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It speaks to how far Samir Nasri’s stock has fallen over the past year or so that not much has been written about his future, other than to diagnose him as one of the first casualties of the Guardiola reign. However, should Pep go against the grain and decide to keep Nasri this summer, could he be the man to finally unlock that potential that has been laying dormant for so long?
The French midfielder has become a forgotten man and hasn’t featured for the Citizens since October after having surgery on a tendon injury. His future could already have been sealed; no doubt Guardiola will have an idea of whom he would like to keep and who will be sold this summer. This piece of writing could be no more than a plea for even more patience for man already resigned to his fate.
A Pep revolution has been much talked about in previous weeks, but the changes could be subtler than that. A player with a similar style to Busquets or Thiago may be a starting point for the midfield. Although a different player to Fernandinho may need to be found, in theory Nasri could occupy the space alongside him and form a deeper creative and possession based hub. He could become the midfield conductor in the same way as Andres Iniesta. I’m not saying the former Arsenal midfielder is as good as the majestic Iniesta, but he possesses a similar skill set and the ability to glide past defenders.
The 28-year-old has never found his true position within either Mancini’s or Pellegrini’s respective systems. When the system was changed to one that featured a traditional number 10, and David Silva was fit, the responsibility of being the team’s creative fulcrum would always be awarded to the more consistent Silva. However, he has often played from the left in either a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 and for someone who isn’t blessed with an abundance of pace, along with a natural penchant to drift inside, this isn’t his ideal position.
Jesus Navas has been much maligned since his arrival from Sevilla, but he has arguably had a bigger impact on the way that City play than Nasri. He offers the pace in wide areas and more importantly the positional discipline that allowed City’s creative hub more space to operate. Too often, Nasri will drift inside and cut down the space that Silva or Touré would otherwise look to occupy. Despite the array of attacking talent; which would make all but the best clubs jealous, all too often space would become a commodity, especially in the latter part of Mancini’s reign.
He has also often been criticised for not producing regularly enough. Possibly his best performance in a City shirt came in the 4-1 win over rivals United in September 2013’s derby. His crucial goals against Roma or West Ham, or that slalom style run through the Fulham defence whilst still wearing the red of Arsenal are few and far between. The mere fact that these moments can be recalled without much effort speaks to his fleeting brilliance and all too inconsistent nature of these moments.
Nasri has been a very expensive passenger for a large amount of his time at City, but the new regime will dispatch hangers-on with swift ease. Under Pep, there is no pass without purpose, no blade of grass covered without intent and no stepping out of line. In Pep’s autobiography, Pep Confidential, he states, ’’I’m happy to evolve. But please don’t ask me to do something I don’t believe in.’’ City’s incumbent manager will not alter his requirements of any player just to massage their ego, just ask Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Mario Mandzukic. Nasri’s skill set and positional flexibility could be effective if he absorbs Pep’s demands quickly. The most cerebral of learners will form the basis for a Guardiola side. As long as he’s not put off by the intense rondo practises or the notoriously punishing circuit sessions with Lorenzo Buenaventura, he could become a hugely important figure in City’s future if his attitude changes.
It says a great deal that, despite the other character concerns of the national squad, successive French national team coaches have criticised his attitude and chosen to leave him out of crucial squads. Despite his remarks to the contrary, he is a player that for far too long has been preoccupied with the thoughts and criticism of others, but perhaps a long spell out of the game will change his perspective.
With three years remaining on his deal, Nasri will not be cheap to move on, nor on his current money may he want to, but his wages far outweigh the current value he is offering. Questions have been raised regarding his hunger, but at 28 he is far from finished. Age is not a limiting factor in a Guardiola side, just the ability to adapt to his system and methods. There have been a huge number of players that have enjoyed a starring support role, if there ever is one, in the twilight of their careers. Xavi’s exploits under Pep are well talked about and Xabi Alonso became the passing general of Bayern’s midfield, just as his career appeared to be winding down.
It has been four and a half years since he swapped Arsenal for City. He has been at the club the same amount of time as Sergio Aguero and just one year less than Yaya Toure and David Silva, yet at this current point in time the Frenchman will never receive the ‘club legend’ status that the others enjoy.
As much controversy as he has stirred up in his time at a footballer, not many fans dislike seeing a footballer hit their peak. His failure to fulfil his enormous potential will be hugely disappointing. At 28 he has plenty of time to rewrite this all too familiar script, and one big final move could well be on the cards this summer. As things stand, every sign points to the Frenchman making his way through the Etihad exit door. Maybe his versatility will save him. Then again, he may be vying with De Bruyne for a spot in the side, a battle he looks set to lose.
Guardiola’s arrival will signify another chapter in Manchester City’s glowing future, and the Spaniard will soon be assembling his cast. Nasri will soon learn his transfer fate or discover the role he is set to play.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Manchester City FC – Official
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