cure?
While newspapers started comparing Martin to the French icon, the former number 10 was himself surprised to see Martin’s sudden impact. However, Zidane was quick to respond to those comparisons and in order to bring some sanity to the euphoria, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-c30728 Madrid man said, “I saw my name all over the papers and saw the comparisons. However, I think that Martin can be compared to other French players as well. Comparisons would put extra pressure on him. I don’t know if he will be like me in the next few years. What I want from people is to leave him alone and let him be himself. I just hope that he makes a great number 10 for Les Bleus.”
Zidane knows only too well what he is talking about. Comparing a young and upcoming star to the one called ‘Une Phenomenone’ could be devastating for the player. There are several examples in France where players simply failed to live up to the expectations and crumbled under the pressure of being called the next Zidane.
Three players who crumbled
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoann-Gourcuff-c37416. The Lyon man has struggled to live up to his billing and is slowly fading away. For now, the next Zizou tag could be a curse for the young Marvin Martin who still has a lot to prove. The next few years would reveal how good a player Marvin really is. Even better, the youngster could cure Les Blues’ playmaking woes.
There is only one Zidane
Zidane won the World Cup and the European Championship among other personal laurels. Martin’s career has just started and he still has a lot to prove. The jury should still be out on Martin, but the question ‘Is he the next Zidane?’ should be dropped for now.
Disclaimer: the views expressed by the writer are his own and do not represent bettor.com’s policy.
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